Unexpected Turn of Events for Cruise Passenger in Italy
A 77-year-old American cruise passenger faced an unexpected end to his holiday in Italy. Security officers at Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in Ravenna discovered a loaded firearm in his backpack. The man, travelling from Tennessee with his son, was stopped during routine screening. The X-ray machine revealed a 6.35mm Browning semi-automatic pistol, fully loaded and ready to fire.
Strict Italian Firearm Regulations
Italy is known for its stringent gun laws, among the toughest in Europe. Tourists rarely receive firearm permits, regardless of their home country’s documentation. Bringing a weapon without prior authorisation can lead to severe consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation. In this case, Italian authorities seized the weapon and deported the man for illegal firearm possession.
Consequences of Carrying Weapons on Cruises
The passenger’s deportation abruptly ended his cruise holiday, with potential long-term repercussions. Cruise lines enforce strict no-weapon policies, and violations can result in lifetime bans. Even if the passenger genuinely forgot the gun, cruise operators maintain a zero-tolerance stance on security breaches. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line banned two passengers for life in 2024 for smuggling a gun onboard and boasting about it online.
Security Measures on Cruise Ships
Security staff at ports and on ships are trained to treat any potential weapon as a real threat. Even toy weapons, like replicas or Nerf-style blasters, are prohibited to prevent confusion or alarm. Earlier this year, a cruiser was arrested in Aruba for attempting to board Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas with a firearm.
Possible Cruise Ship Identified
Authorities have not confirmed the specific cruise ship the man intended to board. However, local reports suggest it was a vessel sailing from Ravenna to Croatia and ending in Civitavecchia (Rome). This itinerary aligns with Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation, which departed on 20th October 2025. The cruise is an 11-night journey through Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy, making it the most likely candidate. Other ships, like Celebrity Eclipse and Mein Schiff 6, visited Ravenna earlier in October but did not continue to Rome. The next scheduled cruise call to the port is on 5th November 2025, with Norwegian Viva’s arrival, hopefully under calmer circumstances.
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