Unexpected End to a Family Cruise Holiday
A family’s dream cruise holiday was cut short at Jacksonville, Florida. Several guests were denied boarding due to incorrect travel documents. The incident occurred on a Norwegian Cruise Line trip to the Bahamas. A passenger’s wife and parents were turned away because the parents, permanent US residents, lacked their physical green cards.
Long Journey Ends in Disappointment
The family had driven seven hours to reach the port. They were stopped during the check-in process. A Reddit post detailed their ordeal. “I bought my wife and in-laws tickets to the Bahamas from Jacksonville. They drove down there yesterday but were refused entry because my in-laws, permanent residents with passports and state IDs, didn’t have their physical green cards,” the post explained.
Strict Cruise Line Policies
The family sought a refund or future cruise credit from Norwegian Cruise Line. Their request was reportedly denied. They argued they were unaware of the need for physical green cards. “When I purchased the tickets, NCL didn’t ask to upload them, nor mention them during check-out,” the Redditor claimed.
Documentation Requirements
Norwegian Cruise Line’s policy is clear. Permanent residents must carry their physical green cards to sail. “US Alien Residents holding an Alien Resident Card (ARC), also known as a ‘Green Card’, must have the ARC to sail,” states the cruise line’s policy. Without it, boarding is denied.
Legal Obligations for Permanent Residents
US federal law mandates permanent residents carry their green cards at all times. This is crucial when entering or re-entering the country. Cruises to the Bahamas are international travel, making documentation essential. Confusion arises from closed-loop sailings, which allow US-born citizens to travel without a passport. However, this does not apply to green card holders.
Community Reactions
The cruise community offered mixed reactions. Some empathised with the family’s plight. Others stressed the importance of understanding travel requirements. This incident serves as a reminder to check documentation rules before travelling.
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