anyone ever miss the ship?

[stingfancb]

Hi -
Hoping someone can help ease my mind about something. There is a possibility that my college daughter may have a final the day that our cruise departs. My question is this - does anyone know of anyone that missed the cruise in Port Canaveral and then got on in Key West? We won't know her final schedule until close to cruising and if she happens to have one on that day (and is unable to take it earlier) I would of course call DCL. Just wondering if anyone had any information.

 

[CM_Mom]

I don't KNOW but I'm sure they could arrange for her to join the ship in Key West, although she would be responsible for her own transportation to the ship.

When you get closer and have an idea of finals schedule, this is one I would get in writing from DCL if this needs to be done.

Here are prayers and pixie dust that her instructors will work with her on the schedule.

 

[drclaws]

Originally posted by CM_Mom
I don't KNOW but I'm sure they could arrange for her to join the ship in Key West, although she would be responsible for her own transportation to the ship.

When you get closer and have an idea of finals schedule, this is one I would get in writing from DCL if this needs to be done.

Here are prayers and pixie dust that her instructors will work with her on the schedule.

If I recall the legalities discussed here several months ago, no one is permitted to join the cruise in Key West. Something about foreign-flagged ships transporting passengers between US ports. The earliest next boarding would be in Grand Cayman. A call to DCL is certainly in order to be certain of the options.

 

[stingfancb]

Thanks for the prayers and pixie dust. That's prob what we need most right now! She goes to Univ of FL so we're hoping that even if she has one that day it would be early enough for her to drive to the port before sailing. Making it to Key West by the next day would be no problem at all.

 

[webray]

Why not just make arrangements for her to take the final early...wouldn't the professor understand..if she is leaving??

 

[drclaws]

Originally posted by stingfancb
Thanks for the prayers and pixie dust. That's prob what we need most right now! She goes to Univ of FL so we're hoping that even if she has one that day it would be early enough for her to drive to the port before sailing. Making it to Key West by the next day would be no problem at all.

Prohibited by the "Jones Act" it appears. A search on Google for "Jones Act embark" yields quite a few references (a few also using the DIS Board Search feature).

From one of the Google sites....

Foreign Cruise Ships
Under the U.S. Passenger Services Act (PSA) of 1886 and the Jones Act, only U.S.-built and -operated ships may embark and debark passengers between U.S. ports. Foreign passenger ships can stop at any number of U.S. ports but passengers must re-board the ship before it leaves port.

The Magic sails under a foreign flag and I suspect that means you must disembark from the same embarkation port of call in the US. Initial embarking in Key West and final disembarkation in Port Canaveral would be in violation of the Act, it would seem

Again, a call to DCL is most definitely in order!

 

[CM_Mom]

Learn something new every day. DEFINITELY a call to DCL for WRITTEN confirmation of the options. I always hear everyone talking about how soon you can board that I can't remember what the latest you can board is. Someone will know.

All she would need to bring would be herself since you could take her luggage on with you.

 

[kcashner]

I believe that the stated requirement is for all passengers to be on board by 3 pm. Of course, I've seen that waived several times for passengers arriving on late flights who booked air thru DCL (in which case, the ship is held for them).

I'd suggest a 2 pronged approach--first, call DCL to confirm the latest possible check in time. Then, talk to the professor about moving up the final. I know they are always worried about the "security" of the questions--being sure that she can't tell anyone what was on the test. But if only a few hours would make a difference to her, they might be flexible.