MEMBER SUBMISSION: I wanted to share a recent experience with you of being denied boarding on Norwegian Cruise Line. I have previously been on one of their cruises after my conviction with no problems after researching what cruise lines allowed people forced to register. We planned this new cruise on NCL with 12 other family members, my husband and I for a family vacation. I received a call from NCL one week prior to the cruise and was told my reservation was being canceled and because I was on the sex offender registry and I could not appeal the decision. I looked up and contacted Matthew Lewis (Sr. VP Chief Security Officer) and was then contacted by Scott Bernstein (Director of Security Operations and Investigations) who’s was very polite and professional. He said he would look into the matter and call me back. He called me back the next day and told me that it was a new policy, started on June 1st 2022 and purely by being on the registry regardless of my crime, which was non-violent with no actual victim from a sting operation, bans me from being allowed on their ships. I don’t know what you will do with this information but I wanted to share it with you.
Ex Post Facto – Sustainer 2023
Recent Comments
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Just to be clear on this post. NCL does not allow RSO on their cruise ships anymore. We were platinum travelers and are cruise was cancelled last year regardless of the country or ports.
I just canceled my NCL cruise after reading this, glad I did. The woman I spoke with confirmed RSO are no longer welcome on their ships. The only way they know is when you give the 21 day advance notice for international travel the FEDs contact them and tell them the boogie man is coming . So if you want to not let them know that’s on you, but I’m not taking that risk. Federal prison doesn’t sound like a good time. Now I’m booking a Hawaii vacation
This is all disappointing to me, as I keep seeing the places I can’t go and things I can’t do now that I’m an RSO. My wife kids wanna do something big to celebrate me getting off probation later this year, and thought a cruise would be much easier than going to a theme park. Now, I’m seeing that I’d basically have to go on an adults-only cruise if I even wanted to be considered for embarkation. I wish we could just do our time and move on with our lives.
MSC will allow you, but I have been denied back in 2019 at the following destinations after no problem many times prior (Grand Cayman
Roatan), when you get off the ship to disembark they scan your sea pass and it will make a loud noise and the screen will say “prohibited entry” in red. Good luck everyone, the system continues to fail us, soon we won’t be welcomed anywhere….Safe spot for now is most of Europe and all European Islands….
I have traveled a lot during my lifetime. In fact, I have been to 28 different countries. However, I have come to the conclusion that there is much in the United States I have yet to see, so I have set my goals on domestic sites. My next venture will be to Vicksburg, MS, after reading about it in a book on the Civil War.
With all that’s happening here I want to rent my house out and move somewhere less restrictive. Did my time but no relief and I’m retired army. Any advise
Has anyone boarded an MSC cruise from Europe? Since it is a European line I was wondering if you board in Europe would that make a difference? Thanks for all who are trying to help with information on experience.
Can someone please let me know if MSC cruises line will allow RSOs? I am planning to book a marriage cruise.
I was wondering the same thing since europe based.
Thanks
I just got back from week long on msc. No problem boarding. But was pulled getting off. But no real headache. They were not nasty at all.
Did they say you were not allowed or any comments regarding travel?
Nothing really. They were really nice. Searched bags. Asked me do I know why they stopped told them yes. I was traveling with my minor asked them to not scare her and they did wonderful job. Said it was stupid they had to do. Charge 24 years old.
What port did you go out of. And what did they do when they pulled you?
Nassau and their private island ocean cay. Embarkation was really smooth. Probably took 45 mins to get on boat. 30 mins from when I buzzed to search to leaving to get off. Not bad.
I contacted MSC Cruises and was told they do not have a policy that prevents registrants from cruising. I have an 8 day cruise booked with them for early 2024. I will be contacting MSC this summer to confirm again I am cleared to cruise. If they have changed their policy that will give me enough time to look for another cruise line.
I believe that MSC is a European based line and hope that is true because we have looked at using them also. Please keep us posted.
I hope I can travel. I’m booked on MSC for this upcoming April.
Please keep me informed about your cruise on Apill on MSC. Let me know how it goes.
I am also booked on a MSC cruise for April and I have been told the same thing that they have no policies that normally it’s the port authority that stops RSO and as a secondary screening, does anybody know about that we are going out of Miami in April?
Bryan, please keep me post about your cruise for MSC on April. Our of Miami.
I have a reservation I just booked for February of 2024. I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
I have concerns about my friend . He likes to go on a cruise to Caribbean cruise but he is a SOR . I’m kind a worried they might deny him . But he went on a cruise last August seven days this year but Alaska cruise NCL. Please let me know what country he can able to cruise . Thank you so much
I though you were taking that comment in another direction…
I’ve had enough cruise time on 4 aircraft carriers, one cruiser, and one destroyer.
thank you for your service ! I to did USAF and all we done for our country and this is how we are repaid…SHAMELESS to say the least…
but speaking of travel RPs are not allowed into some countries
but you can Bet your #ss war breaks out we be the 1st ones shipped out to these countries we was never allowed to travel too.
Just wanted everyone to know that NCL verified that they no longer allow RSO on cruises. I had planned a cruise last year but it was canceled due to covid. They contacted me on 8/29/22 asking if I wanted to rebook. We spoke on the phone for about 5 minutes when I asked about possible changes based on the SOR. The consultant indicted I would not be eligible to cruise at this time. So guess that verifies what the first poster indicted.
Check out my complaint. I sent it to over 20 law offices and other organizations. Not a sole offered assistance. Here:
April 15, 2019
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
On March 28, 2017, I drove onto the lot of Faccillo Affiliates of Florida Inc. in Cape Coral, intending to buy an automobile. I chose Faccillo because he had been advertising for a couple months that you get a free cruise if you buy Kia from him. It sounded like a great deal so I signed the papers. I also wanted to take my friend, Robert, on this cruise. We would have some intimate time getting to know each other better. This will be the first time he and I have traveled anywhere together. I drove away with my new Kia and cruise tickets. We would set sail on December 3rd and be gone for four days and four nights.
Before the cruise, before December 3, I received additional emails from the Faccillo Cruise Control psyching me up for the cruise. On October 18, I received a colorful Congratulation. It says:
Congratulations on the purchase or lease of your Fuccillo vehicle and your upcoming cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas ® December 3 – 8, 2017! Billy, Abby, and Gloria look forward to meeting you and personally thanking you for your valued business.
On November 7, I received a lengthy email that
Congratulations on the purchase or ….. Please save this email as there is information regarding your reservation number, booking drink packages, shore excursions, spa treatments, and specialty dining restaurants. You will also find information on check-in procedures, attire, what to pack, where to park and documentation. It is very important that you review this letter in its entirety to prepare for your cruise! You will want to refer to it, as we get closer to the cruise.
The fees for this “Win a Cruise” totaled $612.67. I paid an additional $84 for Travel Insurance. I had been assigned my cabin. Bobbey also spent hundreds of dollars for meals and an excursion off shore.
On November 7, I received my booking confirmation. On November 13, 2017 I pre-boarded online. I printed out my SETSAIL PASS and Luggage tags. Then on November 28, nine months after I bought the car and 3 days before the cruise was to launch I get a call from Royal Caribbean Global Security. The woman said that she is calling because “you’re on the state registry.”
I am on the sex offender registry for a 1983 crime and I had to get permission from the County Sheriff – which I did.
She told me that there was an open investigation on me because I was on the registry and that I had to be approved by the security team before I could board. She told me to email her and “tell me what’ve you’ve done since your offense” (or something to those words.) She gave me an email to send it to and I quickly got something prepared. I pleaded my case in writings and other documents.
I have accomplished a lot over the past 30 years; since my offense. There is no way that they could deny me. I was sure of it.
Royal Global acknowledge receipt of my documents. I sent 24 pages of documentation showing proof of my accomplishments. The next day I called to see if a decision had been made. The woman told me she was waiting on her security team to contact her and she would contact me as soon as possible. Then on Friday (two days before the cruise set sail) she called me and said that she had a couple questions.
The only question I remember her asking was “who is Bobbey?” I explained that Bobby was my partner and nothing further was said.
She said that she would “pass that information on to her security team and then call me back.” I got a call back within the hour and was told I had been denied; either because of “Bobbey” or because I am on the registry. She would not tell me.
My brother, Jim Gray, and sister-in-law, Susan Gray, also booked on the cruise. They were looking forward to a cruise with Bobbey and me. In fact they had the cabin right next door to the cabin I was assigned. Imagine my surprise, after the cruise had returned, my brother told me that the cabin assigned to me had been occupied by another couple. (The cabin that I paid for.) They also told me that there were no children on this cruise.
Bobbey and I are out all this money, and I have a 2016 Kia that I really don’t need. It is almost two years old and there are only 3400 miles on it. We told all our friends that we were going “on our first cruise”. We were embarrassed and humiliated. Can they do this? I also felt/feel as if I was set-up.
I hope you see the injustice in my case. I pray you will help me.
Sincerely yours,
Scott T. Wieland 239-270-8215 [email protected]
I’ll start by saying that I am a travel advisor and I do specialize in cruises. I’m also an SO so I do keep on top of things like which lines do and do not permit sex offenders onboard. I actually just returned from a Norwegian cruise from Rome to Barcelona a few weeks ago and had no problems doing the cruise.
Royal, Carnival, and Disney are the only three cruise lines currently scanning the registry for offenders. (I haven’t heard that NCL is doing it but I haven’t checked with them since the beginning of June when the author said the new rule went into affect. I am scheduled for another NCL cruise in September and haven’t been told I couldn’t go.
When I say Royal and Carnival above, I mean only Royal and Carnival. If you want to go on Celebrity or Azamara (part of the Royal Caribbean family) or Cunard or Princess (part of the Carnival family), they will not deny you boarding because you are on the registry. I’ve actually confirmed that with both Royal Caribbean International as well as Carnival.
If you are thinking of going on a cruise, my advise is to use a travel advisor (most do not charge anything extra as we make our money off a commission) and they can let you know if you can go or not. If they don’t know, a good travel advisor will get on the phone with the right people and find out.
Also, be sure to check out this link ( https://registranttag.org/resources/travel-matrix/ ) as it will tell you what countries will and will not let you in. If you are taking a cruise to one of the countries that say they won’t let you in, you may want to look at another cruise itinerary.
This is great information, thank you. It does make me wonder though, if it isn’t so much the cruise line as it is the destination port. I checked the link you posted and pretty much every Carribean country doesn’t allow anyone on the registry with the exception of Tobago, into the country. Perhaps if one doesn’t try to debark in those ports, they’d be allowed to sail.
Tony, I am also a travel advisor. My husband is an SO. If some commits a murder, once they have done there time, probation etc. They are free to cruise. This is so crazy.
Is it cruise ships departing out of Europe would not be.an issue since registry is usa based?
Hi Tony, have you been able to confirm or deny if NCL is allowing people on the SOR to cruise after June 1st? Thanks
My client was called one week before travel and told he would not be able to take his NCL cruise of Hawaii so that is the United States and NCL said it’s their policy not to accept anyone that is on the registry. Our sales rep said she had never heard of that policy and is supposed to call me tomorrow, but my client was convicted in 1988 approximately and nothing since that time… His reservation was canceled And he was celebrating his 55th wedding anniversary and he has other people going on the cruise also. Very unhappy situation. He is 79 years old now.
Tony,
Have heard of any updates on this? We have a cruise scheduled with NCL in three weeks and just completed the 21 day notice. This is very concerning of the change. Any new information would be appreciated.
Hi Jewels, were you able to cruise with NCL?
Nope, they called 5 days before our departure and cancelled our trip. We were going to Tahiti and Hawaii which are both approved locations to travel. No exceptions they said. We had paid a fortune for the trip and they said they would refund. Still waiting for the refund. Such a bummer we loved going on NCL.
That’s too bad. We are booked on NCL for a May Alaska cruise. I’ve never cruised on NCL before but since Carnival and Royal Caribbean cancelled the last 2 cruises we booked I figured I’d give it a try. I guess we’ll cancel and give Holland America a try, My last Alaska cruise was with them after my conviction so hopefully their policy hasn’t changed too. Thanks for responding.
How much time notice did they give you about canceling ?
Your account might be flagged now I would suggest a new one and do a International departure. I fly and cruise lots and one thing is they always mess up my name but it’s close enough that nobody noticed the passport vs ticket name. If you really want to use NCL I believe you can bypass the check they are doing. The notifications and passport scan are another issue. I will never ever again plan to depart on a usa cruise and have to also notify of travel to every country. I will go out of the USA and when the voice of god commands me to cruise I will. Then nothing is required and I believe Euro law is more on your side. Just my thoughts and based on experience
Tony,
Can you send me your info? I’ve been so scared to book a cruise!
This was very helpful information. With most travel agencies being online these days, how would I contact you specifically to book a cruise?
@tony , can you confirm updated NCL policy as of 2023? This would be for a RSO on a Hawaiin cruise departing from Honolulu (i.e. only US ports).
Tony, were you able to do your Sep 2022 cruise on Norwegian?
Unfortunately, Celebrity no longer allows RSOs as of 2021, at least in our experience. We had previously sailed with my brother who is an RSO on Celebrity in 2019 and were almost denied – they called 5 days before the cruise to say he may not be able to board, and asked for add’l information. Friends and family also wrote letters on his behalf, and he was able to board and we had a wonderful trip.
We had a European cruise (departing/returning to Amsterdam in May 2020) that was delayed due to covid, and we cleared him with the security department in 2019 while finalizing our booking. The cruise was postponed to May 2021, then May 2022… but we never made it, because in July 2021 Celebrity security, the same guy (Corey) who had handled my brother’s case in 2019 as well as our booked cruise in 2020, called my brother, was very apologetic but said it was now a blanket policy with no exceptions, and that the policy started around June 2021 and covered all RCCL entities. So, we cancelled the cruise and got a full refund.
We then researched Holland America. I spoke to Wes, head of security at Princess and Holland in July 2021. He said that they received scanned passenger manifest data from Customs and Border Protection. He said he was “almost certain” this applied to all Carnival affiliates.
Tony, do you have a way we can reach you to book a cruise?
Tony have you updated this since July of 2022? We’re trying to celebrate a big birthday with a cruise but were recently (3/12/2023) told by Virgin Voyages(Adults only) that anyone with SO convictions or violet felony convictions were prohibited. Do you know who accepts registrants? Thanks
This Just In…Each Cruise Line (if they allow people less than 18 years on their ships), Generally Cross Lists Their Customers That are Embarking with that States’ Law Enforcement Agencies…….Some do NCIC searches but normally not,….. cause everyone with a DUI would be tossed off the ship!
If the Cruise Line does not permit people less than 18 years old, than it is normally not an issue
If I would ever have to go on a Cruise it would be with the one that starts with the letter V
I would not go on a Mickey Mouse Cruise….that would not be proper!
CJB I guess its HollandAmerica with the Elderly! Still wondering if its a state check. What about departing from Puerto Rico? Wonder if they still do a Registry check
Purcashed Cruise in May 2022. Departure June 8, 2023 out of Peurto Rico. NCL
Cruise revoked 5 days before departure for being on national registry. Was told once removed from National registry, I could book again with NCL.
Just watch… now all the other cruise lines will follow suit. They won’t risk the media outting them as being “sex offender friendly.”
Amtrak will be next…
I guess discrimination and hate is not punishment in America.
They all dock here weekly….
I just look and laugh, but I do love when Princess Cruise Lines Plays ‘The Love Boat Theme’…Where is Captain Stubing??????
They are Floating PETRI DISHES
Not for me EVER!
I never understood the allure of being on a floating toilet, but at the same time I get annoyed with the increased discrimination. Pretty soon we will have to boycott all non-Registrant-run businesses.
and they will not care
That’s exactly what a cruise ship is! You’ll never catch me on one!
I had a cruise scheduled several years ago. lestt than a week before debarting was sent an email stating that I would NOT be allowed to board.
no surprise to me. jusr another wany to inflict punishement.
I was on NCL this year I guess before the new changes and was very Happy I could get away!. Besides Viking maybe does anybody know what Cruises dont ban us?. I have been on Royal and Carnival however was before my charges. I do know people seem to have mixed luck with some going all the time and others getting the notice of Cancellation. This is very stupid for them to do if they have not had any issues with this in the past. I expected more from NCL
Robert, we must remember that the registry is not punishment.
although most of these cruise ships are exactly that, as far as I’m concerned!
Robert I dont deny what happened with you but cant find anything online to show this change. I found most comments are they dont do background checks and only Royal and Carnival have actual policies on this. Even Royal has some recent posts on forums that allowed some people to go after a review of the charges. Like always these policies are never applied across the board. I am not trying to brag but I have forced myself to be that exception to the rule. Systems tend to break when stressed or you do something a little different outside the norm. Many Registrants do Cruise and Travel and have no issues. Stay legal but make yourself that exception.
I’m on the registry over an entrapment case out of Oconto Wisconsin. It was a situation where I placed an ad on Craigslist looking for an older woman but yet was still contacted by a police officer and harassed into meeting. I never got out of the car or met anyone but yet they still arrested me and lied on the police report about my case. Despite my case being unique, I’m still treated as if I’m a serial rapist. Companies like Facebook won’t allow you on their site if you are a registered offender. You can be placed on the list simply for pissing outside. It’s all become a joke anymore this whole system.
I have to agree with Jacob, it is not the cruise lines that prevent registrants from sailing, it is the State of Florida that has a public registry that is the problem. We have taken cruises in while living in New Jersey and had no problem getting on or getting off of Norwegian, RCCL, Carnival, Holland America, although most cruises left from Florida. Once we moved to Florida and less than 9 months from our last cruise, my husband was banned from taking cruises completely now that he is a Florida resident. Neither one of us are going to renew our passports next year due to International Megan’s Law. Since Florida registrants are not allowed to vote, law makers will continue to dump on people they have forced to register while they brag about how much safer we are by doing so. We need to get every family member who is a registered Florida voter to vote these prejudiced people out of office!
Candy how are you banned from Cruises in Florida? This is a Individual Cruise Line Rule not Florida. I reported my Cruises and have Cruised in Florida. Many others still say they go on Carnival and Royal its a Roll of the Dice. Who said you are Banned?. Try another Cruise Line. Try a River Cruise. I am wondering also as I have done in the past how this will be handled for Europe Trips?. I wonder if its company wide check?. I have Boarded and Returned in Europe and I have Boarded in Europe and Returned to Florida. I have cruised this year. Never a issue from the Boat but checked paperwork a couple times in other Ports of Europe. The Best cruises in my opinion dont depart from here anyway unless you want the same old Bahamas,Mexico etc. Fly to Paris or Rome take a trip to Greece. I wonder if those trips will be banned as Europe has more legal recourse and laughs mostly at our Registry. Just my opinion and experience. Take a Charter or smaller type cruise that almost guaranteed to be ok I know sadly its not as cheap to do.
Been there, done that with Carnival after several sailings in the past with no issues. Every cruise line has it stated in their ticket contract that if you are on any government watch list, you can be denied passage. My husband and I want to cruise again, we may try Virgin since it’s 18 and up only, but I’m not going to hold my breath.
try Viking also they are 18 and up also
After 29 years in the Navy, I couldn’t give a dame about cruising!
Wow, this is very sad. I have always enjoyed Norwegian Cruise lines and I have built quite a status on them. I wonder if this is going to be like some of the other cruises hit or miss sometimes some registrants have no problem. Others have problems all the time. Also Norwegian foes international. I’ve been on many international and domestic cruises with no problem. I wonder if the INTERNATIONAL is also going to have an issue with same checks and Rulea. I wonder why after so many years.
Valuable and useful contribution from this Member.
We’ll be tempted to blame the cruise line. But remember, it is the state, and not the cruise line, that is officially labeling the passenger as as sex offender. It’s the state that places the cruise line’s security execs in the position of having to explain why they’re permitting a ‘known sex offender’ to board.
We can share re-offense stats with the cruise line til we’re blue in the face, but so long as the state website tells the cruise line that someone is a sex offender, I don’t see much progress.
keep trying don’t give up if you like cruises. Always contact security of each cruise line and get permission before making reservations so you don’t get your hopes up r waste your time. I know Viking cruises does not allow anyone under 18 on their ships so that might be an options if you don’t have children.
I’m waiting for the day the EPA says we are no longer allowed to breath the same air as the “decent” folks. I would say lol but I’m afraid the government might really try it because this crap is getting way out of control.