Can you leave a cruise early without breaking a law?

Question

I have an itinerary I'd like to do this summer in Europe, but the only exact match has three extra stops after I want to get off (for example, I want to go from Rome to Venice - which is 7 days - but the cruise is actually 10 days and has three stops after Venice way in the wrong direction from my travel path).

I don't care about the money so much - I am getting a good deal on the cruise. The cruise company won't book a partial itinerary. If I leave the ship early, can they penalize me? Are there laws against it or does the cruise fine you? What if you claimed to be unhappy? It's not like they can hold you hostage, right? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Its been my understanding that on some cruise lines you can arrange to leave the ship early and do a partial cruise even though you pay for a full one.  I know that Royal Caribbean has a form that you can sign and make arrangement well before the cruise to have a partial cruise.  Look at this form on their web site:  http://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/en...

Celebrity Cruise line's web site also has some references to partial cruises, but not a full explanation of how it works.

As far as leaving, I think its within your rights to say you want to leave but I think you need to arrange it and not just disappear.  People leave ships in route all of the time when they get sick, and performers meet the ship and/or leave early.   On one cruise we did the Captain left and went on vacation and a different Captain took over.   I have been on other cruises when people got sick and left.  I think you just need to talk to the right persons at the cruise line about this.

Here's what's in the Princess's passenger contract about leaving the ship:

"  UNAUTHORIZED STOPOVER OR DISEMBARKATION.

Unauthorized stopover or disembarkation or failure to make any sailing of the ship at any port shall be at Your sole risk and expense, You may be denied subsequent boarding, and You will not be entitled to any refund, payment or other compensation.  "

Answer 2

Just tell who ever you are booking your cruise with at what port you will be leaving the ship. Also once you are on the ship check with the desk to make sure they know of your plans. There is no law against it the cruise line just needs to know that the people are on the ship when it departs unless other plans have been made. I have been on many cruises and have known people who have done this with no problems.