boarding mid-cruise

[mina518]

Has anyone boarded a cruise at a different port than that of the original starting point/port?  There is a cruise that starts in Barcelona but we would like to board in Valencia (which is one of the ports of call).  Wondering if it's possible and if it's a pretty easy process.  Pros and cons of doing this?  Since we will be visiting family in Valencia already it would make it much easier for all of us (US and Spain) travelers to board in Valencia. Thank you so much 😊

[Heidi13]

44 minutes ago, mina518 said:

Has anyone boarded a cruise at a different port than that of the original starting point/port?  There is a cruise that starts in Barcelona but we would like to board in Valencia (which is one of the ports of call).  Wondering if it's possible and if it's a pretty easy process.  Pros and cons of doing this?  Since we will be visiting family in Valencia already it would make it much easier for all of us (US and Spain) travelers to board in Valencia. Thank you so much 😊

 

You need to ask the cruise line. It may also depend on your eventual disembarkation port, as to whether Cabotage laws are applicable.

[hallasm]

in practice it is possible - European cabotage laws are less strict than US.
- whether the cruise line will let you board in a later port is another matter. On many European cruises, passengers can board at different ports.

Contact the cruise line.

[mina518]

that's awful.  the plan is for my parents to be with family for a few days prior to sailing so this should not be an issue.  

Edited August 11, 2023 by mina518

[SPacificbound]

3 hours ago, mina518 said:

Has anyone boarded a cruise at a different port than that of the original starting point/port?  There is a cruise that starts in Barcelona but we would like to board in Valencia (which is one of the ports of call).  Wondering if it's possible and if it's a pretty easy process.  Pros and cons of doing this?  Since we will be visiting family in Valencia already it would make it much easier for all of us (US and Spain) travelers to board in Valencia. Thank you so much 😊

Only the cruise line can answer your question, but I have to ask, have you been to Barcelona? It is a beautiful city with much to see and do. 

[mina518]

The travelers have not been there. I was just trying to make less travel for them via airplane/train to get to the cruise.  I think we will end up having one family fly to barcelona directly and other other meet them via train.  They can stay in Barcelona for a few days then begin their cruise. 

[Toofarfromthesea]

9 hours ago, mina518 said:

Has anyone boarded a cruise at a different port than that of the original starting point/port?  There is a cruise that starts in Barcelona but we would like to board in Valencia (which is one of the ports of call).  Wondering if it's possible and if it's a pretty easy process.  Pros and cons of doing this?  Since we will be visiting family in Valencia already it would make it much easier for all of us (US and Spain) travelers to board in Valencia. Thank you so much 😊

 

What cruise line?  On some MSC itineraries that is the norm.

[LHT28]

MSC  & Costa  Embark in Valencia 

 

If others want to embark in  BCN  you can see  if they can  connect on the same sailing

Depends on your dates