Every cruise passenger knows how essential it is to have the proper documentation and paperwork for setting sail.
While this could be as simple as a driver’s license and birth certificate for a cruise from a US homeport, sailing in Europe has more paperwork challenges guests need to be aware of or they risk being denied embarkation.
Cruise lines take extra steps to notify, alert, and inform guests about documentation requirements. It never fails, however, that some travelers don’t pay attention and are frustrated at the inevitable consequences.
Such paperwork snarls have occurred this week for guests hoping to board the newly refreshed Carnival Miracle in Lisbon, Portugal for the ship’s move to Dover, UK as she begins her European summer season.
Because of documentation changes in recent months for entry into the United Kingdom, all guests are required to have an electronic travel authorization (ETA) visa. Despite multiple notifications from Carnival Cruise Line, however, many guests failed to get that visa.
“We had a lot of people who arrived at embarkation of the Carnival Miracle for their cruise from Portugal to Dover, UK without the correct visa,” John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, noted. “There were some guests who took responsibility for this and some who did not and of course blamed Carnival.”
Heald notes that details about required paperwork, including the ETA, are clearly listed on the cruise line’s website. Furthermore, all booked guests were emailed reminders about the requirement prior to sailing.
“Despite there being advice clearly on our website and this is despite emails being sent from our Chief Communications Officer Chris and his team reminding guests about the visa … it was still our fault,” he said.
Because this was Carnival Miracle‘s first post-dry dock sailing, Carnival Cruise Line executives were on hand to welcome guests and extend good wishes for the sailing.
Instead of a happy beginning to the cruise, however, they were treated to juvenile and irresponsible behavior.
“As told to me by Carnival beards who were there for this first cruise [guests] shouted, screamed, and threw all their toys out of their stroller at the embarkation staff and the team behind the guest services desk,” Heald described.
This type of behavior is never acceptable, particularly when directed at crew members who do not have any control over the situation.
Heald does invite any guests to express their frustrations to him, but not to take those feelings out on the crew.
“If you want to shout at someone shout at me please, use CAPS if you want and I will as always be here to listen and to help. However shouting and screaming at the staff and crew is really uncalled for,” he said.
What Paperwork Is Now Required?
The new visa requirement for cruising to the UK went into effect from January 8, 2025. This means that all cruisers, except those who have passports from the UK or Ireland, must obtain the visa before setting sail.
Because it can take up to three days for the visa to be approved, guests who fail to get the paperwork sorted in advance risk not being permitted to board Carnival Miracle on her British Isles, northern Europe, Scandinavia, or Iceland itineraries through mid-August.
Read Also: Do I Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise? – Full Guide
To be clear, the visa requirements apply to cruise guests of all ages, including toddlers and infants.
The requirement also applies to flying into the UK and so may also impact guests planning to arrive several days before embarkation to explore before their sailing.
Heald also noted that guests booked on Carnival Legend in 2026 will require a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa.
While this does not apply for 2025, it is important for travelers to be aware of the upcoming requirement, including for Carnival Legend‘s May 24, 2026 14-night transatlantic cruise from Miami to Dover.
“Seeing Europe, the UK and all of these incredible places is something everyone should consider,” Heald said. “I might just see you there – don’t forget your visa.”
Cruise guests are always responsible for obtaining the correct documentation for their travels. This can vary from country to country, and requirements may be changed or updated between when a guest books their cruise and they actually set sail.
If guests fail to arrive at the cruise terminal with the correct paperwork, they may be denied embarkation and there is no compensation or refund provided.
