What happens if I miss my cruise ship in Gibraltar?

Short answer

Contact the port agent listed in your ship's daily programme straight away. If the ship has sailed, the crew normally leave your passport with the agent, and you will usually have to arrange and pay for travel to the next port or home yourself.

Detailed answer

Every cruise line appoints a port agent for each call, including Gibraltar. The agent's name and phone number are normally printed in the ship's daily programme, along with numbers for the ship and the cruise line. Note these before you go ashore.

If you are running late

• Call the ship or the port agent at once. Ships do not hold departure for passengers touring independently.
• Head straight to the cruise terminal on the North Mole. Taxis are the fastest option from town.

If the ship has already left

• Find or call the port agent. If you left your passport on board, the crew will normally hand it to the agent before sailing.
• Decide with the agent whether to rejoin at the next port or travel home. Either way, the cost of hotels, transport and flights usually falls on you.
• Contact your travel insurer's 24-hour assistance line. Some policies cover missed departure, but only in defined circumstances.
• If you go home, arrange with the cruise line for your luggage to be returned.

Ship-booked excursions

If a tour booked through the cruise line runs late, the line usually waits or takes responsibility for getting you to the ship.

Getting onward from Gibraltar

Gibraltar's airport has direct flights to the UK. If your route passes through Spain, ask the port agent which documents you need before setting off.