Loads of Princess Cruises' passengers were left stranded at Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida).
Travelers put on a 10-day voyage with Princess. The company's representatives told them they did't need to bring a passport but then they were turned away when they tried to board the Caribbean Princess ship on December 28th, saying they needed a passport for the 10-day "Panama Canal with Costa Rica" voyage, themed as "New Year".
Cruisers said they had not been able to receive a full refund.
Princess Cruises released a statement, saying that passengers need to take responsibility for their mistakes.
"On Princess' website, it clearly states that valid US Passports are required on this itinerary. Normally, passengers on closed-loop sailings which begin and end at the same US port can use an original or certified copy of the birth certificate along with a valid, government-issued ID. However, on sailings to Central and South America including Panama Canal, a valid US Passport is required.
"Also, as stated in the Passenger Contract, it is the passenger's sole responsibility to ensure they have proper documentation. Even if a cruise representative provided wrong information, it's still the passenger's responsibility."
For more Caribbean Princess incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.