Current Application of Cabotage Laws and Jones Act

Outside of the US and Caribbean, the same style of laws that make up the "Jones Act" are called "cabotage laws".  Many countries are very strict with these laws that dictate that you cannot embark and disembark within the same country without having visited a foreign country in between.  Advance notice for special permits are required for some countries, and they are not guaranteed in advance.  Particular information and documentation may be required by the authorities.

For itineraries in French Polynesia, you may embark and debark at any point during a weekly cruise.  Cabotage laws do not apply there, however, advance notice does, as certain governmental authorities must be advised in advance.

For itineraries in Bermuda, the only foreign country visited is Bermuda.  However, Bermuda is not considered by US Customs to be a "distant foreign port", hence you cannot embark in NY for example and debark in Norfolk, Virginia or vice versa for these itineraries. You may embark or debark in Bermuda at any point with prior advance notice when booking.

For itineraries in the Caribbean, the only ports considered by US Customs to be "distant foreign" are:  San Andres, Colombia, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, Netherlands Antilles (not St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, as this island is considered the "Leeward" Netherlands Antilles). 

Puerto Rico and St. Thomas are exempt from this law altogether;
- You may embark in a US port and debark in a foreign port
- You may embark in a foreign port and debark in a US port
- You may embark in a US port and debark in a different US port only if in between the  vessel has visited

 one of the "distant foreign ports" listed above.
- You may embark in San Juan/St. Thomas and debark in a US for foreign port
- You may debark in San Juan/St. Thomas if you embarked in a US or foreign port
- You may embark in a foreign port and debark in a foreign port of another country.
 

For itineraries in Alaska, Vancouver and Victoria, BC Canada:
- You may embark in any US port and debark in Vancouver or Victoria
- You may embark in a US port and debark in a different US port only if you have visited Vancouver or

  Victoria in between.
- You may embark in Vancouver or Victoria and debark in a US port
 

For itineraries in Europe special permission must be requested in advance of the cruise for any inter-country cruising.

See also - "Closed Loop Cruises"

Therefore:
- You may embark in a foreign country and debark in another foreign country
- You may embark in a foreign country and debark in a different port in the same country if in between

  you have visited another country.
 

The following countries require AMPLE notice in advance of any deviation requests:
Norway, Greece, Russia, United Kingdom and Spain

Supplemental information may also be requested from the guests.

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