Flight (Oakland to LA) then Cruise (LA to Mexico)

[jakemccoy]

What is the legality of a traveling with a handgun concealed on a cruise from LA to Mexico?

I don't have a concealed carry permit (county is impossible). I have a general policy of NOT going on cruises. However, the family is pulling me. So, I’m considering my options. I would like to take my Glock 27 on the cruise if feasible.

I know the procedures for flying with a firearm. It’s the cruise ship part that’s foggy to me.

If anybody has any experiences or advice, please share.

 

[Fly320s]

Don't Do It!!!

First, you can't take firearms on cruise ships; not that I know of anyway. Your best bet is to go to the source. Look on the cruise company website for info about firearms. All passengers are screened before entering the ship. I don't know what the screening entails, but I'd bet that it is similar to the TSA search.

Second, you most definitly can not take a gun into Mexico without first getting all the paperwork in order. I know rifles and shotguns can be taken in Mexico; lots of hunters do so every year. As for handguns... I don't know. I do know that you do not want to take a handgun into Mexico's territory, water or land, without the proper paperwork and clearances.

 

[ED21]

Check the Cruise Line's web site. I'm not sure and not a lawyer but I'll bet you will not be allowed to carry and especially to Mexico. I could be wrong so check the Cruise Line. (Like you, I've never wanted to take a cruise.)

 

[Ed Ames]

As I understand it, international travel with handguns is a PITA. That's especially true for places like Mexico that are trying to hold down rebellions by limiting access to firearms. Doesn't matter if you are on a cruise or driving to TJ it's best to leave the gun(s) at home or really do your homework about their laws. Their laws include things like "no military cartridges" (so no .38sp, 9mm, .45colt, .45ACP, etc.).

 

[GRIZ22]

It’s the cruise ship part that’s foggy to me.


You can't take firearms on cruise ships period. If you try to sneak it on you will be arrested.

Cruise ships are registered in foreign countries (Bahamas and Panama 2 of the favorite flags) and as such are actually part of that country. Even if they were U.S. registry, the Captain is totally responsible for everything on that ship and will not let you have a firearm.

Possession of a firearm in Mexico will find you in a Mexican jail. The fine will be "how much can you come up with (including your bank accounts back home)".

 

[Dead]

Why goto Mexico in the first place?

 

[jakemccoy]

Thank you for the replies. It saved me some time from doing my own research.

Dead wrote,

Why goto Mexico in the first place?

It's not my idea. The plans were set before I had my input. It's my niece's birthday. She's crazy about me.

 

[revjen45]

"It's not my idea. The plans were set before I had my input. It's my niece's birthday. She's crazy about me."

Do you have any medical conditions that would allow you to beg off with grace? Attack of gout, malaria, back pain, sinus trouble, Peyronie's Disease?
I can't see going to Mexico either. There's nothing there I can't get somewhere in the USA, and probably where I can legally take my Little Blue Friend. If you need a dose of Mexican culture there are plenty of places with large Hispanic populations where the Constitution applies.

 

[sailortoo]

revjen45 - +10, at least. Reading through all these blogs was worth it just to read yours!
My sentiments exactly.
sailortoo

 

[Quiet]

If you really don't want to go on the cruise, give your family the "I don't have a US passport, so I can't go on the cruise to Mexico" excuse and follow it up with the "It'll take too long for me to get/renew it, to make the cruise" excuse.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Why goto Mexico in the first place?

That's pretty much my rule on it.

I can see going in this case since it's a family thing, just try not to spend any money in Mexico.

But forget the guns and knives.

 

[rino451]

Which cruise?

Los angeles to Mexico? when you are you going and on what ship? The wife's got me going on a Carnival cruise in June sometime leaving from LA down to Mexico.

 

[Art Eatman]

If a person gets caught with a gun in Mexico, he will remain there until his fluency in Spanish is perfect, or his family is bankrupt--whichever comes first.

Even empty cartridge cases can create far more hassle than the average person would believe possible, and one single loaded round will get you a trip to the juzgado.

Mexican jails are short of running water, and for sure Julia Childs ain't the cook.

Art

 

[gopguy]

When I took a Royal Caribbean cruise in 1997 from Vancouver to Alaska we had to walk through metal detectors and I got some grief over having a swiss army pocket knife... This was all pre Sept 11 so I can imagine how they are now... About that time they also did away with trap shooting on the ship, though it was advertised prior to the cruise..I was annoyed to say the least and have not gone on a cruise since...