I was in the travel industry for over 30-years. stopped counting cruises after 50.
Only in the Med has a cruise line held our USA passports. NEVER in the Carib.
Of course if on a cruise line purchased shore ex, the ship would never leave passengers on shore unless the ship was in danger by remaining at the pier. In the case of local unrest, the ship's officers would be in contact with local authorities via the local agent; Exactly why they have such arrangements.
This situation was disconcerting, certainly. Not life threatening. Good story to tell post cruise.
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