American Cruise Passenger Deported From Italy After Illegal Firearm Discovery

A 77-year-old American man from Tennessee was detained and deported from Italy after security at the Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in Ravenna discovered a loaded 6.35mm Browning semi-automatic pistol in his backpack during routine screening. Although he claimed to have a valid U.S. gun license and said he forgot the weapon was in his bag, Italian law does not recognize foreign permits and has strict penalties for illegal firearm possession, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation. The weapon was confiscated, and the man was charged with illegal firearm possession, preventing him from boarding the cruise ship to Croatia. This incident highlights the zero-tolerance policies cruise lines maintain regarding weapons, as well as the importance of travelers understanding local laws to avoid severe consequences. Similar cases have occurred before, including one earlier in Japan where a U.S. passenger was arrested for carrying a handgun at a cruise terminal. Cruises strictly prohibit weapons onboard for safety reasons, and violations can lead to lifetime bans and legal repercussions.