If I am getting off a cruise ship and flying home that same day from Beijing do I need a visa?

Hey Selbs, if the last stop of the cruise ship is neither in mainland China nor your home country, you don't need the transit permit as you qualify for the 24-hour direct transit policy.

Hi cruising from Hong Kong - back to Hong Kong for 7 days - with one stop in Xiamen for 7 hours. NOT departing ship in mainland china though - can I avail of 24 direct transit..? Is there any reason my cruise line would be prevented from allowing me to board in HK without mainland visa entry permit? All very confusing re Cruise ships. Travelling in 6 days!! (from Ireland)

If your ship doesn't stop at any other Chinese ports and you still don't have any plan to get off the ship, I think you needn't apply one in advance. However, you still need to ask what your cruise ship company if you can do this. They decide whether you can board or not. If they insist that you should apply one, then you should apply.