What time do we arrive on St. Thomas?

[Samsma]

Is the ship ever late, or does it dock pretty much on time? What time should I tell a tour operator to pick us up to be safe?

[Señor Ferrari]

The ship is usually not late, as the overnight trip from St. Maarten is not all that far. The Magic actually used to leave St. Maarten at 11:00pm and still make Charlotte Amalie in the early morning. There are a few factors, however, that may affect when you're able to leave. Once the ship arrives to the outer harbor, a local pilot has to board to guid the ship into the pier. Depending on traffic, this could delay the ship. Also, there is the Immigration screening which everyone must attend before the ship is cleared to debark passengers. I think this is usually done by 8:00am, but sometimes takes longer. In my experience, the ship is usually cleared by 8:30, but I would arrange for a 9:00am pickup just to be on the safe side.

[Samsma]

Much obliged Senor!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by Señor Ferrari
Also, there is the Immigration screening which everyone must attend before the ship is cleared to debark passengers.

Can you please explain this a little more? Thanks. :)

[sjm]

Originally posted by CaliforniaDreaming
Can you please explain this a little more? Thanks. :)

Every person on the ship, must report to imigration before the ship is cleared. Ea and every person, including infants, must take their passports or equiv and go to imigration. It all takes about two minutes, but it takes place from about 6:30 to 7:30AM, as close as I remember. Even if you do not plan to leave the ship, you must go to imigration.

sue

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Wow, that's early on vacation! Do you have to do this at every port?