About to set sail...a few questions.

[FuFuMontage]

We will sail on the Magic Feb 23rd. After surfing a few sights, I have a couple of questions regarding customs. We sailed last year on the Magic, and I don't recall having to wake up in the early morning hours to clear customs. WHen we arrive in St Thomas do we HAVE to be at customs at 6am??? If so, is this post Sept 11th stuff?
Also...any tips on securing a nce spot on the family vbeach at Castaway Cay?

FuFU

 

[Mickey7811]

hI,

I WILL BE ON THE FEB 23 CRUISE TOO - CAN NOT BELIEVE WE WILL BE SAILING THIS WEEKEND - AND SO LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.

I WAS ON THE CRUISE IN NOVMEBER AND WE DID HAVE TO GET UP EARLY - AROUND 6 AM - BUT IT WAS VERY PAINLESS - DISNEY HAD COFFEE AND PASTRIES AND EVERYTHING WAITING FOR YOU AND IT ONLY TOOK A COUPLE MINUTES TO GET THRU CUSTOMS.

MY HUSBAND HAD A DIVING EXCURSION THAT DAY - AND HAD TO BE UP ANYWAY -

HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE CRUISE.

DARLENE

 

[albiats]

According to others that were on the Magic last week, they relaxed the Immigration rules and US Citizens did not have to be there, only non US Citizens had to report.

We would have liked to enjoy that luzury on our Jan 19th cruise, but it wasn't relaxed then.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

I spoke with DCL directly yesterday about this. They said it was a 60 day trial, so if you are cruising within the 60 day period, no you don't have to get up early. I don't know exactly which cruise they started this on, but I know we leave next Saturday so we are in the 60 day period - YEAH!

 

[Señor Ferrari]

Note that it is not Customs that you formerly had to go through, but Immigration. They only checked your proof of citizenship, you did not have to declare any items you had purchased and pay duty. You only go through Customs when you arrive back at Port Canaveral.

I believe that the first trip during which they didn't have a full Immigration check at St. Thomas was on 2/2, so 60 days would take you the May 4 sailing.