Customs

[tam012864]

Just wondering how anyones trip thru customs went and if they encountered any problems. Were you stopped? How long did it take you? Just curious if it was a long time or you just breezed thru like I have heard some others say.....

 

[webray]

We have had to go meet with the customs guy for both cruises we took becaue we went over on the allowed alcohol each time.

Not a problem at all, we had everything added up and accounted for...we didn't even have to pay anything extra. The papers got all signed off on and we were ready for breakfast and then to debark.

After getting our luggage, porter is rolling it along, us with our id and such, customs guys with the sniffing dogs..all was fine.

 

[CAMICKEY]

We alwasy breeze right through but we have never declared anything above the limits. - Mike

 

[DrCavin]

On the Eastern cruise you clear customs twice. Once when you get to St. Thomas & then at terminal coming home.

The one in St. Thomas is probably the more difficult one, because depending on what deck your on you may have to get up pretty early. I think they started around 6:30 - 6:45. We were on deck 6 & had to go between 7:45 & 8:00, not too bad. Took about 5 minutes total.

Getting off the ship, the Customs Officer only asked me if I was a US Citizen, I said yes & she just waved her hand to go on thru.

 

[tam012864]

Thanks for your replies..since this will be our first cruise--we are curious about how things flow when leaving the ship...hopefully no problems for us as well....although, I do have to say...I love to shop..

 

[TheWog]

flew right on through. no problems here.

 

[krhardy]

does anybody know what the duty is if you go over your liquor allowance? Last time we were very concerned about this, and din't go over our allowance, but DH and I love to collect unique liquors, particularly rum, and have decided that we will probalby go over, and just pay the duty. Anyone have a link where I can find out how to calculate the duty?

 

[webray]

All I remember is the cost if you go over..is so low...still makes it well worth it to get alcohol in the islands. Really just pennys per bottle. Hubby got a bottle of scotch...$100, said it would easily be $150-$200 here at home.

Daughter and I love the rums also, we get the local flavored from the different islands...the best part is you get to taste them before hand..and they have all been good..lol.

We declare everything extra....fill out the forms and take the receipts with us to the early morning..if you are over meeting. That only takes a few minutes..the person asks you some questions. He never made us pay either time..last time he wondered how I could have spent so much..lol, told him it was the hubby's scotch..lol. He said..ok..and laughed..you can go..no fee...lol.

 

[webray]

Oh, and remember..all customs fees if you are over, need to be paid in cash. No travelers checks, credit cards or checks!