Going Ashore...

[Kanga]

It might be a silly question, but as you leave the ship to go ashore in the ports, are there any immigration or customs that you have to go through?

Not being from the USA, DCL takes our passports and holds them for the duration of our cruise, (I have no idea why??), so we would have no "official documentation" show if required.

Just wondering - I'm having a panic attack about not having the "proper" documentation" to cruise.
Thanks

 

[Tandyc]

Bump

 

[tkd lisa]

The only place that you pass through immigration is on the Eastern Cruise (I'm guessing we'll do this on our 10 day as well). St. Thomas is a U.S. Territory, and anytime you come into US territory after being in another country you have to clear customs. If you look at some Eastern Navigator's there should be specifics on St. Thomas Day. You'll also hear people talk about it in Eastern trip reports.

I've never done it, but this is how I think it works.

The officials are in the Walt Disney Theater. Everyone on board has to clear customs before anyone on the ship is released to go ashore. I think it starts around 7:00, and all ashore is supposed to be 1 1/2 hours later?? I vaguely remember someone mentioning that Disney either sends all the held passports down to the theater, or that you pick them up the night before, or something like that.

Hopefully someone who's done this can chime in with the details.

 

[TheWog]

You are not checked as you come and go during ports (only KTTW card and photo ID). The prior poster is right about St. Thomas. U.S. Citizen's go into the theatre, all non-U.S. citizens go to one of the clubs, I think Studio Sea. Immigration then clears everyone and you are free to go. The earlier you get there the quicker you get out and there are some long lines. They provide you coffee and pastries when you arrive so you can get those there. My DW and DS6 went in their pj's as it was around 6:30 a.m. After this is done all you will need is your KTTW card to leave and return to the ship during the day (and photo id). No worries....