Immigration for US Citizens at 6:30AM?

[tracyl921]

I've read this in a couple of posts. Is it true?! Do we have to go to an immigration thing at 6:30 AM? What for? I remember going through customs on previous cruises (pre 9/11), but nothing that early in the morning (I like my sleep especially on vacation). Is this something new?

 

[CM_Mom]

Unfortunately, this is the truth. It's a US Immigration requirement since the ship calls at a foreign port, Antigua, the day before and St. Thomas is US soil. Although it's early, it's really not a big problem, especially if you're doing an excursion. You show up in the Walt Disney Theater and pick up a cup of coffee or orange juice and a pastry on the way in. They seat you in rows and each row is called in an orderly fashion to show your passport or BC, get your hand stamped and you're out of there in 15 minutes or so.

They also have staggered times they suggest you show up depending on your plans for the rest of the day.

See http://www.dcltribute.com/navigators/east_carib/sttins.htm for the instructions and times.

Yep, it's a bummer because EVERYONE is required to go - they check off your name and stateroom number at the door - but we all grumble graciously. Not DCL's decision.

 

[tvguy]

I think it is something Immigration should change. St. Thomas in the past had been our day to sleep in since we're not big on shopping. On this cruise our excursion wasn't until 1 pm. We got up, went up the tramway, came back to the ship for lunch, and then headed to our excursion. So, the good thing is, we ate our only lunch in a ship restaurant that day. Would have prefered to sleep in and cleared immigration as I got off the ship, if I got off the ship.

 

[westjones]

Maybe this is why they are considering changing to Puerto Rico as a stop (or so I have read--probably just rumors).

I wonder why Disney wouldn't have just switched stops. Go to St. Maarten or Antigua AFTER St. Thomas. Wouldn't that fix this problem?

I am NOT looking forward to this at all. I like to sleep in.

DJ

 

[tracyl921]

CM Mom - Thanks for the link! I feel better knowing I dont have to be there at 6:30. I'll probably go at a normal time. It's good to know we have choices!

 

[mickeyboat]

I saw many a person, especially kids, in their pj's and slippers. There were even people there who had not changed their clothes from the night before!

It's not really that bad!

Denae

 

[mmouse37]

I agree....it really is a painless process.

MJ

 

[Phyllisi]

If you are not going on an early morning excursion, US citizens have until 8:45 ish to check in with immigration. Disney will give you the suggested time for your deck but you can go whenever you want during the times posted. We did not go until about 15 min before the posted closing time because our 5 year old daughter was sleeping. We chose not to wake her up for the recommended time of 7 am for our deck because once she wakes up, she is up for the day.

 

[TheWog]

But remember no one can leave for excursions or get off until the ship has been cleared. Its really not that bad.