Question for Canadian cruisers

[MouseGirl]

I know I have seen this topic somewhere on the boards before, but I tried doing a search and didn't have any luck. Hoping my DIS friends can help! Our family is planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines out of Fort Lauderdale in March for a week. This is our first time cruising, and we are all very excited. However, being that we are Canadian could I trouble someone to explain to me what happens when you hit the cruise terminal - are there separate lines for non-US citizens? Do they take and keep your passport during the trip? Are you treated any differently for embarkation and when you disembark? Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a million,
MouseGirl

 

[lcvb]

We cruised last Nov on RC from FL as well. There was no separate line for Cdns at the cruise terminal. They did not keep our passports, however I had heard that this might happen. We kept them in the safe in our stateroom, but you do need to take them with when you leave the ship in the ports. Disimbarkation was the same, no difference for Cdns vs. Amrs. Hope this helps.

 

[minnie56]

It can depend on which Cruise terminal/port you embark and disembark at. Often US Citizens will have a seperate line.

 

[MouseGirl]

Perfect - thanks very much for your help.

 

[tricia]

If you want to check this out with a few more people you could always try www.cruisecritic.com They have a forum that I find almost as helpful as the dis boards.

 

[bookbabe626]

I'll second that about Cruise Critic...it's my other fav online hangout. The folks there are very useful, and can help with other questions too...like ports, shore excursions, best cabins, etc. It's the cruising equivalent of Disboards...

 

[yanjan]

well we just did a 7 day on the carnival legend out of tampa in april 08

getting on board was pretty easy. big long lineup with over 50 counters, give all your info and passports and they give you your card that has your visa attached to it and your room key.

everything else onboard was the same .

as for getting off the ship at the end, well that was a bit diferent,

we had to be in the lounge at 600am to clear us customs. easy form to fill out and show them your passport. almost the same as when you cross the border. he stamped our passport and gave us another card to say we cleared customs and could go on us land. the whole process took around 5 min for me and the wife.

on a funny note he did ask us if we had any booze. i said yes but not that much. he said how many bottles. i said enough to consume in a day. he smilled and said "make sure we dont hear them clinging when you get out"

any more ? let me know.

ps we are going for another next april this time a eastern one.

nick

 

[MouseGirl]

Thanks everyone - I will definitely check out CruiseCritic. Sounds like a great source of information...