Saint thomas imm

[sabaka]

In the pass porter book it says that all passengers must clear immigration before passengers can exit the ship for the island. It also says this happens at about 5:30 a.m. Is the for real and does everyone really have to get up that early to present themselves? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has been on this cruise. Thanks

 

[CM_Mom]

Actually it's closer to between 6:00 and 7:00. And YES, if the ship has stopped at St. Martin before it gets to St. Thomas, EVERYONE has to show up at immigration. U.S Immigration and Naturalization rule, not DCLs choice. DCL provides juice and coffee for you and the process is very orderly and only takes about 15 minutes. But it's a pain we all suffer through if we go on the Eastern to St. Martin and St. Thomas.

 

[westjones]

What is the connection with St. Martin? We will be going to Antigua instead, does that mean we won't have to do the early morning thing at St. Thomas then? Or does it have to do with stopping at a non-US port before stopping at St. Thomas? Then I would guess it will still apply to us.

This is the one part of the cruise I am REALLY not looking forward to.

DJ

 

[DrCavin]

Ours was closer to 8:00 am, it goes by what deck your cabin is on. It really is not a big deal, unless you have to be there at 6:00 am...

Takes about 5 minutes....

 

[TheWog]

Originally posted by westjones
What is the connection with St. Martin? We will be going to Antigua instead, does that mean we won't have to do the early morning thing at St. Thomas then? Or does it have to do with stopping at a non-US port before stopping at St. Thomas? Then I would guess it will still apply to us.

This is the one part of the cruise I am REALLY not looking forward to.

DJ

Its because you have stopped at a foreign country and you are now returning to the U.S. (territory). I believe you will have to go through the same exercise for Antigua, but you will not have to for those cruises going to Puerto Rico. It really isn't that bad, my DW and DS6 went in their jammies and we got some coffee. We went shortly after 6:00 and were done in about 10 mins or so once the immigration officer arrived.

 

[natdencro]

We had the 6am start too! Not a problem though: coffee and "goodies" are served, and plenty of chairs to sit down - should you have a long wait (which is seldom). Sadly, this year we had the "guest from hell" among us - who slagged off Disney about the waiting time. After foul-mouthing a poor CM, (not a good example to all the children in the room), she announced that she wouldnt be sailing with Disney again! What a relief for us all!

The waiting time is NOTHING TO DO WITH DISNEY: they are at the mercy of the customs people, and have no control over what time they board. I know it's an early start, but there is nothing to stop you all from going back to bed - after attending in your pj's!

Just view it as part of the vacation: we made new pals in the line!!! And...............met our pals Mr and Mrs Grumbo again! Happy times. Nat

 

[Zandy595]

When do you find out what time you have to go?

 

[TheWog]

It is in the navigator and I believe the leave a card for you with a letter explaining in the room the night before.