Tell me about going through customs...

[JWG]

When we cruised on the Magic last month (5-night Bahamian from Miami) we were told we did not need to complete a declaration form unless we had spent over our limit. I was skeptical, but we did not have a form, and all the customs agent did was check our passports and wave us through (didn't even ask what we purchased/how much we spent).

Requirements may vary by port.

 

[Kesohio63]

DH and I have different last names, so we each filled out our own form, but I don't know if that is really necessary. Just wanted to be on the safe side!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Also, be careful with flora and food. Don't stick it in your main bag and lie about it. The dogs are really good at that stuff.

That said, I have hilarious stories about my mother bringing home art from Nassau. I think my favorite involved a metal sculpture made from a steel drum head. It was pre-9/11, but it still has VERY sharp edges.

 

[KCBelle]

DH and I have different last names, so we each filled out our own form, but I don't know if that is really necessary. Just wanted to be on the safe side!

We have different last names as well. Our first cruise crew said just fill out one. Second cruise the form said must have same last name and the little video that plays on a loop said must have same last name so we filled out two. Both times customs reviewed our form (s) and passports and said have a nice day in less than 2 minutes.

 

[Laundress]

We gave the agent our passports, he glanced at them and asked if we had any fruit. our answer ..no.. we were done.

 

[clten]

So, it is my sister and I and we live at the same address at home. So one form?

If you have the same last name, one form is all that is required.

 

[karenfm]

If you're going to the airport, and have chosen to use Disney's Airline check-in program, you will not need to pick up your bags. In any other situation you'll stop in the baggage hall get your bags before proceeding to customs.

Just to confirm, if we are using Disney Transportation to get to the airport, they will get our bags from the ship to the bus. Do you know if they will also take care of them at the airport? Or will we need to retrieve and check our bags? Thank you.

 

[MUN]

Also, be careful with flora and food. Don't stick it in your main bag and lie about it. The dogs are really good at that stuff.

That said, I have hilarious stories about my mother bringing home art from Nassau. I think my favorite involved a metal sculpture made from a steel drum head. It was pre-9/11, but it still has VERY sharp edges.

Am I missing the punchline to your hilarious story?

MUN

 

[lanejudy]

Just to confirm, if we are using Disney Transportation to get to the airport, they will get our bags from the ship to the bus. Do you know if they will also take care of them at the airport? Or will we need to retrieve and check our bags? Thank you.

DCL will handle your bags straight through from ship to home airport IF your flight qualifies for the Onboard Airline Check-in program -- flight must be after 11:30am, domestic flights only, and using one of the participating airlines (Alaska Air, American, Delta, Jet Blue and United) -- and have DCL transfers booked PC -> MCO.

If you are flying a different airline, an international flight, have an early departure, or planned private transportation - you will need to collect your bags in the terminal before going through customs. There are porters available to assist if you'd like.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Am I missing the punchline to your hilarious story?

MUN

I didn't tell the hilarious story. But it DID involve blood in customs and multiple supervisors debating if it was a legal export!

 

[karenfm]

DCL will handle your bags straight through from ship to home airport IF your flight qualifies for the Onboard Airline Check-in program -- flight must be after 11:30am, domestic flights only, and using one of the participating airlines (Alaska Air, American, Delta, Jet Blue and United) -- and have DCL transfers booked PC -> MCO.

If you are flying a different airline, an international flight, have an early departure, or planned private transportation - you will need to collect your bags in the terminal before going through customs. There are porters available to assist if you'd like.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you!

 

[elvispursley]

if all you buy is the standard tourist trinkets, don't go crazy with descriptions especially if you are way below your standard allowance as I always am.

"misc tourist items value $100"

has served me for many cruises

We just write, "souvenirs" and the value and have never had a problem. Last time we went through customs at PC, the agent barely looked at passports before he waved us through (said, "welcome home" and "have a good day" all before I can pass the form to him)!

 

[phinz]

We just write, "souvenirs" and the value and have never had a problem. Last time we went through customs at PC, the agent barely looked at passports before he waved us through (said, "welcome home" and "have a good day" all before I can pass the form to him)!

This was how it was when we arrived in Seattle after our Princess cruise. He checked our passports and almost didn't take our form as they rushed us on through. It was glorious.

 

[MUN]

I didn't tell the hilarious story. But it DID involve blood in customs and multiple supervisors debating if it was a legal export!

Yikes!

 

[kid-at-heart]

DH and I have different last names, so we each filled out our own form, but I don't know if that is really necessary. Just wanted to be on the safe side!

We have different last names and our child has our combined name. We have always filled out just one form for the entire family.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Yikes!

We TOLD him to use the wrapping to handle it, but noooooooooo.