16 mistakes cruise ship passengers make on disembarkation day

Fran Golden

Editor's Note

You've had a great cruise, and you want to end your vacation on a high note. Then comes the reality of disembarkation day.

Getting off a cruise ship is not the same as checking out of a hotel. You can't just leave the ship when you feel like it.

Small and luxury ships can have flexible, even leisurely, disembarkation plans. However, the final day on most big ships is a madhouse.

The crew needs to get everyone out of their cabins and off the ship quickly so they can prepare for the arrival of the next batch of thousands of passengers. It's a busy work day.

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Try not to get too sad about the end of your delightful cruise vacation. Just be prepared for a little chaos, and take these steps to avoid any common disembarkation day mistakes.

Check your bill

The night before disembarkation, a statement of everything you spent on the ship for drinks, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, souvenirs and any other splurges will be placed outside your cabin door.

Mistakes happen, and inevitably there will be long lines at guest services on disembarkation day with people arguing about specific charges.

do cruise ship passengers go through customs

Avoid the crowd by either getting there super early or, better, heading to guest services the last night of your cruise and asking for a printout. Carefully check the statement , and ask for any required adjustments. On some ships, you can even do this electronically on the cruise line's app or smart TV.

Pro tip: Don't assume you can fix issues after you get off the ship. It's nearly impossible to get cruise line land staff to fix onboard billing mistakes.

Related: 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts — and what you can do about them

Don't get up at the crack of dawn

Your ship might arrive back in port at 6 a.m., but it then has to be cleared by customs officials, which might take two hours or more. Grab an extra hour or two of sleep — unless you still need to check your bill that morning. (See above.)

Avoid early flights home

There is a reason cruise lines recommend guests not book flights home before noon. It takes several hours to clear a ship of thousands of passengers. You might also have to clear customs.

Then you have to get to the airport, which could involve navigating through heavy traffic and waiting in security lines along with hundreds of other cruise travelers fresh off their ships.

Avoid unnecessary heart palpitations by booking afternoon flights.

Related: Should I buy my flights through my cruise line?

Check your luggage tags

The day before disembarkation, staff will deliver color- and number-coded luggage tags to your cabin, along with an approximate disembarkation time. The idea is that you put these tags on any luggage you would like the crew to handle. (See below.) These tags are important for both timing and finding your suitcase at the pier.

On disembarkation day, groups will be called by the color and number of the tags — such as Red 1 or Yellow 5 — to head to the atrium to disembark. Don't bother getting there early, or you'll find yourself milling around, which can be frustrating. It's better to grab a coffee and wait in a lounge or out by the pool.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

Don't forget your group color

do cruise ship passengers go through customs

Luggage at the pier will be sorted by group color and number — and there will be thousands of bags waiting. Take a photo, or otherwise make a notation of your tag color so you will know where to look for your bags.

Pack up your liquor purchases

If you picked up a bottle of Kahlua in Mexico, rum in Jamaica or duty-free booze on your ship — which was, no doubt, held by your cruise line until the last night of the sailing — don't forget you must pick it up at the time and place your cruise ship tells you before you disembark. Then, pack the bottles in checked baggage if you are flying home.

Carefully wrap them in your dirty clothes. U.S. Customs allows you to enter the country with one liter of an alcoholic beverage per adult duty-free. You can bring in more, but you'll have to pay the taxes.

Put out your luggage

The system for removing bags from the ship works this way: On the last night of your cruise, you pack your large bags and leave them in the hall for the crew to remove and transfer to the pier.

You also have the option of carrying your own luggage off the ship. However, this is only recommended if you are able-bodied and can haul your bags down flights of stairs on the ship and at the cruise terminal. Elevator banks on both will be extremely crowded.

It's better to pack as much as you can in your luggage and let someone else do the heavy lifting. (An exception is if you only have a light carry-on , in which case, go for it.)

Set aside clothes for the morning

A rookie mistake is packing too much in the luggage that you leave outside the door, then waking up the next day to realize you forgot to leave out shoes, pants or other necessary items. Don't be the one walking to the pier barefoot or in your pajamas.

You'll want to have a carry-on suitcase or tote set aside so you can carry your toothbrush, PJs and other items off the ship. The last night is typically casual, and some cruisers find it easiest to wear the same clothes off the ship the next morning.

Pro tip: If you have any items that can't go on the plane but that you need at night, put them in a separate small bag so you remember to transfer them to your checked luggage before you get to the airport.

Related: What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

Scour your cabin

do cruise ship passengers go through customs

You will typically be asked to vacate your cabin by 9 a.m. or earlier on disembarkation day so that the crew can prepare for the next passengers.

If you leave any items behind, it's difficult to recover them once you're off the ship. Do a careful check of closets, drawers and even under the bed to make sure you have packed everything.

Don't forget the bedside table drawers, the very back of the shelves and the safe. If you are traveling with kids, also look for small stuffed animals or other toys hidden in any linens crumpled on the bed.

Don't take the bathrobe

If you are in a cabin that comes with a bathrobe and slippers, the slippers are typically yours to keep. However, you will be charged if you walk off with the bathrobe. The same rule applies to pool or beach towels stored in your cabin.

Check your safe

Given that safes are tucked away in closets, it's easy to forget about the important items — passports, wallets, jewelry — you've set inside. Check the safe first thing when you get up on disembarkation day, and make sure to reach your hand into every corner to feel for forgotten items.

Don't pack your keycard, ID or passport

You might think you are done with your keycard when you vacate your cabin, but you will need to tap it once more when you get off the ship.

You'll need to show your passport or other official identification to customs officials at the cruise terminal. If you have received a customs form, it's important to fill it out (one per family) before you disembark.

Related: Do I need a passport to cruise?

Go to breakfast

do cruise ship passengers go through customs

Room service is not always available on disembarkation day. Head to the buffet or main dining room to enjoy a leisurely breakfast — unless you're in a rush to get to your flight.

Check the open hours before you go because breakfast venues will likely serve meals on a different schedule on the last day of the cruise.

Respect cabin vacancy times

You will drive your room stewards crazy if you linger in your cabin beyond the recommended clear-out time. At the same time, leaving a packed carry-on bag in one corner, out of the way, while you go to breakfast might be acceptable. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Related: How long does it take to disembark a cruise ship?

Know what your luggage looks like

When you get to the cruise terminal area where thousands of bags have been placed, it helps if you know exactly what your suitcases look like. Putting a colorful ribbon or string on your bags will help you spot them.

Don't run to the bus

If you've paid your cruise line for an airport transfer, don't get stressed about missing the bus. There will be plenty available.

Staff will be on hand to direct you to a bus going to your specific airline and terminal or that does a circuit to several terminals at the airport. The buses will run again and again until everyone gets a lift.

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21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know

21 cruise disembarkation tips cruisers need to know

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What cruise passengers need to know about cruise disembarkation, also known as debarkation day

The process of “checking out” of your cruise ship is very different from checking out of a hotel. If you’re a new cruiser, or even if it’s been a few years since you’ve cruised, it’s good to be aware of the debarkation procedures and what to expect.

In this post, I’ll go through some common questions and things you need to know about cruise disembarkation.

Disembarkation Day: The saddest day of the cruise

disembarking at the cruise port last day of cruise

Cruise disembarkation (or debarkation) is something we cruisers don’t really want to think about. If you’re anything like me, you’d rather get to the fun stuff like planning excursions and making cruise packing lists , and NOT think about getting off the ship!

What to expect from the cruise disembarkation process

Cruise lines have small differences in their disembarkation procedures, but overall they’re pretty similar. The last morning of your cruise, you’ll have to disembark and leave what had become your very comfortable home away from home.

In this post, I’ll go through all the basics, so that you can know what to expect and plan for on the last day of your cruise.

Regular Disembarkation vs Self-Disembarkation

There are two types of disembarkation, regular disembarkation  and self-disembarkation (unfortunately both require you leaving the ship).

The disembarkation process is almost the same, with the main difference being that with self-disembarkation, you are responsible for taking your own luggage off the ship. I’ll go over the pros and cons of both at the end of this post.

Cruise Disembarkation Tips

21 things to know when disembarking from your cruise ship

1. what time will you be able to debark the cruise ship at the end of the cruise.

There’s no set time when cruisers can disembark and this will vary by cruise ship itinerary, cruise port and things that are actually beyond anyone’s control the last morning of the cruise.

However, something important to know, is that the scheduled docking time listed on your cruise itinerary will not be the time that you get off the cruise ship. This is because the ship needs to be cleared by customs , and given permission for passengers to debark.

For instance, if your cruise itinerary states that your ship will be back at port at 6:00 am the last morning of your cruise, you won’t be able to disembark until an announcement is made that the ship has been cleared.

This process can be an hour or two, and sometimes longer. The reality is that it’s not something the cruise line can control.

As a general rule most cruise ships will start the disembarkation process around 7:30-8 am, however your cruise line can give you more specific information.

2. Avoid booking an early flight home

do cruise ship passengers go through customs

Since it’s difficult to predict the exact time you can get off your ship, don’t book an early flight home.

You have to account for time to disembark from your ship, getting your luggage, going through customs and then travel time to the airport.

My best tip is to simply call the cruise line before you book your flight , or ask your travel agent to do so. Cruise lines have recommended flight times for each cruise port. Keep in mind if you’re an International traveler, you may need more time at the airport.

Another reason not to book a very early flight, is that even if you CAN make it, it’s possible for your ship to arrive late in port due to weather or other reasons. For instance, cruise ships in Galveston have been known to be late due to fog.

3. Cruise ship debarkation instructions

disembarkation instructions carnival cruise

While on your cruise, your cabin attendant will give you some printed disembarkation instructions which will include what to do with your luggage as well as some basic custom information.

On the second to last day of your cruise, you’ll also notice that you can find the disembarkation information on one of the TV channels in your cabin. For new cruisers, your ship may offer an assembly to go over information, so you can check for that.

I’ll tell you what usually happens to me. I see this around day 5 on a 7 day cruise, and I don’t like it. The fact is that I don’t want anyone reminding me that this cruise will end, while I’m fully immersed in enjoying my cruise vacation. But, do take a look as there’s information to know. Then, as quickly as possible, get back to enjoying your day!

4. Luggage tags and debarkation times

cruise debarkation luggage tags

Along with the printed disembarkation information,  you’ll also receive special luggage tags.

As you can imagine, debarking thousands of passengers almost all at the same time is quite a process. So, cruise lines keep things organized and moving along by assigning color coded luggage tags which correspond to certain disembarkation times.

Red 5 = 8:20 am

Purple 3 = 9:10 am…. and so on.

These assigned times, are really approximate and what the cruise line is hoping for, if all goes as planned.

5. Can I change my luggage tags if I don’t like the assigned time?

You may be wondering, “what can I do if I don’t really want the time the cruise line gave me?” .

Maybe you’re staying an extra day or two in port and you’d rather take things a bit slower in the morning, so you prefer a later time.

Maybe you’re driving straight home from the port and you’ve got 10 hours of road ahead of you, and an earlier time would be better.

For whatever your reason, if you’re given a time doesn’t work well for you, simply bring your luggage tags to guest services and ask if you can get an alternative time. Most of the time they can accommodate you.

If you need extra luggage tags, they can help with that too.

21 Cruise Disembarkation tips

6. What do I do with my luggage*?

*This only applies to those doing regular disembarkation.

On the last night of your cruise, you’ll be asked to place your luggage outside your cabin door by a certain time in the evening (you’ll see the time on the instructions). The ship’s crew will be working hard that night taking the luggage to a holding area, so that it can be move off the ship quickly the next morning.

Just like when you got on the ship on embarkation day , remember it’s better not to pack valuables in your suitcase, but rather to leave them in your cruise carry on bag.

Put your cruise assigned luggage tags on all your suitcases before you put them in the hallway.

Tip: Either keep a luggage tag, or a tab, or even take a photo to remember your color and number.

7. Remember to keep out clothes and toiletries for disembarkation day

backpack cruise debarkation tips

I’m sure there are a few people who forget this on every cruise! You don’t want to disembark in a cocktail dress, right?

Remember to keep a carry on bag for the last night and morning of your cruise. Things to think about include night clothes, morning clothes, toiletries, valuables, tech stuff like laptops and phone chargers and personal ID and documentation.

8. Verify your cruise account BEFORE you leave the ship

My husband and I like to keep an eye on our cruise account throughout the cruise, looking at it once every couple of days, just to make sure all is as it should be. It also keeps us a bit more cautious with our spending than we might be otherwise.

You can usually check this on your cruise app (for cruise lines that have one) or you can get a printed copy from a machine or at guest services. We always print one up the last full day of our cruise (not disembarkation morning), and go through it line by line, just to make sure.

Many people have their account linked to their credit card, so no need to settle your account. If you do want to pay off your account in cash, try and do this early in the day as the lines get long as the evening wears on.

If you notice a discrepancy, bring it to the attention of guest services as soon as possible. The fact is that once you leave the cruise ship, you are accepting the statement and it’s extremely difficult to go back and dispute any charges.

disembarking from your cruise

9. Fill out cruise staff appreciation cards

As a cruise passenger, simply filling out a comment card highlighting the good work of some favorite crew members, is one of the easiest things you can do. However, it makes a huge difference to those who work so hard so that we all have these incredible cruise vacation experiences.

I’ve been told that these comment cards help to earn crew members privileges and possibly even promotions. I also know the ship’s staff really treasure these positive comment cards, and it truly impacts them.

10. Purchase your favorite cruise photos

cruise photo memories

The photo studio is like a zoo on the last evening of the cruise, with people deciding now to buy their cruise photos and packages. It really gets hectic, so if you can go earlier in the day, or even earlier during the cruise, it will be better for you.

Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake I read about the other day in a cruise Facebook group. A woman was very upset as she found the packages on the cruise ship to be too expensive. She explained that she thought she would get home and contact the cruise line to complain about this and purchase them at that point.

Of course, she found out that this was not possible, and was very disappointed. Her photos were gone.

You can only purchase your cruise photos on your cruise. To my knowledge, they are not stored.

So, if you want them and they are a great memory – buy the photos. You won’t regret it!

11. Book a future cruise on-board

One way to help with future cruise blues , is to have an upcoming cruise to look forward to. Cruise lines offer several advantages to planning a future cruise onboard. In some cases, you can even buy a Future Cruise Deposit on an open booking, and choose your cruise once you get home.

Tip: Do this as early as possible in your cruise an don’t wait until the last night, as it will be very busy.

12. Disembarkation morning reality

On the morning of the last day of your cruise, you’ll notice that everyone (crew and passengers alike), are a wee bit stressed and that happy go lucky atmosphere you had, is starting to wane. The reality is, that the crew needs to clean and turn over that ship in a few short hours, so that new passengers can board. .

Hopefully, you’ve had a wonderful cruise and will be back to do it all again in the near future!

Recommended Post:  How To Know if You Have Post-Cruise Depression

debarkation day tips for cruisers

13. Breakfast on the last day of the cruise

There will be a few options open for breakfast including the buffet, the cafe and in some cases the main dining room. Room service may or may not be available. Once you’re on your cruise ship, you’ll be informed of the options.

Since you’ll be leaving your cabin, this may mean bringing your carry on or other items with you to the buffet. Keep in mind it will likely be quite crowded.

We are often pretty tired the last morning, so the last few cruises we’ve just gone down to the cafe and picked up a coffee and muffin or one last delicious pastry to go. We bring it back to out cabin while we do some final things before we leave the cruise ship.

14. Check your cabin for any “forgotten” items

We actually do 2 checks, just to make sure.

After we pack up, on the last night of our cruise, we gather things together, and this includes all items that were in our cabin safe. I put chargers together and do a quick pack of our toiletry bag. We open all our drawers and check the shelves.

In the morning, do one last check. Make sure you’ve got your sunglasses, reading glasses (this happened to my friend), umbrellas etc. Parents, if you have children, go through their drawers and under their beds to make sure you’re all packed up and nothing is forgotten.

*Keep your cruise card on you – you will need it.

Tip: If you get home and realize that you did forget something, cruise lines have a toll free number that you can call to report lost items. There’s a chance that you may find it, however I haven’t heard of many success stories.

Cruise Debarkation Tips PIN image

15. Getting off your cruise ship

Once you’re all packed up and ready to go, you’ll be asked to wait in designated public areas until your luggage tag number is called. Keep your cruise card in hand, as you’ll be scanned as you leave the ship.

A couple of the ship’s activities staff or officers may be near the exits to say goodbye and wish you a safe trip home. On a couple of occasions the Captain and/or Cruise Director have been there and it’s been a nice final opportunity for us to say a big thanks!

16. Getting your luggage

debarkation luggage and luggage area cruise port

Once you get off the gangway, you’ll head into the cruise port and in a great big room (sort of like a hangar), you’ll find rows of luggage, grouped according to color and number.

This procedure is so much better than when we first cruised years ago. It used to be really hectic, but the last few cruises it’s been a fairly easy process.

There will be porters that can help you with your bags, if needed.

Tip: Keep a few small bills handy to tip the porters.

17. Going through customs after your cruise

Whether you’re American, Canadian or from any other country, you’ll be going through customs as a final step of your cruise disembarkation. It’s usually not too long a process – we’ve gone through this in 10-15 minutes.

During your cruise, keep track of your purchases including alcohol, cigarettes, and any large purchases. Be aware of the allowances for each in your home country. We keep our bills together during our trip to make it easier.

Tip: Keep your receipts together during your cruise by placing them in an envelope as you go. Small magnetic clips can also help to keep all your cabin items organized.

18. Heading home after your cruise

luggage and luggage tags

You’re all done! Hopefully it’s been a great cruise vacation and you’ve got dreams of future cruises in your head.

Getting to the airport

Most people get to the airport by taking a cab or by purchasing transfers with the cruise line. You can do this before your cruise with the cruise line or with help from your travel agent. You can often also add these on during your cruise at the guest services desk, but do verify.

Getting your car from cruise parking

Usually you’re ship will return to the same pier as when you departed on your cruise, and you’ll be able to get your car, load it up with your luggage and pay as your leave the cruise port.

In the rare case that your ship comes back to a different pier, if it’s not close walking distance, you’ll have a shuttle to bring you over to the original parking lot. This happened to us once a few years ago.

Last Day Cruise Tips for disembarkation

19. What to do if you have a late flight

If you have a late flight, you’ve got options. Consider booking a cruise excursion tour on the last day of your cruise.

You can store your bags in the luggage compartment of the coach bus, and you won’t have to sit around in the airport. Since the excursion included transportation to the airport, this can also be a good value.

The Pros and Cons of Self-Disembarkation

Here’s a quick explanation of the advantages and disadvantages self-embarkation, so you can know if this is the right thing for you and your party, at the end of your cruise.

self disembarkation tips - luggage

20. Benefits if Self-Disembarkation

*Earliest to get off the ship

*No need to put luggage out on the last night of your cruise

*Leaving the cruise port as early as possible

21. Disadvantages of Self-Disembarkation

*You will not receive any help with your luggage

*You may need to carry it down several flights of stairs as elevators may be full

*You need to be up very early to vacate your cabin and get off the ship

This is only a good option for your party, if everyone is able bodied and can handle the luggage. If you need assistance, or happen to have a lot of luggage, this isn’t for you.

We’ve done both and there isn’t a right or wrong way to disembark. The choice will be yours, and you can decide what works best once on the cruise ship.

cruise check out - cruise disembarkation

Recap: 21 cruise disembarkation tips you need to know

Cruising is so much fun, that it’s hard to think about the last day of your cruise and debarking from your cruise! I hope these tips have been helpful and in giving you the information you need for when you are getting off of your cruise ship for the last time.

If you’ve cruised before, do you prefer regular or self-disembarkation? What advice do you have for future cruisers? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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Recommended posts:

15 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips (for a great start of your cruise)

21 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks (to keep your cabin organized)

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12 Comments

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I liken the idea of being able to get some help with disembarking the ship. I feel like having someone to help you get through customs, as well as make sure that you get all your luggage there safely would be nice. I’ll have to consider getting someone to help me do that sort of thing if I decide to go on a cruise.

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Once on the ship, you can definitely ask someone at guest services to help guide you through this. If you choose standard debarkation, the luggage will be taken off the ship for you, so not to worry.

We were also confused about custom documents on our first cruise, and were assisted with he expectations.

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IF YOU ARE HEALTHY AND MOBILE, SELF DISEMBARKATION IS THE BEST WAY. NO ONE IS GONNA HELP YOU SO BE PREPARED TO WAG YOUR OWN BAGS. YOU WILL BE IN THE PARKING LOT, AT YOUR CAR IN NO TIME.WE SKIP B’FAST ON THE SHIP AND GRAB SOMETHING AT MICKEY D”s AS WE LEAVE THE PORT AREA. WORKS GREAT FOR US.

Sounds like our disembarkation mornings too Bob. Thanks for the great tips!

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My wife And I started to back to back cruises. Last time we went to guest services. They gave us a new card for the coming week. Had us go to the wine bar. NCL asked us what we wanted to eat and drink. Ordered 6 wings and a Port wine. Few hours later the dozen of us were back in our old new clean rooms. Though you are only delaying getting off. Always been jealous of those who live on cruise ship. Meet a couple from England they were on 136 cruise. Were going to a hotel for three days. Followed by another 10 day cruise. I wish I could do that. Thanks for what you do!!! You are awesome!!!

That sounds amazing! We did one B2B and we definitely enjoyed the feeling of not having to disembark and pack up! I agree, life on a cruise ship almost full time sounds pretty good!

Thanks for taking the time to comment Russell! I hope you can get back on a cruise soon.

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Let’s be a little more clear on regular disembarkation:

– You must put your suitcase outside your cabin door the night before by 11:00 or midnight. Your cabin steward will take it away. – You’ll be assigned a time to leave the ship. Let’s pretend you get 10:00 – 10:30 am. – When you leave the ship the next day — you and all the other 10:00 – 10:30 people — you will be ushered into a big room where all your suitcases are lined up — remember that about 95% of suitcases are plain black, so you should tie a bandana or something to yours. – Once you have found your suitcase, you’ll be able to join the line for customs. You will need to be able to haul your suitcase through customs by yourself. – Once you are through customs, if you need help getting your luggage to your car, porters are available. (Have tip money ready.)

In contrast, if you do self-disembarkation: – You do not put your suitcase out the night before. – You leave whenever you want, but you must carry your own suitcases. You might have to carry them up/down stairs, as the elevators will be slam-packed full. – You will bypass the big room full of suitcases and go straight to customs.

Thanks for sharing

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My concern: how safe is it to put your luggage outside of your room the night before? Anyone walking by could get into your suitcase? Granted I would not leave valuables in there, but my clothes….🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️⚓️⚓️ Thank you! I will be a First timer in November on WOTS! I have been reading all of your articles and have signed up fo our emails! They are very helpful!

I have never heard of an issue and the luggage is removed by the crew on a fairly regular basis. Truthfully, people are so busy getting their own packing together and it has always seemed safe for me. I would not put your valuables and if this includes your clothing, it’s something for you to decide.

Have a great cruise,

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If you self disembark, do you have to leave at a certain time still? Loved your post!

Great quesion. Yes, you usually disembark first before the others with luggage tags are called

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do cruise ship passengers go through customs

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What You’ll Need to Get Through Customs on Your Next Cruise

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Written by LM&W Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is made up of attorneys who are nationally recognized industry leaders in the field of maritime and admiralty law. Our team of cruise lawyers has well over two centuries of combined experience, has successfully handled over 3,000 cases, and has recovered over 300 million dollars in damages for our clients. Several of our attorneys have even been selected to “Best Lawyers” ® by US News & World Report every year as far back as 2016.

Cruise Ship In A Port

Going through customs can be intimidating. Immigration officers are notorious for asking a host of often invasive questions, and even if you’re abiding by proper procedures and have all your documentation, the process can be stressful.

First-time cruisers, in particular, may not always know what to bring. Yet, even cruise veterans can face difficulty when it comes to customs because the laws regarding identification documents and visa requirements are not the same for all cruises. We know it can be tough to keep up with the ever-changing travel requirements, so our cruise lawyers have compiled some basic important information all cruisers should know before embarking on a vessel so the customs process can be as smooth as possible.

What Identification Documents Are Required for Cruise Passengers?

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, passengers who are taking a closed-loop cruise — that is, a cruise that starts and ends at the same port of call — are not required to bring a U.S. passport. A birth certificate and government ID will be sufficient to satisfy U.S. customs. However, passengers should still consider getting a passport, even if the U.S. doesn’t require it. Why? Better to be safe than sorry!

It is important to note that some ports of call do require a passport in order for you to be able to get off the vessel while it is in port. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, St. Barts, and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. That being said, Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island, is an exception and does not require a passport even though it is in Haiti. As all of these rules and exceptions to the rules can be confusing to even a seasoned cruiser, this is why cruise lines often recommend passengers to have a valid passport in order to embark on the cruise, even though U.S. Customs does not require it.

Many countries don’t require a visa for U.S. travelers, as the U.S. participates in visa waiver programs with many nations. However, if you are not a U.S. citizen or are going to a country that does require a visa and you don’t have one, you will not be able to debark the vessel. To avoid any mishaps, anyone considering a cruise should contact the cruise line as well as their travel agent to learn about specific requirements and ensure they have all the necessary documents prior to departure.

Documents Can Vary Based on the Cruise Line

The cruise line you are using may also have specific requirements in place in terms of documentation and customs requirements depending on where you are cruising in the world. Some of the most common cruise lines our clients have traveled aboard include:

  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Island Queen Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • P&O Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Viking Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Virgin Voyages
  • Holland America Line
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Windstar Cruises
  • Carnival Cruise Lines

What Else Can Cruise Passengers Do to Ensure a Smooth Experience When Going Through Customs?

For one, always carry a photocopy of your passport and any other important documents you may need for your trip with you and leave the copy in your room safe. If the unthinkable happens and the original documents become misplaced, a copy can be a life-saver. Individuals need to note that entry into a country is not guaranteed, even with a valid visa.

Immigration and border officers have immense discretion in deciding whom they allow to enter and who they turn away. If you say the wrong thing, appear suspicious, or even if you are just talking to loved ones on your cell phone, you can be denied entry. The border is no place to make jokes or comments. Passengers should be very mindful of what they say and do not only when entering a foreign country at a border checkpoint but also while in that country and until they get back on board the vessel.

Additional Factors That May Affect Entry Into a Foreign Country

Cruise passengers can also be denied entry into certain countries if they have a criminal record. In some cases, a DUI conviction counts as having a criminal record. This is why it’s crucial to research the laws of each destination your cruise is sailing to so you don’t have to deal with an unfortunate surprise upon arrival.

Passengers who plan to make purchases abroad should also make sure to carefully document every item they purchase. Travelers are not allowed to bring fruits, vegetables, meat, livestock, plants, or medicines purchased abroad or on the ship into the United States port of debarkation (this includes items you may have purchased in U.S. ports such as those in Alaska, Hawaii , the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, or any other U.S. port). All other purchases must be declared when returning to the States.

Luckily, for most people who sail out of a U.S. port and return to the same U.S. port, getting back into the U.S. is a fairly painless process. Remember to have all the required documentation ready and to be patient and courteous and in all likelihood you’ll pass through customs without incident.

Our Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys Protect Injury Victim’s Rights to Maximum Compensation

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. have spent more than fifty years advocating for cruise ship accident and injury victims. Our firm is regularly selected to “Best Lawyers” ® in America and we have been named to US News & World Report ’s “Best Law Firms” ® annually since 2016. We are the nation’s top-rated maritime and cruise ship accident lawyers with extensive knowledge of how customs and cruise ship ports around the world operate.

When you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one at sea, our firm is uniquely qualified to take on your case. Let us put our 50+ years of legal experience to work for you. Contact our cruise ship accident attorneys online for a confidential consultation or call us at 877-233-1238 to connect with a skilled maritime lawyer.

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Published on June 17, 2015

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Customs Duty Information

What is a customs duty.

Customs Duty is a tariff or tax imposed on goods when transported across international borders. The purpose of Customs Duty is to protect each country's economy, residents, jobs, environment, etc., by controlling the flow of goods, especially restrictive and prohibited goods, into and out of the country.

Dutiable refers to articles on which Customs Duty may have to be paid. Each article has a specific duty rate, which is determined by a number of factors, including where you acquired the article, where it was made, and what it is made of. Also, anything you bring back that you did not have when you left the United States must be "declared." For example, you would declare alterations made in a foreign country to a suit you already owned, and any gifts you acquired outside the United States. American Goods Returned (AGR) do not have to be declared, but you must be prepared to prove to U.S. Customs and Border Protection the articles are AGR or pay Customs duty.

The Customs Duty Rate is a percentage. This percentage is determined by the total purchased value of the article(s) paid at a foreign country and not based on factors such as quality, size, or weight. The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) provides duty rates for virtually every existing item. CBP uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUS), which is a reference manual that the provides the applicable tariff rates and statistical categories for all merchandise imported into the U.S.

Duty-Free Shop articles sold in a Customs duty-free shop are free only for the country in which that shop is located. Therefore, if your acquired articles exceed your personal exemption/allowance, the articles you purchased in Customs duty-free shop, whether in the United States or abroad, will be subject to Customs duty upon entering your destination country. Articles purchased in a American Customs duty-free shop are also subject to U.S. Customs duty if you bring them into the United States. For example, if you buy alcoholic beverages in a Customs duty-free shop in New York before entering Canada and then bring them back into the United States, they will be subject to Customs duty and Internal Revenue Service tax (IRT).

Determining Customs Duty

The flat duty rate will apply to articles that are dutiable but that cannot be included in your personal exemption, even if you have not exceeded the exemption. For example, alcoholic beverages. If you return from Europe with $200 worth of purchases, including two liters of liquor, one liter will be duty-free under your returning resident personal allowance/exemption. The other will be dutiable at 3 percent, plus any Internal Revenue Tax (IRT) that is due.

A joint declaration is a Customs declaration that can be made by family members who live in the same household and return to the United States together. These travelers can combine their purchases to take advantage of a combined flat duty rate, no matter which family member owns a given item. The combined value of merchandise subject to a flat duty rate for a family of four traveling together would be $4,000. Purchase totals must be rounded to the nearest dollar amount.

Tobacco Products

Returning resident travelers may import tobacco products only in quantities not exceeding the amounts specified in the personal exemptions for which the traveler qualifies (not more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars if arriving from other than a beneficiary country and insular possession). Any quantities of tobacco products not permitted by a personal exemption are subject to detention, seizure, penalties, abandonment, and destruction. Tobacco products are typically purchased in duty-free stores, on sea carriers operating internationally or in foreign stores. These products are usually marked "Tax Exempt. For Use Outside the United States," or "U.S. Tax Exempt For Use Outside the United States."

For example, a returning resident is eligible for the $800 duty-free personal exemption every 31 days, having remained for no less than 48 hours beyond the territorial limits of the United States except U.S. Virgin Islands, in a contiguous country which maintains free zone or free port, has remained beyond the territorial limits of the United States not to exceed 24 hours. This exemption includes not more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars:

  • If the resident declares 400 previously exported cigarettes and proves American Goods Returning (AGR) , the resident would be permitted or allowed to bring back his AGR exempt from Customs duty.
  • If the resident declares 400 cigarettes, of which 200 are proven AGR or previously exported and 200 not AGR or not previously exported, the resident would be permitted to bring back his 200 previously exported cigarettes tax and Internal Revenue Tax (IRT) free under his exemption.
  • The tobacco exemption is available to each adult 21 years of age or over.

In December 2014, President Obama announced his intention to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba. The President did not lift the embargo against Cuba. Absent a democratic or transitional government in Cuba, lifting the embargo requires a legislative statutory change. Since the announcement, however, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has amended the Cuba Assets Control Regulations (CACR), effective January 16, 2015, to authorize travel within certain categories to and from Cuba and to allow certain imports from and exports to Cuba.

All travelers, including those from Cuba, must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) (2016) limitations on personal exemptions and rules of duty extended to non-residents and returning U.S. residents.

Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to engage in all transactions, including payments necessary to import certain goods and services produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs as determined by the State Department and set forth in the State Department’s Section 515.582 list located at FACT SHEET: U.S. Department of State Section 515.582 List . On October 17, 2016, the Office of Foreign Asset Control relaxed restrictions so authorized travelers, arriving direct from Cuba, are now able to bring Cuban merchandise for personal use back to the United States and qualify for the U.S. Resident exemption (HTSUS 9804.00.65, which allows up to $800 total in goods, and adults 21 and older may include 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars). This exemption also applies to travelers, arriving from any country in the world, with declared Cuban merchandise.

Declared amounts in excess of the exemption are subject to a flat 4% rate of duty, and any applicable IRS taxes, pursuant to HTSUS 9816.00.20 and 19 CFR 148.101, which impose a duty rate of 4% of the fair retail value on goods from a Column 2 country.

Regarding goods: The Department of State will, in accordance with the State Department’s Section 515.582, issue a list of prohibited goods. Placement on the list means that any listed good falls within certain Sections and Chapters of the HTSUS which do not qualify for this exception.

Regarding entrepreneurs : The Cuban entity must be a private business, such as a self-employed entrepreneur or other private entity, not owned or controlled by the Government of Cuba. Travelers engaging in these transactions are required to obtain evidence that demonstrates the goods purchased were obtained from a Cuban entrepreneur, as described above, and should be prepared to furnish evidence of such to U.S. Government authorities upon request. Evidence may include a copy of the entrepreneur’s license and/or an invoice and/or purchase order demonstrating the goods were purchased from a specific Cuban entrepreneur. Whether a traveler presents adequate evidence that a good qualifies from importation and that it was bought from a licensed independent Cuban entrepreneur shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the inspecting CBP officer.

Imports under Section 515.582 (i.e., imports from licensed independent entrepreneurs not on the Department of State’s prohibited list) must comply with all current U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) formal and informal entry requirements, as applicable. This means that, while there is no value cap on the amount of goods that may be imported under this provision, the applicable duties in the HTSUS must be considered.

In particular, HTSUS 9804.00.65 allows for the duty-free importation of personal-use articles from a Column 2 country when the fair retail value of such goods is under $800. Also see 19 C.F.R. 148.33. HTSUS 9816.00.20 establishes a duty rate of 4% of the fair retail value for personal-use articles under $1,000 imported from a Column 2 country. Thus, any articles imported under this section for personal use with a value of under $800 can be imported duty free, and any articles imported for personal use with a value between $800 and $1800, will be subject to a flat 4% duty rate. Any articles valued over $1800, regardless of whether for personal use, will be subject to entry and should be classified, appraised, and assessed duty appropriately under the specific HTSUS Column 2 rates. Also see 19 C.F.R. 148.101 and 148.102. Any commercial importation, i.e., not for personal use, is subject to entry requirements and payment of applicable duties, fees, and taxes.

While these revised regulations may facilitate certain travel and trade with Cuba, all other laws and regulations applicable to international travel and the importation/exportation of goods remain in full effect. This means that all United States agency requirements applicable to a particular importation must be met and fully complied with, such as the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Alcoholic Beverages

One American liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be included in your returning resident personal exemption if:

  • You are at least 21 years old.
  • It is intended exclusively for your personal use and not for sale.
  • It does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.

Federal and state regulations allow you to bring back one liter of an alcoholic beverage for personal use duty-free. However, states may allow you to bring back more than one liter, but you will have to pay any applicable Customs duty and IRT.

While federal regulations do not specify a limit on the amount of alcohol you may bring back beyond the personal exemption amount, unusual quantities may raise suspicions that you are importing the alcohol for other purposes, such as for resale. CBP officers enforce the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) laws, rules, and regulations and are authorized to make on-the-spot determinations that an importation is for commercial purposes. If such determination is made, it may require you to obtain a permit and file a formal entry to import the alcohol before the alcohol is released. If you intend to bring back a substantial quantity of alcohol for your personal use, you should contact the U.S. Port of Entry (POE) through which you will be re-entering and make prior arrangements for the importation.

Also, state laws might limit the amount of alcohol you can bring in without a license. If you arrive in a state that has limitations on the amount of alcohol you may bring in without a license, that state's law will be enforced by CBP, even though it may be more restrictive than federal regulations. We recommend that you check with the state government about their limitations on quantities allowed for personal importation and additional state taxes that may apply. Ideally, this information should be obtained before traveling.

In brief, for both alcohol and cigarettes, the quantities eligible for duty-free treatment may be included in your $800 or $1,600 returning resident personal exemption, just as any other purchase should be. But unlike other kinds of merchandise, amounts beyond those discussed here as being duty-free are taxed, even if you have not exceeded, or even met, your personal exemption. For example, your exemption is $800 and you bring back three liters of wine and nothing else, two of those liters will be dutiable and IR taxed. Federal law prohibits business-to-private consumer shipping of alcoholic beverages by mail within the United States.

How to Pay Customs Duty

If you owe Customs duty, you must pay it before the conclusion of your CBP processing. You may pay it in any of the following ways:

  • U.S. currency only.
  • Personal check in the exact amount, drawn on a U.S. bank, made payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You must present identification, such as a passport or U.S. driver's license. CBP does not accept checks bearing second-party endorsement.
  • Government check, money order or traveler's check if the amount does not exceed the duty owed by more than $50.

In some locations/POEs, you may pay duty with either MasterCard or VISA credit cards.

Increased Duty Rates

Items from certain countries.

Under what is known as its "301" authority, the United States may impose a much higher than normal duty rate on products from certain countries. Currently, the United States has imposed a 100 percent rate of duty on certain products of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, The Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the Ukraine. If you should bring more of any of these products back with you than fall within your exemption or flat rate of duty, (see below) you will pay as much in duty as you paid for the product or products.

While most of the products listed are not the type of goods that travelers would purchase in sufficient quantities to exceed their exemption, diamonds from the Ukraine are subject to the 100 percent duty and might easily exceed the exemption amount.

For information on countries that may become subject to a higher than normal duty rate, check the Department of Commerce Web site.

Countries With Free or Reduced Customs Duty Rates

The United States gives Customs duty preferences-that is, conditionally free or subject to reduced rates-to certain designated beneficiary developing countries under a trade program called the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Some products that would otherwise be dutiable are not when they are wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary GSP country. Visit the Office of United States Trade Representative website for additional GSP information.

  • Many products from Caribbean and Andean countries are exempt from duty under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Andean Trade Preference Act and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act.
  • Many products from certain sub-Saharan African countries are exempt from duty under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
  • Most products from Israel, Jordan, Chile and Singapore may also enter the United States either free of duty or at a reduced rate under the U.S. free trade agreements with those countries.
  • The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect in 1994. If you are returning from Canada or Mexico , your goods are eligible for free or reduced duty rates if they were grown, manufactured, or produced in Canada or Mexico, as defined by the Act.

Additional information on these special trade programs can be found on the CBP Web site.

Household Effects & Personal Effects - Customs Duty Guidance

Household effects conditionally included are duty-free. These include such items as furniture, carpets, paintings, tableware, stereos, linens, and similar household furnishings; tools of the trade, professional books, implements, and instruments.

You may import household effects you acquired abroad duty-free if:

  • You used them abroad for no less than one year.
  • They are not intended for any other person or for sale.

For Customs purposes, clothing, jewelry, photography equipment, portable radios, and vehicles are considered personal effects and cannot be brought in duty-free as household effects. However, duty is usually waived on personal effects more than one year of age. All vehicles are dutiable.

Mailing and Shipping Goods - Customs Duty Guidance

Unaccompanied purchases are goods you bought on a trip that are being mailed or shipped to you in the United States. In other words, you are not carrying the goods with you when you return. If your unaccompanied purchases are from an insular possession (IP) or a Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) country and are being imported within 30 days and sent directly from those locations to the United States, you may enter them as follows:

  • Up to $1,600 in goods will be duty-free under your personal exemption if the merchandise is from an IP.
  • Up to $800 in goods will be duty-free if it is from a CBI or Andean country.
  • Any additional amount, up to $1,000, in goods will be dutiable at a flat rate (3%).

To take advantage of the Customs duty-free exemption for unaccompanied tourist purchases (mailing/shipping) from an IP or CBI country:

Step 1. At place and time of purchase, ask your merchant to hold your item until you send him or her a copy of CBP Form 255 (Declaration of Unaccompanied Articles), which must be affixed to the package when it is shipped.

Step 2. (a) On your declaration form (CBP Form 6059B), list everything you acquired on your trip that is accompanying you. You must also complete a separate Declaration of Unaccompanied Articles form (CBP Form 255) for each package or container that will be sent to you after you arrive in the United States. This form may be available where you make your purchase. If not, you may find the form on the CBP website.

Step 3. When you return to the United States, the CBP officer will: (a) collect Customs duty and any tax due on the dutiable goods you have brought with you; (b) verify your list of unaccompanied articles with your sales receipts; (c) validate your CBP Form 255 to determine if your purchases are duty-free under your personal exemption ($1,600 or $800) or if the purchases are subject to a flat rate of duty.

Step 4. Two copies of the three-part CBP Form 255 will be returned to you. Send the yellow copy of the CBP Form 255 to the foreign shopkeeper or vendor holding your purchase, and keep the other copy for your records.

Step 5. When the merchant gets your CBP Form 255, he or she must place it in an envelope and attach the envelope securely to the outside wrapping of the package or container. The merchant must also mark each package "Unaccompanied Purchase." Please remember that each package or container must have its own CBP Form 255 attached , the most important step to follow in order to gain the benefits allowed under this procedure.

Step 6. If your package has been mailed, the U.S. Postal Service will deliver it after it clears Customs. If you owe duty, the Postal Service will collect the duty along with a postal handling fee. If a freight service transports your package, they will notify you of its arrival and you must go to their office holding the shipment and complete the CBP entry procedure. If you owe duty or tax, you will need to pay it at that time in order to secure the release of the goods. You could also hire a customs customhouse broker to do this for you. However, be aware that customhouse brokers are private businesses and are not CBP employees, and they charge fees for their services.

If freight or express packages from your trip landed in the U.S. before you return and you have not made arrangements to pick them up, CBP will authorize their placement into general order bonded warehouse or public storage after 15 days (days for perishable, flammable, explosives). This storage and all other related charges (transportation, demurrage, handling) will be at your risk and expense. If the goods are not claimed within six months, they will be sold at auction.

Per U.S. Postal Service regulations, packages sent by mail and not claimed within 30 days from the date of U.S. arrival will be returned to the sender unless the amount of duty is being protested.

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The Cruise Boarding Process: What to Expect When You Arrive at the Port

If you’re a first-time cruiser, wondering what to expect at the port can be nerve-wracking. With so many rules and regulations regarding air travel these days, then it’s easy to think that taking a cruise will be similar.

The truth is, while there are some similarities to air travel, it’s actually much less stressful to board a cruise. And to help you prepare for your trip, we’ve explained what you can expect from when you arrive at the port to when you actually board the ship.

Arriving at the Cruise Terminal

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, it might seem a little crazy at first. Usually the first thing that people notice is just how massive cruise ships actually are when you’re standing right next to them.

The second thing they notice is that the port is busy. In a single day the average cruise ship is letting off about 4,000 passengers and replacing them with another 4,000 people. At the same time they are resupplying for another cruise. In other words, the port is always a hive of activity.

That might sounds like it would be easy to get turned around. Fortunately, the cruise lines and the port always make it simple to find your way. There will be signs posted clearly telling you exactly where to go. As well, employees of the port are always on hand to help lead people in the right direction.

If you are being dropped off at the port from your hotel or with a shuttle, they will know exactly where to go.

Once you arrive, you’ll typically check any bags that you don’t want to carry aboard the ship. Porters will take your bags, which will then be taken aboard and delivered to your cabin later. It’s important that you take anything you might need for the first day (such as boarding documents, prescriptions, a change of clothes, etc.)

Going Through Security

After dropping off your larger luggage, you’ll go through security. Security is similar to what you’ll find at an airport, however, there are some major differences.

Like in an airport, you’ll need to show ID and a boarding pass, as well as place your bags in an x-ray machine to be scanned. You will also pass through a metal detector. If the metal detector goes off, you will likely be wanded to find what the issue is.

Where security is different from an airport is that the security team in place is private security hired out — they are not the blue-shirted TSA agents. As well, there is no “body scanners” that see through your clothes to see anything concealed on your body. Because of this, you don’t have to empty your pockets. You just have to remove any metal objects.

You’ll also be happy to know that the 3-ounce liquid rules don’t apply to cruise ship security. If you want to bring a full bottle of shampoo, it’s allowed.

There are also no intrusive pat-downs like what you might see at an airport and you don’t have to remove belts or shoes in order to clear security.

Bottom line: While cruise security may look similar to what you find at the airport, it’s usually much less intrusive for passengers. You can read more details about going through cruise security here .

Cruise check-in

After security, the next stage is check-in. This is becoming an area that’s rapidly changing. Some cruise lines are moving toward a system where you complete much of the check-in process online before you arrive, making it faster to board the ship come cruise day.

For most people, however, check-in involves heading to a large room with dozens of check-in agents. Here, you’ll stand in line until it’s your turn to approach the counter.

Once you’re with an agent, the process if relatively straightforward. They will check your travel documents and fill out any needed paperwork, including a credit card to link with your room account and a health questionnaire to make sure passengers with noroviruses are not boarding. The agent will also give you your most important item — your credit-card style room key that is linked to your onboard spending account.

In total, check-in is usually a quick process — just 5-10 minutes until you’re ready to board.

Boarding the Ship

Past check-in, the next step is the most fun — boarding. The walk to the ship can be surprisingly long. Not only do you have to go up several stories to reach the boarding deck, but it also usually involves walking to the mid-point of the ship. Depending on where it docked, this can be a few minutes walk away. Don’t worry if you have trouble getting around there are elevators and wheelchairs to help those with mobility issues.

On your walk to the ship you’ll also be asked to post for an embarkation photo. This is a souvenir picture in front of a backdrop with the ship on it. These photos are free to take and will be available for purchase on the ship if you want to take a copy home. If you don’t want to have your picture taken, you can politely decline.

Once you arrive on the ship, you’ll be asked to scan your card so that the crew knows you are actually onboard. There will be staff on hand to answer any questions you have and to help direct you to your cabin.

Have other questions about boarding your cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

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First time cruisers/ 25th wedding anniversary, I,m confused about the purchasing process. Do we put/pay cash on our cabin entry card or how does that work? We were told that we pay cash not with credit cards.

Congrats on the 25th! Are you asking about purchasing things on board the ship? You room card is used like a credit card on the ship. You want a drink? Order and hand your room card to the bartender. They will swipe it and it’s charged to your account. At the end of the trip, these charges are paid with a credit card you have on file (either enter your details online ahead of time or you can provide it at registration). You can also use cash if you prefer, but you’ll have to provide at least a couple of hundred bucks when your check-in. Most people use a credit card because it’s much more convenient since you don’t know exactly what you’ll spend.

What’s the process for carrying on our bottle of wine? I know it says to put it in our carry on bags. Is there a designated space for checking it in and/or paying the corkage fee?

There’s no real process. Just bring it on with you. The security staff may want to take a look to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with. The corkage fee is something you might see if you bring it with you to a restaurant on the ship. Many people just have the bottle in their room and pour a glass to walk around the ship or enjoy on the balcony.

First time cruiser! 😁 I will be with a friend who’s been on a cruise before so the process should easy for me. By the way, thanks for the helpful info. Looking forward to cruising the beautiful ocean/sea 🛳⚓

I not only have anxiety over escalators, but I get vertigo from tall bridge walkways with only light railings. Is there a picture of the walkway on to the boarding deck so I can be prepared?

Jon, the walkway is usually a fully enclosed bridge with glass windows to see out. Imagine a walkway to an airplane — it’s like that, but with windows instead of just walls.

Hello, I have a fear of escalators and steep stairs. If I don’t have a mobile disability, would I still be able to use the elevator to board the ship?

There are always elevators available for passengers in the terminal to get to the boarding deck. They can be used by anyone.

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do cruise ship passengers go through customs

Hi LuvTravel;

Have you ever travelled outside the US before ?

Best Regards

You will need to clear US Immigration and Customs to re-enter the USA.

US Immigration and Customs opens at 10am.

do cruise ship passengers go through customs

As noted you will go through Canada Immigration and Customs on arrival. Do ensure you have the proper documentation to enter Canada. US citizens require a passport to enter by air. More info can be found here:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g153339-s602/Canada:Crossing.The.Border.html

Without knowing the time your flight arrives and the time your cruise departs, answering your question in post #5 isn't possible.

YVR is frequently recognized as one of the world's best airports. All things being well, you can expect to be through and on the sidewalk in as little as 20 minutes, luggage and all, although something closer to an hour is a good window for planning. With a 10:30 arrival, you'll be on the sidewalk, luggage in hand no later than 11:30.

As mentioned above, but it bears repeating, you will have to go through Customs and Immigration *again* at the cruise terminal. The boarding process takes about an hour or so.

Thank you everybody for the reply! It helps when you know what to expect !

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do cruise ship passengers go through customs

  • Canada (Alaska/Pacific Coastal)

Going Through Customs in Victoria

By webforage , March 13, 2009 in Canada (Alaska/Pacific Coastal)

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Cool Cruiser

I'll be taking an Alaskan cruise on the Infinity in August and the ship will stop for about 8 hours in Victoria. Do passengers go through Canadian customs? Some of our party are from Asia and I would like to know if they need a Canadian visa if the only time they will in Canada is for this cruise stop.

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Putterdude

I am sorry I can't answer the visa question but the customs process is just one of simply walking by and officer with a DL or a Paspport. They scarcely look at them. I suspect the the ships passenger list is provided to them some days in advance and it is prescreened by them. Here is a link that may help you re the visa question:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

jeepfella

As long as they have proper docs to board the ship they should be fine in Victoria.

Since you originally asked about those in your party who are from Asia would need a visa to enter Canada, the best answer to your question would come from the Canadian Consulate. "From Asia" is very ambiguous and different entry requirements apply to different nationalities.

I suggest you contact the Consulate office in Seattle to get a correct answer to your question.

Incidentally, your cruise line might help as they would have to be sure your friends have proper documentation before they would be allowed to board in Seattle.

My experience is that cruise lines aren't a lot of help re Visas...I would strongly urge you to contact a Canadian cousulate office close to you on this subject.:)

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