Going through immigrations on St. Thomas?

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Camelia

Guest
We are planning on going on the Glory 3/20/04, Eastern Caribbean. I read in one review that before being able to get off the ship in St. Thomas you have to go through immigrations, on the ship. That doesn't make any sense. Is it true?
 
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BurBunny

Guest
If you have been to a non-US island before you arrive in St. Thomas, then yes you will need to go through immigration in St. Thomas. It is like leaving and coming back to the US. Any time you've been out of the country and return, immigration controls are in place.
 
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Camelia

Guest
Thanks Burbunny, now it makes more sense. Still seems like a hazzle. You go through all the paperwork stuff during boarding, just because the ship stops in Nassau a couple of hours before getting to St. Thomas, shouldn't mean that you have to go through immigrations on St. Thomas. Does that mean long lines on the ship while you could be snorkling already? Unfortunatly it is always worse for me since I am a registered alien, not US citizen.
 
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Nanatravel

Guest
This is a new step since 911. You will be informed as to where to meet and when. If everyone including people who have no plan to go ashore comply, it will be harmless. The lines for the US citizens will probably be 10 times longer than the non-USA line. They will probably start clearing about 6 a.m. or as soon as the ship ties up to the port. If you are on the side of Havensight, you could look out and see the Customs agents waiting to board. Everyone including children must clear before people are allowed to go on shore.
Bon Voyage
 
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Wheels

Guest
Having to clear customs is quick and painless. Unfortunately for us it was the people
who didn't bother to go to customs which held up everyone from going ashore. Finally,
they had to announce over the PA their names and room numbers. Almost started
a lynch mob. Hopefully, everyone is now more informed.
 
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belgique

Guest
Somehow, nearing St. Thomas the last time (March), they must have piloted immigration personnel onto the ship (Amsterdam), so by the time we tied up at Havensight, the whole thing was done - no shore time lost. Either that, or some immigration people had 9 wonderful days of cruising before we got to St. Thomas!

It really doesn't take that long if everyone follows the order and pattern. It is for the benefit of all.
 
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BurBunny

Guest
I agree, it's at a horrible time in the morning! But it's very quick and painless - for US Citizens, especially those with passports, they give a quick look at the passport and you're done. I barely paused in the line and was done. If your papers are in order to board the ship in the first place, I doubt a resident alien's process would be much more than that, either.
 
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golfmike

Guest
Speaking of passports, We were told on our last cruise (Oct. 02) that soon, passports would be required, instead of picture ID's and Birth Certificates. So any of you future cruisers that do not already have a passport, while you have time, might want to invest the time and the $80.00 or thereabouts to get one and stop horsing around. It really is a lot quicker and easier to do it that way.
 
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