New Security Regs - Embarkation

[Giorgi-one]

Does anyone know if the new security regulations have been put into effect and if they have affected disembarkation/embarkation? The rumor was that it would take until 11 AM to clear the ship and no one would be permitted to board until aftet 1 PM. If true, this will obviously have servious effects on departure flight times and create a real embarkation mess. I would imagine that about 75% of the passengers will be in line at 1 PM trying to board the ship. I have met several people who refuse to cruise again because of the embarkation/disembarkation process. You have to admit that it is not exactly like checking into a first class resort or hotel. And that was before this new potential fiasco.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have been reading some of the recent reviews from posters and there didn't seem to be any problems boarding ships early in Ft Lauderdale. Embarkation and Debarkation went smoothly.

[jhannah]

I hope no-boarding-until-1:00 does not become the norm. But it could. The TSA seems to be changing security procedures almost daily, so I guess all we can do is to closely monitor what's going on and be prepared for whatever happens. (It would take more than this, however, to cause me any second thoughts about cruising. It's still not as bad as flying ... HAL doesn't make you undress when you come aboard ... and I haven't given up on that.)

[Vic The Parrot]

What are the new security regulations??


I went thru the usual procedure in Southampton in Dec, and didn't notice anything 'new'.

My photo was still taken, my bags x-rayed.
Is this something that'll be cropping up here in the US soon?

[Giorgi-one]

What are the new security regulations??


I went thru the usual procedure in Southampton in Dec, and didn't notice anything 'new'.

My photo was still taken, my bags x-rayed.
Is this something that'll be cropping up here in the US soon?

My understanding is that all non-US citizens (with possible exception of Canadians) must be fingerprinted as they enter the US after January 1, 2005. The fingerprints are chekced within three days to determine if someone on the no entry list has entered the country. The fingerprinting is done on the morning of embarkation and no one is allowed to leave the ship until all fingerprinting is complete. Celebrity has notified passengers that no one will be able to board the ship for the next crusie before 1 PM.

[Giorgi-one]

My understanding is that all non-US citizens (with possible exception of Canadians) must be fingerprinted as they enter the US after January 1, 2005. The fingerprints are chekced within three days to determine if someone on the no entry list has entered the country. The fingerprinting is done on the morning of embarkation and no one is allowed to leave the ship until all fingerprinting is complete. Celebrity has notified passengers that no one will be able to board the ship for the next crusie before 1 PM.

Correction - The fingerprinting is done on the morning of debarkation (last day).

[jhannah]

So, if I understand correctly, you're saying they take fingerprints the morning they leave the ship and check them in or within 3 days? Hello! They're already in the U.S. and who-knows-where! The government does some crazy things ... but this seems ridiculous to me. Am I missing something????? :confused:

[Giorgi-one]

So, if I understand correctly, you're saying they take fingerprints the morning they leave the ship and check them in or within 3 days? Hello! They're already in the U.S. and who-knows-where! The government does some crazy things ... but this seems ridiculous to me. Am I missing something????? :confused:

Be careful what you say. I was flamed on the Celebrity Board when I espressed your feelings for being against security.

[jhannah]

I'm not against security at all. Just stuff like this that appears to me to be nothing more than "smoke and mirrors."

[dakrewser]

So, if I understand correctly, you're saying they take fingerprints the morning they leave the ship and check them in or within 3 days? Hello! They're already in the U.S. and who-knows-where! The government does some crazy things ... but this seems ridiculous to me. Am I missing something????? :confused:
It's not just ship arrivals, Jim, and there's more to it than scanning fingerprints. It's all part of the US-Visit program. Details from the DHS are here (http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/content_multi_image/content_multi_image_0006.xml).

-dave

[jhannah]

Thanks for the link, Dave. That information indicates the entry officer will verify the photo/fingerprints with those submitted by the visa holder when he exited his foreign country. Based on that, entry will be granted or additional investigation/confirmation will follow. Nothing said about a 3-day delay. That makes more sense.

[steveweese]

We should never forget!

[boards]

This sounds like what they are learning for the border entries between Canada and the US. This is what we are hearing is to happen here between Detroit and Windsor. So far I haven't heard any thing about it being to into practice. As I understand it, it will only be for those who are not natural born Canadians or Americans. Will report back when I hear any news of this being done at the border. I am sure there will be some unhappy people when it happens and will sure hear about it.

[Giorgi-one]

According to the USVISIT Procedures, Ft. Lauderdale is not a USVISIT Port of Entry and these procedures should not apply?