Doc Question

[MDL1771]

We received are docs yesterday for our cruise on the Zuiderdam on October 2nd. I have read a lot of places that the line to check in is a lot longer for people that have filled out their forms online. Is this true?? Should I just be filling out the information in the packets instead. I also thought about doing both and then when we got there, see which line is shorter. Is this an option??

[jhannah]

Our experience is that having filled out the info online makes check-in a breeze. Go ahead and print out hard copies of your immigration forms, as they still like to get those, too.

[RevNeal]

I have read a lot of places that the line to check in is a lot longer for people that have filled out their forms online. Is this true?? Should I just be filling out the information in the packets instead. I also thought about doing both and then when we got there, see which line is shorter.

In Alaska in Sept 2003 the line for those who had filled out the on-line form was MUCH MUCH smaller. However, from what I've heard there have been long lines for those who have already filled out the form. That's STUPID on HAL's part, if you ask me. IF it's possible to prepare and print out your form, then wait and see which one is shorter and choose accordingly -- and I can't imagine that that is not possible -- I would do THAT. It's probably what I'll try.

[divinggirl]

MDL, I have the same question, especially since those returning from the Zuiderdam these past few weeks have been reporting the opposite of Jhannah's experience. Can you do either, or are you committed to the online line if you've done it that way?

[doone]

I have been filling out my form on-line since you have been able to. It has been my experience, as well, that I have always found the lines for this are not only shorter, but move alot quicker as well. Be sure to print a copy of this form after you fill it out and take it along with you, they do want the printed form as well.

[spcl4cs_gal]

I really think it all depends on the time you check in at the pier. In March I had my immigration form printed out from the online form and when I got to the pier around 2pm there was no one in my line and I just breezed straight through. In July however, I checked in around 1pm and there was a huge line at the online station. It will be interesting to see what happens this Saturday.

[Lois R]

hi:) I already filled out my docs on-line and printed them out...so, Do I need to fill out one of those from my docs I received in the mail too?? ...Wouldn't that just be doubling everything?

[doone]

Lois, no you do not need to fill those out in addition to the one you did on-line. Just be sure to bring that printed form with you, you'll be all set.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The only time we fill out the immigrations forms that are included with our documents is when we are doing back-to-back cruises. We use the on-line forms for getting on the ship and than the hand filled ones to turn in for the second week of our cruises.

[elmorejj]

That is what we do also KK. One time, we handed them in for the 2nd leg, the next day we were called to the front office because they said we needed to fill in Imm. forms, I explained that we had turned them in the day before. Well on the 3rd day, I was called down again, for the same forms. I politely told them that I was not filling out the same forms again, even if they kept me on the ship!! I guess they found them somewhere, as I never heard anything else about it. :cool:

[dst]

On the July 24th sailing. Depending on your cabin; if you are in a suite, you have a separate line and area all together and it will go quickly assuming the people in front of you have their info already done.

If you are in another category, everyone is in the same line for a bit, then it breaks off. I would take the shortest line. I think what has happened is that a lot of people started using the online forms and HAL has not realized it so they have less people in the other line and it tends to move quicker. Even if you have your online forms you can still use the other line.

Hope this helped, if you have any other questions, just let me know :)

[Lois R]

thanks Doone:)...I have them printed and they are already in the nice "leather" case HAL sends;)