Now I understand...

[sfnew2sail]

what you all mean when you speak of the "blue folder." Just got mine today and it's full of cruise documents! I've had a wonderful time perusing this afternoon and doing a little further planning. Can't wait!!!

Oh, quick question: What does it mean that I need to bring "a copy of my original prescriptions"? I use a mail-order pharmacy. Don't know what to do about that. Any thoughts?

[mikefang]

We use the original bottle and/or a letter from our physician. Never had a problem or been asked to produce either-have a great trip.
Mike

[hartcruiser]

I got our docs on Tuesday for our Alaska cruise in June. We are checking in online htis weekend. Are we suppose to take the immigration forms with us or mail them in?? This is our first crusie so a little unsure on what to do with everything. Thanks for any help...

[twinkletoes4445]

I got our docs on Tuesday for our Alaska cruise in June. We are checking in online htis weekend. Are we suppose to take the immigration forms with us or mail them in?? This is our first crusie so a little unsure on what to do with everything. Thanks for any help...

I did the immigration forms online, submitted them, then printed a copy and took it with us. I don't recall if we were asked to see the copy, but I had it with me just in case.

Have a great cruise! :)

[twinkletoes4445]

what you all mean when you speak of the "blue folder." Just got mine today and it's full of cruise documents! I've had a wonderful time perusing this afternoon and doing a little further planning. Can't wait!!!

Oh, quick question: What does it mean that I need to bring "a copy of my original prescriptions"? I use a mail-order pharmacy. Don't know what to do about that. Any thoughts?

I carry all our prescriptions in their original bottles. I'm guessing that's what they want you to do. When I am at home, or traveling around the country, we usually put our meds in one of those daily things. On a cruise, we don't do this. We keep everything in the original bottle. However, never has anyone ever questioned us about out meds.

Have a fun time on your cruise! :)

[Copper10-8]

................Oh, quick question: What does it mean that I need to bring "a copy of my original prescriptions"? I use a mail-order pharmacy. Don't know what to do about that. Any thoughts?

9.9 out of 10 times your prescription meds will never be looked at by anyone associated with your cruise experience (most likely U.S. Dept. of the Treasury CBP agents if returning to the U.S. or, usually, federal law enforcement if your disembarkation [or embarkation] is abroad.) The reason the cruise line is advising/recommending you to bring some sort of proof that the meds you are carrying are the "real thing" is in the unlikely event that you come in contact with, i.e. those CBP agents or law enforcement officers in the countries you'll be visiting.

Being detained (for whatever reason) by law enforcement and being able to proof that what you have on your person in the form of pills, tablets, capsules, etc. is legit as opposed to illegal will prevent lots of migraines.

[PathfinderEss]

I got our docs on Tuesday for our Alaska cruise in June. We are checking in online htis weekend. Are we suppose to take the immigration forms with us or mail them in?? This is our first crusie so a little unsure on what to do with everything. Thanks for any help...
Print out a copy of your online filled in immigration forms and you take them with you. When you get to your ships pier you will give them to the check-in people at the desk. Usually what we do because that paper work is very important for you to get on board the ship, I stick them in the blue folder so that I'm sure they are with us, along with your passports or cert. copy of your birth certificate.

[cubzter]

We found that our physician was perfectly happy to prepare a letter on his official stationary detailing each of our prescriptions (including dosing information) so we would not only have proof for customs should any questions arise, but also to help us get refills abroad should the need present itself. We made the request of our doc by phone and it was ready a couple of days later to be mailed or picked up in person.

[Copper10-8]

We found that our physician was perfectly happy to prepare a letter on his official stationary detailing each of our prescriptions (including dosing information) so we would not only have proof for customs should any questions arise, but also to help us get refills abroad should the need present itself. We made the request of our doc by phone and it was ready a couple of days later to be mailed or picked up in person.

That's solid advice!

[cubzter]

Just to clarify a bit. We, too, get our meds in a 90-day supply via mail order so they come in lareger-than-usual bottles. To save space (and limit our loss should something happen) we only take the amount we need for the trip plus a few extra days worth and then pack those in a pill carrier alongside our OTC meds (Pepto, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, etc.). BUT, from everything I've read with regards to foreign customs this is NOT the "gold standard" for proof like carrying the meds in their original bottles. So even having the letter along with the "loose" pills isn't precisely and technically what is recommended by the authorities, but we feel comfortable enough with it and have never had an issue.

[CruiseShelly]

In 30 years of traveling no one has EVER asked to see any prescription for medication I've had along. I also use mail order pharmacy through my insurance so get those large 90 day bottles. I use one of those weekly sectioned pill containers for a week cruise and for my upcoming 10 day cruise, I'll put the extra three days' pills in either little zipper bags or tinfoil. There will be no medicine left to bring off the ship so no one will be asking coming back into this country. The medicine never leaves the ship so no one is checking or it coming or going into foreign ports. The cruise lines would be in a real mess if everytime they entered a port 1800 or more people were hassled for paperwork for the Blood Pressure pills!

[CSTX Mom]

We found that our physician was perfectly happy to prepare a letter on his official stationary detailing each of our prescriptions (including dosing information) so we would not only have proof for customs should any questions arise, but also to help us get refills abroad should the need present itself. We made the request of our doc by phone and it was ready a couple of days later to be mailed or picked up in person.

To make the letter more official, you could ask the doctor to have it notarized as well. Foreign officials are more trusting of documentation that has had this done.

[packyourbags]

On behalf of healthcare providers across the globe, may I suggest that passengers either retain their meds in the original Rx bottle or carry a complete list of meds with dosage. I've seen many patients who, in a stressful moment, completely forget the names of their meds and never have an idea about dosage. If you require treatment in a foreign facility, the language barrier may be enough to cause issue with obtaining a proper history, the med list may prevent a fatal error.
Safe travels!

[cubzter]

If you require treatment in a foreign facility, the language barrier may be enough to cause issue with obtaining a proper history, the med list may prevent a fatal error.
Safe travels!

Our doctor listed both the brand (marketing) name--which may vary from country to country--as well as the chemical name (e.g. Lipitor/Atorvastatin) just to prevent any confusion.

[cubzter]

In 30 years of traveling no one has EVER asked to see any prescription for medication I've had along. ... The cruise lines would be in a real mess if everytime they entered a port 1800 or more people were hassled for paperwork for the Blood Pressure pills!

I congratulate you on your luck. I, too, have never been asked for a prescription, per se, but I have had foreign customs agents (in Argentina and Mexico) pick up and read prescription bottles that I had along (before acquiring my 'scrip letter). And every customs site for every country I've traveled to, and every guidebook I've read says you should have SOME method of linking yourself to the medication in your possession. It's just a sensible precaution. :)

Of course this shouldn't be an issue so much for those departing from a U.S. port. I think, perhaps, that this is more of an issue for those of us who might travel in and out of foreign ports where the customs inspections tend to be more vigorous.

[sfnew2sail]

Thanks for all the useful info on the meds. We will be leaving Rome to board the cruise ship and disembark there also. I'm gathering from the advise that I will be fine if I make sure we carry all meds in the original prescription bottles. Shouldn't be a problem. My husband does that even here in the good old USA just in case!

[prcox]

So do you think this is only a problem if you are debarking at a foreign port? Or carrying your meds with you when you leave the ship for a shore excursion? Or is it just the US Customs that is interested?

Or should everyone be concerned about the pills in their stateroom?

[LadyFurn]

I always thought they suggested this more for refill or medical reasons than anything to do with customs or inspections...:confused:

[sfnew2sail]

LadyFurn, I didn't think that that might be the reason for the original prescription. I'm going to call our company's convention and travel bureau and ask about it.

[sfnew2sail]

When I checked in online, I filled out a form that asked the same questions as the paper immigration forms that came in the blue folder. I also printed out the signature boarding pass. Am I OK? Or do I need to fill out the paper form too?

[Mary Ellen]

When I checked in online, I filled out a form that asked the same questions as the paper immigration forms that came in the blue folder. I also printed out the signature boarding pass. Am I OK? Or do I need to fill out the paper form too?As long as you've completed and printed out the on-line form, you're fine - as long as you remember to also bring it with you.

[sfnew2sail]

Thanks, Mary Ellen! I thought I was OK with the online form since I have my printed boarding passes. And, yes, I WILL remember to take them with me! LOL I'm usually pretty OCD about things like that--check, recheck, check again--as I'm walking out the door!

[Copper10-8]

So do you think this is only a problem if you are debarking at a foreign port? Or carrying your meds with you when you leave the ship for a shore excursion? Or is it just the US Customs that is interested?

Or should everyone be concerned about the pills in their stateroom?

No need to be concerned and no need to go into overdrive! CBP is not interested in your prescription meds and neither, for the most part, are foreign law enforcement authorities.

If, in the unlikely event there is a loss of cabin pressure, yellow oxygen masks will drop from compartments in the ceiling. Pull the mask towards you thereby starting the flow of oxygen.Put the mask over your nose and mouth and tighten the elastic band........................sorry, wrong speech!

If, in the unlikely event, you are ever questioned by law enforcement (for whatever reason, home or abroad), and, during that investigation, "pills, tablets, capsules" marked or unmarked, show up in your possession not in the issued container(s),loose in your pocket, your purse, a plain and unmarked container, etc., w/o prescription info, if that copper is doing his/her job, he/she's gonna wanna know what kind of pills, tablets, capsules he/she is dealing with. It would make life sooooo much easier if the owner of said pills, tablets, capsules, etc. has something in their possession (prescription info, issued container, the doc letter Cubzter referred to, etc.) with which he/she can prove that they are legit, capiche? That was the reason for my earlier post. In my job, I have looked up many a pill, tablet, capsule in the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR -they have cool pics.) in an effort to i.d. said drug because the owner couldn't/wouldn't

Almost 100% of the time, CBP agents or their counterparts abroad will never see your meds! Don't worry, be happy!

[the2ofus]

Just a further suggestion... Having multiple medications suggests to me that you may have a medical history. In the event that you have a medical emergency while traveling it is a good idea to also have a list of your diagnoses, previous surgeries or medical procedures related to your condition(s) along with the physician and hospital names, addresses, phone, e-mail and FAX information. In this day of international satellite communications this can enable a doctor anywhere in the world to quickly get the information needed to provide you with the best treatment.

My DH had a long and complex medical history. I devised an outline for listing his pertinent medical history and never traveled without it. It even was useful at home when he was referred to a new specialist or hospital. Saved a lot of time with those admission forms.

[sfnew2sail]

Actually, I just take a blood pressure pill, the lowest dose available since losing 30 lbs (amazing how that works!). DH takes something to help him sleep and a pill for a nervous condition (neither of which are controlled substances). I don't think we'll have any problems, especially if we have the meds in their original prescription containers. Thanks for all the help.