Self disembarkation and customs

[montekat]

We sailed on the Pride out of Baltimore. Due to rough seas 2 weeks ago, we arrived back at the port 2 hours late. We are VIP, so chose to have our bags taken off by the ship instead of doing self disembarkation. The problem was that we were told to wait in the same lounge as those carrying off their luggage. When they came to get our group, we were all herded together to get off the ship.

 

We went through the lines, showed our passports and then headed over to get our luggage, in Group 1. We were then told we couldn't touch our luggage as it hadn't been cleared by customs. We had to sit and wait as hundreds of people filed past us with their luggage and out into the parking lot before we were allowed to get ours.

 

My question is, who was checking all the luggage as everyone filed out carrying their own? :confused:

[nevrhome]

My understanding is that both luggage being carried off and that held for VIP are subject to "random" search procedures. Maybe your group hadn't been randomly searched for clearance yet because of the ship's delay. Just a thought.

[golfadj]

They "spot" check.