Post Cruise Security Screenings

[valleyguyva]

Cruise Critic is a wonderful source of information, both official and anecdotal, and I must confess I have received far more than I have given. For that reason, it pains me that one of my rare contributions is so negative in tone.

 

I wanted to caution everyone about a security issue my spouse and I encountered on our January 8 cruise aboard Celebrity Solstice. By all measures it was a delightful cruise, and we have nothing but accolades for the staff and crew of Solstice. Our problems began at the moment of disembarkation. As our Seapass cards were scanned a final time, an alarm sounded and we were stopped dead in our tracks. An animated conversation ensued between the two security officers present. Although we could not translate, their body language suggested neither knew what to do. Eventually, we were asked to step aside and a rope was drawn between us and other departing passengers. The disembarkation process resumed and we stood there seemingly helpless and very much a public spectacle. We asked repeatedly for an explanation and were ignored. In time, one of the security officers made a telephone call, after which a third officer emerged from the crowd. He asked us to follow him, to which we asked why and to where? Again, there was no response. We were escorted from the ship and led hastily through the controlled chaos that accompanies any ship disembarkation. The tall, brawny officer cut an imposing figure and used it to muscle his way through the crowd, sometimes shoving people from his path. In his demeanor there was an obvious sense of urgency and the implication that we were suspect was palpable. We were taken to a pier-side terminal and placed in the custody of a customs official who directed us to have a seat, again without explanation. As we grew more acclimated to our surroundings, we were shocked to see our luggage leaning against an adjacent wall. Having participated in the luggage valet service, we had not seen our bags in nearly ten hours, and in that moment we were chilled by the possibilities. We immediately speculated that someone had tampered with our bags or, worse, used them to transport an illegal substance from the ship. After an interminable wait, we were summoned to a desk and asked not only to identify our luggage but to hoist them onto a table for inspection. Our bags were methodically searched and we were interrogated about our itinerary and items we had purchased during our cruise. It was then and only then that we were informed of our unwitting participation in a random security screening. The officer conceded that neither we nor our luggage may make it to the airport in time for our flight, but we were free to go. Since we had already paid for the valet service, we allowed a waiting porter to take our luggage, and made a hasty exit to the airport. Thankfully, both we and our bags arrived home safely and on schedule.

 

Let there be no mistake, we are strong advocates of border security and understand the times in which we live demand vigilance on the part of everyone. We submit, however, that detaining cruise passengers for thirty minutes without any disclosure of their circumstances is more than a little heavy-handed. We have learned from both Celebrity Cruises and the Department of Homeland Security that cruise lines are provided no advance information on who is selected for closer scrutiny nor why. As a result, cruise ship security personnel are instructed not to acknowledge passenger questions and simply deliver them to a customs official as quickly as possible. In our case, the process took thirty minutes and was affected in so public a manner that we were not only embarrased, but frightened by the implications.

 

Let me say that we are educated, professional and well-traveled individuals who endure happily whatever inspections are required of us at airports and other ports of entry worldwide. This, however, was a new experience and one that we share as a service to others who may fall victim to the same security protocol. Surely, there must be a better way.

[cavok]

i feel with you!

 

had a similarly nasty experience upon entering the U.S. with my then-girlfriend (now wife) about 2 years ago in their outpost at toronto airport (flights are thereafter considered domestic).

she gained a "secondary" screening (that's how they call it) for no apparent reason, we were split without any information given, she waited another 40min without anything happening, again without information etc... then a simple 4min check of the luggage and she was let go. we almost missed the flight because of that.

please mind, we're well traveled, i've entered (and left ;-) the U.S. xteen times, never had a run in with law enforcement, we don't look like criminals, swiss citizens etc...

i can even see the need for some security (although the u.s. acts at a paranoid level IMHO) but this was simply without class. rude, no information given, no questions, very public and embarassing. me left to sit wondering.

considering that can be the first "routine" contact tourists get with the u.s., one would expect to be welcomed at least a bit friendlier... after all, you want our vacation dollars...

 

my suggestion is to write a complaint on the cbp website:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/home

bottom right, submit a complaint.

 

you will get a standard blabla response but still, at least someone knows you weren't happy about your experience.

since it's just another government organization, which means wanting to grow and get a bigger share of your tax dollars, alienating too many innocent citizens can't possibly be in their interest.

 

good luck!

 

cavok

[Dizney]

While disheartening and I would have been traumatized too, I suggest that if this is indeed a drill then only the top security personnel would even know that it was a drill. It won't be very "real" if many know about it.

I'm glad that you enjoyed your cruise and you & your luggage made it home in a timely manner. :)

[boscobeans]

A few years ago my wife and I had to report to a pre-departure customs inspection on a Holland America cruise before we left the ship at the NYC cruise terminal.

 

There were about 12 or so other passengers there and the meeting took place on the ship at about 7:30 in the AM. No luggage was involved, not even the carry-on bags we had in tow. The customs agent went over each of our declaration forms and asked us about all our purchases while out of the USA. We had no problems and returned to our staterooms where we waited for our color to be called and departed with no further problem.

 

Our luggage which was in with all the other bags bearing the same color tags and was not opened or tampered with in any way.

 

They also said that this was usual and random.

 

If it is a usual thing, we never heard of it and are thankful it was done in private, on board the ship and not where yours was performed.

 

Bosco

[takemewithyou]

I have read about this happening on the HAL board, but the circumstance was that the passengers had made a very large purchase from the jewelry shops onboard and once their seapass card was scanned as they were disembarking, an alarm sounded. A customs officer then escorted them off the ship and questioned them about onboard purchases. Apparently the ship is required to report large purchases to customs ahead of disembarkation.

[Muushka]

Those who give up their liberty for more security neither deserve liberty nor security. Ben Franklin

 

OP, what happened to you should never happen to any law abiding citizen. I would probably have reacted the same as you did.

But to treat American citizens in this manner for a "random security screening". We are on a very slippery slope.:eek:

 

Thank you for posting your experience.

All who read it will have a better understanding of what is going on if they are ever cursed with being selected.

[boscobeans]

I have read about this happening on the HAL board, but the circumstance was that the passengers had made a very large purchase from the jewelry shops onboard and once their seapass card was scanned as they were disembarking, an alarm sounded. A customs officer then escorted them off the ship and questioned them about onboard purchases. Apparently the ship is required to report large purchases to customs ahead of disembarkation.

 

We were notified the last night on board and it was over and done with before any actual passengers began to exit the ship. We do spend a fair deal on the ship and in the various ports but nothing extraordinary in our opinion.

 

bosco

[valleyguyva]

This placed us in the unenviable position of supporting the concept but not the execution. We complained to Celebrity because initially we felt we were victims of overzealous or ill-trained security. Celebrity, to their credit, responded immediately but absolved themselves of responsibility by saying the cruise line was as much a victim of the national security apparatus as its passengers. We inquired of U.S. Customs & Border Protection and after three requests for clarification were told Celebrity was indeed correct. If it was such a random screening, we wondered, why was our luggage removed from the valet service and awaiting our arrival in the customs terminal? Someone somewhere had to know long before disembarkation that the luggage should not go directly to the airport. No one ever addressed the question. As American history buffs, the Ben Franklin quote came immediately to mind. We're not against security, but is a little dignity too much to ask?

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Those who give up their liberty for more security neither deserve liberty nor security. Ben Franklin

 

OP, what happened to you should never happen to any law abiding citizen. I would probably have reacted the same as you did.

But to treat American citizens in this manner for a "random security screening". We are on a very slippery slope.:eek:

 

Thank you for posting your experience.

All who read it will have a better understanding of what is going on if they are ever cursed with being selected.

 

I absolutely agree with you. "Homeland Security" has WAY too much power and does not in the least make me feel safe or secure.

 

To the OP, I thank you for posting your terrible experience so that if it happens to anyone else they will at least have some idea of what is going on. I would strongly encourage you to complain to your senator and congressperson. There is no excuse for treating law-abiding citizens like criminals. What a nasty way to end a lovely vacation.

[yogimax]

As far as I know, no terrorist attack has originated with someone departing a cruise ship.

 

Part of the problem is the increasing attacks on "profiling." If some mild degree of profiling were allowed, there would be no hassle to departing cruise ship passengers.

But, alas, our sense of political correctness has stopped TSA and Homeland Security from using rational profiling. Because of this, you randomly suffered the embarrassment.

[Dizney]

I absolutely agree with you. "Homeland Security" has WAY too much power and does not in the least make me feel safe or secure.

 

To the OP, I thank you for posting your terrible experience so that if it happens to anyone else they will at least have some idea of what is going on. I would strongly encourage you to complain to your senator and congressperson. There is no excuse for treating law-abiding citizens like criminals. What a nasty way to end a lovely vacation.

 

Amen! The groping of children and old ladies comes to mind! :mad:

[Wine-O]

This all seems very strange and bizarre to me. When you swipe your seapass upon disembarkation, all the ship wants to know is to account for those passengers who have departed the ship. I've never encountered any customs/security personnel until I have exited the ship, claimed my luggage, and have a porter assist me thru immigration. Customs/search of your luggage comes next if you are flagged. :confused:

[johnb0529]

This all seems very strange and bizarre to me. When you swipe your seapass upon disembarkation, all the ship wants to know is to account for those passengers who have departed the ship. I've never encountered any customs/security personnel until I have exited the ship, claimed my luggage, and have a porter assist me thru immigration. Customs/search of your luggage comes next if you are flagged. :confused:

 

US Customs (and most/all other countries the ship enters) receive a full list of passengers before they dock (airlines have to do the same), so it is very possible that customs can flag a passenger to be stopped.

[Algebralovr]

I strongly recommend that you contact your US Senator and US Representative. Your complaint is with the Dept of Homeland Security and how CBP handled the situation. A complaint to Celebrity that they need to do additional training with their staff is also appropriate.

 

In the flying that I've done in the last year, the TSA is doing a decent job under tough circumstances. I watched a TSA agent perform additional screening on a passenger at the airport when I was on the way to FLL for my cruise on Feb 10. The TSA agent asked the passenger to step aside and performed the screening in full view, explaining what she was doing and she certainly didn't look like she enjoyed it.

 

That said, good profiling is the key. Ask anyone who has gone through security going to or from Israel about screening! They don't stop with x-raying your bags, they question, question, and question some more.

[dennbr9]

You can bet I would not go quietly! Everyone within 100yds would know I was pi**ed, but still somewhat polite:-)

 

I believe in what old Ben Franklin said.

[ChucktownSteve]

I absolutely agree with you. "Homeland Security" has WAY too much power and does not in the least make me feel safe or secure. I would strongly encourage you to complain to your senator and congressperson.

 

Let's see now...the POTUS, Representatives and Senators pass laws that exclude themselves or give themselves special compensation. So what makes you think that complaining to them would benefit you?

The OP should consider themselves very lucky they weren't subjected to a strip and body cavity search. The Government WAS entitled if they desired to exercise their "authority."

Suck it up. We're been moving towards a different type of government. Love it or leave it. You have no other choice.:eek:

[ChucktownSteve]

That said, good profiling is the key. Ask anyone who has gone through security going to or from Israel about screening! They don't stop with x-raying your bags, they question, question, and question some more.

I agree that good profiling is the key. However the TSA and homeland insecurity have nothing to do with anything close to how Israel does screening!!

The TSA will stop, interrogate and fondle an innocent person because proper profiling is politically incorrect. That includes wheelchair bound invalids and children who if anyone else did it would be arrested for pedophilia. However if someone fits the real terrorist profile, they can't do anything because the TSA would be accused of PROFILING. Reminds me of the saying, “I’m from the Government and I’m here to help you.”

[boscobeans]

ChucktownSteve

 

"Who moved my cheese?"

 

Sad to say, but so very true. The world has changed and all our cheese is being moved..

 

The handwriting is on the wall.

 

"If You Do Not Change, You Can Become Extinct."

 

bosco

[valleyguyva]

This all seems very strange and bizarre to me. When you swipe your seapass upon disembarkation, all the ship wants to know is to account for those passengers who have departed the ship. I've never encountered any customs/security personnel until I have exited the ship, claimed my luggage, and have a porter assist me thru immigration. Customs/search of your luggage comes next if you are flagged. :confused:

 

To clarify, we did not encounter any CBP officials until we arrived in the terminal. The initial encounter and extended detention was in the hands of Celebrity security personnel manning the podium at disembarkation. These guys appeared genuinely dumbfounded when our Seapass cards yielded an alarm and ultimately had to call someone for instructions. After more waiting another officer appeaed to escort us off the ship.

 

As for our inquiry to CBP, the public information officer did not know the definition of the word "disembarkation" and kept referring to our being detained prior to boarding the ship. You can imagine the degree to which that made us feel more secure.

 

Again, we're not knocking the need for security, we just think a little finesse could have averted a lot of fear and speculation. It would not have hindered the screening process one iota for Celebrity personnel to have reassured us that our delay and escort from the ship was a routine procedure. Saying nothing only exacerbated an already stressful situation.

[Lsimon]

It is a shame that you were treated this way. I'm sure you'd be much less upset if you'd been informed what was going on even if you were not pleased with the situation overall.

 

While TSA probably does a remarkable job the vast majority of the time it is terrible that many have such poor experiences. I recall the time our good cruise friends from the UK came to visit and it took over 2 hours for them to clear customs in Chicago (same time as all arriving international passengers). A terrible welcome to America for them and this was at the very time that Chicago was in the final running for the 2016 Olympics.

 

Interestingly enough the toughest inspection we've ever had with Customs has been when departing a cruise when we declared some items over our duty free limit and stopped to pay duty.

 

I have read about this happening on the HAL board, but the circumstance was that the passengers had made a very large purchase from the jewelry shops onboard and once their seapass card was scanned as they were disembarking, an alarm sounded. A customs officer then escorted them off the ship and questioned them about onboard purchases. Apparently the ship is required to report large purchases to customs ahead of disembarkation.

 

Customs does require the cruise ship shops to report sales to them. On all cruises we've done customs has a spot in the ship for cruisers to declare large purchases and pay duty before disembarkation. Customs will have a list of ship sales and will be checking names off as people come in to make their declaration, and I sure wouldn't want to be on their list with my name not checked off when disembarking.

[smeyer418]

good luck. A border search needs no probable cause-or any cause for that matter- or an explanation. Any one entering the US is subject to any search they want to conduct-random or based on information- on the items brought in and can be detained while that is going on. Who says so the US Supreme Court. At common law, a border search to enter into the country(or return if you are a US citizen) can be extensive and can be done over a long period of time. They weren't rude to you. They were just officious. They did their job and that is all they are required to do. Unfortunately that is the answer you will probably get.

[phoenix_dream]

I am going to play devil's advocate here for a minute, which given the tone of this thread will not likely go well, but so be it. First of all, I am in agreement that the government can sometimes go too far in the name of 'national security'. But getting past that..............

 

While I am not suggesting the OP is not truthful (I believe they are reporting the situation as they felt it), I suggest people who are getting so incensed perhaps should go back and really read the description of the problem. I ask - is it possible, that because the OP was upset and confused they are perhaps being a bit dramatic in their description? Why do I say this? For example, these choices of words: "tall, brawny officer cut an imposing figure"..."muscle his way through", "we were interrogated", "helpless and very much a public spectacle". Are we perhaps hearing more of a story of how they felt, rather than the full facts of the matter?

 

Cutting out the emotion, an alarm went off when they attempted to exit. Security reacted quickly to take them to a room where they were questioned about what was in their luggage (and perhaps it was searched - I do not recall if this was mentioned). They were not informed as to why they were being chosen (which would be logical as Security would not even know why they were chosen, although a little more diplomacy would have been nice). I am not sure why Security was so confused about this if it truly happens randomly, as one would think then they would have encountered this before, but who knows, maybe they were new at the job. After some questioning (interrogating??) they were then sent on their way.

 

Would this be frustrating? Absolutely. And I agree they should have been given some better explanation upfront. But I suggest that perhaps we are hearing more of an emotional reaction (overreaction???) than the actual facts might dictate. I cannot say for sure of course as I was not there, but I draw this suspicion based on the emotion and choice of words in the description. So while some mistakes in handling may have occurred, maybe others might have not reacted so strongly. Just some food for thought, and of course not definitive as I was not there.

[valleyguyva]

Phoenix Dream, you get no argument from me for playing devil's advocate, and your points are well-taken. In fact, had I not been present for this ordeal I may have reached similar conclusions. Fact is, I work in a legal environment where detail is paramount, not for dramatic effect, but to convey accurately what happened and when. My words were chosen accordingly. We were not delayed, we were detained. We were not casually escorted from the ship to customs, but ordered to follow a Celebrity security officer of considerable physical girth as he careened through a crowd of waiting passengers rather than walking around them. Therein lies the rub. The demeanor of all concerned reflected a sense of urgency, not an event that occurs with boring reliability. Our account reflects the context of the moment, as accurately as we can deliver it.

[smeyer418]

background material

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_search_exception

 

and BTW the Supreme Court doesn't define the border as only at the actual crossing line...

 

by the way if there is any doubt on my attitude ICE and CBP can be downright annoying. I was on a returning cruise when ICE decided, without notice to the cruise line before hand, that they would not clear the ship for anyone to get off before all foreign nationals reported to them on board and were cleared. Instead of starting the off loading at 8 am NO ONE was allowed off at all until after 10:30 when the foreigners had cleared. The cruise line stated that if they had been told before hand they would have all the foreigners come to the auditorium and be cleared. They had to get them, make repeated announcements for them to come and no one was allowed off even the people carrying their own luggage. a lot of people missed planes that day and there was not one thing the cruise line could do about it but complain...which they did to absolutely no avail not even a sorry about that.

[jwds]

As far as I know, no terrorist attack has originated with someone departing a cruise ship.

 

Part of the problem is the increasing attacks on "profiling." If some mild degree of profiling were allowed, there would be no hassle to departing cruise ship passengers.

But, alas, our sense of political correctness has stopped TSA and Homeland Security from using rational profiling. Because of this, you randomly suffered the embarrassment.

 

So you think that no cruise ship passenger would fit the profile.