Porters to carry bags through customs

[Frogdogpal]

We will be cruising Breakaway later in the year. We always give our bags to a porter on embarkation. We would like to get off of the ship as soon as possible to see my favorite city, New York. I understand a porter will get you through customs fast. Where do you see them, what is the cost? Or do you just give them a tip and what should that be? Do they take you to the cab line? Any information would be appreciated.

[genman36]

We will be cruising Breakaway later in the year. We always give our bags to a porter on embarkation. We would like to get off of the ship as soon as possible to see my favorite city, New York. I understand a porter will get you through customs fast. Where do you see them, what is the cost? Or do you just give them a tip and what should that be? Do they take you to the cab line? Any information would be appreciated.

 

We have sailed out of NY multiple times. When you get off and arrive at the baggage claim area, the porters will be lined up waiting for customers. Just grab one, identify your bags and he/she will take you and your bags to through customs. Usually its a shorter line (if any) and then outside. We have had them take us to our parked car and a few times across the street to a pick up area near the cab stand where our daughter picked us up. We always tip $20 and its well worth it.

[ChitownKaye]

I didn't see any porters on disembarkation last year at Manhattan terminal. I saw a sign, but no porters. I surely would like to find one this year as I thought disembarkation was a mess in NYC. It took us over two hours last year.

[jaja]

I didn't see any porters on disembarkation last year at Manhattan terminal. I saw a sign, but no porters. I surely would like to find one this year as I thought disembarkation was a mess in NYC. It took us over two hours last year.

 

If you were not off fairly early...sometimes the porters are all already engaged with other passengers...and not yet back in terminal baggage area to pick up more work..

PS--they do not actually take your bags through customs...but rather wait..while you clear customs...

[ChitownKaye]

I'm getting an earlier time off this year. Last year we took 9:30 a.m. and didn't make it to the street until noon.

[casofilia]

I would be very surprised if, in any country, porters were allowed to take your luggage through customs. They may be with you but you would have to present the luggage and answer any questions about it yourself.

[Frogdogpal]

I would be very surprised if, in any country, porters were allowed to take your luggage through customs. They may be with you but you would have to present the luggage and answer any questions about it yourself.

I realize that. Maybe should have said "assist". Me to reach customs.

[touringbee]

Fastest departure is to take your own bags off ship. If ship crew takes them, you have to wait & claim them. Porters are available after the turnstyles or room you pick up or claim your bag. OR... if you have yours, you just go straight to Customs. Then get your Porter. You and only you can take your bag thru.

 

 

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[mking8288]

Just that OP know, BA uses 2 gangways - AFT gangway (always deck 7 in NYC) is closest to escalator & elevator to get downstairs. No matter what, you will be bypassed by those being escorted as VIP, coming from Haven & suites by butler or concierge on fast track.

 

If you leave your luggage for transfer to terminal, it will save your lots of work pulling, pushing - it's a long walk & not fun with 40+ lbs per bag ... joining sometimes as many as 800 to 1,000 fellow cruisers all rushing to get off (up to whatever the limits are)

 

Porters will be in the luggage hall, load your luggage & walk the shortcut thru CBP, you still must fill out declaration form & present passports - but, ahead of the "regular" lines with easily 200+ people snaking their way thru. Generous tipping is recommended & appreciated, never "required" and # of luggages taken should also tilt the amount given, $20 for 2 is generally welcomed & thanked.

 

For insurance & safety reasons, porters are not supposed to cross 12th Ave to yellow taxi stand across the wide roadway, but ...

 

We have been doing the color/priority tag for a # of sailings in NYC and usually outside, ready for taxi or car service pickup by 9 AM - never fun to stand in line, stop-n-go with the bags, and walk that 1/4 mile, ship to inside to the avenue, especially when ships is "usually" back early - difference is maybe 30 to 45 minutes saved. Fun to sit in the MDR enjoy breakfast being served & watch the struggling herd.