dooandherb

We got referred here by our cruise consultant.
Easy enough to find with the GPS. Once you are off the highway there are also some signs there directing you to their location.

Pulling in the lot, they want you to follow the signs for check in and not park your car yet. That is not quite clear when you get there. After you drive the car to the check-in area, they will then park your car, for them to maximize the space on the parking lot and bring you your key back.

On our day, they had 2, 15 passenger shuttle buses running to the different terminals. The waiting areas are not clearly defined, and you will have to speak up and make sure that you are in the right area.
The bus had a little trailer for the peoples’ luggage.
They will fill them up and they seemed to be on a 30-minute schedule. We entered the lot at 10.58 am and we arrived at the terminal at 11.47 am.

Inside the bus, there is a piece of paper noting the pick-up places for the return.

FYI. On a Sunday morning at 11 am, Uber XL quote was $5.83 to get to the port.

Coming back, with us being one of the first of the ship. We were outside at 8.05 am and called the number which is on the yellow sticker. It took a few times before we got through and then he said that he would be on the way. There really is no clear area for them to park, as it is chaotic that time of day. So, my best advice is to hang out at the corner of terminal B and watch the buses/shuttles coming in. Once you see theirs, flag them down and follow them.

From our ship, there were about 10, however, from another ship, there were another 10. That morning they had 2 shuttles running, 1 - 35‘ish passenger bus and 1 20’ish bus.
We were at their lot at 8.45 am (they start running at 8 am)

So, in short, good parking and if you get there on time and you are in no rush leaving it is a great option. However, if you are stressed for time or do not like the chaos at pick up, this may not be for you.

To Laweezy,

The use of duct tape is endless.

I usually tear off 5 or 6 strips which are as wide as the inside of one of my hard case suit cases. I just stick them on there. If and when I have a need, I know where to find it.

Imagine what you may have to hold together for a short period of time for whatever reason, (until a more permanent solution can be found) and you will see that the uses are endless. Think of all the things in your cabin, your stuff, your luggage, etc.

Try it and take some with you the next time you go on any trip.

Go ahead and rip.

1 Bring your passport. (not a birth certificate etc. Your passport!)

2 Have lots of $1 and $5 bills handy,(about $250 worth), change them at your local bank a week before you leave.

3 Buy the underwater camera's at your nearest Wal-mart.

4 A few strips of duct-tape.

5 A waterproof case, that will go around your neck and will hold your ID, cruise card, credit card etc. while swimming/snorkeling in port.

2 more tips:

- Have fun, be open minded. It is what you make of it.

- Unfortunately, expect rude behavior from your fellow passengers, no matter what cruise lines you are on. Never, retaliate, you are better than them.

Enjoy.

In regards to the Dutch relatives.

They will have the green Visa waiver card attached in their passport, upon re-entry in the US, they will have to fill one out again and present it to immigration at the port of entry.

ESTA is not a matter of concern as they needed the approval prior to their flight to the U.S. and is valid for 2 years I believe.

The visa waiver countries as of now do not need a multiple entry visa, although the rules are changing again.

The cruise lines may take their passport upon embarkation and not yours or vice versa, either way do not be alarmed. On the last day of the cruise before debarkation, all "foreign" visitors will receive their passports back.

In doubt call the Dutch help line:1-877-DUTCHHELP (phone)

Dutch consulate in Miami website: http://www.cgmiami.org/homepage.asp

In regards to the original thread; You leave the country, have a passport, no matter what the circumstances (financial hardship etc.(budget for it)) it really is as simple as that.

All issues that may come into play because you do not have a passport, are taken care off because you have one. I believe that is called worry free cruising. You'll be glad you did when you need it.