no breakfast before getting off ship!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Sorry Tom but yes you are supposed to have all receipts on hand for your customs declaration.

 

As for the OP, I can't really blame Carnival for cooperating with Customs 150%. Customs has the power to make things really miserable for them.

 

You can BET I had our receipts on our last cruise... all $150 of them!!

 

...

I personally think if they are looking for terrorists, they should pick people more likely to be terrorists. Im for profiling.

 

YEP -- my 88 year old father was taken aside and searched the last time he flew to see us (probably was his last time flying). Here is a guy who served in WWII and dedicated time in the Peace Corps (we lived in Sierra Leone for a year in 1966), and he gets to enjoy first hand the legacy we have thanks to 9/11 ... because he OBVIOUSLY looks like a RISK!

 

This does sound odd. Could it have been a little staff payback?

 

I wonder that sometimes as well... and if not staff.. could someone else have given a false tip just to give them a dark cloud for the morning? :eek:

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

I'm wondering if one of the dogs got a false positive off the OPs "expressed" luggage.

 

Certainly could be that.

 

In all of our cruises, two times we have had a guy with a dog go up/down the line of people as they were getting off the ship. Even though you KNOW you don't have anything to worry about - there is still that image in the back of your mind that the dog is going to find you "interesting"! :eek:

 

Tom

[KEN31VA]

In most cases they will not tell you why they have picked someone out. I don't know why they don't tell you that they can't say; maybe it's just easier to say that it was "random". All carriers, including ships, have to give TSA a list of all passengers arriving in the US. The most obvious reason for the search was that the name was on one of their "lists". They could have been doing some sort of training and evaluation or it could have truly random either to promote compliance or for statical evaluations.

[Crusin Hogs]

It's easy to forget those procedures and policies are in place to protect you and the rest of the public.

 

It's also easy to let it bother you if you are singled out. But, anyone that is innocent should accept it and appreciate the job these people do. I would be honored to experience it.

 

I agree we should all be very happy security is getting alot

better, I do have a TWIC card (federal ID issued by TSA) I wonder

how that would go . If I was selected

[grumpyjr88]

That does suck that they couldn't just tell you what was going on. I've been pulled aside for random TSA searches but never for customs. Only once did I have to open my luggage for them and that's because I let them know I'd been on a farm in England and that I'd also been given a packet of flower seeds as a present. They sprayed stuff on the shoes I wore to the farm and confiscated my seeds because they didn't have some seal indicating they're free of disease or insects. Was no biggie.

 

Oh, I have a question... Customs asks you if you've brought alcohol back with you, right? Well, what if you're bringing back the alcohol that you ordered from Bon Voyage but didn't drink? In Texas, they can't deliver it to you until you're in international waters so I"m thinking the limit rule applies?

[big_duck]

 

Oh, I have a question... Customs asks you if you've brought alcohol back with you, right? Well, what if you're bringing back the alcohol that you ordered from Bon Voyage but didn't drink? In Texas, they can't deliver it to you until you're in international waters so I"m thinking the limit rule applies?

 

I'm trying to, remember if my Bon Voyage bottle had an excise stamp on it or not. If it does, it shouldn't be a problem - provided you haven't peeled it off.

[Equest]

Last year coming back from Ecuador I was singled out for a search. I was escorted to a dungeon looking place with dogs and men carrying machine guns. It was just like what happens in the show Locked Up Abroad. I could have ended up in jail that day like those US hikers in Iran. Many Americans do not understand how awesome our freedoms are, if we did we would not willingly give them up so easily.

[njmomof2]

I understand Tom's post about needing to carry receipts for everything that you own, to prove that you didn't buy it on the islands and don't owe excise tax on it.

 

DH has a Tag watch we bought years ago (I think it was a first anniversary present). He brings it on the cruise, as it's his nice dress watch. I couldn't tell you where that receipt is, as we bought it maybe 13 years ago. What would we do if we were stopped at Customs and accused of purchasing it and not declaring it?

 

I think I had heard of people taking pictures of their more expensive jewelry at home, next to a hometown newspaper with a date prior to the cruise, and keeping them on their camera, to prove that the items were in your possession prior to your trip. Not sure if that would work; otherwise, you'd have to make sure you have evidence of prior ownership of anything that might be of value.

[SATXLady]

Wow. I've traveled a lot. (More air than cruises.) Two things I know from my travels.

 

1 - Always keep all receipts for customs. I've never been asked for them but I keep an envelope for each trip and dutifully put receipts in it so if asked, I have it.

 

2 - Random searches happen. They suck. But they suck less if you go with the flow and get it over with. They get worse if you raise a fuss.

 

P.S. Ref carrying receipts for everything you own, many travel sites do recommend carrying proof of prior ownership for items such as high dollar electronics, jewlery, watches, etc., to avoid customs problems.

[gtalum]

Why Carnival just couldn't tell us what was going on is the confusing part.

 

You were randomly chosen. Carnival can't tell you why because DHS doesn't want you to dump something down the toilet or in the trash if you suspect what's up.

 

IMHO, it's just another example of our national paranoia and the show that DHS puts on to make people feel safe.

[beachgirl75]

Wow..crazy! I was told that even if I buy a ring or piece of any jewelry, not to claim it because they have no idea if you walked onto the ship day 1 with that ring or whatever on, kinda makes sense too,,,saves all the trouble. Good luck to all future cruisers!

[Newcruiser65]

I'd like to know how they pick these random people. I flew from British Columbia to Toronto a couple months ago with a layover in Calgary. I was randomly picked for a pat down search where I boarded in BC and 35 minutes later in Calgary I was again randomly picked for a pat down search. These weren't custom officers, airport security, but it is still very unnerving and to have it done twice within one hour!!! The officer in Calgary told me they just randomly pick male, female, male, female with no other factors involved. Maybe it's the shirt colour for the day???

 

When I was pregnant with my younger son right after the 09/11 attacks, I had to travel a lot for business and for some reason, I was always stopped and searched. I guess I fit the profile, but I'm not sure how many 30 something pregnant women are terrorists.

[LHP]

We had a Customs agent ask me about my Rolex in 2006 ...and fortunately, mine was the last year that had the flat clasp instead of the bracelet clasp...so I was able to just turn my wrist over and say "look....old clasp".... but he was definately fishing.

 

Funny thing was....hubby was right behind me wearing a brand new Breitling...and the Customs guy didn't say a word.... :confused:

 

Btw, hubby flies almost every week....he is going to write a book on the TSA when he retires....

[MonaCD]

As many others have mentioned, the OP is not about safety/security, it's all about the money (duty). After having travelled internationally so often, I have long been prepared with all receipts for everything I purchased while travelling. And in all my travels, I've never been asked for them. You can rest assured, however, the one time I don't have them, I will be asked.

 

I have never knowingly not declared something I should have and yet I still feel a sense of dread as I approach the uniformed Border Services Agent. maybe it's because they can randomly choose to make your life miserable for any number of hours.

 

Security scanning, on the otherhand, I have no issue with. It's an annoyance but other then that it's never caused me any concern. I did have a Leatherman tool that I forgot to swith from my carry on to checked baggage confiscated going through security at Montreal Airport. Oddly enough it had not been noticed at the Copenhagen or Frankfurt airports when going through security there.

 

What I would like to note is that most security/safety regulations that have been put in place have, for the most part, been reactive rather then proactive. Doesn't really give me a great sense of security.

 

Tom, I remember when Cheryl got that grasshopper, wondered if she'd have any trouble getting it by customs.

[albertiger]

I too was randomly picked to pat down, they went thru my purse, embarssing to pull out klenex.

 

It must have been the day for older blond women. I minded because they didnt have a chair to sit in to put my track shoes back on and tie them plus now all the overhead bins were now taken and it was a hassle to find a place for my carry on... good thing I had arrived 2 hours early to make sure I was first on the plane. .. now I was one of the last 2.

 

I personally think if they are looking for terrorists, they should pick people more likely to be terrorists. Im for profiling.

 

So, only pick out people that fit the profile. Maybe that's why terrorist organizations are trying to recruit homegrown Americans...

that look just like you and me!

You were singled out that day, i may be singled out tomorrow-deal with it.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

Tom, I remember when Cheryl got that grasshopper, wondered if she'd have any trouble getting it by customs.

 

:)

 

Next time I should write on the customs form that I purchased THOUSANDS of dollars worth of casino chips.. but that I gave them all back:(! Do you think I would need a receipt for that? :D

 

Tom

[big_duck]

:)

 

Next time I should write on the customs form that I purchased THOUSANDS of dollars worth of casino chips.. but that I gave them all back:(! Do you think I would need a receipt for that? :D

 

Tom

 

Nah, I doubt customs would be interested. IRS might be though. ;)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Nah, I doubt customs would be interested. IRS might be though. ;)

 

They only care what I WIN.... they are not that interested in my losses for some reason. Kind of like fair weather friends!!!

 

Tom

[MonaCD]

:)

 

Next time I should write on the customs form that I purchased THOUSANDS of dollars worth of casino chips.. but that I gave them all back:(! Do you think I would need a receipt for that? :D

 

Tom

Only if you received cash in exchange I suspect.

[futaba951]

They only care what I WIN.... they are not that interested in my losses for some reason. Kind of like fair weather friends!!!

 

Tom

 

You can deduct your losses if you can prove them.

[Supermomma4]

My husband and I have had to fly a great deal for our jobs. I have been pulled aside, put through a machine and frisked-questioned many times at airport security checks because someone with a similar name is on a risk list. I now expect it. I have also been on a flight where we had an engine on fire and had to make an emergency landing. Also I was in a plane where after seating everyone, everyone was taken off the plane and the plane was searched, then we waited for another plane. It made me 8 hours late getting home but I got home and that mattered to me. On one international flight after boarding 3 young men were removed from the flight by security, I do not know why-but we got safely home and that was most important. There have been times when when one of us has to travel for several weeks in a row and so safety is very important to us. I do not care how much security I have to endure if it makes it safer to travel. I'm sorry this couple had to leave the ship without eating but it's a small price to pay for safe travel in these difficult times.

 

I totally agree. I would rather put up w/ the delay and the inconvenience

etc than have something happen later that could endanger my life.

[JennLuvs2Cruise]

I've never had to leave the ship before having one last hearty breakfast meal. On my last cruise on the Dream, we were onboard until 8:45 so it was nice being able to enjoy our last delicious omlette from the omlette station (miss those every day!) and coffee. I can't imagine leaving without my breakfast :eek: !

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

You can deduct your losses if you can prove them.

 

Correct.

 

Tom

[fan1080]

Safety/security is one thing.. but most of what happens when cruise ships return (and customs) has to do with what you claim (duty) and drugs I would think. I don't see terrorists trying to get a dirty bomb or something back through customs on a cruise ship.

 

Oh yes .. there was the time that they wanted to confiscate a cricket fashioned out of a palm frond that we had picked up in Cozumel for fear of mites. The first customs person acted like she had just busted the French Connection (first day on the job I suppose, LOL). Fortunately the guy behind her came forward, looked closely at it and asked us at which port we bought it. I replied Cozumel and he said to her that those were not a problem.

 

It REALLY depends on who you get (which line you get in). With the woman I mentioned above, that cute souvenir would have gone in the trash (incinerated?), whereas the other fellow actually applied a little knowledge. ALL ARE NOT EQUAL... it's a roulette game to be sure. A vast majority are well intentioned caring people, others just like to use their authority to bully and intimidate... I would imagine many of us have run into cops that are that way as well - we can't do without police, but there are always a few bad eggs. I "found" one of those early on! :rolleyes:

 

Tom

 

Finding said dirty bomb would be a by-product of the intended policy.

 

The intention is more on closing security leaks so terrorists do not try to get them through.

 

We could argue this all day with this unrelated story, or that somewhat related story.

 

Fact of the matter is, these procedures are in place for a reason. If someone doesn't like it, whining about it on a message board suits no purpose. If we want it changed, we have to contact someone who can do something for us.

 

I think it's fine, and yes, I've been stuck in customs for a complete search before, more than once actually (I must have a guilty look, lol). It sucked, but I know there is a reason for it, and support it.

[MrPete]

Not Carnivals fault but Homeland security I guess.

 

We did luggage express since our flight was at 2pm from FLL and were going to disembark at our leisure to kill time.

 

Just got out of the shower at a little before 8am when the phone rang. It was guest services telling us to bring our stuff and our sail and sign card immediately as we had to get off the ship right away.

 

We asked why but they would not tell us anything, they just repeated we must get off the ship immediately and after we got off we could not get back on.

 

Went down not knowing if it was a family emergency or what and were escorted to customs into a room and told to sit and wait.

 

Carnival put our cards into the machine as we were leaving and it started buzzing and saying STOP! I didn't need the attention.:p

 

Finally a customs guy comes over and makes us empty our pockets, remove my hat and step back as he proceeded to open our luggage and check everything and my wifes purse.

 

Asked if we claimed everything on our customs form etc.

 

After all this he says we can repack the suitcases and were free to go.

 

Why Carnival just couldn't tell us what was going on is the confusing part.

 

After reading how that woman was falsely arrested a few weeks back all sorts of things were going through my mind.

 

So we got to the airport and got a dose of reality a little sooner than we anticipated as we had to buy our own breakfast for the first time in a week.:rolleyes:

 

Bill

 

Perhaps someone read your posts and you divulged something.