iflyrc5 Posted March 17, 2017 #1 Posted March 17, 2017 We just got back yesterday from 32 days (21 and 11 day B 2 B) on the Rotterdam. HAL was really advertising the Mobile Passport App and even included a sheet with the document package they give you with the luggage tags. On the turnaround day we were docked at Pier 19 and we had to get off the ship to get it down to the zero head count (last year the officials came on and we didn't have to get off but this time there were only 26 of us) When going through the terminal I noticed signs for a separate mobile passport line but did not see signs for the Global Entry (there may have been but I did not see them). Since we were a small group and the last getting off we just went through the normal line. When we returned yesterday we were at Pier 26. When we got off the ship I saw signs for both the Mobile Passport and the Global Entry to the right of the normal line. The line for Mobile Passport only had about 5 people and there was no line for the Global Entry. However, before getting in the Global Entry line they wanted to see our Global Entry card (yes we had them) and then when we got up to the desk they did not have the Global Entry Kiosks but you had to have a filled out the Blue Customs form (which you don't need when you use the Global Entry Kiosk but I had filled out anyway before we got off). When we got to the desk we were put in front of the Mobile passport people, the agent looked at our passports and Global Entry cards and said have a good day. So bottom line is if you have Global Entry it will speed you through the lines at Pier 26 (and probably Pier 19) but you (at least for now) will still need to fill out the blue customs form. One other thing - we had a great 32 days on the Rotterdam with Capt Han Matebore and Hotel Director Mike Mahn. A couple of days of rough sea and rain but a great cruise overall with a great crew.
jenng1976 Posted March 17, 2017 #2 Posted March 17, 2017 Thanks for the info! Did they let you know onboard what pier you were at, or did you have to search online for that info? Planning to use Mobile Passport for the first time in a few weeks. Sent from my iPhone using Forums
Rare 3rdGenCunarder Posted March 17, 2017 #3 Posted March 17, 2017 We used the mobilepassport app a few weeks ago and it was easy. My phone was new and I hadn't had time to download the app before we left, so I had to do it that morning. But it didn't take long to download and complete the info. I did have to go to the front desk to ask which pier we were at. Neptune Lounge probably knew, too, but it was easier to go down one deck after our breakfast at the PInnacle. The system asks if you're ready to disembark, and I said yes, even though our color/number hadn't been called yet. The "receipt" is good for 4 hours, and I knew we'd be off well before that time was up. The "receipt" shows the selfie and a scan code for each person--I could do both of us on my phone. Have your phone ready after you collect your luggage. The security person at the snakeline will want to see the "receipt" before you can go that way. I think there was one person in line ahead of us when we got to the front. Lots of people in the traditional line. The agent asked to see our passports, looked at the selfies, had us scan the codes and then "Welcome home," we were done! I did fill out the paper form just in case something in the system went wrong, but I didn't need it. So far Fort Lauderdale is the only port using this. I hope it spreads to others.
Nanner Posted March 17, 2017 #4 Posted March 17, 2017 Used our Global Entry cards on March 12 and slid right through. The in-laws took quite a bit longer, even though my FIL was using the wheelchair escort line. I will regret not having the option when I disembark in Tampa soon.
Rare Hlitner Posted March 17, 2017 #5 Posted March 17, 2017 With Global Entry (which we have) we do not see any real advantage to the Mobile Customer app/form. Personally, I think its faster to fill out the old Blue form then deal with the Mobile app. And when going through the Port (we use the fast and usually very short Global Entry Line) we simply had the Blue form to the official (this takes a second) and are waved through. As we have posted previously, not only do they have Global Entry Lines (there are no kiosks) at FLL...but they have also quietly started Global Entry lines at the Port of Miami (you have to look for the sign). At the POM rather then be processed by a special line (like at Port Everglades) a rent-a-cop security person simply took us to the front of the long line...once we asked about Global Entry. Hank
14 months and counting Posted March 17, 2017 #6 Posted March 17, 2017 We have mobile passport and used it successfully when flying home from France last October. When we were ready to disembark the Celebrity Equinox on Feb 20th, I attempted to enter the terminal we were scheduled to dock at - pier 18. The only option was pier 18 and I kept getting an error signal. It turned out there was an oil spill in Port Everglades and we docked at pier 25. The mobile passport couldn't handle the change in piers. Luckily, the lines moved very quickly and we exited the terminal in about 15 minutes after exiting the ship.
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