TeamH

St. Thomas is one of the US Virgin Islands, not a separate nation.

Yeah, that's why I was confused because I knew that, just that one site I went to said I needed a visa.

Anyway, all sorted - thanks everyone. Flying out in 25 days and can't wait! :D

Hi,

I'm a little confused with visa requirements for our upcoming cruise. I can clearly see the following:

USA- ESTA (VWP)

St Maarten - no visa required for Australians

Nassau- no visa required for Australians

St Thomas - here's where there's confusion, depending on what site I visit I'm either on the list waived for visa or on the list for needing a visa.

I'll make some calls tomorrow, but just wondering if there is anyone with recent experience who could provide some direction/advice.

Thanks :)

Great review and adorable family :D

The cyclone already passing will not necessarily guarantee you'll end up stopping there. We missed out on Mystery Island because the pontoon the tenders had to dock at was too damaged by a recent cyclone, so we ended up with an extra sea day.

I just completed mine over a couple of days. It would only accept a couple of nights at a time and then if I tried to book more it would say that I couldn't have more than one booking for the same day even though I didn't have any for the day I was requesting. So I checked out with what would go through and then logged in the next day to do the rest.

I don't have a lot to share having only completed 1 cruise. Booked in for the next though and would be happy to have others feed my new obsession!

Maybe he didn't put it on the list to help keep it a surprise. Never know who looks at forums!! :-)

Haha true. Well if that's the case David....I couldn't keep the surprise! :p. DH for the first time wanted to be involved in our planning so I had to tell him what the "missing" week was for. :D

Hi,

 

I've booked a surprise cruise for June 2015. Hope I can keep it a secret from my husband and kids through until the end!

 

27 June 2015 - Oasis of the Seas - Eastern Caribbean for 7 nights.

 

Thanks

Simone

Hi David,

Looks like you've accidentally missed me on your list. Could you please add these details next time you're updating.

Thanks 😃

I've got cabin 10729 for ours and can't wait. I found this video of our cabin a while ago. I think your bed configuration is different (yours will be near the sliding door) but it'll give you an idea of the view from your balcony.

I was on a 3 Feb sailing on Radiance. Like others have said, there were a mix of dress styles on formal nights, lots in tux, my husband wore his dinner suit that he saves for weddings and my young sons wore what they call their "church shirts". Most men I saw in the MDR were wearing at least a shirt and tie. The weather was very warm, which may explain why some didn't wear jackets.

We hit the tail end of a cyclone, so one sea day and night was a little rocky, but not overly noticeable unless you were in the pool. Had the best night sleep from being rocked to sleep. We had to miss Mystery Island because the pontoon where we would get off the ship was too damaged (just meant a sea day instead) but overall the weather was mostly fabulous and even days that were overcast were still warm enough for a swim.

Like a previous poster said, the Captain will sail around any rough weather as much as possible.

Sorry to the OP for hijacking a little.

THANK YOU BIG M - you have just cleared it all up for me.

The way I was reading it, was either the ESTA or the VWP. Nothing I was reading mentioned a Visa, so that's where my confusion was coming from, along with the fact that my TA has not suggested a visa AT ALL!

It would be an extremely foolish and irresponsible thing not to get an ESTA. You will be denied entry into the USA without one. Things like this ruin peoples holidays all because they are cheap and want to save a few $$$ by avoiding the processing fee.

 

The law is very clear on this and the USA is very strict on immigration procedures and do not turn a blind eye to anyone.

 

Any travel to USA regardless of who you are with you require an ESTA if you are an Australian citizen and passport holder. That includes transit flights.

Going off the US embassy website, it would appear you're actually incorrect. If you're an Australian citizen and passport holder meeting the eligibility of an ETSA then you will be granted entry with the VWP.

I agree that getting an ETSA seems the smartest way to go, but the information from the US embassy appears to conflict with what you've said.

I'm with Gae. Way too expensive. We bought the photo taken as we were boarding as a token and didn't bother with the rest. Might have bought one if we'd done a formal night shoot.

Personally I would just apply and if they say you need ..... pay the pittance.... do you really want nightmares about the possibility of denied boarding... I wouldn't :D

Yes I think you're right. For me it's a long way out so I'd just started looking. I think I'll be taking this advice. :)

Would you be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/WebHelp/ESTA_Screen-Level_Online_Help_1.htm#vwp3

I'm looking into this for our US trip which will include a cruise in the Caribbean.

I think I'll book our family in and see how we go. I've seen it at the theatre so if our boys can't sit through the whole thing I'll leave with them at intermission and my husband can stay and watch the rest.

I do love Cats though. Might have to get the soundtrack so they get used to the songs. I've got them hooked on Phantom of the Opera (we sing a long to it in the car), so I might be able to get Cats over the line.

I got some US$ from an exchange place and then once onboard the casino changed them to singles for me, so yes US. The ATM onboard only gives out US$.

I don't know what irritates me yet but I think I may find out next cruise. Our first one was not in school holidays and there was only 40 children under the age of 12, I barely noticed them. Ours must have been behaving appropriately enough because we go compliments from some lovely older couples we met. Next cruise is June 2015 on the Oasis. I'm guessing I'll notice the extra kids and I'll be one of those parents expecting good behaviour and using inside voices. We've told them already that we'll make them stay in the cabin if they don't use their manners and good behaviour.:eek:

My ASD son loved his first cruise this year and talks about it constantly. He's slept in his cruise hat every night since (February!). The staff were fabulous and were aware he may need some alone time (I discussed this with them the first day) and he actually begged to go back to the kids club which he's never done before on our land based holidays.

We're now booked on our 2nd cruise and he can't wait.

Sounds fabulous.

11/11 is also Remembrance Day in Australia, so if your lucky the ship may have a small service for both.

That would be great hopefully one of us remembers. I am looking at 10729 so just 2 floors up.

I have this room booked for next June. Can't wait! I'll be interested to hear your feedback, but my kids are fairly deep sleepers and will be on such a cruise high I'll be lucky to get them to sleep early anyway :)

We're all really looking forward to being able to watch the shows from our balcony.

Fantastic review. How did the remainder of the trip go? Is your daughter ok?

I got an email for my 27 June 2015 sailing on Oasis :)

Try http://www.insureandgo.com.au/ They have specific cruise insurance plus they cover up to age 100. We've used them 3 times but have never had to claim.

We used them for our Sth Pacific cruise from Sydney and have just signed up with them again for our US trip that includes a cruise over there. They're they only one I could find that has a specific choice for land and cruise plus the cost was really reasonable.