Tampa dembarkation - Customs on ship in the morning?

[GateGuardian]

I have a cruise coming up that embarks/debarks in Tampa. That last time I sailed NCL out of Tampa, they had the US customs on board and international passengers had to wake up extra early to clear customs. Does anyone know if this is still the case (or it's only NCL specific?)

 

Thanks

[KroozFoolz]

That was our experience also when sailing previously from Tampa on Carnival and Royal Caribbean, but it did not seem to be the case last month when we debarked Brilliance of the Seas. None of the debarkation information we were given indicated that internationals had to clear customs onboard before anyone could leave the ship this time.

[LHT28]

Any non US citizens disembarking in a US port get the special treatment;)

 

It is a US Customs/Immigration thing

[Keith1010]

Usually this is the case.

 

I would ask on the cruise line board to see if people have any recent experiences.

 

Keith