Customs check if stopping in Mexico mid-cruise?

[phoenix_dream]

Our cruise itinerary was changed to eliminate Monterey and as a result of this we visit San Francisco as a port stop (not final stop) right after stopping in Ensenada.  I believe we need to go through a Customs procedure in San Francisco because of this?  Can anyone who has sailed recently in a similar situation confirm this?  

[CruiserBruce]

Most likely the cruise line will probably handle any Immigration and Customs procedures for you, as this is a mid cruise stop, not your final destination. Immigration is your likely issue, not Customs...Customs isn't that big a "thing" any more.

[njhorseman]

6 hours ago, phoenix_dream said:

Our cruise itinerary was changed to eliminate Monterey and as a result of this we visit San Francisco as a port stop (not final stop) right after stopping in Ensenada.  I believe we need to go through a Customs procedure in San Francisco because of this?  Can anyone who has sailed recently in a similar situation confirm this?  

 

4 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Most likely the cruise line will probably handle any Immigration and Customs procedures for you, as this is a mid cruise stop, not your final destination. Immigration is your likely issue, not Customs...Customs isn't that big a "thing" any more.

Customs isn't a "big thing" but immigration is.

As San Francisco is the first US port after a foreign port you will almost certainly have to undergo an in person immigration check, which could be handled on the ship or on the cruise pier depending on USCBP's whim. 

If there are no other foreign port calls prior to your US disembarkation port you won't have to go through any further immigration check, with only a minimal chance of your being one of the few unlucky passengers pulled aside for a random customs check.

Edited March 14, 2023 by njhorseman