[thomachan72]

Originally Posted by injrav

Hi Friends
This is my first thread in IV
I am posting my experience on cruise vacation mostly from immigrant point of view.

I am on H1 visa , valid till 2012 end..
Most of below things applicable for H1 guys only.. I am not addressing GC holders/Citizens

My trip:Newyork to Bahamas
Ship name: NCL Gem
Sailed dates: 11 December to 18th December

1. Make sure you have passports/visas are valid and they are not going to expire in next 6 months
2. if you are traveling to Bahamas,, then 100% you need Bahamas visa [I am talking about H1 guys] whether they check at port of entry or not.. But as per rule you need Visa.. For me they checked each and every time
3. There are two ways to get Bahamas visa 1. by post 2. in person..... If you choose in person, then its not needed to visit Bahamas consulate by all family members.. Only one person can submit applications for all family members... NOTE: Bahamas new york consulate is not having same day service.. You have to revisit the office as per token given to you [Mostly next day]
4. There is no need to carry your passport in Bahamas,, you can safely place it inside your state room of ship and go outside just with identity card given by Ship people [ID card means, a credit card sized smart card which will acts as your id card as well as room key]. By this you can enjoy in beach with out worrying much about spoiling/loosing passports.
5. At the time of boarding [New York], they did not collected my I-94 card.. But while coming back to New york[disembarkation], they collected my I-94 card and issued a brand new I-94 card

I hope I covered all details related to immigration matters of cruise vacation
Let me know if you have any doubts and need more details


Cruise vacation is really an enjoyable vacation... You will get relax like any thing.
So if you have opportunity and time don't miss

How much is the average expense?