Disembarkation

We had asked a number of crew what the proceedures are for disembarking. We have a total of 28 bags/boxes to ship, an additional 4 that we will take with us on the plane. I certainly didn't want to have to open them all for customs! No one could tell us what will happen for sure. On a prior cruise, packages being shipped via Fed Ex were picked up at the cabin door and never seen again until they were on their doorstep. Wouldn't that be nice!

We received a notice that Customs would be available starting at 6:30 on the day we reach Ft Lauderdale. Mel took our receipts with him to declare our purchases. The 2 largest ones were bought onboard, so would be reported to Customs by HAL. There would be no duty since both items would be shipped to me in the USA. I had written out items we bought, itemized by port, with approximate costs. Guess Customs were impressed by my organization. Our total bill was $7.42....they waived it. Nice.

I handed my cruise card to security to be scanned for the last time as we left the ship. There was a loud alarm when they scanned it! Customs officials were standing there to check our declaration form to verify that we had seen them on board earlier. Guess they tag anyone who buys a lot from the ship's stores. Glad we had declared everything!

Once on the pier we had to identify our 29 items (we hand carried 3) for a porter. They filled a VERY large cart. We went right thru customs, out the door. A Fed Ex truck was waiting for the items being shipped. We then entered our limo to the airport. The cruise is over. :(

The plane flew directly over the ship as we were taking off. It was weird thinking that the ship would continue on without us, with everyone doing their jobs as usual. After 4 1/2 months, it had become home. I will definitely miss it!