Any idea?? (Crusing, U.S. layovers)

[Thompson2 1]

Hello all!

I'm really trying to think of a way to take my sister-in-law ( a Jamaican citizen) on vacation. She is 16 and was denied a tourist visa to come to our wedding. I found a cruise that leaves out of Barbados, which is a country that she is allowed to go and has a direct flight from JA, but since the cruise stops in St. Thomas and Puerto Rico the cruise rep said she would need a multiple entry visas to the US. I thought cruise ship passengers that were staying less than 24 hours in port didn't need visas. Or is that only true in non U.S. ports? I was wondering if she had any better chance of getting a visa with this cruise planned. It doesn't make sense she would stay in Puerto Rico or St.Thomas when she is just a kid and knows no one there. Still, I know logic doesn't always come into play when we are talking about tourist visas.

Also, I'm having a hard time finding a flight that goes to places she is allowed that don't stop over in the U.S. I was told she could apply for a transit visa, but I figure that is a lost cause too.

Any one have any experience with cruises or having lay overs in the U.S with a foreigner?

UGH!! It's like she's a criminal or has a spreadble disease. She is only a child!

I know many people are having problems with their spouses getting here and realize that is FAR more important than taking my sister-in-law on a vacation. I don't mean to be insensitive to those in that sistuation so forgive me if it is taken that way.

Good luck to everyone on getting their loved ones with them!

[Inky 1,111]

Everytime you leave the boat and get on the boat your passport is scanned because you are entering another country. It logs you as a visitor in that country, it would be just like flying to st thomas and passing through customs in st thomas airport before you go get your bags. Only diff is your getting off a ship instead of a plane. Puerto Rico is part of america and ST thomas is the US virgin islands..

[Thompson2 1]

Thanks, but I just got back from a cruise and they asked my husband for his green card in addition to his Jamaican pasport when we checked in. BTW we left out of San Juan. Then after that none of us were asked for anything more than our ship's room key when we left the boat and got back on at each island. I'm assuming when you check in they check everyone for proper requirements and then after that they don't because they wouldn't have let them on the boat if they didn't have proper documentation. This is why I initially thought my SIL would have no problem getting on in Barbados, as she is allowed to travel there. Maybe different cruise lines it different. This was just my experience with Carnival. Thanks for your reply.

[Inky 1,111]

Ya mine wasnt with carnival.

[sus 70]

I would talk to a travel agent about a transit visa - Try luvstravelin, she would know - but that wouldn't work for a cruise stop, only for a flight layover.

Why not go to Barbados with her, meet her there? What flight did you find that was direct to there, I never found one!

[Thompson2 1]

Thanks Inky-it's good to know different cruise lines do things differently.

Sus- Caribbean Air has a direct flight from Kingston to Barbados. I may end up taking her there someday, but right now it's really going to add up because there are only a few all inclusives and they are way over my budget. I'm just afraid with feeding 3 it's going to really add up so I'd rather do a cruise or all-inclusive (that is reasonably priced). I will have to get with you on what you do there for fun. I was wondering why you hadn't gone with DJ since you love it there so much, but maybe this is a new flight Caribbean Air is offering. Thanks for the travel agent suggestion too.

[sus 70]

It must be a new flight, I will have to check it out. As for cost, you can really get away cheap without going AI - there are pricey options or low cost - I have paid as low as $25 a night for a room in a guest house across the street from the beach.

If you want more info let me know.

[Stanley Hermosill 1]

Inky is correct - entering into the US from a cruise ship is the same as going through customs at an airport. Although I doubt you'd be subject to airport style scrutiny. Is this true in anyone's case?