We tried a cruise for the fourth of July this year and went to the Bahamas. It was a good time. If you have never been on a cruise you should try one once just to see what its like but its not for venturing out and exploring other cultures or anything as everything is super touristy most of the time and the next thing you know you have to be back on the ship.

I'm actually posting b/c when I re entered the country nobody checked out our passports. You clear customs by walking up to a tv monitor that has an X on it that says look here and the picture it takes of you flashes across the screen for a split second and the light turns green and you walk into America. Really surprised me and seemed worthy to mention. Looking back though I guess they checked us leaving, we had ship ID they constantly checked getting on and off the ship, and the likelihood of it being someone not allowed in is low... but still... it surprised me to literally just walk into the country without anyone checking my passport. Seemed worthy of a post.

Shoot me a note for more details if you like.

My wife owns a travel agency, so we're able to take a few cruises a year. Always funny to me to hear that folks would never do it becuase of XYZ and they've never actually been. They are very enjoyable indeed.

The face recognition thing has been around for a few years now. Fairly certain that there is more diligence shown if you board the ship in another country with the U.S. as your final destination.

Yeah thats what I figured too.

I went there in 82 and 86 on fly in,,,,, "non tourist style" vacations...
It was safe,,,,,Large cartels were just starting to organize
US goverment was focused on the Bloods and the Crips.......
Had a Blast!
Every corner had a dude with one long (dirtier then my toes) fingernail, offering free samples
Lots of drugs made it to the US from there......

I've been on Two Carnival cruises ...both Awesome.

don't book on a Waxing moon period.

a waning moon period is way smoother.

Its the "culture" on the ship I try to avoid, lol.
Floating Walmart...

Depends on the cruise line. You get what you pay for...

I’m guessing you’re referring to coming back into the USA. Yeah, you’re getting off a boat you checked in with a passport and picture taken, so when disembarking, as long as “you” match the picture you embarked with, then yeah you can leave with no issues.
But, if for some odd reason, that machine doesn’t recognize you even though you completed an entire cruise to several countries and it worked, then they pull you to the side and you produce your passport and answer any questions they ask. For some reason they look like someone who’s had a very bad day and seem to be looking for anything to take you to a room to do a deep dive…ask me how I know?!?!?

Did you book out early or wait for your time to be called?

Nobody’s diving on me! Gaaay!!

TSA does it just for fun,,,,,....I would hate to be the new guy working there/////

For some reason the ship card issued didn’t “look” like me according to the little machine. Luckily my passport and Drivers License did, lol! No deep diving for me.

I have no desire to get on one of those virus/bacteria vessels.

Love your stories dude. I lived through it but was too young to be an 80s rocker.

So we cruise with celebrity and you don't have that problem. But something we learned this time was taking a shorter cheaper cruise to cruise owned islands that were on sale really brings a different crowd. Take the one that goes to st thomas.

Im a germaphobe. Its not that bad but again Id suggest celebrity and going to st thomas.

Nice pics though!

Looks like yall had a great trip!

I opt out of the facial recording. Even did it flying to and from Cancun this year no questions asked.

you can deffinetely tell which side of the bahamas is American side, Trash is thrown on the side of the streets, french islands clean up after themselves.