Did you know that when you complete your cruise check-in, that information becomes part of the “passenger manifest” which the cruise lines share not only with U.S. Customs and Immigration, but with the Office of Homeland Security as well?
“No problem,” you say. True – EXCEPT if you just happen to have an outstanding warrant.
Lorraine and her fellow Galveston.com cruise cam addicts love to watch the “sail-ins” and get a first-hand look as certain passengers (once as many as five on the same ship) receive an unexpected “welcome home” from law enforcement after having their names run through various data bases while they were away enjoying the Caribbean. Yep! Outstanding warrants! And, those “bracelets” they wore for the “perp walk” down the gangplank were not the type one would buy in a foreign port – LOL!
According to agents, this is not an unusual event. Think about it – if they come knocking at your door – you can always act like you’re not at home. But, if you’re on a cruise ship – you can bet they’ll know where to find you when you return.
So – before you cruise, be sure your “baggage” doesn’t include any “unwanted” baggage - if you even think you might have a warrant problem, take care of it before you sail, or you could be treated to a complimentary “post-cruise-stay” in the local “pokey.”
The “long arm of the law” may not extend into international waters, but it is sure ready and eager to welcome you back on land! Just remember to smile for the camera!