Immigration checks delay Norwegian Joy passengers in Seattle
Every guest was required to undergo an in-person inspection during the ship’s first U.S. call after departing Canada.
Norwegian Cruise Line passengers faced lengthy delays at Seattle’s Pier 66 on Friday, October 2, when immigration processing disrupted disembarkation and reboarding for Norwegian Joy.
The ship was visiting Seattle during a five-night Pacific Coastal voyage from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Los Angeles. Because Seattle was its first U.S. gateway after leaving Canada, Customs and Border Protection procedures required all passengers to complete face-to-face passport and immigration checks, regardless of nationality or final destination, before normal operations could resume.
Public accounts described a waterfront queue extending for several blocks. Some travelers reportedly waited more than two hours to complete the formalities, leaving passengers ashore unable to reboard promptly while others remained on the ship awaiting clearance to disembark.
Travelers said the delays caused them to miss dinner reservations, planned shore activities and other evening commitments in Seattle. The ship’s departure schedule was also constrained while officials completed the required inspections.
