Twice last month we disembarked from a cruise ship at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. The first time, there was a short delay in clearing customs. The second time, it felt like we were at Disneyland or Disney World, in one of those never-ending lines that keep moving to think you're making progress.
Yesterday…good news.
Port Everglades is one of 16 partners in a program which allows for additional customs officers when required. As in…when a cruise ship arrives.
It's no surprise to port officials that Customs is often short-staffed when cruise passengers are leaving ships but, until now, there was no solution. Especially in Port 
Everglades, where two 6,000-passenger ships — Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas — come and go every week.
Now there is a solution, providing the port's customers (the cruise lines) request and pay for additional service.
Yes, it could have the hint of a "new tax" for cruise passengers…doesn't it? Or maybe it'll just be buried in the cost of your cruise.
Phil Reimer today: Seabourn expanding 2015-16 itineraries
Celebrity Summit
7 nights
November 1, 2014
San Juan (return): Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten, St. Thomas
Inside $399
Cost per day: $57
www.celebitycruises.com