Hi, I am German citizen who owns 3 investment properties in Fort Lauderdale. I pay taxes here. I entered USA on November 16, 2013 on a Celebrity cruise ship from Rome. Today, February 16th was the date my Visa ran out. So I took a 5 day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Cayman Islands and Cozumel on February 10, 2013 and arrived back to Fort Lauderdale yesterday (Feb 15th).

My friend tells me that this was illegal and that I need to fly out, not take a cruise. Can you please tell me who is right? I do not want to get into trouble for my next 90 days in USA/

Thank you.

One consequence of over staying a visa is being denied entry for l0 years.

You entered US on waiver program, you have to leave. If you want to stay longer, apply for a visa.