Boarding denied... insufficient documentation!!!

[Dave_from_Marietta]

A lurker to these boards sent me a link to a thread on a competing board. The content of the message bears repeating on this board...

Originally posted on another board

Sometimes I hate my job.

Yesterday after dropping off a busload of happy guests at the Disney Magic, our transportation coordinator there asked me if I was returning to the airport. I have to go by there anyway so I told her yes. There was a gentleman there needing a ride back to the airport. He was a denied boarding and could not get on the ship. His whole family went ahead on the cruise and he could not go. I don't know why he was denied but most of the time it's because there is an essential piece of ID missing, either Passport or Birth Certificate. Please, please, please, make sure you have everything you need before you leave home. And please, always keep these items in a safe place. I personally would not pack them in my checked luggage, but keep them in my carry on and then place them in the safe in either the resort room or stateroom on board the ship.

The ride back to OIA yesterday was one of the longest of my life. I watched this man in the mirror and my heart went out to him. I could almost cry thinking about it right now, so just as a reminder to everyone, check and double check those documents.

--------------------
Jeanne
Disney Cruise Line Bus Driver

Make sure you have the right documents, and double-check to make sure you bring them with you!

[snelsonbrown]

Hi Dave -
You amaze me with your knowledge - I wonder what happened to the gentleman - wish I would have known - would have sure tried to help in some day - DCL has become stricker than ever before - including they now have hired divers at the port to check the ships (well the port has) but if anything is out of line - that is it no explanation - you can not board the ship regardless - this too goes with the vendors - all rules are changed each time we go to the port - we never know what to expect - I was in lock down for an hour Saturday and still don't know why - I stood with about 200 crew members that were chomping at the bits to get off the ship and find the ground level for awhile - they were not happy campers - it is so cute and interesting to stand there and listen to so many different cultures speaking - it sure helped pass the time away - thank goodness they did understand english or I would have really been up a creek without a paddle. - I didn't mind the lock down simply because it had it reasons - I can understand the strickness but all the t and all the i sure better be dotted before leaving for a cruise.
Meanwhile take care buddy - Hugsssss to you and yours
Always
Shirley

[Señor Ferrari]

I would be willing to bet that this man did not have proper documentation. Both Carnival and Norweigan Cruise Lines have announced a "zero tolerance" policy on proof of citizenship, which will be implemented this fall. The rules have always been in place, but most cruise lines are now enforcing them much more strictly. In the past, if you did not have a passport or birth certificate, they would allow you to sign an affidavit affirming that you are a US citizen. They won't do this anymore.

I think its worth your while to get a passport if you are traveling outside the US. It's proof of citizenhip and photo ID all in one, and you don't have to worry about copies, certified copies, raised seals, etc.

[AnnaB]

Just to make sure...myself, my ds(age 9) and dd(age 6) all have our valid US passports. My DH has his valid UK passport and his US Green Card. We should be fine right ?

[Michelle]

All of the major cruise lines are reiterating their documentation requirements these days, as did DCL (which is posted in this thread):

DCL Documentation Requirements (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=233238)

In the past some cruise lines were a bit lax with documentation requirements, but those days are no more. Cruisers on any cruise lines should check and re-check the documentation requirements to be certain they will be allowed to board.

Pretty sad for the guy in Dave's post but I have to believe he had plenty of information regarding the documentation he needed, if he had read it.

[snelsonbrown]

I agree Michelle - the ports have gotten harder on not only the cruisers but everyone else - DCL is much harder, but then they have more families going than the other cruise lines - Unfortunalty a number of security personals are leaving and finding other jobs due to the pressures on them - we see new faces each time we go - what needs to be done is find a set of regulations that works and stick to it - not keeping changing - the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing most of the time - I am ALL FOR SECURITY regardless of which line - just be more organized in the system - I see the confusion every week and it is sad that terrorist in our great USA has been brought this to our country - wouldn't it be nice to go back to "when" - our country, our families etc were safe without so much hassle, but it is here to stay and must make sure everything that is needed is there so that another 911 never happens again - GOD BLESS AMERICA
Thanks for the imput.
Always
Shirley

[atigeg]

What a sad story...it's like a nightmare come true!!!
I used to think I was paranoid with my repetitive checking of all our documentation in the week prior to the cruise...making sure the birth certificates, plane tickets, etc. are all in the correct trip envelope. But now I will remember this story and check one last time. I know that strictness is necessary in this day and age, but I feel so sorry for that poor man.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[disvaclub92]

That is a sin. I cannot imagine what that person could be feeling.

Do I need to get a photo id for my kids 6 and 4. Can I use a photo Id from the YMCA??

Thanks

[ducklite]

The saddest thing is that this could have all been prevented if they had just read the documentation that was sent to them.

We all have passports, and I wouldn't think of traveling out of the US, even to Canda, without them.

Anne

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by disvaclub92

Do I need to get a photo id for my kids 6 and 4?

No, but you will need to have a passport or a certified copy of their birth certificates.

[Mjasp]

Obviously they knew what documentation they needed as his wife and kids were able to board. If he forgot it home, maybe someone who has a key to his house can Fed Ex him what he needs and he can meet the ship at the first port. That would be a happy ending.

[Deb in IA]

Maybe I am not as sympathetic to the "poor guy" who was turned away, but I, for one, am GLAD DCL is strictly enforcing the proof of citizenship requirements. ESPECIALLY in these post 9-11 days. After all, didn't the 9-11 terrorists have a string of expired visas, invalid passports, etc.? And maybe if someone had picked up on some of these inaccuracies, well, maybe some of the horror of that day would not have happened.

Disney CLEARLY spells out the requirements for boarding several times before you cruise (at the time of booking, when you receive the documents, etc). It really is his fault he didn't get his act together. Yes, the documents ARE a pain to go through (we just spent 2 hours doing this last weekend), but you gotta do it.

OK, I'm ready for the flames now . . .

[Mjasp]

I don't think they'll throw you over the coals for that one. I think these days safety is of the utmost importance. I just hope security stays this tight ALWAYS.

[snelsonbrown]

Deb - you are entitled to your feelings sweetie without anyone throwing you "to the flames" - it is great that security is as tight as it is - we can no longer hide behind a wall thinking we are safe - it has been a proven fact over and over, that tight security is a must regardless of what has to be endured in order to maintain safety in our country - Unfortualty there are bad people and as long as that exist - we the good people pay the price.
Oh well just a thought also- feelings are feelings and that is that -
Take care and enjoy the excitement of your coming cruise.
Always
Shirley

[disvaclub92]

Deb,

I wouldn't throw you into the fire, it just makes me wonder if I have enough proof. (ok - I obsess.) After reading that note, I began to wonder about should I get additional docs for the kids - such as a passport - since I just have their birth certs. And for me, I still have my maiden name on my passport - will be getting it changed.

I guess my feeling sorry for the poor guy - made me think about making sure I have everything that I need.


:D

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I think it's important to have such a strict policy- I know I would not want to be stuck out at sea with a terrorist on-board, but I too could have cried reading Dave's post. It is possible that he had the document required and lost it. That could happen to any one of us! I can't imagine why the rest of his family would have the proper documents to board and he would not, so the possibility that he lost something makes sense to me.

[Noris]

My passport has my ex's last name but I remarried 6+ years ago and now have a new last name. I shared my concerns with our travel agent a few weeks ago and after discussing it with DCL, he informed me that a valid driver's license with the passport would work.

However, I'm now thinking I should just go ahead and get it updated... it will expire a few months AFTER our cruise next year anyways.

Can anybody else confidently advise on the matter on what additional document(s) one would require to board the ship if their passport had a previous last name on it?

[mcnuss]

Go get your passport re-done; it is worth it for the peace of mind, especially if you'll need to do it soon anyway. Your valid US passport is the best proof of your identity and citizenship when traveling. It is possible that the man in question had a passport that was expired or that would expire during the trip and did not realize it, or maybe his birth certificate did not have the raised seal. It could have been the most innocent mistake.

And not to throw anyone in the flames, but the unfortunate truth is that the terrorists had valid driver's licenses and passports (probably more than one....) and could go anywhere they pleased. In fact, everything they carried on those planes that day - including the box cutters - was perfectly "legal" which should horrify us all.

[snelsonbrown]

I an curious about something - when the ships leave here in Port Canaveral, get to the other ports especially out of the United States - is leaving and boarding just as strict as first boarding - I was just curious - what would prevent someone loading on from somewhere else - it is so strict here at the Port - is that strictness continue?
Just curious
Thanks
Always
Shirley

[Mjasp]

Shirley...As far as ID goes it is just your picture license and KTTW card for adults. You do have to put your bags through x-rays when you reboard.

Joanna

[MCazer]

I find that one of the good things about the Western cruise is that if for some reason you missed the ship, you could still get to Key West and not miss alot of the cruise.

Possibly enough time for someone to overnight a birth ceritifcate or wallet etc...)

Another reason to book the Western!

[Rootee]

I find that one of the good things about the Western cruise is that if for some reason you missed the ship, you could still get to Key West and not miss alot of the cruise.

On reviewing my cruise documents I see that this is NOT an option:

"The United States Passenger Services Act requires Disney Cruise Line to embark and disembark its Guests at the same U.S. port. Therefore, we regret that we are unable to allow Guests to board in our first port of call, Key West."

Ruth

[MCazer]

Wow, good thing I have my passports and we are flying a day early! Yikes!

[jlima]

When I changed my name on my passport a few years ago it was fairly simple, but time consuming:

-get form from passport office (I picked up at local post office that had a passport office)

-get certified copy of marriage license (DH went to county court house to request; took about 2 weeks to receive)

-mail completed form, marriage license & current passport to address on form. Can't remember if there was a fee.

-Received same passport in mail approx. 2 weeks later with one sentence typed on a page in the back of the passport something to the effect, "On (date), this passport was ameneded to change the name of the bearer from (old name) to (new name)." They did return the marriage license.

It's my understanding that the name on the form of ID you use should match your travel documents and if it doesn't then it needs to.

Maybe it was as simple as this guy's wallet was stolen & he had nothing with a picture on it to prove who he was.

We were in WDW for 4 days & then took the 7-day Magic cruise; I made a folder with PS info, maps, hotel info, car rental info, etc. I kept our passports in the folder and kept the folder in a carry-on bag. When we checked into the cruise DH was returning the rental car and wasn't even with me; I showed both of our passports to the counter agent and everything was fine. This was July 01; don't know if everybody boarding needs to be present before the agent now.



:bounce:

[mcnuss]

This is a little off the subject, but the passport discussion reminds me that it is a very good idea to make a photcopy of all of your documents, passport, DL, BC, tickets, etc... and leave them with someone who is not going with you on the trip. This could prove invaluable if something were lost or stolen once you start the trip.

[prymsu]

I was really worried about this when we traveled to China last year. Since we were going to be all over the place, I was worried about what i would do if something happened to our passports. What i would recommend is that once you have your passport, scan it, and then email the files to an email address that you can access from anywhere in the word.

For instance, i created an email on yahoo, and then emailed myself all our info. That did bring me peace of mind in case something happened to our originals or to all the photocopies...

[Deb in IA]

Sue, my parents were both born and raised in Shanghai, China. Although they immigrated to the US when the Communist Party took over and I was born here (well, in Kentucky), they speak Chinese at home.

In March, 2000, my parents, husband, and our two kids spent 2 weeks in Shanghai. It was the first time in over 50 years that my mom and dad had been back to China. We met many of my relatives that I had never seen before, visited the places where my folks had grown up, and visited the gravesites of my grandparents, whom I had never met. We were invited to give a symposium at the Shanghai Children's Medical Center, and stayed on there for a while to visit relatives and do some sightseeing. This same hospital has invited me back in September, and I will be going by myself this time. I had tried to talk my folks into going with me again, and maybe going to Bejing, but travelling is hard on them these days.

Where did you go in China?

[prymsu]

We spent two weeks in Hong Kong, and then one week in Beijing. A dear friend whose husband was on sabbatical to the Chinese University of Hong Kong invited my family to go for a visit. It was truly the trip of a life time. If i ever get to go again, i would skip hong kong and concentrate on Beijing and Shanghai. I have another friend, Ying Li, and her husband Ge Wang (who is a doctor at the University) who recently returned from a trip to Beijing. They lost their only child in a car accident, and traveled there to be with their family.

If you need someone to go take notes for you, let me know!!! I would love to go back there again!!!

[Tluvs2talk]

Our last vacation/cruise almost turned into a nightmare. We went to Epcot the night before our cruise. We had Dinner in Mexico and had a wonderful time. After Dinner we walked over to Germany just as The Tapestry Of Nations parade was begining. My husband decided to get a drink and discovered that his wallet was missing. He realized that he had left it on the table at the Mexican restaurant. My heart sank. He had all of our credit cards and his licence in the wallet. He ran back to Mexico in record time. We were very THANKFUL that the busboy found his wallet and turned it in. We told the Lady who checked us in at the Disney Cruise Line about our heart stopping experience the night before. We asked her if he would have been allowed to cruise. She said maybe since I had his birth certificate and my licence and birth certificate with me. Since we would not have had a picture I.D. without his licence, I guess we will never know. So Men!! Please keep up with your wallets.

[FantasticDisFamily]

Just a further note on the post to make copies of critical documents and leave them with someone at home. It is also a good idea to make copies and carry them with you, but separate from the originals. Sort of like the concept of keeping your travelers check record separate from the checks themselves.

Although I have no idea if it would be good enough to board, it would expedite the process of getting critical documents replaced if lost or stolen. This is according to my travel agent buddy, especially if you are out of the country and need to replace a passport through a consulate.

One last note though, it is apparently not "legal" to make a color copy of a passport. One of those things posted on color copy machines.:rolleyes:

[MCazer]

I took pictures with my digital camera, printed them off on Glossy photo paper and I am taking them with us as a precaution. I also emailed myself (as was suggested).

[Scratch42]

I purchased a documentation holder that specifically holds your id, plane tickets, and
any other important documents that you need but don't have to access to get to your
wallet.

Scratch
:smooth:

[candleonwater]

I have a rather random question... I have passports for both me and my 5 yo DD... easiest way to get on the ship, however, on the islands, all I was required to carry for myself was my drivers license... but since I didn't have a picture id for my daughter I carried her passport... nightmare waiting to happen as I tend to lose things easily. I was considering taking her to DMV here in Virginia to get an id card... (I realize I will still have to bring her passport, but I can leave it locked in the safe)... any thoughts on this?

[prymsu]

I lock all our passports in our safe, and use our photo ids for reboarding the ship with our KTTW cards. I took my son to the department of motor vehicles and got him and ID for a couple of bucks, and this worked well for this purpose.

[Deb in IA]

Hey Sue, I'd love to take you with me! I don't like to go overseas alone, but DH will have to stay with the kids since they are in school, and I can't seem to talk my folks into going with me this time. They have some health problems (dad has had a heart attack and triple bypass, mom has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis), and they are in their mid-70's, so travelling is hard on them.:(