Do You Take Your Passport On Excursions?

[TheyCallMeStacey]

We're taking our very first cruise very soon, and I'm curious how many people will take their passport with them when they leave the ship on port days.

 

[Meriweather]

I do, but it is a personal preference.....never been asked for it or found that it was needed.
I out the passports in a zippered pocket in my backpack and just leave them there.

 

[Jasper&Bowie]

I do, just in case something happens and I can't get back to the ship in time.

 

[TheyCallMeStacey]

I do, just in case something happens and I can't get back to the ship in time.

this is my main thought to bring them! i'm trying to gauge how much of a worrier i'm being!

 

[sam_gordon]

We are not cruising experts, and have always done Caribbean Cruises. We do NOT take our passports with us on excursions. Having a copy on our phone? Sure. Actual passports in our hand/bag? No.

Here's my thought... while a passport would come in handy if you miss the ship, personally I think it's more likely to be grabbed by a pickpocket/left (in a bag) somewhere. SUPPOSEDLY (never happened to us, just relating what I've read), the ship will take whatever is in your room safe and have it waiting at the dock if you miss the ship. Again, not testifying that that happens, but it's what I read.

I also aim to be back at the dock no later than 60 minutes before "all aboard", which is usually 30 minutes before departure. So that's a 90 minute cushion.

The other question is what kind of excursion are you taking? One from the cruise line or on your own? If a cruise line one, the ship is supposed to wait for you.

I think there are also some countries that want/require you to have your passport on you. Don't think any of them are in the Caribbean though.

Don't miss the ship!

 

[minniesfriend]

We leave our passports in the safe and take colored photocopies with us. We also have digital copies, but I like to have a hard copy.

 

[pjacobi]

If I am on a cruise-sponsored tour, I usually don't take my passport because I am almost guaranteed to get back on the ship. If late, the ship will usually wait until cruise-sponsored tour returns.

If you are on your own or on a 3rd party tour, you may want to keep your passport with you in case of being late for the ship.

Note that photocopies or digital scans will not be accepted to board a plane back to the US. The only use may be to provide ID to local police and to assist in the process of getting a new temporary passport at an embassy or consulate.


-Paul

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Old thread but it popped up as a random thread at the bottom, I'm sure the OP already went on their cruise but outside of personal preference it can depend on your port stop and the laws there.

Our 2023 cruise the cruise line had our passports, that cruise was in the Adriatic parts of the Med. If we had done an excursion to Albania we would have been required to have on our persons our passport for border checks. On our 2025 western Med cruise they had passengers keep their own passports. In Portofino, Italy we were required to show photo ID at the port and they were checking people as they came in and out. It didn't have to be your passport but I think many did.

We too would generally carry a photocopy of our passports (we always bring 2 copies each when we travel).

 

[DCLMP]

No, only if on a cruise line excursion and they require it. DCL required you to take passport in Europe. Only if you were on one of their excursions though.

 

[Lesverts]

Just to point out this decision can be taken out of your hands. Currently on a cruise where there was 4 stops where you must have your passport on you. And the other stop your passport was collected by the cruise line and given to local authorities for processing.

 

[peacefrogdog]

I can't recall the last time (if any) when asked to show my passport during a Caribbean cruise. Was asked to in Europe however.

 

[Lewisc]

I do, just in case something happens and I can't get back to the ship in time.

Ships security will remove your passport from your safe and give it to the port agent.

 

[peacefrogdog]

Just read on RCBlog that passengers need to bring photo ID in addition to your Seapass to The Beach Club in Nassau, to get back on the ship.

 

[sam_gordon]

Just read on RCBlog that passengers need to bring photo ID in addition to your Seapass to The Beach Club in Nassau, to get back on the ship.

That's normal for any port (maybe not Coco Cay/Labadee).