Make copies of passports and bring off ship?

[jahber]

Now that computers and the Internet are ubiquitous, there's really no need to carry a copy of your passport. All of the embassies/consulates will be able to look up your passport numbrr if they know who you are (i.e., you have your ID on you when you leave the ship, as required by all cruise lines). And any official who asks for your passport isn't going to be satisfied by a copy. Of course, there's no harm in carrying it. But it's just one less piece of paper with sensitive information to keep track of, for me. So I guess what I'm saying is, anyone who worries that they need to make a copy--you don't need to worry. Keep your passport in your safe when recommended (most of the time). Take it with you when it's required (excursions that cross a border or countries that require it).

 

[gwmort]

Now that computers and the Internet are ubiquitous, there's really no need to carry a copy of your passport. All of the embassies/consulates will be able to look up your passport numbrr if they know who you are (i.e., you have your ID on you when you leave the ship, as required by all cruise lines). And any official who asks for your passport isn't going to be satisfied by a copy. Of course, there's no harm in carrying it. But it's just one less piece of paper with sensitive information to keep track of, for me. So I guess what I'm saying is, anyone who worries that they need to make a copy--you don't need to worry. Keep your passport in your safe when recommended (most of the time). Take it with you when it's required (excursions that cross a border or countries that require it).

I believe this to be true and good advice, but I am a bit of a worrier and want to make sure I can give someone at least the numbers if we are robbed off the ship and other forms of ID disappear, so I have a copy I intend to carry with me separate from my wallet and we made extra copies so I can call someone back home with the spares to read them to me. (I have digital copies with me on my phone but worry about if it is stolen or dies or broken).

 

[bumbershoot]

I've never cruised before and read that this is smart to do. So, I'm locking passports in my room on board and carrying copies around? Who does this?

I do not.

It's the digital age. An embassy can look me up in moments. Knowing the number just gives them an extra bit to verify with me, but I'm pretty sure the picture will help more.

I carry passports, though. The real deal. If I'm that worried about pick pocketing etc, I'm not booking that itinerary or getting off the ship. For Castaway and Coco cays I just take license but any other place we've got the real deal.

 

[LSUfan4444]

I carry mine and my wifes passports and my daughters passport card. If I didn't carry things I didn't want to lose I'd never leave the room with a credit card or money. If I am out of the country I have my passport.

 

[gotomu212]

In any foreign country I carry my passport with me at all times. We were in a car accident in South America once (passengers in a cab) and the first thing the responding police asked for was our passports. A friend didn't have her passport on her and it was an incredible hassle and the officials were not happy with us.

If any accident, injury, mishap occurs having your passport is going to speed up the entire process and in the unlikely event you miss the ship you need the passport. You CAN get a replacement at the embassy but that's going to cost you a lot of time (embassies also aren't 24/7 operations. Some will not be open on weekends or holidays).

Keeping the passport in the safe is for the cruise lines protection (if you lose it it's going to be difficult when they dock) but it protects them at a risk to you in my opinion.

 

[TXDCLfan]

I've never cruised before and read that this is smart to do. So, I'm locking passports in my room on board and carrying copies around? Who does this?

Not us for sure...we always take our passports with us while in port.

 

[Imahikergirl]

We leave our passports in the safe. DH (American) carries his passport card as ID and I (Canadian) carry my NEXUS card - which is a WHTI approved form of ID. Having a little card and of course our KTTW cards works for us.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I've never cruised before and read that this is smart to do. So, I'm locking passports in my room on board and carrying copies around? Who does this?

We are doing this now on the current cruise.

 

[elvispursley]

Are there any ports in the caribbean that require you to carry your passport (or can you just carry the passport card to suffice for id). I love the tip about the port agent. My only worry is if we were robbed and everything was taken--a good friend of mine had her passport stolen in Spain (along with all her cash and credit cards) and it took the embassy over a week to replace her passport. I just can't even imagine the hassle...