New security at Castaway Cay

[over50visits]

Starting last week there is now a new security checkpoint when you reboard the ship at Castaway Cay. It is located at the island end of the pier, and consists of a couple of folks looking at your room key and picture ID.

I have no earthly clue what this accomplishes, since 50 yards later you must use your room key to get on the ship (when they verify your computer-based picture ID). I've got a feeling this is an outstanding example of (Bahamas) government waste (featherbedding?).
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[mahermusic]

Good. Doesn't bother me in the least. Can never have TOO MUCH security these days...

 

[over50visits]

In this case, I disagree. Willing to change my mind, but I see zero value added for security. Nada.

I am very happy with the level of security Disney provides in rebounding the ship, even from Castaway Cay. IDs, bag x-ray, metal detector, screening, photo confirmation, etc. It's a well thought-out and effective system.

 

[TimeAndTide]

If it is a governmental thing, they are probably charging Disney which ultimately will be passed along to cruisers. I don't really care as I'm sure the cost is negligible and it's kind of inherent in international travel. But it does seem like the Bahamas are getting into the cash flow thing. I wonder if it's related to all the bad press about crime in Nassau.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

But, really, what would be on Castaway Cay that they need to check everyone before re-boarding? I mean everyone/everything there is brought in in the first place. It's not like at other ports where the ship is visiting an already existing environment with possible "bad things/people" that could try to get onboard the ship.

 

[TimeAndTide]

Right. That's where it seems like more of a money making thing.

 

[tinkerone]

so is the security dcl staff or is it Bahamian security?

 

[mahermusic]

In this case, I disagree. Willing to change my mind, but I see zero value added for security. Nada.

I am very happy with the level of security Disney provides in rebounding the ship, even from Castaway Cay. IDs, bag x-ray, metal detector, screening, photo confirmation, etc. It's a well thought-out and effective system.

To each their own, I guess...

 

[jcarwash]

On the Feb 15 2015 Magic sailing, the cruise director Natalie talked about the Castaway Cay "enhancement" (that's the term she used) during the Friday night showtime.

I'm paraphrasing but the gist of what she said is that it's an extra layer of security check to comply with regulations. The emphasis was that adults needed to take their photo ID with them to CC like you do with other ports.

The actual check consisted of looking at photo IDs (driver's licenses). No bag checking and no ship KTTW card checking. Now I'm not 100% sure but I think it was DCL crew members doing the checks. We went through the check quickly -- all they wanted to see was the IDs.

Here's some photos of the security area in the morning before we disembarked:

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

But, really, what would be on Castaway Cay that they need to check everyone before re-boarding? I mean everyone/everything there is brought in in the first place. It's not like at other ports where the ship is visiting an already existing environment with possible "bad things/people" that could try to get onboard the ship.

I am afraid I disagree my friend,

What if one of the Isis scum terrorists land on the island by small boat or whatever at night?........and boards the vessel with a fake ID card?............ We don't know what other information or security/surveillance measures are happening at this new desk! Could the ID cards issued by the vessel have some new sensor that the desk folks are checking and may not be at the gangway?

All possibilities.

From what I have read and know about a lot of evil acts have be caught before they were engaged and never released to the public in general. The more security the better in my book!


AKK

 

[allears]

This not out of keeping with other ports where you show your photo ID and ship card before getting near the ship. Disney does not own the island, it is leased from the Bahamian government and is the Bahamas. So it sounds like they are having to comply with the same security regulations that you would see in any other port.

The point is well taken that there are non-guests on the island and it wouldn't be a big stretch for someone to get onto the island with the intent of doing harm. It does seem a little over the top, but that's government in action.

At least we all now know what the structure is for!

 

[MillauFr]

I am afraid I disagree my friend,

What if one of the Isis scum terrorists land on the island by small boat or whatever at night?........and boards the vessel with a fake ID card?............ We don't know what other information or security/surveillance measures are happening at this new desk! Could the ID cards issued by the vessel have some new sensor that the desk folks are checking and may not be at the gangway?

All possibilities.

From what I have read and know about a lot of evil acts have be caught before they were engaged and never released to the public in general. The more security the better in my book!


AKK

Maybe but I trust Disney security to stop them far more than I trust the Bahamian government.

 

[Dug720]

so is the security dcl staff or is it Bahamian security?

I didn't pay super-close attention last week, but they did have on the same blue jackets the DCL crew were all wearing.

 

[KingRichard]

So we were there last week and yes they had 4 people standing all day.

Not one person was checked!

Never told us to bring ID off the ship!

I believe they are there because of the new USE TAXES THEY CHARGE!

 

[Dug720]

So we were there last week and yes they had 4 people standing all day.

Not one person was checked!

Never told us to bring ID off the ship!

I believe they are there because of the new USE TAXES THEY CHARGE!

I was checked coming back onto the Fantasy last week as were those before and after me. And they were reminding people to have photo ID with them as we exited first thing as well.

 

[KingRichard]

I was checked coming back onto the Fantasy last week as were those before and after me. And they were reminding people to have photo ID with them as we exited first thing as well.

I got off and on ship 2 times.

Was the first ones off the ship. Wanted every second of Cabana time. lol

 

[robbinh]

On the Magic last week - They "sort of" looked at my key to the world card hanging around my neck and nodded at me when I was going back to the ship around 2:00 pm. No one in my family was "checked" at that point all day. The men had on the DCL jackets but they were not from the ship. They were people staying on the island. Not sure who they really work for.

 

[lin7]

I dont mind the extra security, but they do a thorough check before entering the ship already. This just means eventually the costs of this extra security will be passed on to us, the customers

 

[FigmentIsTheBest]

So let's ask the REAL QUESTION. For all those who love CC.

If you do not have your ID do you have to stay on the island??

 

[SuperDry]

There could be a lot of reasons for this being done. A more "by the book" attitude from the Bahamian government could be it, but there are lots of other possibilities. For example, perhaps it's something that the ship's insurer is insisting on.