Online check in - passport #s, and PAT

[CheriePenguin]

Just wondering about online check in - it asks for passport numbers. Do people feel safe entering those online? I thought I saw someone mention a photo ID at check in option?

I haven't finished going through all the check in parts yet, but want to finish soon. I forgot that you get to pick your port arrival time. What happens if you get there a lot earlier or later than your PAT? Is the PAT the earliest you can board?

 

[Dug720]

Just wondering about online check in - it asks for passport numbers. Do people feel safe entering those online? I thought I saw someone mention a photo ID at check in option?

I haven't finished going through all the check in parts yet, but want to finish soon. I forgot that you get to pick your port arrival time. What happens if you get there a lot earlier or later than your PAT? Is the PAT the earliest you can board?

Your boarding group will be based on your PAT. So if you get there "way earlier" than your PAT you will in all likelihood be watching people who arrived at the same time or even after you but at their PAT board well before you.

 

[adamki]

While a passport number isn't something that I would publish, it also isn't something that I would be concerned about putting on the DCL website (at all). In general, the black market value in a passport is the passport book itself not the number.

Some of my airline accounts have my passport number. I've also had to occasionally provide my passport when I check into hotels abroad; the hotel will often photocopy the photo page of the passport or write down the number.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Just wondering about online check in - it asks for passport numbers. Do people feel safe entering those online? I thought I saw someone mention a photo ID at check in option?

Yes, I feel absolutely safe entering our passport numbers on DCL's website. If you are on a closed loop cruise leaving from a US Port, you only need a birth certificate and photo ID so you can choose that option. If you are on a cruise that requires a passport, then you need to enter your passport number. FWIW, all airlines require you to enter your passport number when checking in for international flights so it's not as though DCL requesting the passport numbers is unusual.

 

[CheriePenguin]

Thanks. I didn't realize it was a first come first served thing for choosing the PAT - didn't know to do it ASAP (like FPs!). We ended up getting one for 1:00, ~ 30 min or so past when I had planned to arrive (we have an ADR that morning at Grand Floridian). But I guess at least we don't have to rush and worry we'll be late.

 

[Weedy]

Thanks. I didn't realize it was a first come first served thing for choosing the PAT - didn't know to do it ASAP (like FPs!). We ended up getting one for 1:00, ~ 30 min or so past when I had planned to arrive (we have an ADR that morning at Grand Floridian). But I guess at least we don't have to rush and worry we'll be late.

Disney usually goes to an open boarding ( no line) about 12:30. So if you show up a little early it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[cedricandsophie]

I have never worried about entering my passport number. But I have also entered wrong numbers before either by accident or because I was waiting for a renewed passport. It doesn't matter. They still look at your real passport and never check it against the number you entered.

 

[Dug720]

I have never worried about entering my passport number. But I have also entered wrong numbers before either by accident or because I was waiting for a renewed passport. It doesn't matter. They still look at your real passport and never check it against the number you entered.

I would use caution in being so flip about accidentally entering wrong numbers and not changing them. If you happen to accidentally enter the passport number of someone on the no fly list, you might have a very rude awakening waiting for you at the port. The person checking you in might not look closely, but you can bet whoever scrutinizes the passenger manifest will.

Waiting for a renewed one is one thing. But either way I'd correct it ASAP.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

Yeah, if you want an early PAT, put down SOMETHING for each question, but I agree with Beth, don't put down an incorrect number. When we were waiting for my son's passports to arrive, we just chose the "birth certificate and Photo ID option" got our PAT and then later changed to the passport option when they came in. Remember, having all of your info correct will save you time at the port when you actually go to check it. They asked us something like, "Is all the info correct?" That saved us a bunch of time.

Also, if you aren't happy with your PAT time, like everything else, it pays to check back occasionally. People change, and you might be able to get an earlier one. Remember coming later than your PAT is not a problem, but of course for courtesy reasons one should try not to request a PAT that is earlier than they can likely arrive, but if you get delayed you will still be OK.

 

[Sytrace]

You can actually enter the passport number when you book the cruise on the DCL website. It will fall under the category of names of the people in the cabin.
That way, when you actually go to online checkin they are already there.
They will also be in your communication via email from DCL regarding reservations if you put them in the day you book.

Just a thought.
And yes, I feel absolutely safe about entering the passport numbers on DCL site.