Passports... PLEASE HELP!!

[funetics]

I have just recently found these posting boards and did not realize there was one specifically for Canadians--I usually am on the cruise boards.
For all of you out there who have done a Disney Cruise or are doing one I have been told by Disney CM at the Port Canaveral terminal that we have to surrender our passports, which we are given a receipt for and then they keep them in a safe on board the ship. I know Mickey Canada just got back from a cruise (I think) Please is this safe ???? I talked to Canadian Customs officials and they said they would advise against this. HELP !!!!!!!!!! I don't want to cancel, but am very leary about surrendering my passport and not being able to prove I am a Canadian citizen.
(Yes we have birth certificates, driver's licences and etc. but with everything that has gone on............)
Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Nicole

Off Property WDW Aug-Sept 1997
Disney Magic Jan 26/02

 

[diz karen]

I too was very worried about this. I was told that it was common practice with cruise lines. I do not know what to tell you. We surrendered our passports because we were going no matter what. Luckily they were well taken care of. The two days that you have to do immigration they give you your passport and then you give it back to them. At least you will know it is still around.

 

[Mop]

I don't like surrendering my passport either. However, it is required and I do so reluctantly. I always carry a copy of my passport on me. This way, my passport could be replaced if they did lose it. It's always a good idea to have a copy in a separate place than the original when out of the country. I haven't heard anyone here complain about a passport being lost by the cruise line though, so it is very, very unlikely that something will happen to yours.

 

[funetics]

Thank-you both for replying. We too have decided we are going no matter what(even if we have to drive from Calgary), so the idea of keeping a copy is a great one. I feel better knowing that others were concerned as well!!
thanks
Nicole

 

[Toad]

We took the cruise last year and when we were asked to surrender our passports, I asked if giving our drivers licenses instead would be ok. They said yes, so that is what we did and the passport stayed with me. Just ask. All they can do is say no.