Probably a silly question....

[Ashlea Ramsey]

Do you need to take your passports with you when you get off at every port? or just your kttwc?

 

[KashasMom]

You just need to take your kttwc and usually a photo ID (like a license), although most times no one checks the license. Some people feel comfortable taking their passports or at least a photo copy.

 

[Ashlea Ramsey]

Thank you. I hadn't read anything and haven't been on a cruise in about 15 years. This will make packing my day bag much easier. What about kids? He is 7 and doesn't have photo id, should I take a copy of his passport card?

 

[GoofyLovingFamily]

Kids don't need photo id at most Caribbean ports.

 

[KashasMom]

Right...no ID for kids. Have a great cruise!

 

[Shanti]

Do you need to take your passports with you when you get off at every port? or just your kttwc?

No. Keep your passport in your safe. Adults need a drivers' license (or equivalent photo ID) and all guests need their KTTW cards.

On our Caribbean cruise in December, both the license and KTTW cards were checked by port authorities before we were allowed past the port fence into the ship boarding area, and by DCL before we were allowed back on the ship itself.

I can only speak for Caribbean cruises, though- I haven't cruised in Europe.

 

[elvispursley]

In prepping for our last cruise a few months ago, I read an excellent tip that recommended we take a daily Navigator with us (or put the contact info for the ship/port agent in my phone). In case there happened to be an emergency--say you were off shopping and were hit by a car, heaven forbid, and had to be taken to the hospital--the ship could be contacted and any official documentation could be retrieved from your stateroom. But as PP stated, once we put our passports in the safe, there they stay

 

[Imahikergirl]

We took our passports off the ship in Nassau to get them stamped at the port. Other than that, they've always been locked in the safe.

 

[stacaka4321]

Our last cruise a family ONLY had their KTTW card in St Thomas to get back on the ship. The, what I'm assuming are local law, where NOT HAPPY with this family. So yes, just make sure you have a photo ID!

 

[Dug720]

You need to pay attention to the Navigator to know if you will need to or not. There ARE some ports that require you to have your passport. DCL may not be hitting them yet (oh wait, there are some Alaskan excursions that DCL or not would require a passport because you cross the border into Canada), but if you're ever on other lines they might. So always pay attention to the information provided by the cruise line about what is needed when disembarking for a day in port.

 

[QuidditchChick07]

I always at least have a copy with me in port. Why? If something happens, and that boat leaves without you, I'd really rather not have to go through the "fun" of trying to get home without my passport. I sincerely hope nothing will happen, and so far nothing has happened during one of our trips to warrant this being a necessity, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

[jrabbit]

i believe that if the ship leaves without you they might go into your room and into the safe to check for your passports if you used them during embarkation - and they would be left with their agent at the port. Thats one good reason to read that skipable piece of info that they include in the Daily Navigator.

 

[kiford]

You'll be told if you need them or if you need to turn them in (happened on one of our Med cruises - local authorities came on board and did some spot checks of physical passports). Usually you don't need them. You do need your KTTW card and photo ID for everyone over 18 at all ports including Castaway Cay.

 

[lorenni]

I second the PP who recommended carrying a photocopy of your passport whenever you are in any foreign country.

 

[IBLarsen]

Not a silly question, I had the same. Preparing for our first cruise this summer and I would be worried about something happening and being stuck without a passport to get home.