Tortola and St. Thomas - photo id

[Lynda Silk]

Hi,
On our previous cruises, we had to show photo ID to get back on the ship at most of the ports in the Caribbean. But I've been told we would probably only need our Key to the World card now. Can you tell me if this is the case with Tortola and St. Thomas? My DD's partner is coming with us on our next cruise and it's her first cruise ever. She doesn't have a driver's licence and would prefer not to take her passport off the ship.

If we do need photo ID, she does have her government issued healthcare card that has her photo on it (we're Canadian)...would that be okay to get back on the ship?

Thanks!

 

[squirk]

Hi,
On our previous cruises, we had to show photo ID to get back on the ship at most of the ports in the Caribbean. But I've been told we would probably only need our Key to the World card now. Can you tell me if this is the case with Tortola and St. Thomas? My DD's partner is coming with us on our next cruise and it's her first cruise ever. She doesn't have a driver's licence and would prefer not to take her passport off the ship.

If we do need photo ID, she does have her government issued healthcare card that has her photo on it (we're Canadian)...would that be okay to get back on the ship?

Thanks!

We were just on Tortola, and the port agents barely looked at our KTTW cards before waiving us through. Did not ask for photo ID. However, you should not assume the same thing will happen to you. Be prepared with photo ID.

And you are best-served asking DCL about the healthcare card. I think it will probably be fine, but if I am wrong, what are you going to tell port security - "Squirk on the DIS Boards told me it was OK"?

 

[Bettyscruise]

St Thomas customs requires a photo I.D. and your KTW card. Tortola guard looks for the KTW. In the worst case you DD friend would need one of you, already cleared to re-board, to go get the passport and return to the gate to show the customs agent. I saw this occur last time in St. T.

 

[Partyof4LA]

We are just back from these ports as well. They did ask DH and I to see our photo ID before letting us through to get back on the ship.
I don't know the answer as to whether her health card will suffice. We used our drivers licenses. I don't know if it's an option in Canada, but in the US, you can get a photo ID from the DMV for around $20.

 

[Mommydust]

Just got back also. We needed photo ID for Castaway Cay even. Don't chance it.

 

[Lynda Silk]

Thanks to all of you for your advice! Really appreciate your help!

 

[Lynda Silk]

Squirm, you mean port security wouldn't accept your word? Surely not!

 

[squirk]

Just got back also. We needed photo ID for Castaway Cay even. Don't chance it.

Interesting. We were just there on Friday, and KTTW was all that was needed. In fact, I am not sure I've ever had to show photo ID at CC.

Squirm, you mean port security wouldn't accept your word? Surely not!

Well, they should. But word about me hasn't made it to everywhere in the Caribbean yet.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

It may also depend on which port you go to in St. Thomas. When we were on DCL, we went to the main port and had to have photo id. On RCCL, we went to the other port and they just checked the Seapass card and told people to put away their photo IDs without looking at them.

 

[NJMomto2]

So on a Dec 2016 cruise, I got all the way to the ship exit on CC with my 5 year old and a million sand toys etc to be told I had to get my photo ID. Went to room came back and no one looked at it not even upon re-embarking.

 

[Starwind]

We are just back from these ports as well. They did ask DH and I to see our photo ID before letting us through to get back on the ship.
I don't know the answer as to whether her health card will suffice. We used our drivers licenses. I don't know if it's an option in Canada, but in the US, you can get a photo ID from the DMV for around $20.

Canadian provinces have a similar ID card available if one does not have a DL. Cost varies.

SW