Royal Caribbean Cruise — What happens to your Passport???
Hello there first time cruisers, here’s a short write-up about what you got to know about this very important document of yours — your passport. Eh why they take my passport ah, how I disembark at other ports like that, and lastly when I get it back???
Why does my passport get taken away?
Do not be alarmed if your passport is being “confiscated” prior to boarding the cruise! We were told to “surrender” our passports (without whatever fancy casings we have) before boarding the cruise, and felt rather confused as it was our first time boarding a cruise. But I’m pretty sure that they will be safekept and safely returned to us by the end of the trip (since I got it back HAHA).
Not exactly sure of the reason why they have to do this as there weren’t any explanation given but speculating that it might be easier for the immigration to check the passports when travelling to a different country! The process of keeping the passports centrally makes it much easier and faster for the cruise line and passengers. By having the cruise clear the port earlier, this allows the disembarking and embarking at the ports overseas so much faster and effortless!
How do you disembark and embark the cruise ship without your passport?
All you need to have in possession is your SeaPass card when disembarking and embarking. As the SeaPass card will have all your information stored in the account (including the photo you submitted of yourself), all you have to do is tap your card and have your face verified by the staff that it matches the one declared by you.
Isn’t it so easy and effortless to disembark and explore at whichever port you are embarking at? I was surprised and thought that it will be a hassle, and that we have to jostle with thousands of others to disembark at Penang and wait for customs to let us through.
How and when do you get your passport back?
The room cleaning attendant will place a “Passport Distribution Notice” in your room to inform you about the day and time slot and where you can collect back your passport. Please bring along your SeaPass card, and if you are representing the whole group then bring along all of their SeaPass cards will do.
That’s it for now! Hope you have a fun and enjoyable experience aboard.
