Question about going ashore....if we go at all...

[stillfrantic]

One last question before we might or might not leave tomorrow for the Zuiderdam's weekend sailing.

When we go ashore for port stops, do we ned to talk our key card and a driver's license for a photo id to reboard, or just the key? Maybe the key has a photo on it?

[TedC]

Your key card they swipe at the gangway as you get off will be swiped again when you get back on.

Additional ID is always a good idea. We have been in ports where we had to show ID to enter the terminal. And suppose you lost your key card? Additional photo ID would go a long way in determining your identity.

A passport is the best ID.

[jhannah]

That's right. You won't be able to leave the ship without your ship's card. That's how they track who's on and who's off. I know you're real antsy about this weekend. It doesn't look too good right now. We hope the best for you.

[FlorenceItaly]

They key does not have your photo on it, and yes, it is mandatory when leaving the ship at port to have your sign and sail card(or whatever the name is..escapes me) AND a driver's license, passport, or some form of government ID. I cruised in June and Aug, and this was a requirement at ALL ports.

Marie

[stillfrantic]

Thanks to all. I will make sure to have my DL with me also. I have a passport for getting onboard, but I don't want to take it ashore at stops. My DL will fit in my dry box I use while snorkeling.

[ekerr19]

They do take your picture and it is linked to your card - it can be displayed to ships security when the card is scanned - they asked me to remove my sun glasses for my last digital photo.

We always carry additional ID off the ship -

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Vista class ships do have your picture on the key card. But you will still need to take another ID photo with you as some of the security in various ports require you to show both before getting near the ship. They don't have the equipment to scan your key card like they can on the ship.

We use our driver's licenses as photo ID - easier to replace than passport if something happens.

Passports stay in the safe until the end of the cruise.

[peaches from georgia]

I know from personal experience that the key card on Oosterdam is scanned for your computerized picture which is embedded within the card electronically when you reboard the ship. We take our DL ashore just in case it is needed to enter the port.

However, I seem to remember from a past thread that the Zuiderdam computer does not have that ability to read a scanned picture from your key card. Possibly that has changed now?

[ekerr19]

I know from personal experience that the key card on Oosterdam is scanned for your computerized picture which is embedded within the card electronically when you reboard the ship. We take our DL ashore just in case it is needed to enter the port.

However, I seem to remember from a past thread that the Zuiderdam computer does not have that ability to read a scanned picture from your key card. Possibly that has changed now?
Ours was read - this was last summer. I was shocked to see my face some up on the screen. :) My picture was really bad, :eek:

[michmike]

we typically take our room keys and a COPY of our passports. WE keep the originals locked up in the inroom safe. Has never presented a problem for us

[sail7seas]

Photos embedded in key card on Zuiderdam are viewed on the gangway when you return to the ship.

They are viewed the same as Oosterdam and Westerdam and I personally know for sure they were scanned and read last year.

When going ashore, we bring our DL and a copy of the photo pages of Passports.

[Lisa63]

When going ashore, we bring our DL and a copy of the photo pages of Passports.
We do the same as well as the number of the port agent, which is printed on the shopping map you will receive on the ship. Extra copies may be available at the gangway.