Re-board cruise ID requiremen after shore excursion: need both sea card and passport?

[curlysummer]

Dear All,

 

We are going to Mediterranean cruise with Celebrity this fall. I know we should have our sea cards and passports when we embark the cruise first time. My question is: Do we need to show both sea cards and our passports when we finish our shore excursion on ports and go back to board cruise again? Many thanks in advance.

[phillygirl2400]

To board the ship, you only need your sea pass. However, you need to pass through immigration before you get back to the ship. Immigration would want to see your passport.

 

 

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[VMax1700]

However, you need to pass through immigration before you get back to the ship.

 

Not true. 5 European cruises down and never asked for passport when reboarding. There may be a security person at the port gate who checks passes, but some ports, e.g. some Greek islands, there is no one except the ship security staff (and they have no interest in passports).

[rdt10]

Never had to show passport to enter the port, but have had to show photo ID. I take my drivers license and seapass.

[dogs4fun]

You need only your sea pass to board. Occasionally, we have been asked to show photo ID at port gate - we did not need to show passport at all (we left passports stored securely in our state room safe).

[phillygirl2400]

I stand corrected.

 

 

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[EnricM]

For information:

 

In Spain -as well as in some other European countries- EVERYBODY, local or foreign, needs -by Law- to carry a valid ID at all times. Valid IDs are: a National ID card, if available in your country; passport or -if citizen from the EU- a driver's license. A US driver's license is not a valid document, nor a SocSec card either.

 

While it's unlikely you'll ever have to show it, the Police can ask for your ID on the spot and if you're not carrying it, you can be taken to the Police station until your ID can be officially established, and a fine can be issued as well.

 

This day and age, with all the terror alerts (we're in level 4 out of 5), I wouldn't go about undocumented but there are, of course, other reasons why everybody needs to carry a valid ID, from being in the wrong place at the wrong time (ie a brawl, a drugs' raid, or any other incident in which the Police is called up) to more mundane situations, like using a ccard in many shops and restaurants where you might need to show a valid ID to ensure the credit card is actually yours.

 

A piece of advice: as I've mentioned, it's not usual that one's stopped by the Police for no reason and ask to produce his ID... but it does happen. I've seen my share of swagger and arrogance among some visitors with gun-ho approaches thinking they're smart a**es and know best... well, this is the law in Spain, so now you know, do as you see fit but then face the music without complaining if you get into hot waters.

 

Source: http://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/Admin/lo1-1992.html - Article 20

Edited August 6, 2017 by EnricM

[LondonTowner]

EnricM

 

Of course, you are 100% correct, but now you will get all those that know better contradicting you.

 

 

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[kwokpot]

For information:

 

In Spain -as well as in some other European countries- EVERYBODY, local or foreign, needs -by Law- to carry a valid ID at all times. Valid IDs are: a National ID card, if available in your country; passport or -if citizen from the EU- a driver's license. A US driver's license is not a valid document, nor a SocSec card either.

 

While it's unlikely you'll ever have to show it, the Police can ask for your ID on the spot and if you're not carrying it, you can be taken to the Police station until your ID can be officially established, and a fine can be issued as well.

 

This day and age, with all the terror alerts (we're in level 4 out of 5), I wouldn't go about undocumented but there are, of course, other reasons why everybody needs to carry a valid ID, from being in the wrong place at the wrong time (ie a brawl, a drugs' raid, or any other incident in which the Police is called up) to more mundane situations, like using a ccard in many shops and restaurants where you might need to show a valid ID to ensure the credit card is actually yours.

 

A piece of advice: as I've mentioned, it's not usual that one's stopped by the Police for no reason and ask to produce his ID... but it does happen. I've seen my share of swagger and arrogance among some visitors with gun-ho approaches thinking they're smart a**es and know best... well, this is the law in Spain, so now you know, do as you see fit but then face the music without complaining if you get into hot waters.

 

Source: http://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/Admin/lo1-1992.html - Article 20

OMG, talk about being overly dramatic! There is no need to carry your passport on shore excursions in any port in Europe, ESPECIALLY Spain. A photo ID, of course, definitely ( you should carry a photo ID in The States when you are out, just common sense). No police is going to stop you and ask for a passport. Just nonsense!

 

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[John Bull]

I kinda agree with EnricM.

 

And with kwokpot.

 

Enric, you are out of date.

Carrying passport ID is no longer required by law in Spain.

There are plenty of official website to confirm that.

 

But if the police ask you to produce your passport, and you don't have it - or any other form of ID that satisfies them - they have the right to detain you while they ascertain your identity.

 

In the normal course of events I can't imagine a police officer asking someone to produce ID randomly & without good reason.

Nor can I imagine an officer not being satisfied with other forms of govt-issued photo-ID, including photocopies.

I can imagine that if you are accused of a crime,

I can even imagine that as bloody-minded retaliation if you wind-up or argue with a police officer.

 

But I agree with kwokpot that Enric's dire warning is over-kill.

 

JB :)

[campolady]

I kinda agree with EnricM.

 

And with kwokpot.

 

Enric, you are out of date.

Carrying passport ID is no longer required by law in Spain.

There are plenty of official website to confirm that.

 

But if the police ask you to produce your passport, and you don't have it - or any other form of ID that satisfies them - they have the right to detain you while they ascertain your identity.

 

In the normal course of events I can't imagine a police officer asking someone to produce ID randomly & without good reason.

Nor can I imagine an officer not being satisfied with other forms of govt-issued photo-ID, including photocopies.

I can imagine that if you are accused of a crime,

I can even imagine that as bloody-minded retaliation if you wind-up or argue with a police officer.

 

But I agree with kwokpot that Enric's dire warning is over-kill.

 

JB :)

 

Being resident in Spain I carry suitable ID at all times. However, for tourists, a photocopy of your passport is now generally accepted unless you are involved in a serious situation when you will be given time to produce the original; for extra peace of mind carry a notorised (authorised) copy which is very cheap to obtain prior to leaving home. We have done 7 Mediterranean cruises and have never been asked for photo ID yet apart from our cruise cards - either getting off to go ashore or on returning to the ship.

Edited August 7, 2017 by campolady

[GrJ Berkshire]

In my wallet I always have my UK photo driving licence, which is cc size. This is enough for ID anywhere, do not carry passports, anyway you can't as Regent and many lines hold these on embarkation with the purser for ship clearance at each port.

The only place we have needed to show this on top of your ship's cruise card was Venice when 4/5 ships were in port.

This advice in Spain is just not helpful, except to the criminal fraternity who will love tourists wandering around Barcelona with passports in bags/ pockets. The danger of loss/ theft far outweighs the technical issue here.

[EnricM]

I knew this would happen...but I won't get drawn into a useless argument. I certainly wouldn't rely on hearsay on forums or blogs --that's why I included a link to the actual law. From there you can draw your own conclusions.

 

Thanks.

[LondonTowner]

EnricM

 

There will always be those who know better. The law is the same in Italy too.

 

I have been asked for ID from Guardia Civil and Gendarmerie in France. With so many terrorist instances I think checks may be more prevalent.

 

So, let all the 'know it alls' and those people who are either careless with their belongings or paranoid about being robbed spout forth. If they want to break the law let them do so.

 

 

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[kwokpot]

I'm in Europe every year and have never been stopped by the police for anything. Was in Barcelona this past June for 3 days pre-cruise and never stopped by police. Did a lot of shopping, and yes occasionally was asked for some identification when presenting my credit card, so I showed them my U.S.A. Drivers Licence and that was just fine. No issues in either France,Italy,Amsterdam,Switzerland.

About four years ago I was in 3 nights Madrid post cruise. I was traveling with my parents and we went to The Prado. The museum was closing and as we were leaving the museum my 70-something mom tripped on the threshold of one of the large main entrance doors. She fell face down on the stone/concrete steps. I was so scared for her, her glasses were scuffed up. A security guard rushed to assist. She was told to wait for medical attention and the medical staff of the Prado

brought up a wheel chair and we were all escorted to the Medical area of the museum in the employee only area. She was given a basic checkup and was treated so nicely by the museum staff! We were there for over one hour after the museums closing time. My mom was a bit bruised but no broken bones, thank god! NOT ONCE was she ever asked for a passport or denied any assistance because none of us were carrying our passports.

 

No one is denying that unusual circumstances can happen. Those are the stories you read in the newspapers and see on the TV news. But the OP asked if it was necessary to take a passport on an port stop excursion and the general answer would be no. Stories of being stopped by police and demanding to see PAPERS and being escorted to the Police station is out and out scaremongering.

EnricM

 

There will always be those who know better. The law is the same in Italy too.

 

I have been asked for ID from Guardia Civil and Gendarmerie in France. With so many terrorist instances I think checks may be more prevalent.

 

So, let all the 'know it alls' and those people who are either careless with their belongings or paranoid about being robbed spout forth. If they want to break the law let them do so.

 

 

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[EnricM]

@kwowkpot .... you're not listening, and obviously, you're clueless about the issue, other than your personal experience. Thank you anyway.

 

I already said what I had to say. I don't want to waste any more time with this issue.

 

PS: Ditto LondonTowner.

Edited August 7, 2017 by EnricM

[curlysummer]

Thank you all. I really appreciate your detailed info and kind help. After I've read many people's stories about how the stolen passports messed up their trips, I feel nervous about carrying my passport around. Especially, some cities we will visit even don't have US consulate if people need to have new passports getting back to state.

 

Thanks again and good luck for all.

[John Bull]

I knew this would happen...but I won't get drawn into a useless argument. I certainly wouldn't rely on hearsay on forums or blogs --that's why I included a link to the actual law. From there you can draw your own conclusions.

 

Thanks.

 

Right, Enric,

And that link confirms that folk are not obliged to carry their passports, only that they have to prove their identity to the satisfaction of the officer concerned. If they can't, they get a free ride to the police station until their identity can be confirmed.

That's good enough for me to keep my passport safe rather than to carry it around and risk it being lost or stolen.

But each to their own. ;)

 

JB :)

[BunnieBear]

I'd prefer to carry mine because it makes it so much easier to get to the next port to rejoin the ship if for some reason I got left behind.

 

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[kwokpot]

I'd prefer to carry mine because it makes it so much easier to get to the next port to rejoin the ship if for some reason I got left behind.

 

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Has that happened to you before? Won't it be easier to just not let that situation occur?

 

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[BunnieBear]

Has that happened to you before? Won't it be easier to just not let that situation occur?

 

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No but accidents happen. If I ended up receiving medical treatment or had a mode of transport let me down on an excursion then my passport and a credit card would be my best friends.

 

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[campolady]

No but accidents happen. If I ended up receiving medical treatment or had a mode of transport let me down on an excursion then my passport and a credit card would be my best friends.

 

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We were told that, if a ship has to sail without you, your passport would be left with the port authorities.

[BunnieBear]

We were told that, if a ship has to sail without you, your passport would be left with the port authorities.

How do they access your safe?

 

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[lisiamc]

We were told that, if a ship has to sail without you, your passport would be left with the port authorities.

 

How do they access your safe?

 

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They have a master key, which they will also use if you mess up the combination for your safe.

 

I've seen a ship's' officer handing over passports to the port agent when passengers have not turned up in time. I've also seen the port agent handing them back to two passengers who turned up in the very nick of time.

 

Spain may be different - we live part of the year in Italy, and get stopped in the car occasionally by the carabinieri checking documents. They only ever wanted to see a driving license, never an ID or passport. I've heard that the carabinieri are very tough on people not carrying their licence if they're driving, but we've never put it to the test!

[LondonTowner]

We were told that, if a ship has to sail without you, your passport would be left with the port authorities.

Yes, that is standard procedure, but I keep ours with us.