SandDragon

As for the OP: I keep wondering what it was that set off the metal detector.

Really? That is what you are wondering? Answer: no idea. When my wife was wanded, nothing came up. The following day I beeped and was wanded (by a female security officer, no offer of hands) and the wand also beeped at a point half way up my right shin. No concealed weapon or any metal implants there. I think sometimes they jest beep.

To clarify/confirm, yes it was on Pacific Princess at Juneau and the security screening was on the ship by Princess personnel. Also, although my location says Dubai, we are Australian (in case some were putting potential prudishness down to Middle Eastern sensibilities).

I am happy to round things up here - thanks for all the input.

We did the railway tour on the 26th. There was work on the tracks just before the summit, presumably where the derailment had occurred. Due to the work we did an extra 12 miles into Canada before we could do a U turn (or the train equivalent).

Sorry, 27th it was.

We did the railway tour on the 26th. There was work on the tracks just before the summit, presumably where the derailment had occurred. Due to the work we did an extra 12 miles into Canada before we could do a U turn (or the train equivalent).

I also agree he was probably joking but I don't think that makes it appropriate.

When reboarding a Princess ship recently, my wife beeped as she went through the metal detector. The (male) security officer was holding a hand held detector and said to my wife "Would you rather I used my hands?"

I have never experienced this question before on a ship, nor has my wife. I have certainly never heard it before at an airport where I have far more experience.

Am I being prudish to think it inappropriate?

I mentioned the incident in one of those "Let us know" forms and said that if it was ship policy to give passengers a choice then perhaps this should be specified at the time and perhaps some gender sensitivity ought to be shown by stating a hand frisking would be done by a female security officer. I got no response so perhaps Princess thinks I am being prudish.

Our day in Madeira off the Independence of the Seas in December was our favourite port of the cruise. Thanks to you for your wonderful advice as it allowed us to do everything we wanted to in the time available.