The passport thing????

[kclav]

Wondering why the PG takes our passports when we get on the ship. Can anyone actually explain this?:confused:

[lunamomma]

I have no idea, but I did send PG an email to ask. I will post the response when and if I get it. My husband is very resistant to giving up his passport so I am interested in this as well.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Many cruise ships do this. It's usually related to local res. I wouldn't sweat it.

[Ahab10]

Many cruise ships do this. It's usually related to local res. I wouldn't sweat it.

 

True, this is how they prove the number of passengers for determining port fees.:)

[mikenbob]

Another reason based on the itinerary, the ship sometimes passes into different countries (i.e. Cook Islands, Fiji. etc.) and this allows those customs officers to examine your passport without disturbing you.

[Alberta Couple]

Make sure that you take a photocopy of your passpoort with you so you have it in all ports while the ship holds the real thing.

[Emdee]

While other lines have asked us to take a photo copy with us or our passports this has never been the case on the PG. I think its because the islands are so small that it would be quite easy to track any one down.

[lunamomma]

I did write PG as promised, but no response yet.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

When you're in FP, you're actually in France, with all the attendant regulations. They like to control where people are. Presumably when you go over to the Cook's, the authorities like to be able to see all the passports at once. That way they don't have to bother the guests with any passport control nonsense. I know it's that way often on other cruises, but each port is different. They keep the passports locked up in a box, and you never need them on the islands. And if you're cruising within FP, you don't need to carry a photocopy around with you, since you're cruising within a single country.

[Emdee]

Wendy we didnt have the photcopy requirement for either the Cooks or Fiji as well.

[gerena]

Like Alberta Couple said. Just take a photo copy with you when you are out and about. I put it in my money belt. That becomes your ID in case of whatever!!!! I also keep a copy in each piece of luggage along with family contact information, etc.

 

It is not uncommon for ships to keep your passport while on board. At first I was reluctant to do this, but we have cruised so much that "I just hand it over."