Beware! Princess Shore Excursions Policy of Waiting

[Pam in CA]

This has never been the case in my 15+ cruises for me, a US citizen with a US Passport, leaving from US ports. I don't have any other experiences with non-US ports. What ports have you sailed from where they took your passport at embarkation? What cruise line was it? I'm very curious and would like to be prepared for this situation.

The Royal Princess last April/May embarking from Manaus (Brazil) to Rome with stops in Senegal, Morocco, Gibraltar, Spain, France and Italy. Same thing on a previous Royal Princess cruise embarking from Manaus. Oh, and again, the Royal Princess in 2001 embarking in Rome and going to Egypt, Turkey and Greece. I would guess that any cruise itinerary requiring a visa would also take your passport. There are some countries that when the authorities board, they look through all of the passports before the ship is cleared to disembark. It would be horrendous if people had to line up with their passports for each of these ports before they could have a day in port. I don't even want to think about the complaints if that happened!

[woodofpine]

Your OP is a real Murphy's Law Sh*t Happens saga. The stars REALLY weren't alligned well for you!

 

The no-swipe discharge of passengers is very surprising. That said, I can understand the line's refusal to reimburse. I suspect that no other line would react differently than Princess in such a wierd scenario. But, I too, would not likely patronize Princess again if I'd had this experience. Bad result all the way around.

 

Quoting Boss Bruce Springsteen, I hope that someday you'll "look back on this and it will all seem funny!" Not anytime soon though, I suppose.

[waterrats]

If my excursion was getting back 30 minutes late and the ship was being held because of it, you bet I will be sticking to that tour better than flies to s#@t.

 

lessons learned:

1. maybe in the future we will carry id with us. We usually only carry our cruise cards and a credit card.

2. make sure you scan off the ship. If the scanner is not working, I won't leave the ship

3. make sure we have some form of insurance. (we have always purchased this for cruises).

4. take morning excursions. we have done this after our first cruise when we got back just in time for the last tender.

5. don't lose site of your group.

 

Look at the bright side, you have a very colorful story to tell, a trip that you will NEVER EVER forget whether good or bad, and also knowing that you have probably saved at least one person (hopefully not me) on these boards from having to go through this themselves.

[donna5]

This has never been the case in my 15+ cruises for me, a US citizen with a US Passport, leaving from US ports. I don't have any other experiences with non-US ports. What ports have you sailed from where they took your passport at embarkation? What cruise line was it? I'm very curious and would like to be prepared for this situation.

 

Thanks.

 

Star Clipper out of St. Maarten.

[FlyingRev]

Bad advice regarding bringing original passport on shore. They are more valuable to undesireables than money. Usually the ship's officers advise that you leave your passports on board and in a safe. Bring a copy along. When we were in Madrid, our tour director took all our passports and placed them in the hotel safe. There were many suspected terrorists looking to snatch passports to make their way to Europe through Spain. Passports are the first thing to be snatched. If you insist, make sure you carry them in a neck or belt pouch. Don't feel relaxed about having your passport with you, not for one minute.

 

 

Actually in many parts of Eastern Europe, you are required to have proper documents with you at all times. In Ukraine for example, you must register with the 'police' and obtain a stamp if you are staying in country over 48 hours. Normally this will be handled by your hotel, but if you are staying in apartments or local housing, you must do this yourself. Failure results in stiff fines (bribes) and difficulty leaving the country.

 

You may be challenged at any time and they will ask for your passport. Failure to produce it is NOT a pleasant experience and you had better have some money ($500.00 USD fine - or about $200 bribe)

 

A word to the wise - find out what the local documentation requirements are and follow them! Personally, I always carry my passport. I have a second passport (perfectly legal, but must be renewed every 2 years) that I keep in a safe place.

 

YMMV. Be Blessed!

[DEL67]

SaturdaySailing:

 

You asked where you can purchase a snorkel wallet. I use an Aquapac "Key Master" when I snorkel. It is just large enough to fit your ship card, drivers license, a credit card and some money. It comes with a cord for around your neck (which I tuck into the top of my suit when snorkeling) and I have never had a problem with leakage.

 

If you want a larger wallet, AquaPac makes them in several different sizes. I got mine at waterproofcases.net.

[Crowsie]

This has never been the case in my 15+ cruises for me, a US citizen with a US Passport, leaving from US ports. I don't have any other experiences with non-US ports. What ports have you sailed from where they took your passport at embarkation? What cruise line was it? I'm very curious and would like to be prepared for this situation.

 

Thanks.

 

CruiseReg..

Here's my earlier post:

 

Perhaps this has already been mentioned...but we've been on a handful of Princess exotic cruises where our passports were collected upon embarkation and not returned until disembarkation.

 

I think it depends where you're cruising, but there are instances (I think on at least 3 of our cruises) where our passports were held by the cruise ship for the duration of the cruise.

 

Just another reason to carry copies with you when you go on shore.

 

Also, I wouldn't put a copy of my passport in my suitcase just in case the luggage gets lost or stolen or rifled through. I do put my name and contact information inside the suitcase.

__________________

Sky Princess 01/1999 Sydney to Aukland

Sky Princess 03/2000 Beijing to Hong Kong

Royal Princess 02/2002 Buenos Aires to Manaus

Golden Princess 05/2003 Barcelona to Venice

Grand Princess 11/2004 Galveston Inaugural

Sapphire Princess 03/2005 Sydney to Bangkok

 

 

Our passports were definitely held on the Beijing to Hong Kong and Buenos Aires to Manaus cruises.

I'm fairly certain they were held on the Sydney to Bangkok cruise but am having short-term memory loss so can't confirm!

I must be suffering from "lack-of-cruising-itis" :D

[KAJOKG]

Actually in many parts of Eastern Europe, you are required to have proper documents with you at all times. In Ukraine for example, you must register with the 'police' and obtain a stamp if you are staying in country over 48 hours. Normally this will be handled by your hotel, but if you are staying in apartments or local housing, you must do this yourself. Failure results in stiff fines (bribes) and difficulty leaving the country.

 

You may be challenged at any time and they will ask for your passport. Failure to produce it is NOT a pleasant experience and you had better have some money ($500.00 USD fine - or about $200 bribe)

 

A word to the wise - find out what the local documentation requirements are and follow them! Personally, I always carry my passport. I have a second passport (perfectly legal, but must be renewed every 2 years) that I keep in a safe place.

 

YMMV. Be Blessed!

I always carry my passport while traveling in Europe, no doubt about that. But in the Islands, the cruise line suggests that you leave your passports on board ship. When we were traveling through Spain by bus, our tour director took our passports and had them put in the hotel safe. When we were in the Soviet Union, the government officials also took our passports and held them until we were ready to leave the country. Don't know how that has changed since the USSR broke apart. And all the while we were in the Baltic States we had our passports on us.

[NorcalGuy]

The Royal Princess last April/May embarking from Manaus (Brazil) to Rome with stops in Senegal, Morocco, Gibraltar, Spain, France and Italy. Same thing on a previous Royal Princess cruise embarking from Manaus. Oh, and again, the Royal Princess in 2001 embarking in Rome and going to Egypt, Turkey and Greece. I would guess that any cruise itinerary requiring a visa would also take your passport. There are some countries that when the authorities board, they look through all of the passports before the ship is cleared to disembark. It would be horrendous if people had to line up with their passports for each of these ports before they could have a day in port. I don't even want to think about the complaints if that happened!

I was looking forward to exotic cruises, but don't think I want to go ashore in a lot of those countries without my passport...especially after reading this horror story. I would love to go somewhere like Senegal, but not without a passport! I was on the Princess Far East/Alaska cruise where we surrendered our passports for a few days on two different occasions. An airline pilot we sat with refused to surrender his, and was allowed to keep it. I didn't hear any other details, but found that interesting.

 

I really like FlyingRev's idea of a second passport. Didn't know that was possible. If I embark on a really exotic cruise, I think I'll get one. The extra expense would be worth the peace of mind...

 

I'm so sorry the OP had to go through this horrific experience. As others have said it is certainly an "Eye opener" and I have learned quite a bit. My passport now goes on shore with me. I would much rather try to get back into the country at a US port with the COPY in my safe (should I lose my passport on shore), rather than have to get out of a foreign country without a passport should I miss the ship!

[D&L-01]

Too late in this case, but for others...

 

Just a word to the wise... U.S. citizen's.

 

NEVER NEVER NEVER go to ANY foreign (meaning outside of the U.S.A.) country by any means of travel without a passport, one or two copies of your passport ON YOUR POSESSION and in your bags, (do NOT rely on drivers license or other form of ID) two credit cards, and CASH. Also, leave copies of your Passport back home with someone who you can get in touch with.

 

On top of that always keep the credit cards and cash seperate, and in multiple bilfolds etc (also keep small amounts to give to the thieves when you get robbed)...

 

ANYTHING can happen when you are in the FOREIGN country, and if you want to get back to the good ol USA, then the right documentation and the right amount of money is the best... sometimes the only way.

 

On cruises, it is so easy to think you are still in the USA, but you are not, and you are subject to the laws of the country you are in.

 

But, if caught in a bad situation then always find and go to the US Embasy, that is one of the reasons they are there.

[Lacy]

Just a word to the wise... U.S. citizen's.

 

NEVER NEVER NEVER go to ANY foreign (meaning outside of the U.S.A.) country by any means of travel without a passport, one or two copies of your passport ON YOUR POSESSION and in your bags, (do NOT rely on drivers license or other form of ID) two credit cards, and CASH. Also, leave copies of your Passport back home with someone who you can get in touch with.

 

I'm not sure why this person posted these comments to US citizens only. It is good advise to citizens of any country in this world. We had our passports stolen in Italy 4 years ago and because we had copies we were able to continue travelling around the country for an additional 10 days on our way to Rome at which time we obtained new passports. If we didn't have copies we would have had to proceed directly to Rome as you must register your passport at every hotel or accomodation with the local authorities in Italy. We never travel without a number of copies of our passports and treat these very special documents with the upmost respect!:)

[D&L-01]

Lacy,

 

You are absolutely correct. I only mentioned U.S. citizens because I suggested going to the U.S. Embassy if needed. I do not know if all other countries have Embassy's?

 

Also, I know of some U.S. folks that think just because they can go to Canada without a Passport, as well as some Carabbean Islands that they they are "safe".

 

There will be a U.S. law in place soon where Passports will be required for "everywhere".

[jennew]

YAWNNNNNN

If I promise to bring my passport on all excursions from now on, can we stop talking about this? :rolleyes:

[Hebe]

Swipe or not swipe - I think the ship will pull out when their appointed time in port has ended.

 

We were in a Baltic port where 3 women were late to the ship. After repeated announcements of their names with a comment to contact guest relations - the ship pulled up the gangways and were all ready to pull out when 3 frantic women ran up to the ship. They did put the ramp back out and left them board. Since they announced their names -- they knew they were missing.

 

This is the second post I have read tonight about someone being left in the port. In the other case it was six people returning from a ship tour but the person telling the story said - the people decided to do a little last minute browsing before getting the last tender. Their attlitude was -- we are on a ships tour -- they will not leave without us.

[NorcalGuy]

I'm not here just to be entertained (although sometimes I am). The postings in this thread are the kind of information that can save one from the very nightmare the OPs experienced. I think that is what CC is all about. Sharing valuable cruise information learned from experience.

Personally, I would love to hear more from someone that has multiple legal passports as mentioned by a previous poster (not photo copies)...

My moto on such matters is "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best".

[senior lady]

One lesson i've learned. I've scanned all my important ID info--to my e-mail account. Like Yahoo.

That way all I need is access to a computer to prove who i am, and get copies of everything.

We never leave a ship without being scanned out. Also carry.. credit card, some cash, debit card, and drivers licence.

Can't imagine being left behind like that.

[mtjlr]

It is amazing to me that most of the posts are discussing the need for IDs and passports when leaving the ship. I agree with that, but the most disturbing aspect of this story is that the room steward knew they had not returned to their stateroom for 2 nights and did not report it. It reminds me of Celebrity's Mercury in the news lately for the woman who disappeared from the Mercury in Alaska. Her room steward did report that she was not in her room for most of the cruise, which was ignored by his superiors. Her belongings were packed up without ever trying to contact any family members that she was missing. One would think after that situation, Princess would take more notice when no one shows up in their cabin for 2 days and know that something must be wrong.

[smj]

Snurp,

 

What happened to you was terrible. You are completely justified in expecting to have your expenses reimbursed. I think Princess should also give you a heafty discount on a future cruise. After all look at your history. You like to cruise, you are only in your 30s and you have a very good income. Hopefully you will be cruising many more times in your lifetime and that adds up to be lots of dollars. Maybe you should spend those dollars on another cruise line. You might like Celebrity or Oceania.

You sound like you are a very nice well educated polite person. It was very nice of you to remember your manners and try to get out of the way.

Please let us know how this turns out.

[JLC@SD]

Snurp,

 

What happened to you was terrible. You are completely justified in expecting to have your expenses reimbursed. I think Princess should also give you a heafty discount on a future cruise. After all look at your history. You like to cruise, you are only in your 30s and you have a very good income. Hopefully you will be cruising many more times in your lifetime and that adds up to be lots of dollars. Maybe you should spend those dollars on another cruise line. You might like Celebrity or Oceania.

You sound like you are a very nice well educated polite person. It was very nice of you to remember your manners and try to get out of the way.

Please let us know how this turns out.

 

I get tired of people making mistakes, and then turning to find someone else to blame for their own actions. Their actions caused this, not Princess. And then they want to be rewarded with a payoff......:rolleyes:

 

Nobody will take responsibility for their own actions anymore. It is always someone elses fault.

 

The only thing Princess did was have a computer malfunction that didn't clock them off. The computers are for Princess' security measures, not to babysit passengers as to whether they are back. Getting back is the Passenger's responsibility, you miss the ship, that is your problem.

 

Even if the computer worked and registered them as missing, the ship still would have left without them.

 

A more appropriate theme for this thread should be "Don't make the same mistakes we made"....rather that this...."Princes screwed us" story.:rolleyes:

[mississauga]

It's easy for the US residents to say bring your passports with you. Non-US citizens don't have a choice. If we want to cruise from a US port to go to a non US port, we must surrender our passports before embarkation and not only that, we must line up about 6:30am on the day of debarkation to get it back and go though immigration on board. This has happened on Carnival and RCCL so let's see what happens on my April cruise to Mexico on the Dawn Princess. We have always been told that it is the US immigration rules.

 

On a lighter note, let me recount a funny incident from our cruise last year while leaving Acapulco on the Carnival Spirit. 2 young ladies had not returned when we were ready to leave. The purser's office made over 5 announcements asking them to call the purser's office. Finally, the ship had to leave after a half hour or so. Of course we were all on deck for the sailaway and lo and behold, we saw the 2 girls running to the dock. A port cruiser brought them to the ship and they had to climb up a rope ladder on the side of the ship to get back on. They had forgotten that the ship had changed the hours we were suppose to be in Acapulco and were leaving earlier than the original itinerary. It's funny because we all knew what cabins they were in due to the fact that the purser's office kept announcing what cabins they were in and once we saw they were safely back on the ship, everyone joked that they would call their rooms to tease them. Don't know if anyone did.

[DOTTYCAN]

Thanks for the information - this is first to me. We have been on Princess 11+ times. Once in Venezuela we were with the Cruise Tour from Princess. The bus was late getting back to the ship - the ship waited for all of us.

 

In Canada last year - we had to show our cards, passports to the authorities as we stepped off the ship to go on an escorted tour. Our 12 year old granddaughter was with us - I accidentally forgot to bring her documents so we had to get them to go on the tour. This was something that just happened. Princess and the Canadian authorities were very kind about all of this. They realized we were traveling with a grandchild. Anyway, this year hopefully to Europe with a grandchild and I will be sure to have a color copy of all documents whether or not it is required.

 

p.s. I don't get to post much - mostly read, but this has really alerted me.

 

dottycan:)

[Pam in CA]

Even if you're on a ship's tour, if you get separated, it's your responsibility to get back to the ship. You know what time the ship is sailing and it's your responsibility to either stick with the tour or get back to the ship. If you are still with the tour and the tour gets back late, the ship will wait for you. I've been on cruises that have waited several hours for a tour to get back. But if you are separated, then it won't.

[waterrats]

A more appropriate theme for this thread should be "Don't make the same mistakes we made"....rather that this...."Princes screwed us" story.:rolleyes:

 

Yes. I agree. As I mentioned earlier, If I knew we were late and the ship was waiting for our tour to get back, you better believe me that I will be sticking to that tour group better than flies on S$&T.

[A Sixth?]

It's easy for the US residents to say bring your passports with you. Non-US citizens don't have a choice. If we want to cruise from a US port to go to a non US port, we must surrender our passports before embarkation and not only that, we must line up about 6:30am on the day of debarkation to get it back and go though immigration on board. This has happened on Carnival and RCCL so let's see what happens on my April cruise to Mexico on the Dawn Princess. We have always been told that it is the US immigration rules.

 

It's not US Immigration policy. It is the policy of the cruise ship company. Princess doesn't take passports fom Canadians on it's Caribbean sailings. As youi pointed out, Carnival and RCL as well as NCL do.

[Snoozeman]

I've scanned all my important ID info--to my e-mail account. Like Yahoo.

Good idea. Then go to the closest internet cafe to d/l your vital information. You could also put a copy on your iPod.