Identification required to board

[klfrodo]

18 minutes ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

Yes, the Enhanced DL works on both.  Like you, I also have a WA EDL which I have used on Amtrak traveling up to Vancouver.

I work at Pier 91 in Seattle doing check-in. Every cruise we have passengers traveling with just their Enhanced Driver's License - it's not uncommon to see.  We scan or swipe the EDL which has a readable bar code on the back. . 

I have also had my share of passengers believing that their Real ID Driver's License  could be used as travel ID - and arguing why they believe they could use it to travel on a cruise ship.  Luckily, those  individuals are given the opportunity to try to get a copy of their US birth certificate electronically sent to the pier, where we printed it out and they can board and enjoy their cruise.

Thank you for the clarification.

[sparks1093]

12 hours ago, klfrodo said:

Just questioning for clarification if I may.

EDL is only good for "Driving" across the border, right? Since this passenger is returning by vessel, wouldn't this US Citizen passenger be required a passport card at a minimum if driving back to Michigan or a Passport book if flying back.

It's been answered but yes, the EDL can be used to cross the border by any means, driving, walking, as a passenger in a bus or train. And yes, people do need to be aware of the difference between an EDL and a REAL ID compliant license. 

[sparks1093]

15 hours ago, ontheweb said:

You are assuming they want to come back to the US. 🤣😉

True enough.🤣

[ontheweb]

12 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

Yes, the Enhanced DL works on both.  Like you, I also have a WA EDL which I have used on Amtrak traveling up to Vancouver.

I work at Pier 91 in Seattle doing check-in. Every cruise we have passengers traveling with just their Enhanced Driver's License - it's not uncommon to see.  We scan or swipe the EDL which has a readable bar code on the back. . 

I have also had my share of passengers believing that their Real ID Driver's License  could be used as travel ID - and arguing why they believe they could use it to travel on a cruise ship.  Luckily, those  individuals are given the opportunity to try to get a copy of their US birth certificate electronically sent to the pier, where we printed it out and they can board and enjoy their cruise.

Those must be frustrating arguments for both sides. How long does it usually take before the passenger realizes he or she is not going to win the argument and you are actually trying to help them by letting them know what they can do to be able to board the ship? How often are you yelled at and told I want to speak to your supervisor?

[sparks1093]

14 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

Those must be frustrating arguments for both sides. How long does it usually take before the passenger realizes he or she is not going to win the argument and you are actually trying to help them by letting them know what they can do to be able to board the ship? How often are you yelled at and told I want to speak to your supervisor?

Hopefully they have someone at home that has access to their birth certificate, otherwise it's bye bye cruise. I did read a thread started by a gentleman from Texas who brought only his REAL ID license to the port. Fortunately he had someone who could send a copy of the birth certificate along. Thing is, in his thread he kind of made it clear that he still thought that the port personnel were wrong and he was right. We did try to tell him otherwise but I'm not sure the message took. 

 

It's easy enough to see why people confuse the two, and the term EDL has been used for some time and is not likely to change but a new name might help avoid confusion. Problem is coming up with something that is short enough. Passport Card Drivers License? Proof of Citizenship Drivers License? Glad it's not my problem. I suspect that the name will remain the same and the confusion will reign for many years.

[cruzfiend]

Thank You ALL for the replies. I'm recommending that they just renew their passports.

 

[Ferry_Watcher]

2 hours ago, ontheweb said:

Those must be frustrating arguments for both sides. How long does it usually take before the passenger realizes he or she is not going to win the argument and you are actually trying to help them by letting them know what they can do to be able to board the ship? How often are you yelled at and told I want to speak to your supervisor?

 

We learn to deescalate the situation by saying that we will have our supervisor speak to them, and basically not engaging in any further discussion.    We listen sympathetically, and might suggest that they start to think where there is a copy of their birth certificate at home, and who can find it for them.  Some people are loud, and they are usually the folks who received incorrect information, or misinterpreted what was needed for ID to board a cruise ship.  Other folks are in stunned silence trying to process what they were just told.   If the supervisor is delayed, sometimes I will ask the waiting passengers to shift slightly  away from directly in front of my station (if space is available), and I can continue to help other passengers checking -in.  That also gives the passengers time to talk among themselves.

 

Once the supervisor arrives and assesses the situation, the passengers are escorted back downstairs to the Document Desk where the team that works there helps the passengers who can travel if they can get a copy of their US birth certificate electronically sent to the terminal. For those foreign passengers (India, South Africa, Brazil for example) who unfortunately needed a Canadian visa, but don't have one - they receive a letter explaining the situation, and then wait as Longshore tries to retrieve their luggage from the ship.

 

My pals at the Document Desk have stories about passengers who either refuse to even consider having someone look for their BC, or are adamant that they have no idea where their BC, or that it could never be found.  The Document Desk staff work with these passengers, and try to explain that there is very limited time to find and get the BC sent electronically to the pier.  The frustrating part is when passengers refuse to deal with their situation, and the staff knows that the clock is ticking down.

 

The best part is when we see a passenger returning to check-in with the photocopy of their birth certificate in hand, and a big smile and relief on their face. 

[Ferry_Watcher]

3 hours ago, sparks1093 said:

Thing is, in his thread he kind of made it clear that he still thought that the port personnel were wrong and he was right. We did try to tell him otherwise but I'm not sure the message took. 

 

I remember dealing with a passenger from Tennessee who was adamant that her Real ID was sufficient ID to get her on the cruise ship.  I don't think she believed us either.   These are typically the passengers who dig in their heels and lose precious time in getting a copy of their birth certificate.

 

So why does it take so long?  Passengers need to know exactly where the BC can be found.  Next, is finding someone you trust to go into your house and rummage thru your underwear drawer, or your metal box in your closet that holds all your important papers. 

 

But first, this friend, neighbor or family member needs to be available (not at work or a game, lives close by, etc), and is able to get inside your house.  Not everybody leaves a key with a trusted person, or under the planter by the front door.  Sometimes passengers needing their BC will have to ask a trusted person to basically break into their house to get the BC.  It's either that, or if the passengers can't get a copy of their BC, then they don't sail, AND there is no refund for the cruise fare.  FYI, every passenger checks a waiver box acknowledging that you understand what is needed for proof of citizenship to board the cruise ship.  And it compounds, because if one family member can't go, what do the others who may have the correct documents  do?  No easy decisions there, and no refunds if they decide not to board without their denied companion.  It can became a very expensive mistake.

[sparks1093]

7 minutes ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

I remember dealing with a passenger from Tennessee who was adamant that her Real ID was sufficient ID to get her on the cruise ship.  I don't think she believed us either.   These are typically the passengers who dig in their heels and lose precious time in getting a copy of their birth certificate.

 

So why does it take so long?  Passengers need to know exactly where the BC can be found.  Next, is finding someone you trust to go into your house and rummage thru your underwear drawer, or your metal box in your closet that holds all your important papers. 

 

But first, this friend, neighbor or family member needs to be available (not at work or a game, lives close by, etc), and is able to get inside your house.  Not everybody leaves a key with a trusted person, or under the planter by the front door.  Sometimes passengers needing their BC will have to ask a trusted person to basically break into their house to get the BC.  It's either that, or if the passengers can't get a copy of their BC, then they don't sail, AND there is no refund for the cruise fare.  FYI, every passenger checks a waiver box acknowledging that you understand what is needed for proof of citizenship to board the cruise ship.  And it compounds, because if one family member can't go, what do the others who may have the correct documents  do?  No easy decisions there, and no refunds if they decide not to board without their denied companion.  It can became a very expensive mistake.

Even though I have a passport and an EDL I still have a picture of my birth certificate on my phone. It doesn't make the phone heavier. 🙂 (I also have pictures of the passport and the EDL, but mostly so I can access them when making reservations, etc.)

[Ferry_Watcher]

2 minutes ago, sparks1093 said:

I still have a picture of my birth certificate on my phone. It doesn't make the phone heavier.

 Great idea.

 

The fastest turnaround time for getting a copy of a birth certificate was this young guy (mid 20's) who was going on a cruise with his girlfriend (who was traveling with her passport).  It was pretty late in the day, like 2:30 PM, and he presents just his Massachusetts's DL.  I explain that he needs to get a copy of his US birth certificate to get on the ship.  So, while he is still standing at my check-in counter, he FaceTimes his housemate and walks his housemate thru his bedroom to get the birth certificate.  The housemate finds it, I give the passenger the email address of the pier office where to sent the picture of the BC, and within minutes the passengers has a copy on his phone, and another copy was sent to the pier office where it was printed out. 

 

It was so fast, and kinda' fun to watch in real time on FaceTime.  It was actually pretty cool.  ;  )

[ontheweb]

2 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

We learn to deescalate the situation by saying that we will have our supervisor speak to them, and basically not engaging in any further discussion.    We listen sympathetically, and might suggest that they start to think where there is a copy of their birth certificate at home, and who can find it for them.  Some people are loud, and they are usually the folks who received incorrect information, or misinterpreted what was needed for ID to board a cruise ship.  Other folks are in stunned silence trying to process what they were just told.   If the supervisor is delayed, sometimes I will ask the waiting passengers to shift slightly  away from directly in front of my station (if space is available), and I can continue to help other passengers checking -in.  That also gives the passengers time to talk among themselves.

 

Once the supervisor arrives and assesses the situation, the passengers are escorted back downstairs to the Document Desk where the team that works there helps the passengers who can travel if they can get a copy of their US birth certificate electronically sent to the terminal. For those foreign passengers (India, South Africa, Brazil for example) who unfortunately needed a Canadian visa, but don't have one - they receive a letter explaining the situation, and then wait as Longshore tries to retrieve their luggage from the ship.

 

My pals at the Document Desk have stories about passengers who either refuse to even consider having someone look for their BC, or are adamant that they have no idea where their BC, or that it could never be found.  The Document Desk staff work with these passengers, and try to explain that there is very limited time to find and get the BC sent electronically to the pier.  The frustrating part is when passengers refuse to deal with their situation, and the staff knows that the clock is ticking down.

 

The best part is when we see a passenger returning to check-in with the photocopy of their birth certificate in hand, and a big smile and relief on their face. 

Wise decision immediately trying to get a supervisor involved. It also frees you up to deal with the other passengers in line.

[Ferry_Watcher]

22 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

Wise decision immediately trying to get a supervisor involved. It also frees you up to deal with the other passengers in line.

 

Yes,  once we know that it is potential denial, it's best to turn it over to the supervisor/document desk.  The check-in agent knows that there isn't anything he/she can do at that point - and there are potentially a few thousand passengers still waiting to be embarked.

 

In addition to those specialty staff working with passengers who could board if their US birth certificate can be electronically sent to the pier, the supervisor asks for a description of the passenger's luggage to try stop the luggage from being loaded on to the ship.  Sometimes the passengers tells them, 'no, I am going to make it on the ship', and is willing to take their chances of having luggage sail without the passenger.  Luckily, most denied passengers will be reunited with there luggage before the ship sails.

[Aquahound]

1 hour ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

Yes,  once we know that it is potential denial, it's best to turn it over to the supervisor/document desk.  The check-in agent knows that there isn't anything he/she can do at that point - and there are potentially a few thousand passengers still waiting to be embarked.

 

 

I can't even imagine that.  You must see everything from hostile to shattered hearts when that happens.

[Ferry_Watcher]

1 hour ago, Aquahound said:

You must see everything from hostile to shattered hearts when that happens.

 

Saddest one was an engaged couple that had arrangements to be married onboard, then honeymoon on the cruise.  Unfortunately they were from a country that required a Canadian visa, which neither of them had.  Everyone at check-in and the ship personnel that are in the terminal during embark were just devastated. The couple's reaction was one of stunned silence, the other disbelief as one of the couple kept repeating 'no one told us we needed it'.  It was heart wrenching.   The ship allowed them to come on as 'visitors' and they were married onboard, but sadly, they could not sail because of the missing Canadian visa.

 

 

[ontheweb]

3 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

Yes,  once we know that it is potential denial, it's best to turn it over to the supervisor/document desk.  The check-in agent knows that there isn't anything he/she can do at that point - and there are potentially a few thousand passengers still waiting to be embarked.

 

In addition to those specialty staff working with passengers who could board if their US birth certificate can be electronically sent to the pier, the supervisor asks for a description of the passenger's luggage to try stop the luggage from being loaded on to the ship.  Sometimes the passengers tells them, 'no, I am going to make it on the ship', and is willing to take their chances of having luggage sail without the passenger.  Luckily, most denied passengers will be reunited with there luggage before the ship sails.

The best lesson I see from all of this discussion is have a passport. It is the one document where you need nothing else (unless it is a visa for some countries and you would still need that with any other proof of citizenship.

 

So, if their luggage boards the ship without them, it sails outside their assigned cabin the entire cruise and then they can come pick it up eventually at whatever the final port is? Though wouldn't they have a problem getting into that area to pick the luggage up? And how would they know what luggage tag was applied so even if they could get there, how would they know where to look?

Edited January 24, 2023 by ontheweb
accidentally posted before finishing the last sentence

[Ferry_Watcher]

2 hours ago, ontheweb said:

So, if their luggage boards the ship without them, it sails outside their assigned cabin the entire cruise and then they can come pick it up eventually at whatever the final port is?

 

No, the luggage would be entrusted to the ship personnel, who would, upon arrival at the disembarkation port, turn it over to the pier's luggage team.  Generally speaking (at least on Alaska cruises), if you live in the US and didn't make it on the ship, arrangements will be made to FedEx home to you.

The Pier's luggage Hall is under USCG Marsec security designation*.  Think of it like disembarking a flight at the airport - once you leave the secure side, you can't go back in.

 

* It always make me chuckle when folks talk about porters/Longshore union workers tampering with luggage of people who didn't tip after it is taken from the passenger.  These are secure areas - no one is going to rummage thru a suitcase because they didn't get a $2 tip, nor are they going to risk their union job because they didn't get a tip.

 

Edited January 25, 2023 by Ferry_Watcher

[sparks1093]

12 hours ago, ontheweb said:

The best lesson I see from all of this discussion is have a passport. It is the one document where you need nothing else (unless it is a visa for some countries and you would still need that with any other proof of citizenship.

 

So, if their luggage boards the ship without them, it sails outside their assigned cabin the entire cruise and then they can come pick it up eventually at whatever the final port is? Though wouldn't they have a problem getting into that area to pick the luggage up? And how would they know what luggage tag was applied so even if they could get there, how would they know where to look?

To me the best lesson is to know exactly what you need for documentation and make sure that you have it. Before I ponied up $850 for passports for a 4 day cruise I made darn sure that we had acceptable alternatives and since we did we didn't see the need to spend that kind of money.

[ontheweb]

11 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

No, the luggage would be entrusted to the ship personnel, who would, upon arrival at the disembarkation port, turn it over to the pier's luggage team.  Generally speaking (at least on Alaska cruises), if you live in the US and didn't make it on the ship, arrangements will be made to FedEx home to you.

The Pier's luggage Hall is under USCG Marsec security designation*.  Think of it like disembarking a flight at the airport - once you leave the secure side, you can't go back in.

 

* It always make me chuckle when folks talk about porters/Longshore union workers tampering with luggage of people who didn't tip after it is taken from the passenger.  These are secure areas - no one is going to rummage thru a suitcase because they didn't get a $2 tip, nor are they going to risk their union job because they didn't get a tip.

 

You have a best case scenario of an Alaska cruise and the passengers living in the USA. What if it was a European or Australian cruise? Or for an Alaskan cruise, what if the passengers were from Europe or Australia? That second one may be more in your area of expertise working out of Seattle for Alaskan cruises.

[chengkp75]

1 hour ago, ontheweb said:

You have a best case scenario of an Alaska cruise and the passengers living in the USA. What if it was a European or Australian cruise? Or for an Alaskan cruise, what if the passengers were from Europe or Australia? That second one may be more in your area of expertise working out of Seattle for Alaskan cruises.

In any scenario, the luggage will be kept either in the security area of the port, or entrusted to the ship's agent (also bonded), until the passenger notifies the cruise line of their wishes to have the luggage forwarded to them.