Passport stolen on the way to the cruise port

[Silent Penguin]

Two months ago, on the morning of embarkment day, I was pickpocketed on the Metro in Rome.  Because of my lack of diligence (I opted for a crossbody Baggallini handbag instead of an under-the-shirt pouch), I fell prey to the famous  3 person (maybe 2) pickpocket scheme that involves physically distracting the victim so an accomplice can quickly and stealthily grab whatever's easy to snatch from the victim's handbag.  In my case, it was the euros I needed to pay someone on our cruise for a group excursion he arranged and, more importantly, my passport.    That being said, this post is not about crime in Rome or how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.  I'm here to share my experience as a cruise passenger who had to deal with being denied boarding due to lacking a passport.   

 

First, here's what happened.  My husband and I spent the week before our TA in Rome.  The morning of embarkation, we needed to meet up with the other people with whom we were sharing a shuttle from Rome to Civitavecchia.  Our meeting place was very close to Termini station.  Since our  Airbnb was mere steps from Cavour station, we hopped on the Metro.  The train was crowded, but we managed to snug into a bit of space near the door.  I only had a carry-on suitcase, a backpack and my crossbody Baggallini handbag, so I straddled my suitcase, used my left hand to steady myself and rested my right hand on my zipped up, crossbody handbag.  When the train stopped at Termini Station, I was jostled roughly by an exiting passenger.  At same time I was reacting and regaining my balance, someone else must have zipped open and made a quick grab from my purse. Maybe, the same person zipped it closed or maybe another person did.  It wasn't until we were at the McDonald's (don't judge, the cappuccino is good, cheap, and served in a china cup) in Termini Station, when I went to extract some euros, that I discovered my cash was gone. Fortunately, my credit card and driver's license were still  safely stored in a different pocket of my handbag. For some reason, it didn't register that my passport was missing.  We were bummed about the cash but knew nothing could be done about its loss.  We had our breakfast, met up with our group, and were none the wiser about the passport until we got to the cruise terminal. 

 

When we arrived at the cruise terminal, dh and I handed our suitcases to the porter and prepared to enter the terminal. That is when I discovered my passport was also missing.  This is the point in the story when most people I've told it to say something to the effect of, "OMG, you must have been freaking out!"  Not really.  I've never been that kind of person.  My immediate response was, I'm definitely not going to be boarding this morning so we better find a Celebrity representative to help us navigate next steps. 

 

Step 1. Find the right person 

It was easy to find the right Celebrity employee to help us with my situation.  Once I explained to security outside the terminal doors that I didn't have my passport, we were handed over to a Celebrity security person who would attend to us inside the terminal.  She escorted us into the terminal waiting area where she suggested our checked bags be returned to us so we could search them.  I wanted to skip that step since I knew it was a waste of time, but we definitely were going to need them back if we couldn't get on the ship anyway.  She left us in the waiting area in order to track down our bags.

 

While we were waiting for the checked bags to be returned, dh and I discussed my predicament. I convinced him that it would be best if he boarded the ship (with all our luggage except my backpack) and I boogied back to Rome to get an emergency passport at the American Embassy and meet up with the ship as soon as I could.  With that decision made, I went to look for our designated Celebrity representative to get an update on our bags.  At least an hour had passed by then.  As it turned out the bags still hadn't been located.  I asked if we could forget about locating the bags and just move forward with my situation as a passenger without a passport.  She seemed strangely relieved to be released from the responsibility of finding our luggage.   

 

Step 2. Documentation of denial to board. 

After we established that I was not boarding, the representative took all my booking information. (There might have been a form for me to fill out, but I don't remember.) and instructed me to return to the waiting area. After that, dh and I parted ways. I made him promise to have a really good time while he had the whole room to himself and to enjoy having no one to nag him not to go crazy with the drink package.  Once he left, I sat for a long time - until boarding was closed.   Then the representative gave me my official letter with the  emergency travel phone number written on it.  She explained that my next step was to file a police report, either in Civitavecchia or in Rome.  After that, I was to take the denial to board letter and the police report to the American Embassy in Rome to apply for an emergency passport.  She informed me that the Embassy would be closed for emergency situations by the time I got to Rome (Emergency services are from  8 am - 12 pm) but once I had my emergency passport and had made travel arrangements to meet the ship in whichever port I was going to board, I was to call the phone number written down on the letter.  

 

Step 3:  Police Report.   

The Celebrity representative informed me that there was a police station less than a mile from the cruise port and only a couple blocks from the train station, so I decided I would make my report there before boarding a train back to Rome. I should have asked her for directions to the police station  since there was no wifi in the terminal to look them up the address or directions. I probably would have found the station eventually, but fortunately, I met a nice port employee on the shuttle from the pier to the port entrance who offered to walk me most of the way to the station since she was going that way on her way home.  I arrived at the station hungry and tired, but luckily it was a slow crime day, and I didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes for an officer to take my report. He didn't speak English and I speak only a little Italian, so we mostly communicated using Google Translate on our cell phones. He provided me with a formal copy of the report and sent me on my way.  

 

Step 4. Apply for an Emergency Passport. 

 It was about 4:30 pm by then. After leaving the police station, I walked to the train station where I got a bag of peanut M&M's and train ticket back to Rome.  Since I wasn't going to be able to apply for an emergency passport until the next day, I used my time on the train and the free wifi to search hotel options close to the American Embassy and to research the emergency passport process on the Embassy website.  As one would expect, I wanted to be well prepared to hit the ground running the next day. 

 

 Applying for an emergency passport wasn't so bad. It was just a little more complicated than a visit to the Motor Vehicle Administration since there were more steps involved than taking a number, waiting my turn, and then walking up to the counter to submit my forms and pay the fees.  First of all, there was security inspection before I entered the building. I had to surrender my phone, tablet and backpack. I was allowed to keep my small handbag though. Also, when it was my turn to approach the counter to submit my completed application,  paying the fee and leaving with my document was not the next step. Instead, I was to submit my application (and police report) and return to the seating area to wait while my application was reviewed.  Once it was reviewed, I was called  up to a different counter to be interviewed and take an oath. I think I signed something, too.  Once that was completed, I crossed the room to the clerk's counter to pay the fee.  Then, I was to take my receipt and passport photos  back to the counter where my approved application was, so that the new passport could be made. This is where I hit a little snag.  I didn't have passport photos in hand, and unfortunately, the photo booth in the building was broken. Apparently, this happens often, because the clerk didn't hesitate to tell me that there was a photo booth at the Metro station, about 4 blocks away. She assured me that as soon as I returned with my photos I could come right back to her counter even if there was someone there with her. She wasn't lying.  As soon as I returned with my photos, she waived me right over. Now that she had all she needed from me, she  informed me that it could be up to a couple hours before my passport was ready, so I should return to the seating area. I was surprised when it only took 20 minutes.  All said and done,  I was in and out in about  2-1/2 hours. I entered the security line at 7:40 am, entered the building at 8:30 am and was on my way by 10:30 am. 

 

Step 5. Travel arrangements to meet up with the ship

With my emergency passport in hand, I hiked to Termini station in order to catch the train to the airport.  Logistically speaking, I could have made it to the cruise port in Toulon where the ship would be docked until 4:00 that day, but any little delay -train, plane or taxi- would have jeopardize that.  It was a moot point anyway since  France is one of the few European countries that doesn't recognize a US emergency passports. I wouldn't be allowed in the country anyway.  I learned that at the embassy.  So, instead,  while riding the train to FCO airport, I booked a flight to Mallorca -the next port of call after Toulon- for later that night and a hotel near the port.  I also called Celebrity to inform them that I would be boarding the ship in Mallorca. 

 

Step 6. Meeting the ship.

That night I flew to Mallorca and stayed in a hotel that was technically within walking distance of where the ship would dock the next morning. I did walk, and it didn't kill me, but it was a LOT farther than it looked, and I wasn't in the right shoes for a 2 mile trek. To add insult to injury, the port is pretty big, and I walked to the wrong cruise terminal where I was given directions to what also turned out to be the wrong terminal before heading in the right direction. I was hot, thirsty, hungry and foot sore by the time I reached the ship, but once I reached the gangway boarding was as easy as announcing my arrival to the gangway attendant and waiting for the senior security officer to come down, confirm my identity and clear me to board. 

 

This ordeal -if I can even call it that - could have been a lot worse.  Once we got home, I applied for a regular passport, which I didn't have to pay for since I had already paid the replacement fee for the emergency passport.  It came in the mail 2 or 3 weeks later. Now, I'm dealing with a trip insurance claim, and that seems to be taking a lot more time and effort. LOL.  Maybe, I'll share that experience once it's completed. 

 

Edited January 9 by Silent Penguin

[PurpleTraveller]

Wow! Firstly, I'm glad you are okay and managed to join your cruise and husband. I hope you enjoyed your cruise because you deserved to after all you went through. Secondly, thank you for taking the time to write your account of your experience. It is very informative and interesting to see how it all worked.

 

I had a similar experience on a metro train in Madrid in 2022 but fortunately I escaped the two men who targeted me thanks to a local man who warned my husband. So I know it can happen very quickly and please don't blame yourself in any way because they are experts at stealing.

 

[John Bull]

A very informative post, thank you.🙂

 

A few years back I was targeted by a pick-pocket on the Paris metro shortly after we arrived for a short break & with all our luggage. 

The guy was unsuccessful - that was more to do with his clumsiness than my vigilance. My wallet ended up on the floor & he bolted away up the platform (the train was still in the metro station at the time, which of course is the obvious place to choose).

I was torn whether to chase him - I didn't because I'd have been split from my partner & the luggage. But looking back on it, who knows whether he had a knife or accomplices.

The train was packed - nobody got involved but nobody took advantage either.

 

I guess that was long enough ago for me not to still be extra-vigilant, and there's an awful lot going on in airports, stations & such. But when travelling it has always been a habit to spread different documents & different bundles of cash in different places.

 

JB 🙂

[ollienbertsmum]

Thank you for telling your story.  It sounds as if you were so calm and accepting during the experience.  That must have made a difference.  
 

I had a close escape a number of years ago when we boarded in Malaga and the taxi driver (I am not convinced it was a genuine taxi) stole my credit card.  I was lucky that my passport was not in the same bag.  I read posts like yours because I feel so like ‘it could have been me’. 
 

I think that, apart from being calm, the other essential is that you have some breathing space on your credit card.  Knowing that you can afford a last minute hotel and flight are so essential. 

[John Bull]

30 minutes ago, ollienbertsmum said:

*same bag. 

 

Hi, O & B's mum,

 

The page tells me that you added the missing words just two minutes after your post.

Are you aware that within about 20 minutes of posting you can edit your post eg  complete that sentence in the original post

Click on the three dots top right of your post - it offers you the opportunity to Report, Share or Edit.

Click on Edit, make the necessary changes & hit Save, bottom right.

If only Report & Share are available it's because you've missed the time slot.

 

If it weren't for that edit facility my dull brain, arthritic fingers & poor proof-reading some of my offerings would be spread over three or four posts 😀 

 

JB 🙂

PS. John Bull telling someone about technology  - that's got to be a first 🙄

 

Edited January 9 by John Bull

[marazul]

@Silent Penguin - you are now officially in charge of emergency management!  (Please, run for office.)

Thank you for posting a detailed description of the process for obtaining a replacement passport.

 

Just an additional comment on the handbags.  A "theft-proof" handbag with steel mesh panels and straps would have been of no use in this situation, or in most situations. Pickpockets specialize in opening zippers quickly and grabbing readily accessible valuables inside.  There are two things that can slow them down.  The first is to place valuables like passport and wallets in an inner zipper of the bag.  A bag with many zippers and inside compartments is best.  They will not have time to rummage through and open the various inside zippers after opening the main one.  The second is to lock the outside zipper with a safety pin or small carabiner. That would deter the theft because it requires two hands to remove them and open the zipper.  

 

Of course, other security measures are great - under the shirt bag, spreading things around, etc.

[MeHeartCruising]

Thanks for sharing this story.  You are clearly a level-headed thinker and likely a seasoned traveler.  Great job dealing with a bad situation.

[puppycanducruise]

Thanks for sharing your story.  Great info.

[megr1125]

2 hours ago, marazul said:

@Silent Penguin - you are now officially in charge of emergency management!  (Please, run for office.)

Thank you for posting a detailed description of the process for obtaining a replacement passport.

 

Just an additional comment on the handbags.  A "theft-proof" handbag with steel mesh panels and straps would have been of no use in this situation, or in most situations. Pickpockets specialize in opening zippers quickly and grabbing readily accessible valuables inside.  There are two things that can slow them down.  The first is to place valuables like passport and wallets in an inner zipper of the bag.  A bag with many zippers and inside compartments is best.  They will not have time to rummage through and open the various inside zippers after opening the main one.  The second is to lock the outside zipper with a safety pin or small carabiner. That would deter the theft because it requires two hands to remove them and open the zipper.  

 

Of course, other security measures are great - under the shirt bag, spreading things around, etc.

Many theft proof bags, like Travelon or PacSafe have locking zippers (with little dog leash clips that you have to twist to open).

I use one all the time.

As to the OP, that's a fantastic, informative post and very well written too!  Thanks for sharing.

[cruisemom42]

Thank you — you’ve provided such useful and detailed information here for anyone who might find themselves in a similar predicament. For me the key takeaways are 1) not to panic or waste time in futile efforts such as trying to get the ship to allow you onboard as an “exception”, and 2) put together a workable plan as quickly as possible.

 

A third point might be the usefulness of having a smartphone in your circumstances, allowing you to check times, addresses, requirements, and make reservations easily.

[Silent Penguin]

9 hours ago, John Bull said:

A very informative post, thank you.🙂

 

A few years back I was targeted by a pick-pocket on the Paris metro shortly after we arrived for a short break & with all our luggage. 

The guy was unsuccessful - that was more to do with his clumsiness than my vigilance. My wallet ended up on the floor & he bolted away up the platform (the train was still in the metro station at the time, which of course is the obvious place to choose).

I was torn whether to chase him - I didn't because I'd have been split from my partner & the luggage. But looking back on it, who knows whether he had a knife or accomplices.

The train was packed - nobody got involved but nobody took advantage either.

 

I guess that was long enough ago for me not to still be extra-vigilant, and there's an awful lot going on in airports, stations & such. But when travelling it has always been a habit to spread different documents & different bundles of cash in different places.

 

JB 🙂

 

 

Ugh,  I'm with you on having wanted to go after that guy.  I know I would have wanted to beat him with my shoe if I caught up to him.  I  have to laugh at your signature line about passport photos.  I didn't include it in my account, but when I left the Embassy to go to the Metro station to get my picture taken, it was chucking down rain, and I had no umbrella!  You can easily imagine how horrid my passport photo turned out.  

[Silent Penguin]

6 hours ago, marazul said:

 

Just an additional comment on the handbags.  A "theft-proof" handbag with steel mesh panels and straps would have been of no use in this situation, or in most situations. Pickpockets specialize in opening zippers quickly and grabbing readily accessible valuables inside.  There are two things that can slow them down.  The first is to place valuables like passport and wallets in an inner zipper of the bag.  A bag with many zippers and inside compartments is best.  They will not have time to rummage through and open the various inside zippers after opening the main one.  The second is to lock the outside zipper with a safety pin or small carabiner. That would deter the theft because it requires two hands to remove them and open the zipper.  

 

Of course, other security measures are great - under the shirt bag, spreading things around, etc.

Excellent advice.  On every point, I completely agree.   The thing about the carabiner or safety pin, that is exactly what I was planning to do before we left our Airbnb but I foolishly gambled on the fact that we were only going to be on the train for one stop, and I could just keep a hand on my bag.  Someone on the ship told me that when she and her sister were in Spain, her sister had a similar thing happened to her only it was hard pinch to back of her arm instead of a shove.    

[Silent Penguin]

10 hours ago, ollienbertsmum said:

Thank you for telling your story.  It sounds as if you were so calm and accepting during the experience.  That must have made a difference.  
 

I had a close escape a number of years ago when we boarded in Malaga and the taxi driver (I am not convinced it was a genuine taxi) stole my credit card.  I was lucky that my passport was not in the same  I read posts like yours because I feel so like ‘it could have been me’. 
 

I think that, apart from being calm, the other essential is that you have some breathing space on your credit card.  Knowing that you can afford a last minute hotel and flight are so essential. 

Space on the card! Amen.  There's no denying having space on the card is a game changer.  The funny thing is, when I traveled abroad as a young adult, I found myself in some tough situations due to a lack of funds, and as a result there were times I didn't eat, I hitchhiked or walked, and I slept in the cheapest hostels I could find without regard to safety or cleanliness, but though I can pretty much do whatever I want now,  when this happened to me, my default mode was to walk instead of ride and to eat, sleep and fly as cheap as safely possible. 

[marazul]

44 minutes ago, Silent Penguin said:

Excellent advice.  On every point, I completely agree.   The thing about the carabiner or safety pin, that is exactly what I was planning to do before we left our Airbnb but I foolishly gambled on the fact that we were only going to be on the train for one stop, and I could just keep a hand on my bag.  Someone on the ship told me that when she and her sister were in Spain, her sister had a similar thing happened to her only it was hard pinch to back of her arm instead of a shove.    

You are so right. Carabiners, safety pins or built-in locks only work if you use them.  Your misadventure is a great reminder.  Thanks again for sharing.

Edited January 9 by marazul

[benel204]

Wow, I was mesmerized by your story!  I am going to download it and make it part of my "step by step contingency plan" if our passport is stolen.

Thank you for all the detail!

I have a bagalini bag (I think that's the brand) that has the locking zippers a well as inside zippers. (I also tend to put my credit card in my bra when we are out and about. The only time ample boobage comes in handy)

 

[TouchstoneFeste]

16 hours ago, benel204 said:

The only time ample boobage comes in handy)

Surely not the only time.

[SquishTheWhale]

Thank you for this account, it was so useful. I would have had to have a huge freak out before I was calm enough to think through a plan like you did!

You have got me thinking about the safety of my bags for our upcoming cruise. The backpack I intend to use doesn't have double zips so I can't lock them, but it does have internal pockets and a small pocket that sits against your back, so I'll be making use of the tips on this thread.

My husband is a pain for keeping his wallet and phone in his pocket and insisting he'll never get pickpocketed because he'd catch them. One day his luck is going to run out...

[marazul]

50 minutes ago, SquishTheWhale said:

The backpack I intend to use doesn't have double zips so I can't lock them, but it does have internal pockets and a small pocket that ...

My husband is a pain for keeping his wallet and phone in his pocket and insisting he'll never get pickpocketed because he'd catch them. One day his luck is going to run out...

Tell hubby that he must keep his wallet and phone in a front pocket. This is a minimum safety measure.  Any valuables in a back pocket will be gone in a nanosecond and he will never know it.  There are many posts here with safety tips for guys. Please, tell him to pay attention to them.

 

As for your backpack you can think of getting one a little safer (or using a cross body bag instead.) Plus always spread the valuables to other places - front pockets, under the shirt pouches, etc. And never, ever, hang the backpack or any bag from the back of a chair. Keep it in front of you or under the table in front of your legs. Large backpacks are easy targets.

Edited January 11 by marazul

[SquishTheWhale]

18 minutes ago, marazul said:

Tell hubby that he must keep his wallet and phone in a front pocket. This is a minimum safety measure.  Any valuables in a back pocket will be gone in a nanosecond and he will never know it.  There are many posts here with safety tips for guys. Please, tell him to pay attention to them.

 

As for your backpack you can think of getting one a little safer (or using a cross body bag instead.) Plus always spread the valuables to other places - front pockets, under the shirt pouches, etc. And never, ever, hang the backpack or any bag from the back of a chair. Keep it in front of you or under the table in front of your legs. Large backpacks are easy targets.

He doesn't listen to me but I'll bully him into it!

We have a waist money belt so I'll use that for valuables

[ollienbertsmum]

16 hours ago, SquishTheWhale said:

He doesn't listen to me but I'll bully him into it!

We have a waist money belt so I'll use that for valuables

 

DH is just the same for saying that he is foolproof, but he does keep stuff in the front tucked inside his pants.  I think he is right that it would be a challenge for a thief but I think he could do better.  
 

In your position I would make sure that if either of you were assaulted, then the other has access to enough funds for both to continue their trip.  
 

ad to the backpack with hidden back pocket, that is what I use and feel it is as safe as can be expected.  I keep my wallet, Id and phone in there.  Perhaps a thief with a knife could access it if we were in, say, a crowded train.  For that reason in busy markets or trains I turn my backpack around and have a

it at the front.  Not the most stylish way to walk around, but I still recall the heart sink feeling when I realized my wallet had been stolen.  I don’t want to feel that again. 

[SquishTheWhale]

3 hours ago, ollienbertsmum said:

 

DH is just the same for saying that he is foolproof, but he does keep stuff in the front tucked inside his pants.  I think he is right that it would be a challenge for a thief but I think he could do better.  
 

In your position I would make sure that if either of you were assaulted, then the other has access to enough funds for both to continue their trip.  
 

ad to the backpack with hidden back pocket, that is what I use and feel it is as safe as can be expected.  I keep my wallet, Id and phone in there.  Perhaps a thief with a knife could access it if we were in, say, a crowded train.  For that reason in busy markets or trains I turn my backpack around and have a

it at the front.  Not the most stylish way to walk around, but I still recall the heart sink feeling when I realized my wallet had been stolen.  I don’t want to feel that again. 

I think my husband thinks that because he's a big guy who does martial arts he could take down any pickpocket, but I'd really rather not be in that position in the first place! Some kind of misplaced masculinity. 

We have credit cards for emergencies and I don't carry my passport around but obviously still don't want anything taken.

Good idea on keeping backpacks to the front. I'm thinking as it's not a double zip I might put a safety pin through the zip into the fabric of the bag.

[marazul]

1 hour ago, SquishTheWhale said:

Good idea on keeping backpacks to the front. I'm thinking as it's not a double zip I might put a safety pin through the zip into the fabric of the bag.

You might want to put a small grommet in the fabric and put the safety pin through that.  Sticking it directly in the fabric could shred it.

[Hlitner]

Amazing post and we are really impressed with the OPs thinking and steps.  This is a travelers nightmare and is why many of us advise not carrying a passport unless absolutely necessary.  The OP had no choice and it shows that even an experienced traveler can become a victim

 

I am curious why the emergency passport cannot get you into France but is OK in Spain.  Since both are Schengen countries one could simply cross over most borders without a passport.  Then again we are talking about the French authorities which can be a real head shaker.

 

Hank

[Silent Penguin]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

Amazing post and we are really impressed with the OPs thinking and steps.  This is a travelers nightmare and is why many of us advise not carrying a passport unless absolutely necessary.  The OP had no choice and it shows that even an experienced traveler can become a victim

 

I am curious why the emergency passport cannot get you into France but is OK in Spain.  Since both are Schengen countries one could simply cross over most borders without a passport.  Then again we are talking about the French authorities which can be a real head shaker.

 

Hank

Thank you for the compliment and the comments on my post.  I'm starting to think I should get permission to cross-post  (which I believe is against the rules).  If I could, I would include not only my story but the posts that followed. Everyone here has added valuable advice and perspective. 

 

I'm with you about France's prohibition on emergency passports. Surprised but not surprised. 

[Hlitner]

1 hour ago, Silent Penguin said:

Thank you for the compliment and the comments on my post.  I'm starting to think I should get permission to cross-post  (which I believe is against the rules).  If I could, I would include not only my story but the posts that followed. Everyone here has added valuable advice and perspective. 

 

I'm with you about France's prohibition on emergency passports. Surprised but not surprised. 

I read your post, while laying on a beach, and immediately read it to DW.  That started a discussion about "you would never leave me alone in Europe."  After giving that some thought I suggested that if I had my Passport stolen, I would have urged DW to board the cruise.  Her suggestion was that she would have the luggage put aboard the ship and we would both deal with Passport issue and later catch-up to the cruise.  We are still talking about the issue.  But having had our share of emergencies (mostly medical) we also know that decisions made on the spot will often differ from any forethought.  

 

We both admire the way you handled the situation.  As long-time independent travelers, we understand the related stress and tough decisions that evolve whenever things go wrong.  A related story happened when we were on a Celebrity cruise in Israel.  A couple (both NYC Police Detectives) decided to take a dip, when we were at a Tel Aviv beach, and they asked some folks to watch their valuable.  Those folks had to leave, and somebody came along and stole their pack (while they were in the water).  The pack had both their Passports.  Fortunately, the ship was staying in Israel another day (I think we were moving up to Haifa) and they were able to get emergency Passports.  But it did cost them extra money and they lost an entire port day....having to spend all their time dealing with Passport replacement.

 

Hank