Jewel of the Seas and passport question

[Sleddogs]

For anyone who's been to Europe on the Jewel this summer, can you tell me what the procedure is for passports?

 

Next summer will be our first time using passports and was curious as to how this is handled by the cruiseline. I know I should make photocopies to be safe, but beyond that....

 

If RCI does not keep your passport when you board, do you carry it with you at all times, or do you lock it in your room safe? Sorry to be so naive about this, but there's a first time for everything.

 

Many thanks,

Sleddogs

[LindaO]

Definately make copies of your passport... make sure you keep a copy away from your passports... and your hubby keeps a copy away from his.

 

This year we kept our passports both on the Europe Cruise (June) and the Transatlanic crossing (September). We spent a week in Lodon prior to each cruise and never carried our passports with us, while in London. We did carry our ID's (driver's) and never had to use them.

 

The only time we had to carry our passports on shore was when we were in St. Petersburg. You have to have them with you. Make sure, if you go to St. Petersburg that you keep your passports close... like in a neck wallet. You don't want to loose your passport in St. Petersburg!

 

We always travel with our passports, and unless told specifically (like in St. Petersburg) they stay in the cabin safe!

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[GoldenRetriever]

We were on the Jewel Aug 20-Sept 1. It had just become a new rule for the sailing we were on that you had to hand over a photocopy of your passport on your first entry into St. Petersburg. They had a photocopier at Harwich specifically for this purpose (although we had already brought photocopies from home) before you boarded.

 

RCI did not keep our passports, we kept them locked in our safe. The only port we need them for was Russia. On the first day we were in St. Petersburg you passed through passport control (which was right where the ship docked) and they took your photocopy, stamped your passport and then gave you a little red plasticized card to stick inside the passport. When you were returning back to the ship and passed thru passport control again, they restamped your passport and took back the little card. Any additional visits ashore in St. Petersburg they then just checked the passport for the original stamps and then gave you another little red card, which you returned upon going thru passport control on your way back from your excursion. Make sure you get the little card or you would have trouble getting back through again. Some of the people working at that passport control were very intimidating.

[MGoBlue2]

Also leave a photocopy home with whoever is your emergency contact.