shore excursion confusion

[hodgysgirl]

We're first timers and we're confused. Are we suppose to take our Id, passports etc on shore for the shore excursions or leave them in the cabin. We have a dolphin swim in Cozumel and I'm pretty sure it said we had to have a note to get back on the ship with our kids (we're a blended family) got the notes from other parents but do we need to carry all this documentation? and how without getting everything wet?someone said you leave all your stuff on shore - doesn't sound like a safe place - help!

[Donna]

NO, you don't need to bring your passports and ID with on shore excursions, although copies of them are always a good idea. They may suggest you bring your pic ID and you WILL need your sign/sail card to get back on the ship.

[BeckyC]

Last week we were in the Caribbean and it was very strict on having a picture ID with us when we got on and off the ship, even for RCCL excursions. Of course you'll need your Sea Pass card issued by your ship to get on and off the ship, but we also had to have our driver's license or passports. My DH, 17 yo DD and myself had to have picture ID's. My 14 yo DS did not. I do not know what it is like in Mexico though. We thought the security was tighter than it was two years ago in the Caribbean on our last cruise.

When we went snorkeling I wore a waterproof zippered pouch (4x6 inches) around my waist that held our money and our Sea Pass cards, photo id's, etc. for my family. I purchased the bag at a local dive shop and it has been well worth the money. It has a few vinyl 'ziploc' bags inside the nylon bag and worked really well. DH's swimtrunks had an attached vinyl 'ziploc' bag in the pocket, which worked out really well for him too.

Ship ID is necessary, passport and/or drivers license a plus. Many of the places, like the dolphin area, offer lockers for rent in order to keep your things safe. While in Cozumel for the day, your ship pass is basically your passport and in case it is needed (for example in an accident, god bless...), the port agency will take care of Identification papers, etc....dont worry, but keep your thoughts straight also on vacation, prevention is always better. Also, sometimes operators require ID for the kids to check their ages for the different packages, so that would be a plus as well...good luck!