Card society onboard.

A cruise passenger ID card is a cruise line’s way to keep track of passengers, ensure security, and provide a way for passengers to sign for purchases without carrying around money. The card also helps to keep the ship’s personnel abreast of where passengers are at all times, especially important when disembarking from each port.

Your cruise card is best kept with you at all times – usually carried with a lanyard.

Passengers receive their ship ID cards when they check in at the embarkation port.  After a port official verifies individual data (cabin assignment, customs paperwork, and passenger documentation), you are given your cabin key –  ID card.  As you proceed to the ship, you will be asked to insert your card into a small kiosk (about the size of a podium) as you stand in a designated spot.  A camera records your image and imprints it onto your ID card, identifying you as the individual associated with that card. For the duration of the voyage, that card is your key to many aspects of cruising life.

Cruise ship ID cards are far more than simple locator cards, however. They are also used for:

• Verifying dining times and table assignments (the dining room staff will ask to see each card to seat passengers)
• Verifying cabin assignments and personal identification for contest winners (prizes may be delivered to the cabin)
• Onboard purchases in gift shops and boutiques (the ID cards are used like credit or debit cards)
• Purchasing drinks in lounges, bars, and other venues (many cards include verification of a passenger’s ability to purchase alcoholic beverages)
• Cabin keys.
• Port identification (port officials will check cruise ship ID cards to guarantee that each person is allowed onto the docks)
• Location of Muster Station in the event of an emergency

All onboard purchases are paid for using your cruise card.  You can either link your card to a debit or credit account or provide cash up front to fund your onboard spending. None of the onboard shops, restaurants, bars, spas or other facilities on your ship will accept cash. You will receive a paper statement at the end of your cruise (usually the last night) alerting you to the balance that will be charged to your account.

Aside from a free cruise (because let’s face it, that’s the dream), is there anything better than free money?