Security clearance on cruises?

Question

I keep hearing that to go on a cruise their has to be a security clearance, I may seem a little slow here but when I paid for my cruise, which I won't be taking until the end of August but they never mentioned anything about a security clearance, I'm curious but what are they checking for, I've never had this done before. sorry for asking such a silly question but I just want to know. thanks

Answer 1

The security clearance is just the usual clearance check that is done at every airport and port when you are leaving or entering a country. They are just checking your passport / ID against the database of known terrorists and other types of baddies as a precaution and safety measure. It's quite normal and nothing to worry about.

Answer 2

we went on a royal carribbean cruise over spring break.

they check your bags and they will take alcohol if they come across it but they give it back at US customs when you get off.

have fun!

Answer 3

The cruise lines do not do a full background check on you but they do collect your personal information early enough to do a quick check  with the FBI to see if your name pops up on a watch list.  The security check that they do is really invisible.  They do not go asking questions of your friends and neighbors.  Its just a check against databases to see if your name and information pops up on a law enforcement listing.

I have been on about 20 cruises, and about 10 in the past 3-4 years and the security check is never a problem.  Unless you have something to hide.

Answer 4

There Restrictions on What We Can Bring Aboard?



Ticket Contract: Page 44. (a) Each fully paid adult guest will be allowed an unlimited amount of baggage free of charge. Baggage means only trunks, valises, satchels, bags, hangers and bundles with their contents consisting of only such wearing apparel, toilet articles and similar personal effects as are necessary and appropriate for the purpose of the journey.  

X-Ray Security Machines for security purposes, carnival limits the size of hand-carry luggage to 24"X 16", which is the dimension of the opening of the X-ray security machine (similarto those used at the airport); there is no measurement for length as the hand-carry luggage will lay flat on the conveyer belt. Luggage larger than 24"X 16" will not be permitted through the security machine and must be checked-in with a curbside porter.  

Safety Precautions due to "Safety Precautions", the following items are not permitted onboard:

Irons

Heating Pads

Candles

No Weapons Policy: Due to our "No Weapons Policy" and heightened security, guests are not permitted to bring on board:

Firearms or weapons of any kind

Pepper spray and mace  

To view a complete list of prohibited items Click Here.

Safety Concerns: Due to "Safety Concerns", the following items cannot be utilized on board nor are permitted on board:

Bicycles

Surfboards

Scooters (unless medically necessary)

Boats/Canoes

Scuba Tanks (empty or full)

Due to "Safety Concerns", the following items cannot be utilized on board but may be brought on board for use in port, only:

Roller Blades/Skates

Snorkel Gear

Skateboards

Golf Clubs

Fishing Rods (packed)

Tennis Rackets

Kites (packed)

Miscellaneous Concerns                                                                    

Scuba Gear Diving Knives: Diving knives are permitted on board. Due to security reasons, the knife will be confiscated by Shoreside Security at embarkation and turned over to the ship's Chief Security Officer. The guest will sign for the knife for diving excursions and return it to the Chief Security Officer upon returning to the ship. At the end of the cruise, the knife is returned to the guest in the cruise ship terminal.            

Household Goods or Tools of Trade - These items cannot be brought on board.                  

Ham Radios: Due to security reasons and the possible interference with the ship's communications, ham radios are not permitted on board.          

Live Animals: No guest is permitted to bring on board live animals other than qualified service animals. Permission to bring a service animal must be approved by Guest Access Services at time of booking.  

Musical Instruments:For the comfort of all our guests, musical instruments can only be brought on board if the guest is performing and this performance has been pre-approved by the Group Department.  

Radios/Boom Boxes: For the comfort of all our guests, radios and boom boxes can be used with headphones or ear pieces when used in public areas.                                                      

Floatation Devices: For the comfort of all our guests, rafts, tubes and floatation devices other than those used as life-preservers (water wings) cannot be used in the swimming pools on board.                        

Metal Detectors: Guests are not permitted to use metal detectors on board because anything found on board would "belong" to Carnival Cruise Lines. We would then try to return the item to the guest.                      

Wrapped Gifts: Guests may bring wrapped gifts on board; however, due to heightened security, the gift may have to be unwrapped, upon request.                                            

VCRs/Nintendo/Play Units: These items cannot be utilized on board because of the incompatibility of the units with the stateroom televisions.                                                  

Fish Caught on Fishing Expeditions: The fish cannot be brought on board; it must be shipped home.