Why do cruise crew members have their passports taken away: former employee gave an answer
During the cruise, crew members' passports are confiscated, and they are issued cards and seafarer's passports instead. The former employee mentioned that these documents are not inexpensive and remain valid for 10 years.
She explained that the reason for taking away the identification document is to prevent crew members from deserting. A TikToker, who had been working at sea for over a month, shared her experience in a video that garnered over 4,000 views.
She recounted how she surrendered her passport when she began training to join the cruise ship staff. Subsequently, the company covered the cost of her seafarer's passport.
Additionally, employees are provided with cards containing pertinent information that they carry with them ashore. This facilitates foreigners in avoiding the need to apply for a visa at each port of call.
According to the blogger, individuals often attempt to desert ships and migrate to other countries. While some of these individuals are apprehended, others manage to evade detection and remain onshore without passports.
As previously reported by TravelWise, cruise passengers were given advice on how to eat from the buffet and what dishes to avoid.