Sea Pass description

[Eaglelover]

This may seem almost too simple for most but for a new cruiser it's helpful for planning:  What is a Sea Pass' description?  Is it credit card - ish?  Does it have a pre-punched hole for attaching to lanyard?  I know it has to be like my arm... never leaving my body... but, well, perhaps someone can describe it (or better yet show a photo -doctored, of course).  Oh, I'm on Radiance of the Seas.

Thanks, folks!

[Pooch]

I had it in a plastic pouch attached to a lanyard 

[Moby Dick]

We've always used pouches to put the card in and attach that to a retracting spring string to the lanyard.  I've heard a couple of thing about holes in the card.  1.  You can't put a hole in it because of the electronics (RFID) and 2.  If you go to the Customer Service desk, they will punch a hole in it.  

I report, you decide.  

We're using these on our next cruise in 32 days.  Can't vouch for them.  Amazon has many different kinds available.  I liked these because the backing is hard plastic and it comes with the retractable string:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F2HZT52?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[wordell1]

I keep mine in my front pocket and have never had an issue.  My swimsuit has a pocket and I take it into the pool without issue.  My wife keeps hers in whatever bag she is carrying.  

Nothing wrong with lanyards, but they are definitely not necessary.

[Moby Dick]

7 minutes ago, wordell1 said:

I keep mine in my front pocket and have never had an issue.  My swimsuit has a pocket and I take it into the pool without issue.  My wife keeps hers in whatever bag she is carrying.  

Nothing wrong with lanyards, but they are definitely not necessary.

If you lose things out of your pockets like I do, you'd need a lanyard.    Many of my shorts have zippers on the pockets.  When I pull stuff out of my pockets, everything else seems to follow especially bills.  

But, I hear ya.

[FrHoffard]

Question - what do you do if you lose your Seapass card?

[jack168]

18 minutes ago, FrHoffard said:

Question - what do you do if you lose your Seapass card?

Just go to guest services and they will replace it for you. You can also go there if your card is damaged or is starting to peel.

[WAYNO]

I've switched back and forth between a clear vinyl cardholder hung from a lanyard, and the card itself with a hole punched in the corner still hung from a lanyard.

Knowing the cards now have some digital circuitry internally, I asked at guest services on Odyssey last month if there was anywhere on the card where I could safely punch a hole.  The gal showed me where it was safe to punch, we did so, but then the card no longer would open my cabin door.  Went back immediately to guest services, and a different employee said they could no longer be punched anywhere.

[Linda R]

The last  2 cruises I took this year I rarely needed my SeaPass card.  They just asked for my cabin number.  Only needed it mostly to enter cabin.  But I always carry it.  I carry a small purse most of the time.  Or I put it in pocket.   (or more often in my bra!)

[smokeybandit]

6 hours ago, WAYNO said:

I've switched back and forth between a clear vinyl cardholder hung from a lanyard, and the card itself with a hole punched in the corner still hung from a lanyard.

Knowing the cards now have some digital circuitry internally, I asked at guest services if there was anywhere on the card where I could safely punch a hole.  The gal showed me where it was safe to punch, we did so, but then the card no longer would open my cabin door.  Went back immediately to guest services, and a different employee said they could no longer be punched anywhere.

On my last two cruises we just asked guest services to do the punching. 

[Eaglelover]

Just a quick request since I'm a new cruiser.   What is the Sea Pass like.  My question centers around how I might carry it.  I have several different types of lanyard (I think I'd prefer to carry it like that).  Does it have a hole that I can clip into or do I have to use a lanyard with a pocket (of sorts)?  Can I punch a hole in it if it hasn't one?

Thank you all for your continued response to this newbie.  

[WesKinetic]

It's just a plastic card like a hotel key card. Most people either keep it in their pockets or in a lanyard with a pocket. But you can absolutely punch a hole in it if you'd rather do it that way. You can go to guest services and ask them for a hole punch. 

[Moby Dick]

6 hours ago, Linda R said:

The last  2 cruises I took this year I rarely needed my SeaPass card.  They just asked for my cabin number. 

Well, that doesn't sound too secure.  

[BrianB]

22 minutes ago, jay1021 said:

Well, that doesn't sound too secure.  

When they pull up your cabin number on the computer…your photo comes up also. So, unless your an Evil Twin, it should be okay.

[Eaglelover]

13 hours ago, Pooch said:

I had it in a plastic pouch attached to a lanyard 

Thank you!!

[Moby Dick]

1 hour ago, BrianB said:

When they pull up your cabin number on the computer…your photo comes up also. So, unless your an Evil Twin, it should be okay.

Well, I'd hope so.  But, do they all do what they're supposed to do?  How many people have that white sunscreen stuff plastered all over their face with sunglasses on and a hoody.  I'd just as soon they ask for the card.  But, that's me, your mileage may vary.  I'm a little more secure and policy minded.  Not much gray in my life.  

[TXcruzer]

15 hours ago, jay1021 said:

We've always used pouches to put the card in and attach that to a retracting spring string to the lanyard.  I've heard a couple of thing about holes in the card.  1.  You can't put a hole in it because of the electronics (RFID) and 2.  If you go to the Customer Service desk, they will punch a hole in it.  

I report, you decide.  

We're using these on our next cruise in 32 days.  Can't vouch for them.  Amazon has many different kinds available.  I liked these because the backing is hard plastic and it comes with the retractable string:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F2HZT52?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

11 hours ago, WAYNO said:

I've switched back and forth between a clear vinyl cardholder hung from a lanyard, and the card itself with a hole punched in the corner still hung from a lanyard.

Knowing the cards now have some digital circuitry internally, I asked at guest services if there was anywhere on the card where I could safely punch a hole.  The gal showed me where it was safe to punch, we did so, but then the card no longer would open my cabin door.  Went back immediately to guest services, and a different employee said they could no longer be punched anywhere.

Ability to successfully pinch a hole for a lanyard is dependent on the ship you are on. Newer ships have RFID cards that can’t be easily punched, older (Freedom class and before)can be punched with no concern. 

[Linda R]

6 hours ago, jay1021 said:

Well, that doesn't sound too secure.  

No problem really as they are matching it with your photo when they enter the cabin number.

[Pooch]

6 hours ago, jay1021 said:

Well, I'd hope so.  But, do they all do what they're supposed to do?  How many people have that white sunscreen stuff plastered all over their face with sunglasses on and a hoody.  I'd just as soon they ask for the card.  But, that's me, your mileage may vary.  I'm a little more secure and policy minded.  Not much gray in my life.  

A hoodie?!?!?  You think a lot of thieves pay for a cruise to get drinks on your sea pass???

[Moby Dick]

10 minutes ago, Pooch said:

A hoodie?!?!?  You think a lot of thieves pay for a cruise to get drinks on your sea pass???

What?  Do you actually think that only "thieves" wear hoodies.  I'm a 70 year old white male and I wear a hoodie, often.  And, No, I think the possible crime happens when the crew allow you to only use your cabin #, not the SeaPass card.  I can lose my SeaPass card and get it replaced and have the lost card deactivated.  I can't lose my cabin number and/or deactivate it.

[Moby Dick]

1 hour ago, Linda R said:

No problem really as they are matching it with your photo when they enter the cabin number.

This is a cut and paste from one of my posts above:

Well, I'd hope so.  But, do they all do what they're supposed to do?  How many people have that white sunscreen stuff plastered all over their face with sunglasses on and a hoody.  I'd just as soon they ask for the card.  But, that's me, your mileage may vary.  I'm a little more secure and policy minded.  Not much gray in my life.  

[Pattycruise]

1 hour ago, jay1021 said:

This is a cut and paste from one of my posts above:

Well, I'd hope so.  But, do they all do what they're supposed to do?  How many people have that white sunscreen stuff plastered all over their face with sunglasses on and a hoody.  I'd just as soon they ask for the card.  But, that's me, your mileage may vary.  I'm a little more secure and policy minded.  Not much gray in my life.  

Everyone can check their account balance daily, or on the app, to see what charges they have on their card.  If someone used your card and was actually able to make a purchase there are cameras that will find that person.  The facial recognition program will likely identify that person and security would deal with it.  There are occasions where the card might not be available (like  CoCoCay or orders from the pool) and the waitstaff will ask for your cabin number. and then your cabin number can be pulled up in the computer and the picture and name will appear.  It's rare that a bartender/wait staff won't get your card.  If you showed up at the bar with your face whited out with sunscreen, sunglasses and a hoodie to order a drink the bartender will likely ask for you to remove the glasses and hoodie, just like security does every time you get on/off the ship.

[Moby Dick]

21 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:

Everyone can check their account balance daily, or on the app, to see what charges they have on their card.  If someone used your card and was actually able to make a purchase there are cameras that will find that person.  The facial recognition program will likely identify that person and security would deal with it.  There are occasions where the card might not be available (like  CoCoCay or orders from the pool) and the waitstaff will ask for your cabin number. and then your cabin number can be pulled up in the computer and the picture and name will appear.  It's rare that a bartender/wait staff won't get your card.  If you showed up at the bar with your face whited out with sunscreen, sunglasses and a hoodie to order a drink the bartender will likely ask for you to remove the glasses and hoodie, just like security does every time you get on/off the ship.

Look, you are entitled to your thought and opinions.  I just happen to believe that using just a room number to purchase products isn't "best practice".  I, as a retired Law Enforcement Official and criminal investigator know how to catch criminals.  But, the best "best practice" is to prevent the crime to begin with.  Using a SeaPass card, not a room number, right now, as far as I know, is "best practice".  Facial recognition in this type of situation is an "after the fact" remedy, not a prevention.  Also, I'd just as soon not be inconvenienced, while I'm on vacation, by dealing with a theft/fraud of service/property/product.  When I go to my room in the evening and check on the TV what is in my account, I don't expect to have to deal with this kind of thing.  I've had incorrect charges on my account before, it took a call to "Customer Service" and that was it.  If I suspect a theft or fraudulent activity, it involves time and effort, my vacation time and effort.  

 

[Pima1988]

You all know you can purchase the WOW band? 

It is just like the sea pass...use it for drinks, open your door.  

 

[Moby Dick]

7 minutes ago, Pima1988 said:

You all know you can purchase the WOW band? 

It is just like the sea pass...use it for drinks, open your door.  

 

Many folks in here would disagree, it's no longer available.  I don't know though, I have no idea.

[MikeK]

14 minutes ago, Pima1988 said:

You all know you can purchase the WOW band? 

It is just like the sea pass...use it for drinks, open your door.  

 

I just got off the Harmony Sunday and I tried to get a WOW band the first day.  The man at guest services told me they were not using them now.  He said maybe in the future.

[smokeybandit]

33 minutes ago, jay1021 said:

Using a SeaPass card, not a room number, right now, as far as I know, is "best practice".  Facial recognition in this type of situation is an "after the fact" remedy, not a prevention.

Both serve the same purpose: to get the account open on the POS system to make the sale. Both bring up a picture of the person.  So if I'm in the Star Lounge in the corner, the waiter takes my card or my number the whole way over to the bar, there's no additional level of security between one or the other.

 

It's not much different than giving a merchant your credit card to run vs telling them the account and CVV.

 

Now, would they *prefer* your card be swiped instead of manually typed in?  Sure, eliminates mistakes.

[Moby Dick]

7 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Both serve the same purpose: to get the account open on the POS system to make the sale. Both bring up a picture of the person.  So if I'm in the Star Lounge in the corner, the waiter takes my card or my number the whole way over to the bar, there's no additional level of security between one or the other.

 

It's not much different than giving a merchant your credit card to run vs telling them the account and CVV

Oh, I think there is a big difference.  Like I said in a previous post, if I lose my SeaPass card, I can report it and that card would be deactivated and I'd get a new one, insuring that the lost card can't be used fraudulently.  I can't lose my cabin number so therefore I can't have it deactivated to prevent it's fraudulent use.  It can go on for the remainder of the cruise or other cabin numbers can be used victimizing others.  If someone gets away with it once, chances he/she will do it again and again until caught or the get off the ship and get away with it totally.

I really don't understand the push-back on this.  What I'm advocating for IS THE BEST PRACTICE.  I'm not advocating the beating of puppy dogs.  I'm advocating for someone to pull out their SeaPass card and using it even if the crew member/bartender just asks for your room number.  I'm also advocating for the cruise line to do away with just using a room number.  I have a sneaky suspicion (it just a sneaky suspicion, I don't know more about this than anyone else) that the policy does require a SeaPass card.  It's just easy to just use a room number.

[smokeybandit]

8 minutes ago, jay1021 said:

I have a sneaky suspicion (it just a sneaky suspicion, I don't know more about this than anyone else) that the policy does require a SeaPass card.

I would agree with this.

[Pooch]

2 hours ago, jay1021 said:

What?  Do you actually think that only "thieves" wear hoodies.  I'm a 70 year old white male and I wear a hoodie, often.  And, No, I think the possible crime happens when the crew allow you to only use your cabin #, not the SeaPass card.  I can lose my SeaPass card and get it replaced and have the lost card deactivated.  I can't lose my cabin number and/or deactivate it.

YMMV but I have the ability to see charges on my Sea Pass account any time.  If something was charged fraudulently, I’d see it pretty quickly.  Wonder what the crime rate is on a cruise?

[Moby Dick]

16 minutes ago, Pooch said:

YMMV but I have the ability to see charges on my Sea Pass account any time.  If something was charged fraudulently, I’d see it pretty quickly.  Wonder what the crime rate is on a cruise?

Yes, if you make the effort.  If you are like me, I don't check it until I get back to the cabin and before I go to the evening meal or at the end of the day.

[Moby Dick]

26 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

I would agree with this.

I spent some time, moments ago to see if there is anything about this in the FAQ.  What I can find is that you must have a SeaPass card to make purchases at Starbucks, to purchase tickets at Cococay, to get on and off of the ship at Cococay.  But, you will not find policies about the use of the SeaPass card, etc.  

[CGTLH]

12 minutes ago, jay1021 said:

I spent some time, moments ago to see if there is anything about this in the FAQ.  What I can find is that you must have a SeaPass card to make purchases at Starbucks, to purchase tickets at Cococay, to get on and off of the ship at Cococay.  But, you will not find policies about the use of the SeaPass card, etc.  

Back of the card makes it very clear: For your security, you will be asked to show this card at the gangway, when re-boarding the ship and when making purchases throughout the ship. Please keep this card with you throughout the cruise. If lost or found, notify the Guest Services Desk immediately.

One could argue that this means that every purchase will require the card. However, I'm sure some discretion is given. Example embarkation day you'll typically be asked for room number until late in the afternoon.

Finally, you'd also think the person getting charged and signing would verify details. However, I'll admit I don't pay much attention myself to the receipts when signing.

[TXcruzer]

1 hour ago, Pima1988 said:

You all know you can purchase the WOW band? 

It is just like the sea pass...use it for drinks, open your door.  

 

No you can not, not at this time 

[RWDW1204]

Multiple cruises, multiple times have been asked for cabin number instead of SeaPass card. Usually at places that don't have their POS system up or available: on-board table sales, Labadee or Coco Cay. But a lot of times at the bars also. Have never had a problem with fraudulent charges. We usually only check our folio once a day too.

[Pooch]

Much ado about nothing??

[Pooch]

2 hours ago, jay1021 said:

Yes, if you make the effort.  If you are like me, I don't check it until I get back to the cabin and before I go to the evening meal or at the end of the day.

Have you personally ever had a fraudulent charge on your account?  Know anyone who has?  Not an error but actual fraud?

[Moby Dick]

1 hour ago, Pooch said:

Much ado about nothing??

Have you personally ever had a fraudulent charge on your account?  Know anyone who has?  Not an error but actual fraud?

Much ado about nothing.

But, No, I haven't.  But, I always use my SeaPass or WOW band, I would never use just my room number and neither does anyone I travel with.  But, we are all or married to security and Law Enforcement specialists.  Maybe that why I haven't experienced fraud personally, not on a cruise ship.  I have investigated fraud/larceny and much more.  

It's only "nothing" until you become victimized. 

 

[Pattycruise]

4 hours ago, jay1021 said:

Look, you are entitled to your thought and opinions.  I just happen to believe that using just a room number to purchase products isn't "best practice".  I, as a retired Law Enforcement Official and criminal investigator know how to catch criminals.  But, the best "best practice" is to prevent the crime to begin with.  Using a SeaPass card, not a room number, right now, as far as I know, is "best practice".  Facial recognition in this type of situation is an "after the fact" remedy, not a prevention.  Also, I'd just as soon not be inconvenienced, while I'm on vacation, by dealing with a theft/fraud of service/property/product.  When I go to my room in the evening and check on the TV what is in my account, I don't expect to have to deal with this kind of thing.  I've had incorrect charges on my account before, it took a call to "Customer Service" and that was it.  If I suspect a theft or fraudulent activity, it involves time and effort, my vacation time and effort.  

 

Simply explained how it works.  No need to get all "law enforcement" on me.  

[Moby Dick]

6 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:

Simply explained how it works.  No need to get all "law enforcement" on me.  

I think ALL I did was add some validity to what I was saying.  I can't for the life of me understand how you or anybody can say I was getting "Law Enforcement on anybody.