We have never used our passports to disembark or reboard the ship. I do make a photocopy and carry it with me so I have it just in case, but have never even taken it out of my bag. Once we embark the ship on sailing day, the passports go in the safe and stay there until debarkation day. We have our driver's license with us when we get off the ship in ports of call, but have never had to use them either - when exiting or entering the ship, you insert your sail & sign card and the security guard can see your picture on his screen so he knows if it is you or not.