I am not criticising the ship - the staff were fine. (Incidentally, I have found out since that payments to the Filipino crew are not up to date, so they are obviously judging others by their own standards.)
I am criticising the company for issuing an extremely heavy document - much nastier than any other agreement such as those you mention I have ever dealt with - at an earlier stage in its dealings with me than necessary, and by withholding a legal document the property of a third party in order to compel me to sign.
It appeared from the document that only by signing it did I agree to give them the power to pursue me and distrain my effects, whereas by not signing it I would be preventing them from doing it. It didn't really make sense.
Since the company was effectively extending credit to everyone via its own card, it would be more sensible if it made everyone sign such a form at the outset. Possibly even during the booking process, which would allow people to choose whether to agree or not. And they should certainly make clear about the withholding of the passport in advance of doing so.
I quite understand their need to protect themselves. Not to make me or anyone else in a similar position - which is what the Purser said the process was for - feel under threat and regarded as a criminal. There is a concept of being innocent until proved guilty in both British and US law. I don't know about Florida, of course.
Anyway, I've paid, the amount in £ specified on my statement, and not the amount in $ which also appeared on the statement and was the only amount specified in the note. But as I paid it at the British office, which the Purser said I could, it seemed appropriate.
You haven't read the thing. And even if I posted it, you would not be reading it under the same circumstances, alone.
Penny