And as stated, I'm not going to try to justify what RCCL does or doesn't do, and I'm not going to discuss what Joe or Mary got away with 5 years ago. Dont let your lack of a passport stop you. Merchant Mariner documents if you are on official maritime business, U.S. Military I.D. It also includes: Passports can be used as your form of identification but the fact that they arent mandatory is why closed-loop cruises are popular. Dont Miss: Princess Cruise And Flight Packages. WebYou are showing your passport at embarkation and the requirement according to Royal Caribbean is "U.S. Passport book that is valid at least 6 months after your cruise.". Consider a cruise. Different ports will have different requirements. Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's Travel Documentation page for specifics. Mechanical Issue Forces Disney Ship to Skip Port, Adjust Itinerary, First Cruise Ship Arrives for Busy Montreal Season, Another Overbooked Oasis-Class Royal Caribbean Ship, Many options since they are the most popular type of cruise, Park close to the port and retrieve your vehicle at the same location, No advantage if you are not a U.S. citizen since youll need a passport to get to the port, U.S. You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. the Seas - Passport Requirements for Cruises Display as a link instead, Look no further: Youve decided you want a vacation, but theres a problem youre a U.S. citizen and you dont have a passport. God forbid something should happen to you in the Bahamas and you cant get back on board of the ship you will need your passport to get off the island. Ive read several posts on different sites stating the call centers for cruise lines are not very educated and give wrong information, so in all honesty I would trust someone who has actually traveled to these ports vs. calling and talking to a rep. You won't need your passport at these ports. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, may be possible without a passport book, as long as your plans dont include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship. Web"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. "If you are a U.S. citizen a passport is not required, but it still serves as the best identification when traveling,"the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's website says. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. What forms of ID are required for minors traveling on Royal Caribbean? A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notorized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship a If you can cruise with a birth certificate they are not going to turn away a valid passport on those itineraries. Travelers on closed-loop cruises sailings that depart and end at the same U.S. portand travel within the Western Hemisphere do not need a passport, according to Customs and Border Protection. This is longer than any other ID in the USA and it proves both identity AND citizenship. You May Like: Dolphin Cruises Orange Beach Al. So, why list them.? Western Caribbean locales in Mexico like Yucatn and Cozumel deliver exciting attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to flamingo lagoons, and activities like swimming with dolphins, dune buggy rides, sailing, snorkeling, diving and zip lining. Many cruises that have this itinerary may not require a passport. However, ifyou board a cruise ship in San Diego, California, sail through the Panama Canal (stopping at a foreign port during the cruise), and end the cruise in Miami, Florida, you have not taken a closed loop cruise. According to PA's website, that means that I got the Real ID license. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling or from Hawaii, another U.S. territory , then you may also not need a passport. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory and popular Caribbean destination, is about as easy to fly to as any state if you have a state-issued ID. Securing a passport can be a hassle. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. These and other cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! So my question First time cruiser and Im stressing about required travel documentation. I walked out with mine on the Monday after my last a cruise, lol. In fact, with so many options, it can be downright confusing. This includes countries in Europe, Asia, Central and South America. Most cruises beginning and ending in the same location are considered "closed-loop," meaning they begin and end at the same port in the United States and travel within the Western Hemisphere. And yes, RCCL will allow you to cruise on U.S. Homeport "closed loop" itineraries with just a Birth Certificate and DL (Government ID). Also required is the original copy of your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status. Im hoping someone has traveled to these ports without a passport and can comment with their outcome. Do you think they are going to list every/all unacceptable forms of ID? LockA locked padlock The island does not require a passport among U.S. citizens. You might be wondering if you should get the passport card vs book. U.S. credit and debit cardsdo NOT workinCuba. What if I dont have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States? Apart from that, you should keep it secure in your cabin safe. 2. It is critical to understand the proper documentation needed for a cruise, as no refunds are provided for guests who fail to bring proper documentation. If you are cruising to the Bahamas from the U.S., the following documents are acceptable: passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card , or an enhanced drivers license. closed loop An example would be one that starts in Florida and ends in the Bahamas. No. Okay, so be it. We advise checking with a travel agent, the U.S. Department of State website, or a cruise line representative before embarkation. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Royal Caribbean Rookie Mistakes To Avoid! Closed-loop cruises make financial sense for cruise lines as well as passengers. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. I would make sure they have a police report or some documentation about the wallet being lost. before it expires. I can not and will not justify RCCL's policies. This is often the case for Mediterranean cruises that visit, but dont embark or debark in, Egypt. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government issued driver's license, picture ID, denoting photo, name, and date of birth. You never can plan an illness or an injury and never know when you may need the appropriate documentation. Convenience is the main reason that people take closed-loop cruises. This rule states that U.S. Cruise Ship Passengers - United States Department of State U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Citizens can enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo I.D., including: U.S. Passport Passport Card Birth Certificate Enhanced Drivers License These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City, and occasionally Norfolk. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Not having a passport means you will need to travel to a U.S. embassy or consulate in a foreign country to apply for a temporary visa to re-enter the country. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Cap off a day of adventure in Bermuda with a sunset rum-tasting cruise. However, using your train of thought, should I think something is allowed or not allowed because it isn't on the "Cruise Contract"? If that is so, then I just walked out with it. And I don't think I'm wrong here. EDITED IN: It doesn't say "Required" because they aren't, if you want to use a Birth Certificate and DL on a "closed Loop" cruise, you can. It's one reason I had the various links of information available. For closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: Starting and ending in Seattle or San Francisco, an Alaskan cruise takes you to charming waterfront cities and villages like Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Ships cannot depart Fort Lauderdale and return to Miami, even though both ports are in Florida. Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. WebU.S. Interesting. No problem at all as none all the countries only required a valid passport. It's a CYA blanket statement so they don't need to go through every potential variation and continuously update their website as other countries policies change. I called the "Invoice" a "Contract" a few times. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Drivers License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). I have zero memory these days for details like this. The passport book is more durable for multiple trips. Is it on Majesty of the Seas? Certain destinations, such as China and Russia, may require visas for arrival into the country by air or independent exploration ashore. You mean the contract that keeps getting longer and more complicated all for the purpose of reinforcing the notion that the customer has zero rights in any dispute with the cruise line? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! Consider downloading thisCruise Ship Travel Tips PDFto take with you while you travel. Here's what to know and how to renew it. The last 3 have nothing to do with this. Dont Miss: Royal Caribbean New Years Cruise. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. Check your cruise lines prohibited items list when considering what to take with you. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. Below, weve compiled a list of seven places to visit without a passport, from scenic Alaska to the beachy Caribbean. Thanks for your response, but I already knew all this. What if the ship diverts somewhere and everyone has to fly home? This will be challenging if you dont have your passport. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. Canadian and U.S. children under 16 must only present birth certificates (notarized, original, or certified copy), Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, Certificates of Naturalization, or proof of citizenship. From Caribbean destinations to closed-loop travel, here are the spots Americans can go without a passport. Bring enough cash to cover your stay. This applies to going on a cruise as well, and. The only time youll need to show your birth certificate is during the boarding check-in process and when you leave the ship as you arrive back home. I've been to them all. When you arrive back in Seattle or San Francisco, take time to explore those cities for even more vacation fun. THAT I remember. Needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ships departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons. Anl emergency could force you to end the cruise in a foreign port of call, and a passport will make getting home much easier. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth If you are considering travel on a cruise ship, please review the latest CDC guidance. In the Eastern Caribbean, find dream destinations like Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. It says accepted. Many first timer cruisers want to know if you need a passport to take a cruise, and the answer depends on a few factors. Additionally, vacation planning for guests booking round-trip flights is also made easier. Citizens who are members of the NEXUS program, which expedites entry forpre-screened travelers, can present their membership as proof of identification when traveling, according to the Canadian government's website. Sure, policies are ignored, or whatever, but am I going to bet thousands of dollars on it? Leave one copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry one separately from your actual documents. Staff at the cruise terminal will check your travel documents before they assign you a key card and send you up the gangway to the ship. My son's passport will expire 5 months after our cruise booked later in the year. Do we need a passport or will a certified birth certificate and photo id work. The concern without having a passport is if an emergency occurs, only an official passport will allow you to easily and quickly fly from a foreign port to another port and/or back home. An official website of the United States government. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port. Read Also: Royal Caribbean Cruises To Hawaii. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status. For U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), you must have your photo ID plus your Permanent Resident Card (I-551/Green Card). Here's what to know and how to renew it, Which beaches to visit, what to know in San Juan, Culebra and more, This idyllic Caribbean hideaway isn't just for the rich and famous, Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Want to take a short cruise to an exotic island without the hassle? At the time I was looking it definitely stated recommended as we knew that my wife's passport expired. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. For a cruise ship to qualify for a closed-loop status, it must start and end in the United States. But it doesn't say that a passport with less than 6 months remaining will also be accepted does it? Passport Laws for Caribbean Cruises | USA Today Your previous content has been restored. Passports are required for all cruise travel to all other International destinations. Damage to cruise ship Occasionally cruise ships are damaged or have mechanical issues that cannot be fixed during your trip. It is recommended that passports are taken with you on the cruise as you may need them at a foreign port of call. Have a contingency plan for returning homeif you must remain in a foreign country longer than expected. Cruises from mainstream lines sailing from Europe, the United States, and Australia do closed-loop cruises more frequently. However, I strongly recommend that all adults 16 and over have a passport. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. If you break the law, you will be subject to the justice system of the host country, If youlose your passport, report it immediately to the nearest. What about an Canadian? Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. However I find a definite answer whether or not passports are required. Children under 19 can use these same documents only if they are traveling with a school, church group, sports team, or other organization with adult supervision. Passport Not Required. Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If it doesn't say "Accepted" then the rest are not "Accepted". In some cases, where youre arriving in a country by sea , the cruise line will handle visa procurement for you. For this reason, Alaskan itineraries include visits somewhere in Canada, and there arent a lot of Hawaii cruises. State-issued enhanced drivers licenses (EDLs) provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. Ultimately they are the ones that will decide if you board and no stranger on an internet forum is going to assist you or be responsible if there is some nuance or special circumstance in your case. IRTPA, in part, required the DHS and DOS to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other acceptable document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Corporate legalese v boots on the ground, real life, local best practices. Waited too long to get a passport? If you choose not to bring your passport and take advantage of the benefits of a closed-loop cruise, there are some things that you need to be aware of. Childrens passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. I traveled internationally on a cruise with Royal with a passport that had five months left because the year when I renewed I had a lot of travel and that was the best window. If any of you came to me with a valid US passport that was still valid by the end of your closed loop cruise I would embark you. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Double-check your cruise lines ID requirements, because theres no room for error. But, if you aren't using a Birth Certificate and DL, your Passport must meet their minimum requirements. We flew and sailed this past March and my wife's expired 5 months from the date we sailed. I found what I was looking for. When traveling on a closed-loop cruise in the Caribbean, you dont need a passport, but if you choose to travel without one, you will need BOTH a valid US drivers license and an original birth certificate. For instance, if you board a cruise ship at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and after visiting at least one foreign port of call, such as Bermuda, or Cancun, and return to Fort Lauderdale, you have taken a closed loop cruise. The card is ok to fly within the US as a Real ID. That does not mean it is required on every cruise. Ensure shore excursions and purchases comply withU.S. regulations. That should make you think instead of having a one track mind on this subject. Guide to Cruise & Travel Documentation U.S. citizens can present a valid: U.S. Passport; Requirements for lawful permanent residents of the United States are not changed by the implementation of WHTI. Because international cruises in Europe and Asia require air travel, these vacations also demand a passport. If you need a passport, and you don t have one to show, you will not be allowed to board. RCCL lists Columbia as one of them. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was launched in 2009 by the United States government. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. Routine wait times for a passport are anywhere from 10 to 13 weeks, according to the State Department. It says accepted. And the ability to use a Birth Certificate and DL is an authorization given by the: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-74?language=en_US. The exact travel documentation required depends on what citizenship you hold, as well as where your cruise is sailing from and to.
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