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. Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. Consider a cruise. When embarking on adventures by sea that dont require a passport, make sure you have the proper cruise documentation. If you are considering travel on a cruise ship, please review the latest CDC guidance. Did you go to KoP? You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. When the airlines say they require 6 months remaining on the passport for international flights - they mean it. I'm not saying that I do or don't agree with it. To qualify as a round-trip cruise departing from the U.S., the cruise ship needs to meet a specific criterion. You May Like: Dolphin Cruises Orange Beach Al. Paying a $60 fee can expedite the process, but travelers will still need to wait seven to nine weeks for processing. Citizens of the United States dont require passports on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. U.S. citizens can present a valid: U.S. Passport; Passport Card; Enhanced Drivers License; U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. Luckily, not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry the document. Waited too long to get a passport? Better to be safe than sorry get a passport if you do not have one. When traveling outside of the U.S. a passport is always recommended, but cruises are the exception to the rule. It was an amazing adventure, on the forrest portion we were climbing up a trail and all of a sudden we heard some screaming coming from the group about a tenth of a mile behind us. WebHeres an example of a closed-loop cruise itinerary that starts and ends in a United States Cruise Port: A 4-night cruise departs from the Port of Miami in Florida. If you show up at the terminal with only 5 months left on your passport and you just happen to get one of those by-the-book guys who's been very well trained and he tells you that your passport, by policy, isn't acceptable, what's your argument? For example, if your cruise begins and ends at the same port in Miami, then you are on a closed loop cruise. I stated clearly a couple of times that I will not discuss/debate what some people have gotten away with because of politics/lazy or untrained personnel/being good at hiding things/bad management/looking the other way/whatever. In these cases, you might need to go ashore in a country which requires a passport and/or you would need a U.S passport book to fly home. If they did not have the appropriate paperwork with them it would have been more of a pain than if they did. First time cruiser and Im stressing about required travel documentation. In Freeport, you can shop till you drop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace or kayak through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park. You are assuming that what is written in their FAQ's is policy. As long as you're on a closed-loop cruise, youll be able to skip the passport in favor of other government-issued IDs. Unexpected circumstances can come up that make it impossible to return to the United States on the cruise ship. U.S. departure ports for enjoyable Hawaiian cruises include San Francisco, San Diego, Long Beach and Honolulu. 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. Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. What if the ship diverts somewhere and everyone has to fly home? If you are lucky the person who is inspecting your passport at embarkation will not pay attention to the expiration date, lately they are more concerned with the COVID cards. Children may need just a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, but not a passport or photo ID. It has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. Someone (adult) showing up without a photo ID is rare. A passport is not required. But, I try. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. Experience lighthouses, lobster bakes and craggy sea cliffs in Portland, Maine, and enjoy a trip to Saint John, a beautiful city on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. 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. The goal of the pier side staff is to get all passengers onboard legally. This includes countries in Europe, Asia, Central and South America. Things You Need To Know About Passport Expiration For Minors, required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification, Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise With Tropical Buffet, Royal Caribbean Cruises Southern Caribbean. If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. American citizens do, however, need: Keep in mind that, while you may not need a passport to embark on a closed-loop cruise and return home, you might need it to enter certain countries along the way. Believe me, this isn't the first time I've had this discussion on the very subject and it's been in a few cruise social media sites going back for more than a couple of years. Wanna Feel Good About The World? Not every passenger goes to the website to check for information. The island does not require a passport among U.S. citizens. Passports do have an additional cost to them (especially for children), but we feel the advantages of having a passport far outweigh the cost and work required to get one. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. These and other cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. Bring enough cash to cover your stay. If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport. For closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: A boarding pass. A government photo I.D. if 16 years of age or older. Upload or insert images from URL. To get ready for the application, use Passport Photo Onlineyoull be able to get perfect pictures for your children without leaving home. If you're concerned about the cost of the passport, see if the places you're travelling to accept the passport card instead of the book. citizens must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their cruise. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. My license has the gold star on it. WebPassports are not required for closed loop cruises because you are leaving and entering from the same U.S. port, without really spending any time abroad. You likely wont get your money back either, and if you traveled domestically to the cruise homeport, youll need to make your own arrangements to book a hotel or change your flights back home. Traveling to Nassau , Coco Cay and Key West . For U.S. citizens, you can enjoy traveling without a passport requirement. We would need something to convince us that the person standing in front of us is truly who they say (and their BC) says they are. Thanks for the help! Click Share This Page button to display social media links. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. We did this cruise last year AND I am in the process of booking it again for this coming May on Royal Caribbean again. There is also a fine line in answering this question that goes beyond the word "need" and essentially talks about if you "should" get a passport. I'm sure they're accustomed to a birth certificate as well but my brain believes they're more accustomed to a passport. I dont have to worry about damaging the birth certificate which is only as durable as the paper its printed on. It's not a "Contract", at least according to you. It is what it is. 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. Cruises that dont begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. You are also right, "itinerary" has a lot to do with the documents required/acceptable. 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. 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. Not all embassies/consulates are located near the cruise ports and moreover, the time it takes for the entire process to occur is not quick. 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. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. The card is ok to fly within the US as a Real ID. The exact travel documentation required depends on what citizenship you hold, as well as where your cruise is sailing from and to. But, the policy is the policy. 7 of which pertain to sailings (closed loop sailings) that depart from a U.S. Home Port, three of which are about Puerto Rican Citizens and the date their Birth Certificates were issued. This will be our first cruise, Your cruise carrier website should list all the required documentation. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. Took me exactly 56 minutes for the entire processin the DMV that Monday. It says accepted. A closed-loop cruise is a sort of loop-hole in the passport requirement for a cruise. Different rules will apply if you are an LPR. We always recommend carrying a passport book or a passport card while vacationing on a cruise. We were even able to check in on the app using her passport. They are not going to list every country and itinerary because there are multiple possibilities so they publish a general statement of what is acceptable. In case of emergency, or if you need to return by air, you must provide a passport to board. This was before the pandemic, so they were able to go to the regional passport office and get a same day replacement passport. WebWhat forms of ID are required for minors travelling on Royal Caribbean? 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. before it expires. That works yet supposedly a valid passport has to not expire within the next six months?. Do I want to be limited to places that will accept the birth certificate/ID combination? You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) allows you to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. 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 Most U.S. citizens dont need a passport for closed-loop cruises that depart from American ports. Yes, some countries do not allow you in their country with less than 6 months remaining, some are just 3 on your passport. There are only a very few countries that actually have that requirement but because of that everyone involved in travel lists recommending that your passport be valid for 6 months as a CYA. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. Closed-loop cruises make financial sense for cruise lines as well as passengers. This rule states that U.S. If youre traveling internationally, a passport might not be the only document you need. Scarlson91 International sailings (cruises that begin outside the United States), U.S. citizens require a valid Passport and the corresponding visa required for entry and exit from the country. 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. U.S. citizens who choose to travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19 as they attempt to return to the United States. A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port is considered a closed loop. Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! On my browser it has a "find" feature. You are right, I do look at policies/procedures/laws/rules in black and white until something else comes along to gray it up a little with facts. A closed-loop cruise is one that starts and finishes at the same U.S. port and only sails to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or the Bahamas.1. 3. Few years ago we were in Belize doing an excursion in Belize, tubing through the caves (Darknight I believe it was) and we also went through the forrest in the mountains. And there is a big difference. 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. Corporate legalese v boots on the ground, real life, local best practices. Medications that are legally prescribed in the United States are not always legal abroad. Check with the destination countrys embassy or consulate about local laws regarding your prescribed medicines. For this reason, Alaskan itineraries include visits somewhere in Canada, and there arent a lot of Hawaii cruises. Certain destinations, such as China and Russia, may require visas for arrival into the country by air or independent exploration ashore. The Caribbean makes a popular destination for travelers considering a tropical cruise. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that I will likely want to cruise again. Travel delays or quarantines due to COVID-19 may result in unanticipated expenses for travelers. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. It says accepted. How many formal nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Card if traveling while on official orders, Traveler Program cards (SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST). It makes a port of You never can plan an illness or an injury and never know when you may need the appropriate documentation. Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. And I don't think I'm wrong here. Regardless, we always recommend traveling with a U.S. passport book, in case there are any inconveniences during your trip. Other cruises, though, require that kids under 16 have an original birth certificate with them, and kids over 16 must have a passport. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. 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. You can always call them to provide specifics. 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. That does not mean it is required on every cruise. However, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason (e.g., for an emergency evacuation, you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States. If that is so, then I just walked out with it. "In those instances, the cruise lines would require passengers to have a valid passport to board even if it is not a U.S. requirement,"the agency's website reads. If you travel on a cruise ship or river cruise and disembark in a foreign port, you might not be able to receive appropriate medical care or be medically evacuated if you get sick. I called the "Invoice" a "Contract" a few times. What types ofmedical servicesyour ship can provide, such as basic or urgent care, hospitalization, dialysis, etc. I'm not right 100% of the time and I've proved it. Ensure shore excursions and purchases comply withU.S. regulations. If you leave on a cruise What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)? They can go to contiguous territories or islands close to the continental United States, including Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Theyprovide travelers with a low-cost, convenient alternative for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. If the supervisor is confident that everything about what is being presented in this situation, then they will accept it. You should check the passport requirements for any port you are visiting, as sometimes there can be a port that requires a passport to visit even if you do not need a passport to return to the United States. Proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Drivers License , a government-issued birth certificate, a passport card, or a passport. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Travelers who do not have a passport can apply for a NEXUS cardbut will be able to use it at land or marine crossings only, not airports. Part of planning a, Many first time cruisers are eager to learn about the best Royal Caribbean ship to sail on, so a common question asked, Choosing a cruise cabin isn't easy. The big "what if". Havemedical, emergency evacuation, and other. The general wisdomfor US Citizens is an original raised seal birth certificate and government issued ID is adequate. I'm only showing what RCCL's policy is. Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! Always bring your passportin case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port in an emergency, even if your cruise says you wont need it. Consular Information Frequently Asked Questions, Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage, Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia Travel Options Out of Russia, FIFA Womens World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. Recommended Reading: Cheapest Way To Cruise Alaska. A closed loop cruise is a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. If under 16, a U.S. citizen can present their birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or consular birth report abroad. I have had two Real ID licenses from two different states.I moved. WebMexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. February 16, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Discussion. Social Security Cards and Voter Registration cannot be used as a form of citizenship. So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . Here's what to do, How long is a US passport good for? 6 242. This is the most popular summer travel destination:According to Google Flights, Unlimited cruises:Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass. In Ensenada, the Cinderella of the Pacific, you can ride horses along mountain trails, tour the wine country, shop for souvenirs and taste the local tequila. 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. What is the goal of requiring secure documents? If thats not useful try. This is an RCCL policy. As luck would have it, youve suddenly got a few open days in your schedule and a yearning to travel somewhere exotic. I've used my passport before for employment to satisfy both requirements in one document rather than the usual social security card and drivers license. Are Passports Required for These Cruises? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. 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. Its the passengers responsibility to check with the appropriate government agencies and their cruise line to determine what documentation is required. https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx, pastel-colored British colonial architecture, Things to Do in Los Angeles: Before or After Your Cruise. 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. Merchant Mariner documents if you are on official maritime business, U.S. Military I.D. I did that with the page that is linked to. 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. Dont Miss: Cruise To Key West From Tampa. With soft-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and pastel-colored British colonial architecture, the Bahamian capital of Nassau makes a popular port of call for cruisers. Remain vigilantand exercise normal precautions aboard a cruise ship and on shore, as you would whenever traveling abroad. garywatson, April 23 in Royal Caribbean International. If youre looking for cruises that dont require a passport, take a round trip sail to Bermuda from New York City, Baltimore, Charleston or one of two Florida ports of call. In your experience, how does that person board? Cruise ships usually sail under a foreign flag. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. I've been to most Caribbean popular ports of call and I have never heard that a Passport is even required to get in. . Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. We are required to take them off in Cuba but that is the only one for us so far. Embarking and deparking from Galveston, Texas. 2. Like what you see? 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. If you are flying internationally you still need a passport. 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. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. 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 So, I'm not interested in playing word games (Acceptable). Note the use of the word "recommend", Yes, that's exactly where I went - the one next to Home Depot. For an easy round trip, you can begin and end in a number of U.S. cities including New York City, Galveston, Mobile, New Orleans and Tampa. Dont Miss: Princess Cruise And Flight Packages. Also, it is advisable to always travel with some form of identification. Double-check your cruise lines ID requirements, because theres no room for error. WebU.S. This will be challenging if you dont have your passport. Youll be glad you did. Once again, forgive me for providing a good deed (and you know what they say about good deeds), again. This case is closed unless something comes up to add material discussion. Convenience is the main reason that people take closed-loop cruises. United States maritime law states that non-U.S. flagged ships must make at least one stop at a foreign port. Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. If you cannot be discharged before the cruise ship is scheduled to depart, the cruise ship may leave without you. Do you tell him that the Contract "Recommends" A, but his retorts that the policy dictates "B"? Dont let your lack of a passport stop you. A photocopy will not be permitted. Carry awritten copy of all your prescriptionswith you in case a country requires it, or you need to replace your medications. Want to take a short cruise to an exotic island without the hassle? Anl emergency could force you to end the cruise in a foreign port of call, and a passport will make getting home much easier. How family members cancontact you in an emergency, such as cell or satellite phone coverage and/or an e-mail address for emergencies. Apart from that, you should keep it secure in your cabin safe. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was launched in 2009 by the United States government. Passports are required for all cruise travel to all other International destinations. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown. 3. The cruise ship will have procedures in place for handling a crime onboard. WHTI does not affect U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, who are still required to present their permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status. WHTI is the joint Department of State (DOS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plan to implement a key 9/11 Commission recommendation and the statutory mandates of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). U.S. citizens can enter the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Below, weve compiled a list of seven places to visit without a passport, from scenic Alaska to the beachy Caribbean. But, if you are using other than a BC and DL, you must use a Passport and it must meet RCCL's minimum requirements, by policy (note, I didn't say what you can get away with). I totally and completely disagree. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. Be aware you can not fly internationally without a passport so if something happened mid-cruise and you needed to fly home, you couldn't. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise -- a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. That means spur-of-the-moment international trips without a passport can be impossible to pull off. Childrens passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years. Check your cruise lines prohibited items list when considering what to take with you. Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. Display as a link instead, When it comes to domestic cruises, nothing beats a trip to Hawaii. garywatson, April 23 in Royal Caribbean International. 2. Most closed loop cruises from the US do not visit any countries that require a passport, much less 6 month post travel validity, or is waived for cruise passengers. It was alot of fun! Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that dont require passports. Also airports and cruise terminals are accustomed to processing a passport. Go on a Cruise. Still need a passport to enter the US. Is it on Majesty of the Seas? Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. New applicants can expect to spend $130 for a passport book, plus a $35 acceptance fee. In general, Caribbean islands only require photo ID from a U.S. citizen. The only way youll board a ship without a passport is if your cruise does not require one. Here are some examples: Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Birth certificate may be enough for the ship but will not help you in another country and will add a frustration to an already frustrating situation. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling or from Hawaii, another U.S. territory , then you may also not need a passport. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! What about an Canadian? 1. When you come ashore, followlocal laws and customs. For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D.
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