Consider a cruise. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized 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. They can go to contiguous territories or islands close to the continental United States, including Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. If they did not have the appropriate paperwork with them it would have been more of a pain than if they did. If you arent a Lawful Permanent Resident or a U.S. citizen, you must provide appropriate documentation to prove your citizenship, including a passport. 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. Okay, the horse is dead enough, again. If you use a "Passport" it must meet the minimum requirements. Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. Guide to Cruise & Travel Documentation Still need a passport to enter the US. Passport For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D. You May Like: Dolphin Cruises Orange Beach Al. This includes countries in Europe, Asia, Central and South America. What if I dont have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States? Here's what to do, How long is a US passport good for? Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Many first timer cruisers want to know if you need a passport to take a cruise, and the answer depends on a few factors. On a closed-loop cruise, adults do not necessarily need a passport but you will need proof of identity in the form of a valid government-issued photo ID card AND proof of citizenship . Routine wait times for a passport are anywhere from 10 to 13 weeks, according to the State Department. For these cruises, you do not need a passport for re-entry into the United States. The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. No problem at all as none all the countries only required a valid passport. 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. Think logically. Hell no! It also states that "some cruise lines" may have a 6 month requirement. Okay, so be it. 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. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong, fall sailings, but a handful depart at other times of year or are a touch longer, at eight to 10 nights. Your cruise must end before the 90-day period for admission has passed. 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. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. 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. The good news was they were able to fly out the next day, but lost their Business Class seats that they had originally booked. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. I can not and will not justify RCCL's policies. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City, and occasionally Norfolk. 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. Any non-U.S. citizen must present a passport for each cruise they take, including a closed-loop cruise. Passport cards cannot be used on cruises from international homeports. 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. Powered by Invision Community. 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. The words "Birth Certificate" is used 10 times. Passport card. 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 I have zero memory these days for details like this. You cant cruise just anywhere on a closed-loop sailing, but the choices are more interesting than you might expect. More on that coming up! If that is so, then I just walked out with it. For U.S. citizens, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. 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. You are also right, "itinerary" has a lot to do with the documents required/acceptable. This case is closed unless something comes up to add material discussion. Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. Many countries outside of North America do require a passport and visas are even required where they apply. If you are flying internationally you still need a passport. Are There any Cruise Requirements for Passports? | Royal You must remain on the ship if you dont have your passport. 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. A local's beach guide to Puerto Rico:Which beaches to visit, what to know in San Juan, Culebra and more. In terms of the "absolute requirements" not the "its convenient" stuff, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/cruise-ship-passengers.html, https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/united-states-citizen-travel-documentation. For me, the peace of mind of a passport far outweighs bringing a birth certificate and ID along with you. So, just answer me this, does RCCL, by policy, require that U.S. Citizens using a Passport as a cruise document, have at least 6 months validity beyond return to the U.S? I dont have to worry about damaging the birth certificate which is only as durable as the paper its printed on. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. It is discussed somewhere in the government's websites and it just states that some countries require 3 or 6 months. I hope the takeaway from all this is that its never too early to get your childs first passport. This is the most popular summer travel destination:According to Google Flights, Unlimited cruises:Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass. Luckily, not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry the document. Looking for more tips about passports? 4. 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. I don't know. Passports for Canadian Citizens travelling to the US only need to be valid for the length of their stay. 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. 5. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Cruises from mainstream lines sailing from Europe, the United States, and Australia do closed-loop cruises more frequently. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. 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. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. Social Security Cards and Voter Registration cannot be used as a form of citizenship. Is a contract a policy? I would make sure they have a police report or some documentation about the wallet being lost. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Drivers License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Popular closed loop itineraries include not only the Caribbean but also the Mexican Riviera and Alaska. 1. booking a cruise visiting For those who have a longing to escape to a tropical destination or attend an exciting Alaskan adventure yet dont have a valid passport, you may want to consider a closed-loop cruise. 4. In addition to making family travel much easier, the old and expired passports accumulated over the decades make for great memories. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. 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. What is written on the invoice that is personslized to every guest with the details of their booking and a link to yje guest contract certainly takes precedence over a blanket statement in a FAQ's section. However, as we mentioned previously, you will have better protections in the event of an emergency or a change of travel plans simply by carrying a valid passport. Passports do have an additional cost to them , but we feel the advantages of having a passport far outweigh the cost and work required to get one. If you are a U.S. citizen and cruising out of the United States (meaning your cruise begins and ends in the United States), then you do notneeda passport. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. Bermudian citizens are required to present a valid passport. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. Combine those details along with your drivers license number or ID number that can be very dangerous for identity theft. 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. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. Wanna Feel Good About The World? The way I figure it, if you follow the written (the black and white written) policy, you can't go wrong. Keep in mind that these requirements are for U.S. citizens only. When embarking on adventures by sea that dont require a passport, make sure you have the proper cruise documentation. Passports for Closed Loop Cruise 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 We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. So my question For U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), you must have your photo ID plus your Permanent Resident Card (I-551/Green Card). What their procedures are in case ofemergency. Note the use of the word "recommend", Yes, that's exactly where I went - the one next to Home Depot. We've already, Have you ever thought you wish you knew then what you know now? A closed loop cruise is a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. Are you looking to cruise without a passport? If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. It was alot of fun! Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Have a contingency plan for returning homeif you must remain in a foreign country longer than expected. The passport book is more durable for multiple trips. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology for Border Crossing, CBP Procedures for Processing Travel Documents at the Border, An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Traveling to Nassau , Coco Cay and Key West . closed loop Your previous content has been restored. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, a passport, which must be valid for the duration of theirstay, a valid NEXUS card, used at self-serve kiosks at designated airports. Cruise ships usually sail under a foreign flag. The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. Bring enough cash to cover your stay. As usual, I'd hate to be the one or cause someone else by not providing what is the written policy. garywatson, April 23 in Royal Caribbean International. The island does not require a passport among U.S. citizens. The birth certificate contains details about you that could be used to steal your identity more readily than the passport. This was implemented to clarify what documents guests require for traveling on a cruise ship. U.S. citizens can take advantage of closed-loop cruises where passports are not required. We DO NOT require passports for The Bahamas if flying from Canada. *A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID. If all of a sudden we had multiple people show up without photo ID and unable to produce something showing their name and picture , then the policy would tighten. I haven't seen the word "recommended" in the policy! In general, Caribbean islands only require photo ID from a U.S. citizen. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. This is an RCCL policy. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Official websites use .gov I would think what is written on the invoice would trump what it says on the website. Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. Canadian citizens travelling by air to the United States must present one of the following documents: This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, including children, travelling by air to or even just transiting through the United States. Spend a day soaking up history in Boston, Massachusetts, and tour the Charles River aboard an amphibious duck vehicle. 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. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. Leave one copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry one separately from your actual documents. But, the title of this thread includes and is limited to "Close Loop" cruises. Cruise lines with Canada and New England closed-loop sailings include Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, Holland America and small-ship operator American Cruise Lines. We discuss what is a closed-loop cruise and why they are so popular. Consider storing your travel documents and othervaluables in a secure spot, such as a room or ships safe. So I understand this is considered a closed loop cruise. Most U.S. citizens dont need a passport for closed-loop cruises that depart from American ports. Do you tell him that the Contract "Recommends" A, but his retorts that the policy dictates "B"? I always advise people to call the cruise line and confirm documentation with them. And I don't think I'm wrong here. Cruise Requirements for Passports Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - U.S. Customs and So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! 2. "Otherwise, you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship when departing the islands, such as a raised-seal birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that citizens can enter the U.S. using a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate. Merchant Mariner documents if you are on official maritime business, U.S. Military I.D. They can end one voyage and begin boarding the next a few hours later. What is the goal of requiring secure documents? 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. Closed loop cruise, travel documentation - Royal Look on pretty much every TA's invoice and you will see the same thing. And for the last time, I am not going to discuss/debate what Joe or Mary got away with. The important thing here not having a photo ID is so rare that the supervisors have some leeway to try to make what the unfortunate passenger has, work. Therefore, always make sure to know whether you need your passport or not before going on your cruise. 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. original or certified US birth certificate (with raised seal and signature) government-issued ID (such as a drivers license) Consular Report of Born Abroad Certificate Certificate or Naturalization If you need to obtain a passport quickly, please contact VisaCentral at 844-834-5702 and reference account 75006 for discounted VisaCentral service fees. The card is ok to fly within the US as a Real ID. I called the "Invoice" a "Contract" a few times. Do I need a passport to travel? Not for these destinations. 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. Are you looking to cruise without a passport? The only way youll board a ship without a passport is if your cruise does not require one. U.S. credit and debit cardsdo NOT workinCuba. Pasted as rich text. Mexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. Clear editor. For those on the Visa Waiver Program, you can use the I-94W (your immigration stamp received when first entering the United States) when you re-enter at disembarkment. 1. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx, pastel-colored British colonial architecture, Things to Do in Los Angeles: Before or After Your Cruise. If youre looking for a different kind of cruise, explore parts of New England and Canada with New York City as an exciting starting and ending point. 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. It's not a "Contract", at least according to you. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. 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. Remain vigilantand exercise normal precautions aboard a cruise ship and on shore, as you would whenever traveling abroad. Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! U.S. citizens who travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19. What Is a Closed Loop Cruise? Do Kids Need a Passport to Go I'm not right 100% of the time and I've proved it. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop Dont take chances that might ruin the vacation of a lifetime. U.S. citizens traveling on closed-loop cruises to either Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean can travel with the following documentation: First, how old is the child in question? As long as you book a closed loop cruise, you can travel to certain destinations without a passport.