As usual, I'd hate to be the one or cause someone else by not providing what is the written policy. Passports are universally accepted because they combine identification and citizenship, whereas a driving-license-& -birth-certificate combo might get refused. I would 100% take what is written on your booking invoice as policy as opposed to what is written in general terms in an FAQ section of the website. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Also, it is advisable to always travel with some form of identification. Cruise ships usually sail under a foreign flag. We discuss what is a closed-loop cruise and why they are so popular. That does not mean it is required on every cruise. In Freeport, you can shop till you drop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace or kayak through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. The goal is to strengthen border security while facilitating entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers, making the process more efficient and convenient. The words "Birth Certificate" is used 10 times. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port. If you aren't on a close loop cruise, you have to have a passport and RCCL requires, by policy, that it must expire at least 6 months after you return to the U.S. Children may need just a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, but not a passport or photo ID. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. Powered by Invision Community. Travel delays or quarantines due to COVID-19 may result in unanticipated expenses for travelers. 3. 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. WebU.S. But, that doesn't have anything to do with RCCL's policy which is stand-alone. The, An 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. issued by U.S. 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. That should make you think instead of having a one track mind on this subject. 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. If you read further down it mentions some cruises only require a birth certificate and photo ID. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. 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. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. ALL PERSONS traveling by land and sea outside of the United States are required to present a passport book/card, or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. All I need is the book. They can end one voyage and begin boarding the next a few hours later. February 16, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Discussion. All rights reserved. You will leave it in the safe. Some countries may require mandatory quarantine on arrival if a case of COVID-19 is identified aboard your cruise ship. Once again, forgive me for providing a good deed (and you know what they say about good deeds), again. Illness or Injury Depending on the severity of your illness or injury, you may have to be admitted to a local hospital overseas. I called the "Invoice" a "Contract" a few times. 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. Its best to check the specific entry requirements for each foreign port youll be visiting before leaving your passport at home. Because as far as the State Department is concerned, adults are anyone 16 and up. Your previous content has been restored. Additionally,the State Departmentsaystravelers under 16 do not need a passport to enter Canada; they need only proof of U.S. citizenship. Explore beautiful spots spread across Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and drink in the natural beauty only Hawaii delivers. 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. No where in the new contract is there any language about passports. For that, you need only a birth certificate and a drivers license . Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)? 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. It almost comes to a "what if" scenario at times but lets just say that "what if" is what the wife and I specialize in at our jobs so we always try to prepare for the worst case scenario. We are required to take them off in Cuba but that is the only one for us so far. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! 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. Learn more about U.S. citizens passport validation cruise requirements. Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. As Britains oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. The good news was they were able to fly out the next day, but lost their Business Class seats that they had originally booked. If you can cruise with a birth certificate they are not going to turn away a valid passport on those itineraries. Yes, some countries do not allow you in their country with less than 6 months remaining, some are just 3 on your passport. If the Canadian passport was accepted for entry to the US at the border by our US CBP (and that Canadian was standing in front of me at a US terminal to get on a closed loop cruise), as long as that passport was valid for at least a day after the cruise, they would be embarked. You must remain on the ship if you dont have your passport. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop Routine wait times are 10 to 13 weeks, and that doesnt include mailing times, according to the State Department. It is discussed somewhere in the government's websites and it just states that some countries require 3 or 6 months. If you are flying internationally you still need a passport. If the supervisor doesn't feel right about what is going on, they can fall back to the corporate policy as a CYA. Oh people, I do check-in for both Royal and Celebrity. What their procedures are in case ofemergency. Passport Not Required. 5. Your link has been automatically embedded. Located just southeast of Miami in the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas offers an ideal island getaway. It also states that "some cruise lines" may have a 6 month requirement. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was launched in 2009 by the United States government. 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. Read Also: Royal Caribbean Cruises To Hawaii. Lawful permanent residents must continue to present a valid Permanent Resident Card. 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? Even though youll be sailing on a no-passport-required cruise, youre still required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification: Proof of Citizenship AND Government-issued photo ID. All closed-loop cruises embark accept any of the following WHTI-permitted forms of US identification: a passport card, Enhanced Drivers License, Trusted Traveler Program ID (FAST, SENRI, and Nexus), or an I-872 American Bring enough cash to cover your stay. Original certificate of U.S. naturalization, U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad. Havemedical, emergency evacuation, and other. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. If you are returning to an international port or disembarking an international river cruise: Checktravel.state.govto find out aboutadditional challengessome travelers might face abroad, such asolder travelers,those with disabilities,women, andLGBTI travelers. 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. But, RCCL doesn't cruise there, so no need to list it. Citizenship and Immigration Services. All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid passports and US visas. Scarlson91 When it comes to domestic cruises, nothing beats a trip to Hawaii. What if I get hurt on excursion? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! The way I figure it, if you follow the written (the black and white written) policy, you can't go wrong. 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. If you arent a Lawful Permanent Resident or a U.S. citizen, you must provide appropriate documentation to prove your citizenship, including a passport. If your children dont yet have passports, the time has come to pay the fees, fill out the forms, and get their pictures taken. And yes, RCCL will allow you to cruise on U.S. Homeport "closed loop" itineraries with just a Birth Certificate and DL (Government ID). Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. Maybe youve never had the time, money or desire to travel abroad previously, or perhaps your old passport has expired. Here are some examples: Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. For this reason, Alaskan itineraries include visits somewhere in Canada, and there arent a lot of Hawaii cruises. 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. By You May Like: Dolphin Cruises Orange Beach Al. "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. Like what you see? 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. Official websites use .gov 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 Citizens of the United States dont require passports on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. Cruises that dont begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. 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. The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) allows you to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. 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. Okay, so be it. 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. New applicants can expect to spend $130 for a passport book, plus a $35 acceptance fee. My son's passport will expire 5 months after our cruise booked later in the year. It makes a port of They may require different documentation for entry. If you are cruising with kids under age 16 on a closed-loop cruise, you'll need to bring a certified copy of their original birth certificate for identification. They do not need a photo ID. After you pull into port in the Big Apple, make sure to see a Broadway show, visit the Empire State Building and take a stroll through Central Park. When you come ashore, followlocal laws and customs. If you look at Roysls site it says recommends and not requires. When embarking on adventures by sea that dont require a passport, make sure you have the proper cruise documentation. Did you go to KoP? Securing a passport can be a hassle. Also airports and cruise terminals are accustomed to processing a passport. If you are flying directly to or from your cruise vacation, please enter the airport name or 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 absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. To get ready for the application, use Passport Photo Onlineyoull be able to get perfect pictures for your children without leaving home. VisaCentral can obtain a passport in as little as 48 hours. 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. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Im hoping someone has traveled to these ports without a passport and can comment with their outcome. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Certain destinations, such as China and Russia, may require visas for arrival into the country by air or independent exploration ashore. Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. Also, your cruise company may require you to have a passport, even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not. 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 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 Its the passengers responsibility to check with the appropriate government agencies and their cruise line to determine what documentation is required. You can always call them to provide specifics. Passengers should also note that for some ports, you may require a passport to gain entrance. Go on a Cruise. While we do recommend having a passport just in case, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. Spend a day soaking up history in Boston, Massachusetts, and tour the Charles River aboard an amphibious duck vehicle. 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. You are assuming that what is written in their FAQ's is policy. These types of cruises are becoming more common with cruise lines. 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. The passport card is an option the United States government provides that is a lower cost alternative to the passport book. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Remember that travel plans change and you may need to fly out of the United States to meet your ship at the next available port if you miss the scheduled embarkation. 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. Perhaps Pennsylvania uses a different verification of address but not everyone in the US can walk out with a Real ID licence. Click Share This Page button to display social media links. Still need a passport to enter the US. Children 15 and under only need to have their U.S. birth certificate. I don't think so. This includes being ready to cover additional lodging costs, flight ticket change fees, and any other additional expenses they may incur due to the unexpected extension. Merchant Mariner documents if you are on official maritime business, U.S. Military I.D. We DO NOT require passports for The Bahamas if flying from Canada. https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx, pastel-colored British colonial architecture, Things to Do in Los Angeles: Before or After Your Cruise. Other cruises, though, require that kids under 16 have an original birth certificate with them, and kids over 16 must have a passport. Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that dont require passports. For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D. 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. Most U.S. citizens dont need a passport for closed-loop cruises that depart from American ports. The Bahamas. In general, Caribbean islands only require photo ID from a U.S. citizen. Check with the destination countrys embassy or consulate about local laws regarding your prescribed medicines. Cruises that depart from and then return to the same U.S. port and visit only Canada, Mexico, and/or the islands of the Caribbean are called closed-loop cruises. We were even able to check in on the app using her passport. Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! 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? Additionally, if travels need to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, you will need 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. So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . BTW, if you look hard enough, you'll find which countries require 6-month expiration. 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, 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. 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. The exact travel documentation required depends on what citizenship you hold, as well as where your cruise is sailing from and to. Royal Caribbean Rookie Mistakes To Avoid! This is taken directly off of Royal Caribbean's invoice for a cruise that was booked today. Ships cannot depart Fort Lauderdale and return to Miami, even though both ports are in Florida. 5 things people that cruise a lot would tell first time cruisers if they could, Fly out of the United States to meet a ship at the next available port should they miss the scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port. For all other nationalities, a passport is generally required to cruise. And there is a big difference. By At the time I was looking it definitely stated recommended as we knew that my wife's passport expired. If you are a U.S. citizen and cruising out of the United States , then you do not need a passport. It is our preference to carry them anytime we are outside of USA, just in case. But children passports are only good for 5 years so I want to wait as long as possible to renew. I suspect that the language changed with the introduction of the new cruise contract that was just released. Okay, the horse is dead enough, again. I will likely want to cruise again. 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. Have to agree with @twangsteron this one, if you search the boards you will find that this very subject has been debated to death. 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. It does not say required. The Caribbean makes a popular destination for travelers considering a tropical cruise. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. 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. Thanks for your response, but I already knew all this. The saying "you don't know what you don't know" refers to the notion you cannot take advantage of something without, When you are looking to pick the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise for your family, often you will find a few good choices, You might be wondering how many formal nights there are going to be on your Royal Caribbean cruise. But, the title of this thread includes and is limited to "Close Loop" cruises. How many formal nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Are you looking to cruise without a passport? U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Frequently Asked Questions. Closed-loop cruises make financial sense for cruise lines as well as passengers. 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.
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