But, if you aren't using a Birth Certificate and DL, your Passport must meet their minimum requirements. Additionally,the State Departmentsaystravelers under 16 do not need a passport to enter Canada; they need only proof of U.S. citizenship. This is an RCCL policy. In a nutshell, a passport card is a plastic card that can fit into a wallet and are accepted for land and sea border crossings betweenthe U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. We DO NOT require passports for The Bahamas if flying from Canada. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS This is longer than any other ID in the USA and it proves both identity AND citizenship. WebMexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. They can go to contiguous territories or islands close to the continental United States, including Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. Regardless, we always recommend traveling with a U.S. passport book, in case there are any inconveniences during your trip. I'm not Joe or Mary but an actual person here on CC, so please read my comment above. Further, passports are also required for cruises that begin and end in different locations . Unexpected circumstances can come up that make it impossible to return to the United States on the cruise ship. So my question BTW, I just looked at my so-called "Invoices" and they aren't even that, it's a "Booking Confirmation". Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. A NEXUS application processing fee costs $50 for a five-year membership, and children under 18 can apply with no fee. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. 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. 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. Some countries do require 6 months so they are covering themselves. If you need to obtain a passport quickly, please contact VisaCentral at 844-834-5702 and reference account 75006 for discounted VisaCentral service fees. Traveling by plane would be a different story. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that citizens can enter the U.S. using a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate. Pasted as rich text. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. You will leave it in the safe. As usual, I'd hate to be the one or cause someone else by not providing what is the written policy. Convenience is the main reason that people take closed-loop cruises. 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. If you are a U.S. citizen and cruising out of the United States , then you do not need a passport. Did you go to KoP? In general, Caribbean islands only require photo ID from a U.S. citizen. Scarlson91 Do we need a passport or will a certified birth certificate and photo id work. I've been to most Caribbean popular ports of call and I have never heard that a Passport is even required to get in. To get ready for the application, use Passport Photo Onlineyoull be able to get perfect pictures for your children without leaving home. 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. The cruise ship will have procedures in place for handling a crime onboard. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. 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. Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's Travel Documentation page for specifics. 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 not need a passport. For all other nationalities, a passport is generally required to cruise. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. No. I would politely let you know that your passport was about to expire, but for the purposes of your closed loop cruise, it still works. 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. 91. r/royalcaribbean. So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . If you need a passport, and you don t have one to show, you will not be allowed to board. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. 5. I found what I was looking for. I called the "Invoice" a "Contract" a few times. Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations. So I understand this is considered a closed loop cruise. Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. I'm sure they're accustomed to a birth certificate as well but my brain believes they're more accustomed to a passport. The exact travel documentation required depends on what citizenship you hold, as well as where your cruise is sailing from and to. Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. *A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID. One couple had planned a closed-loop cruise from Baltimore, and they mistakenly believed they only needed their drivers licenses to board. Waited too long to get a passport? That being said, there are certain types of cruises where youll be able to board with other types of documentation if you do not have either a passport book or passport card. Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. WebAcceptable proof of citizenship includes an original or certified copy of a government issued birth certificate (raised seal and signature) and a laminated government An official website of the United States government. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Many first timer cruisers want to know if you need a passport to take a cruise, and the answer depends on a few factors. 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. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. This was implemented to clarify what documents guests require for traveling on a cruise ship. Clear editor. In the Eastern Caribbean, find dream destinations like Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. We flew and sailed last month and my wife's passport expires in 5 months. So my question is: does Cozumel, Grand Cayman, or Jamaica require a passport even if Im on a closed loop cruise? Check your cruise lines prohibited items list when considering what to take with you. 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. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. More on that coming up! Most U.S. citizens dont need a passport for closed-loop cruises that depart from American ports. You May Like: Dolphin Cruises Orange Beach Al. 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. 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. Display as a link instead, 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. If you are considering travel on a cruise ship, please review the latest CDC guidance. 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. 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 lock ( A passport is required for all international flights and for any cruise that embarks or disembarks in a foreign country. Still need a passport to enter the US. While the passport card may protect you against certain scenarios and is superior to not having a passport at all, getting a passport book not only provides more coverage (such as flying internationally), but it allows you to travel beyond simply cruises. It is discussed somewhere in the government's websites and it just states that some countries require 3 or 6 months. Interesting. You unexpectedly need to depart the ship from a foreign port prior to the end of sailing, a passport would be required to leave or re-enter the U.S. by air. The EDL isonly accepted at land and sea border crossings, not for air travel. 5. Dont let your lack of a passport stop you. If youre traveling internationally, a passport might not be the only document you need. I always advise people to call the cruise line and confirm documentation with them. With the booking confirmation every passenger is being given the information required by the cruise line. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. 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? For U.S. citizens, passports are not required for all cruises. If they did not have the appropriate paperwork with them it would have been more of a pain than if they did. 242. Here are some examples: Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. To qualify, the ship must return to the exact same port they left from. Social Security Cards and Voter Registration cannot be used as a form of citizenship. 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. This applies to going on a cruise as well, and. Your previous content has been restored. At the time I was looking it definitely stated recommended as we knew that my wife's passport expired. 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. Does a child need a passport on a closed-loop cruise?Second, is this a closed-loop cruise? 6 Not as much as shorts in the MDR but often enough. Depart from the Californian cities of San Francisco, San Diego or Long Beach for a quick but memorable cruise to the Baja Peninsula in northern Mexico. Are you looking to cruise without a passport? 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 I walked out with mine on the Monday after my last a cruise, lol. Caribbean, Alaskan, and Mexican cruises are extremely popular. Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. If you use a "Passport" it must meet the minimum requirements. If the supervisor is confident that everything about what is being presented in this situation, then they will accept it. 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. We are cruising to Cozumel, George Town (Grand Cayman), and Falmouth, Jamaica in April 2019 aboard Liberty of the Seas. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. So, for instance, all of those round-trip cruises out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are closed-loop cruises. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. I can't think of any Close Loop sailings that RCCL goes to that has a 6-month requirement, other than possibly Columbia. A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. The birth certificate contains details about you that could be used to steal your identity more readily than the passport. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling or from Hawaii, another U.S. territory , then you may also not need a passport. U.S. credit and debit cardsdo NOT workinCuba. Remain vigilantand exercise normal precautions aboard a cruise ship and on shore, as you would whenever traveling abroad. in the DMV that Monday. 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. Here's what to do, How long is a US passport good for? 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. Have a plan in case you have to remain overseas longer than expected. It is our preference to carry them anytime we are outside of USA, just in case. Many countries outside of North America do require a passport and visas are even required where they apply. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Have to agree with @twangsteron this one, if you search the boards you will find that this very subject has been debated to death. This case is closed unless something comes up to add material discussion. 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. Official websites use .gov 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. February 16, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Discussion. You are also right, "itinerary" has a lot to do with the documents required/acceptable. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. What if I dont have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States? Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. I actually had a relative be denied at the airline ticket counter because their passport had less than 6 months left on it (they were trying to fly to England at Christmas). WebMariner of the Seas is experimenting with a complimentary embarkation day lunch to help alleviate demand in Windjammer. No kidding. So, why list them.? WebU.S. Powered by Invision Community. 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. For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D. Passengers should also note that for some ports, you may require a passport to gain entrance. Any non-U.S. citizen must present a passport for each cruise they take, including a closed-loop cruise. On your booking confirmation that goes out to every passenger who books it clearly states recommended. As Britains oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port is considered a closed loop. Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. For a cruise ship to qualify for a closed-loop status, it must start and end in the United States. 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? Note the use of the word "recommend", Yes, that's exactly where I went - the one next to Home Depot. 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. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! In your experience, how does that person board? Passports for Canadian Citizens travelling to the US only need to be valid for the length of their stay. The supervisors know what will and won't be accepted by CBP. If you read further down it mentions some cruises only require a birth certificate and photo ID. The card is ok to fly within the US as a Real ID. Havemedical, emergency evacuation, and other. I think we all know that RCCL's, et al, have a hard time keeping up with their own hands. You might be wondering if you should get the passport card vs book. But, I try. Application processing takes 12 to 14 months,according to the Department of Homeland Security. However I find a definite answer whether or not passports are required. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. Cap off a day of adventure in Bermuda with a sunset rum-tasting cruise. Hell no! The island does not require a passport among U.S. citizens. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! The big "what if". The U.S. Virgin Islands, another Caribbean destination, allows domestic travelers to enter without a passport. United States citizens can visit the State Departments travel website or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center at (877) 4USA-PPT; TDD/TTY: (888) 874-7793. I always carry our passports, as well as our trip and health insurance information with me when I leave the ship and go on foreign soil. I hope the takeaway from all this is that its never too early to get your childs first passport. Perhaps Pennsylvania uses a different verification of address but not everyone in the US can walk out with a Real ID licence. 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. 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 passport is good for 10 years. Do I want to be limited to places that will accept the birth certificate/ID combination? The Guam Visitors Bureau says U.S. citizens are required to showa U.S. passport, but photo ID and proof of citizenship may be accepted "on a case-by-case basis.". Plenty of cruisers make these sailings without a passport and without any trouble using just their driving license and birth certificate. 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. 2. Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Took me exactly 56 minutes for the entire processin the DMV that Monday. You can find this information on the govt website.. just search for closed loop cruise requirements. Citizens of the United States dont require passports on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. 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. According to PA's website, that means that I got the Real ID license. Proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Drivers License , a government-issued birth certificate, a passport card, or a passport. Luckily, not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry the document. 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. Convenience. 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. You cannot paste images directly. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. If someone couldn't produce anything showing their name and photo (old passport, old DL, Costco card, employment ID, etc), then they probably would be denied boarding. Join. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. This is my reason. No where in the new contract is there any language about passports. Passports are required for all cruise travel to all other International destinations. 1. These and other cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. Bermudian citizens are required to present a valid passport. Apart from that, you should keep it secure in your cabin safe. 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. By Wanna Feel Good About The World? I am guessing that your CA CBP officers would want their citizens returning home to Canada with a valid passport, but it doesn't effect your closed loop cruise. 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. If that is so, then I just walked out with it. A Birth Certificate and DL are acceptable. What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)? If it doesn't say "Accepted" then the rest are not "Accepted". We all learned a lesson from that! But I bet the Contract changes, thereafter, really quickly. If youre trying to fly to an international cruise port without a passport, you wont get past airline check-in. You just get to come and go as you please. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. 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. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In Freeport, you can shop till you drop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace or kayak through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park. For those unfamiliar with the term, we discuss what a closed-loop cruise is. When the airlines say they require 6 months remaining on the passport for international flights - they mean it. It was requred to be mailed to my street address as that was part of verifying residence for Real ID in those states. And I'm talking about RCCL's policy, not any other company unless it is RCCL, or country. Anl emergency could force you to end the cruise in a foreign port of call, and a passport will make getting home much easier. Routine wait times are 10 to 13 weeks, and that doesnt include mailing times, according to the State Department. 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). When you come ashore, followlocal laws and customs. 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.
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