Traveling to Nassau , Coco Cay and Key West . The passport card is an option the United States government provides that is a lower cost alternative to the passport book. 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. Its the passengers responsibility to check with the appropriate government agencies and their cruise line to determine what documentation is required. The exact travel documentation required depends on what citizenship you hold, as well as where your cruise is sailing from and to. For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D. Security. You are also right, "itinerary" has a lot to do with the documents required/acceptable. Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. We always recommend carrying a passport book or a passport card while vacationing on a cruise. In neither state was I able to walk out with it. Not as much as shorts in the MDR but often enough. Ensure shore excursions and purchases comply withU.S. regulations. It's not. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. 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. You must remain on the ship if you dont have your passport. Consider a cruise. Customs and Border Protection saysU.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can enter or depart a country on the cruise with proof of citizenship, but some destination countries "may require" a passport. 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 Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. Citizens of the United States dont require passport s on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. Worth Reading: What Is a Transatlantic Cruise? Typically, closed-loop cruises may leave from Miami, Florida, and travel to Bermuda before returning to the same port in Miami. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop cruise. It was alot of fun! By However, I strongly recommend that all adults 16 and over have a passport. Are Passports Required for These Cruises? Ensure cabin safety and make sure thedoor and balcony are properly lockedat all times. Traveling past that date for over 30 days is not permitted. Its best to check the specific entry requirements for each foreign port youll be visiting before leaving your passport at home. 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. As long as you're on a closed-loop cruise, youll be able to skip the passport in favor of other government-issued IDs. Upload or insert images from URL. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. 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. It has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. I don't think so. 6 Don't get me wrong, I do believe you have a good argument and you may get away with it, they'll take pity on you. garywatson, April 23 in Royal Caribbean International. 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 Want to take a short cruise to an exotic island without the hassle? 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. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. Original certificate of U.S. naturalization, U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad. 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. 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. Learn more about U.S. citizens passport validation cruise requirements. Talk to the security personnel on board if you are thevictim of acrime. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. 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. Having a passport on a cruise means not just an easier embarkation and disembarkation process, but it protects you against an unexpected situation that may occur during the course of a cruise, such as: Certainly many guests will cruise without a passport and likely not run into any issues. U.S. departure ports for enjoyable Hawaiian cruises include San Francisco, San Diego, Long Beach and Honolulu. Medications that are legally prescribed in the United States are not always legal abroad. If you miss your ship at a port, you will need to find a way to catch up to the cruise or return home. 2. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D. Photocopies are not accepted, only original documents. "If you are a U.S. citizen a passport is not required, but it still serves as the best identification when traveling,"the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's website says. According to PA's website, that means that I got the Real ID license. Most U.S. citizens dont need a passport for closed-loop cruises that depart from American ports. If you are flying internationally you still need a passport. On this exciting trip, you can deep sea fish for marlin, explore forest caves and waterfalls, soak up the sun on a black-sand beach and attend a traditional luau. 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. This applies to going on a cruise as well, and. When you get off and on the ship in ports of call, youll just need to have your ID and your cabin keycard. BTW, I just looked at my so-called "Invoices" and they aren't even that, it's a "Booking Confirmation". Some countries may require mandatory quarantine on arrival if a case of COVID-19 is identified aboard your cruise ship. 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. If you cannot be discharged before the cruise ship is scheduled to depart, the cruise ship may leave without you. 91. r/royalcaribbean. I've been to them all. 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. 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. Passport Not Required. 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. 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? Citizens of the United States dont require passports on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Here's what to do, How long is a US passport good for? You never can plan an illness or an injury and never know when you may need the appropriate documentation. Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. Corporate legalese v boots on the ground, real life, local best practices. You need a birth Certificate with a raised seal and a valid govt ID or license. Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations. It also states that "some cruise lines" may have a 6 month requirement. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. That should make you think instead of having a one track mind on this subject. Different rules will apply if you are an LPR. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Damage to cruise ship Occasionally cruise ships are damaged or have mechanical issues that cannot be fixed during your trip. Cruises from mainstream lines sailing from Europe, the United States, and Australia do closed-loop cruises more frequently. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City, and occasionally Norfolk. It does not say required. For that, you need only a birth certificate and a drivers license . The EDL isonly accepted at land and sea border crossings, not for air travel. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. Maybe youve never had the time, money or desire to travel abroad previously, or perhaps your old passport has expired. I will likely want to cruise again. Of course, if you are traveling internationally, U.S. citizens will need a passport. Cruise ships usually sail under a foreign flag. I'm only showing what RCCL's policy is. 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. 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. I traveled internationally on a cruise with Royal with a passport that had five months left because the year when I renewed I had a lot of travel and that was the best window. It is our preference to carry them anytime we are outside of USA, just in case. No problem at all as none all the countries only required 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. 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 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. Consider storing your travel documents and othervaluables in a secure spot, such as a room or ships safe. It is for travelers who are not going to leave the country by airplane, and plan to only leave the United States via land or sea. This is my reason. Needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship's departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons. 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? 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 A supervisor might accept a photo work ID, a picture of an old DL, even a Costco card with the passengers photo has been accepted. Luckily, not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry the document. I'm not right 100% of the time and I've proved it. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that So, for instance, all of those round-trip cruises out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are closed-loop cruises. Interesting. For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents. 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. If you are considering travel on a cruise ship, please review the latest CDC guidance. WebRoyal Caribbean International - Identification Document What is a post-cruise address? As long as you book a closed loop cruise, you can travel to certain destinations without a passport. So if you're sailing it will get you onto a closed loop cruise but if you are outside the US, even if in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, you can't use it fly back to the US. Dont Miss: Princess Cruise And Flight Packages. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. This is taken directly off of Royal Caribbean's invoice for a cruise that was booked today. In addition to making family travel much easier, the old and expired passports accumulated over the decades make for great memories. When you come ashore, followlocal laws and customs. BTW, if you look hard enough, you'll find which countries require 6-month expiration. 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. This keeps popping up every now and then. . Closed-loop cruises make financial sense for cruise lines as well as passengers. Embarking and deparking from Galveston, Texas. If youre traveling internationally, a passport might not be the only document you need. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. I suspect that the language changed with the introduction of the new cruise contract that was just released. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! Lawful permanent residents must continue to present a valid Permanent Resident Card. Acceptable forms of ID for closed-loop cruises: Passport. If the supervisor doesn't feel right about what is going on, they can fall back to the corporate policy as a CYA. Recommended Reading: Cheapest Way To Cruise Alaska. WebMariner of the Seas is experimenting with a complimentary embarkation day lunch to help alleviate demand in Windjammer. Therefore, always make sure to know whether you need your passport or not before going on your cruise. You will leave it in the safe. Proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Drivers License , a government-issued birth certificate, a passport card, or a passport. 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. This is longer than any other ID in the USA and it proves both identity AND citizenship. Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. Bring enough cash to cover your stay. The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) allows you to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. 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. you 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. Although you do not need a passport to visit these destinations as a U.S. citizen, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for their cruise vacation for the following reasons: Cruises up North Americas East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec. 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. If the supervisor is confident that everything about what is being presented in this situation, then they will accept it. 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. Explore beautiful spots spread across Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and drink in the natural beauty only Hawaii delivers. However, using your train of thought, should I think something is allowed or not allowed because it isn't on the "Cruise Contract"? Web In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required. Apart from that, you should keep it secure in your cabin safe. What if I dont have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States? 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 Below, weve compiled a list of seven places to visit without a passport, from scenic Alaska to the beachy Caribbean. Children under 19 can use these same documents only if they are traveling with a school, church group, sports team, or other organization with adult supervision. Bermudian citizens are required to present a valid passport. We are required to take them off in Cuba but that is the only one for us so far. What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)? You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. In this case, you would need a U.S. passport to fly home upon clearance from your doctor. No kidding. Social Security Cards and Voter Registration cannot be used as a form of citizenship. The passport is good for 10 years. So, I'm not interested in playing word games (Acceptable). 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. You May Like: Dolphin Cruises Orange Beach Al. "You should check with your cruise ship, travel agent, and destination country to confirm the requirements to enter the foreign countries you will visit.". The general wisdomfor US Citizens is an original raised seal birth certificate and government issued ID is adequate. Ships cannot depart Fort Lauderdale and return to Miami, even though both ports are in Florida. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. I called the "Invoice" a "Contract" a few times. 5. If you look at Roysls site it says recommends and not requires. For those unfamiliar with the term, we discuss what a closed-loop cruise is. You can post now and register later. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. For these cruises, you do not need a passport for re-entry into the United States. Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that dont require passports. The Bahamas. The big "what if". Some countries do require 6 months so they are covering themselves. I have zero memory these days for details like this. I can not and will not justify RCCL's policies. The card is ok to fly within the US as a Real ID. Although there are some situations where passports are not strictly necessary, it is better to be safe than sorry. This is an RCCL policy. 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 . Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. 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. 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. But children passports are only good for 5 years so I want to wait as long as possible to renew. If you read further down it mentions some cruises only require a birth certificate and photo ID. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! Im hoping someone has traveled to these ports without a passport and can comment with their outcome. All rights reserved. There is also a rule called the Six Month Passport Validity Rule. There are many perks for passengers and cruise lines that offer closed-loop cruises. Here's what to know and how to renew it. Paying a $60 fee can expedite the process, but travelers will still need to wait seven to nine weeks for processing. Better to be safe than sorry get a passport if you do not have one. It can be costly and embarrassing. Because as far as the State Department is concerned, adults are anyone 16 and up. Having a passport on a cruise means not just an easier embarkation and disembarkation process, but it protects you against an unexpected situation that may occur during the course of a cruise, such as: Certainly many guests will cruise without a passport and likely not run into any issues. 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. 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. What types of documents are accepted for entry into the United States via land and sea? 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. Someone (adult) showing up without a photo ID is rare. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Leave one copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry one separately from your actual documents. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! 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. 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, Pink-sand beaches, beautiful blue waters and colorful coral reefs deliver the perfect recipe for sunning, swimming, sailing and snorkeling. citizens must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their cruise. We discuss what is a closed-loop cruise and why they are so popular. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government issued driver's license, picture ID, denoting photo, name, and date of birth. I can't think of any Close Loop sailings that RCCL goes to that has a 6-month requirement, other than possibly Columbia. 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. Look on pretty much every TA's invoice and you will see the same thing. 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. One couple had planned a closed-loop cruise from Baltimore, and they mistakenly believed they only needed their drivers licenses to board. For a closed loop cruise, a birth certificate and a government issued ID are the only forms of documentation required. Go on a Cruise. From Caribbean destinations to closed-loop travel, here are the spots Americans can go without a passport. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown. Also, it is advisable to always travel with some form of identification. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that citizens can enter the U.S. using a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate. Once again, forgive me for providing a good deed (and you know what they say about good deeds), again. Make colorcopiesof your passport photo page, foreign visas, and itinerary. Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. As usual, I'd hate to be the one or cause someone else by not providing what is the written policy. This is important to know before boarding. 4. And I'm talking about RCCL's policy, not any other company unless it is RCCL, or country.
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