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. Dont let your lack of a passport stop you. 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. On my browser it has a "find" feature. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Consider a cruise. The only way youll board a ship without a passport is if your cruise does not require one. To qualify, the ship must return to the exact same port they left from. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Corporate legalese v boots on the ground, real life, local best practices. A closed-loop cruise is a sort of loop-hole in the passport requirement for a cruise. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. 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. 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. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! 242. At the time I was looking it definitely stated recommended as we knew that my wife's passport expired. This is longer than any other ID in the USA and it proves both identity AND citizenship. You will leave it in the safe. The EDL isonly accepted at land and sea border crossings, not for air travel. 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. However, it is recommended that you take it with you since you may need it at foreign ports or in case of an emergency. U.S. citizens who do choose to travel internationally should make contingency plans, as they may have to remain in a foreign country longer than originally planned. But, the policy is the policy. Damage to cruise ship Occasionally cruise ships are damaged or have mechanical issues that cannot be fixed during your trip. It is our preference to carry them anytime we are outside of USA, just in case. 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. You are also right, "itinerary" has a lot to do with the documents required/acceptable. U.S. citizens who travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19. It allows U.S. citizens to go on closed-loop cruises without needing a valid passport. Join. Citizens of the United States dont require passports on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. An original copy of your government-issued birth certificate or naturalization certificate and a government-issued photo ID, 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Also, your cruise company may require you to have a passport, even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Convenience. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Security. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. 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. You cant cruise just anywhere on a closed-loop sailing, but the choices are more interesting than you might expect. For U.S. citizens, you can enjoy traveling without a passport requirement. But children passports are only good for 5 years so I want to wait as long as possible to renew. 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. U.S. citizens can take advantage of closed-loop cruises where passports are not required. 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. 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. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. In some cases, where youre arriving in a country by sea , the cruise line will handle visa procurement for you. Took me exactly 56 minutes for the entire processin the DMV that Monday. Securing a passport can be a hassle. Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was launched in 2009 by the United States government. 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. If you arent a Lawful Permanent Resident or a U.S. citizen, you must provide appropriate documentation to prove your citizenship, including a passport. Make colorcopiesof your passport photo page, foreign visas, and itinerary. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. And for the last time, I am not going to discuss/debate what Joe or Mary got away with. 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. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that citizens can enter the U.S. using a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate. Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations. Upload or insert images from URL. 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. It's one reason I had the various links of information available. Dont Miss: Cruise To Key West From Tampa. I have had two Real ID licenses from two different states.I moved. In your experience, how does that person board? Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's Travel Documentation page for specifics. 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. 91. r/royalcaribbean. The big "what if". You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. This is the most popular summer travel destination:According to Google Flights, Unlimited cruises:Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass. "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. New applicants can expect to spend $130 for a passport book, plus a $35 acceptance fee. Have a plan in case you have to remain overseas longer than expected. Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. 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. For additional passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov. 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. Passport Requirements for Royal Caribbean Cruises. WebIf 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. Your cruise Check with the destination countrys embassy or consulate about local laws regarding your prescribed medicines. 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. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. 1. 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. I'm not saying that I do or don't agree with it. Bring enough cash to cover your stay. The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. Because they didnt have their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship, they werent permitted to board and they werent eligible for a refund.2, Recommended Reading: Ncl Los Angeles Cruise Port. 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. With the booking confirmation every passenger is being given the information required by the cruise line. 6 We've already, Have you ever thought you wish you knew then what you know now? If the supervisor doesn't feel right about what is going on, they can fall back to the corporate policy as a CYA. Once again, forgive me for providing a good deed (and you know what they say about good deeds), again. Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. In an emergency, someone may need to know who you are. 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. Passport cards cannot be used on cruises from international homeports. For all other nationalities, a passport is generally required to cruise. Have to agree with @twangsteron this one, if you search the boards you will find that this very subject has been debated to death. Citizenship and Immigration Services. before it expires. Typically, closed-loop cruises may leave from Miami, Florida, and travel to Bermuda before returning to the same port in Miami. Consider storing your travel documents and othervaluables in a secure spot, such as a room or ships safe. It does not say required. 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. Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. If you are a US citizen and are doing a closed loop cruise , then you do NOT need a passport at this time. Ships cannot depart Fort Lauderdale and return to Miami, even though both ports are in Florida. On Grand Turk, enjoy swimming with stingrays, riding horses along the coast, or touring the island by ATV. Passports 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. What forms of ID are required for minors traveling on Royal Caribbean? A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notorized 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. Citizenship a First time cruiser and Im stressing about required travel documentation. Not every passenger goes to the website to check for information. It has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. It makes a port of Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. 5. Pasted as rich text. That's not the purpose of my post. What if I get hurt on excursion? Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Someone (adult) showing up without a photo ID is rare. An official website of the United States government. Like what you see? 3. If thats not useful try. For U.S. citizens, passports are not required for all cruises. 4. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling or from Hawaii, another U.S. territory , then you may also not need a passport. Double-check your cruise lines ID requirements, because theres no room for error. 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. It was alot of fun! 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. Any non-U.S. citizen must present a passport for each cruise they take, including a closed-loop cruise. VisaCentral can obtain a passport in as little as 48 hours. It is discussed somewhere in the government's websites and it just states that some countries require 3 or 6 months. in the DMV that Monday. 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. Not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry a passport. But, RCCL doesn't cruise there, so no need to list it. If you cannot be discharged before the cruise ship is scheduled to depart, the cruise ship may leave without you. 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. This is an RCCL policy. 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? 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. 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. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. 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. Does a child need a passport on a closed-loop cruise?Second, is this a closed-loop cruise? A passport is required for all international flights and for any cruise that embarks or disembarks in a foreign country. And I'm talking about RCCL's policy, not any other company unless it is RCCL, or country. That means spur-of-the-moment international trips without a passport can be impossible to pull off. 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. I dont have to worry about damaging the birth certificate which is only as durable as the paper its printed on. WebYou are showing your passport at embarkation and the requirement according to Royal Caribbean is "U.S. Passport book that is valid at least 6 months after your cruise.". WebRoyal Caribbean International - Identification Document What is a post-cruise address? garywatson, April 23 in Royal Caribbean International. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. Popular closed loop itineraries include not only the Caribbean but also the Mexican Riviera and Alaska. Why won't they let someone on that doesn't have at least 6 months left on their Passport but let someone on with just a birth certificate and DL? However, using your train of thought, should I think something is allowed or not allowed because it isn't on the "Cruise Contract"? . and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. 2. 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 break the law, you will be subject to the justice system of the host country, If youlose your passport, report it immediately to the nearest. Web"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Drivers License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). Closed-loop cruises are the primary exceptions to the rule that those arriving in the U.S. by sea need passports. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! WebMexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. 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 Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment. If you are flying internationally you still need 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 Some countries may require mandatory quarantine on arrival if a case of COVID-19 is identified aboard your cruise ship. Think logically. Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. 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. It does not say required. Whatever the reason, you still have choices. TheWestern Hemisphere Travel Initiative(WHTI) requires you to travel with a valid passport (including infants). Children may need just a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, but not a passport or photo ID. "You should check with your cruise ship, travel agent, and destination country to confirm the requirements to enter the foreign countries you will visit.". What Is the Documentation Required for a Non-U.S. Citizen? This is my reason. Come to find out once we got to the end someone in the group behind us slipped on the trail and went over the side of the trail and fell about 30 feet. U.S. credit and debit cardsdo NOT workinCuba. It also includes: Passports can be used as your form of identification but the fact that they arent mandatory is why closed-loop cruises are popular. If under 16, a U.S. citizen can present their birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or consular birth report abroad. So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Frequently Asked Questions. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. For example, if your cruise begins and ends at the same port in Miami, then you are on a closed loop cruise. This is taken directly off of Royal Caribbean's invoice for a cruise that was booked today. For those unfamiliar with the term, we discuss what a closed-loop cruise is. A NEXUS application processing fee costs $50 for a five-year membership, and children under 18 can apply with no fee. Travelers on closed-loop cruises sailings that depart and end at the same U.S. portand travel within the Western Hemisphere do not need a passport, according to Customs and Border Protection. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. Here's what to do, How long is a US passport good for? If you are flying directly to or from your cruise vacation, please enter the airport name or 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. The general wisdomfor US Citizens is an original raised seal birth certificate and government issued ID is adequate. I'm not Joe or Mary but an actual person here on CC, so please read my comment above. On your booking confirmation that goes out to every passenger who books it clearly states recommended. There are many perks for passengers and cruise lines that offer closed-loop cruises. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. We always recommend carrying a passport book or a passport card while vacationing on a cruise. 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. Although there are some situations where passports are not strictly necessary, it is better to be safe than sorry. What if the ship diverts somewhere and everyone has to fly home? Most U.S. citizens dont need a passport for closed-loop cruises that depart from American ports. I'm sure they're accustomed to a birth certificate as well but my brain believes they're more accustomed to a passport. U.S. departure ports for enjoyable Hawaiian cruises include San Francisco, San Diego, Long Beach and Honolulu. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City, and occasionally Norfolk. We flew and sailed this past March and my wife's expired 5 months from the date we sailed. By If you travel on a cruise ship or river cruise and disembark in a foreign port, you might not be able to receive appropriate medical care or be medically evacuated if you get sick. What types of documents are accepted for entry into the United States via air? I can not and will not justify RCCL's policies. Also airports and cruise terminals are accustomed to processing a passport. https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx, pastel-colored British colonial architecture, Things to Do in Los Angeles: Before or After Your Cruise. Passengers should also note that for some ports, you may require a passport to gain entrance. This case is closed unless something comes up to add material discussion. Unexpected circumstances can come up that make it impossible to return to the United States on the cruise ship. 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. Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. Social Security Cards and Voter Registration cannot be used as a form of citizenship. Cruises that dont begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. 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. 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 Citizenship and Immigration Services. 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. Lawful permanent residents must continue to present a valid Permanent Resident Card. 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. If you're concerned about the cost of the passport, see if the places you're travelling to accept the passport card instead of the book. And there is a big difference. There are only a very few countries that actually have that requirement but because of that everyone involved in travel lists recommending that your passport be valid for 6 months as a CYA. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. For U.S. citizens, a passport is not required for closed loop cruises. But, that doesn't have anything to do with RCCL's policy which is stand-alone. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. One couple had planned a closed-loop cruise from Baltimore, and they mistakenly believed they only needed their drivers licenses to board. I did that with the page that is linked to. I always advise people to call the cruise line and confirm documentation with them. 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. In Freeport, you can shop till you drop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace or kayak through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park. Passports are universally accepted because they combine identification and citizenship, whereas a driving-license-& -birth-certificate combo might get refused. 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. 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. Ensure cabin safety and make sure thedoor and balcony are properly lockedat all times. By Again, keep in mind, we are talking about close loop cruises, I can tell you that Cuba is one of them too. Ultimately they are the ones that will decide if you board and no stranger on an internet forum is going to assist you or be responsible if there is some nuance or special circumstance in your case. For cruise passengers driving to their port, their vehicle will be available when they disembark. 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. Powered by Invision Community. 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. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. 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. I'm not saying that it WILL happen, but identity theft is real. However, I strongly recommend that all adults 16 and over have a passport. A stop in the charming fishing village of Halifax, Nova Scotia offers beautiful gardens, more delicious seafood and double-decker bus tours. I just looked and they have changed the language in their policy from what it was in January. Here's what to know and how to renew it. Travel delays or quarantines due to COVID-19 may result in unanticipated expenses for travelers. 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 . Im hoping someone has traveled to these ports without a passport and can comment with their outcome. There is also a rule called the Six Month Passport Validity Rule. 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.
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