Last Minute Help URGENTLY needed!!!

[guzikim]

I need information tonight if at all possible. Leaving on 3/10 on Maasdam for caribbean. Hubby can't find passport. Has driver's license and photocopy of birth certificate. When we picked up our tickets, he asked the TA if it was o.k. that it wasn't an original with the raised seal, and they said, yes, because, when you get off the ship on these islands, you will be using your ship I.D. He said that if we were flying to one of these islands, it would be different, but assured us it would be o.k.

My best friend just called me an idiot and said that her hubby had to get an original overnighted, because when they went someone told them they wouldn't be allowed on the ship!!

I'm pulling my hair out. I can't think. He's asleep. He was born in California. We live in D.C. Someone PLEASE get me some information.

Kim

[tomc]

I think you should get an original b.c. with a raised seal ASAP. Pay them whatever it costs, regardless. Tell them the circumstances and you gotta have it yesterday. It's not a case of getting off and on the ship in ports, it's a matter of getting on the ship when you arrive at your embarkation dock.

[Linda&Vern]

I suggest calling HAL main office ASAP! You still have time for an overnight "raised seal copy" of BC if that is what you need. You need HAL's advice - also make sure you don't need a passport on any of the islands you are visiting. (Barbados I think required a passport?) GOOD LUCK!

[gpamitc]

Our TA told us we HAD TO HAVE an original BC with raised seal; a copy - or even the "short form BC" - would not do. As a previous responder said - it's not for the ports - it's to get on the ship in the first place. I would certainly call HAL - but I wouldn't delay in getting the proper BC sent overnight. But keep checking your drawers and closets - the passport is probably hiding under something...good luck!

By the way...when we were showing our identification to get on the ship -we were told that by this time next year - everyone will NEED a passport - regardless of where you are going.

[KSCnCA]

You can also try getting the passport replaced. They will honor emergency situations and if you already have a passport your might be able to get another with the information you have. Try this website:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost/us/us_848.html

[TrentS]

You need a new TA if they told you a PHOTO COPY will work! It has always been either a raised seal or a stamp with live signature. You say you live in DC though, I would have your husband go to the Passport office personally, report it lost and beg for a fast emergency replacement.

[guzikim]

Hey all,

In the "Know before you Go" brochure from HAL, it says for the caribbean that:
A U.S. icture identification; plus an original or certified copy of a United States birth certificate."

Now, at the bottom of his birth certificate, beside the stamp of the seal (not raised)--"This is a true certified copy of the record if it bears the seal of the County Recorder imprinted in purple ink. Dated Oct 15 1968. Well. . . .

Thank you so much, as I am in tears.

Kim

[Ziggy7]

Here's the link for Calif.

http://www.vitalchek.com/cainfo.asp

http://www.vitalchek.com/region_overview.asp?region_id=7&info=pass

California (http://www.vitalchek.com/region_overview.asp?region_id=7) BERKELEY VITAL STATISTICS (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=10865) 510.981.5320
CALIFORNIA PREMIUM EXPRESS COURIER PROCESS (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=35384) 800.858.5553 (VitalChek)
CALIFORNIA VITAL STATISTICS (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=8554) 800.858.5553
CANDACE GRUBBS- BUTTE CO. CLERK-RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11509) 530.538.7691
CAROLYN WILSON CRNICH-HUMBOLDT CLERK RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=10188) 707.445.7382
CRIS ANDREWS-SHASTA COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=53090) 530.225.5678
DOLORES PROVENCIO-IMPERIAL COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11459) 760.482.4272
GLENN COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=52969) 530.934.6412
JIM MCCAULEY / PLACER COUNTY CLERK-RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=16433) 530.886.5600
JOSEPH E HOLLAND-SANTA BARBARA CO. CLERK-RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11145) 805.568.2250
KATHLEEN MORAN-COLUSA CLERK/RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=52977) 530.458.0500
KERN COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=13091) 661.868.6400
MABEL S. TENG-SAN FRANCISCO ASSESSOR/RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11418) 415.554.4580
MARIN COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=12747) 415.499.6094
MENDOCINO COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=19544) 707.463.4376
MONTEREY COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=14974) 831.755.5041
NAPA COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=14818) 707.253.4246
NEVADA COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11673) 530.265.1221
PATRICK O'CONNELL - ALAMEDA COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=17795) 510.272.6362
PHILIP J SCHMIT - VENTURA COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11475) 877.891.6597
PLUMAS COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=1027) 530.283.6256
RIVERSIDE COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11467) 951.486.7000
ROBERT C WERNER -- FRESNO ASSESSOR/ RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=13695) 559.488.3471
SACRAMENTO COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=10170) 916.874.6334
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=15955) 909.387.8314
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=21078) 209.468.8075
SAN LUIS OBISPO CO. RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=18009) 805.781.5080
SAN MATEO COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=19338) 650.363.4500
SANTA CLARA COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11533) 408.299.2481
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11525) 831.454.2800
SKIP THOMSON-SOLANO COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=15963) 707.421.6294
SONOMA COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=11152) 707.565.2645
STANISLAUS COUNTY CLERK/RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=53033) 209.525.5265
STEPHEN L. WEIR-CONTRA COSTA COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=19650) 925.646.2360
SUTTER COUNTY CLERK/RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=30141) 530.822.7134
THERESA NAGEL-LASSEN CO. CLERK / RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=52292) 530.251.8234
TRINITY COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=21029) 530.623.1215
WILLIAM SCHULTZ - EL DORADO COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=52910) 530.621.5490
YOLO COUNTY RECORDER (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=17712) 530.666.8130

[guzikim]

I know, but, it's too late, to even have it expedited takes 22 days!

Kim

Who just took 4 mg. valium

[Emmie]

If you get on the phone on Monday AM RIGHT AWAY, you might have time to get a birth certificate with the raised seal. Get on the phone and ask for it calmly. Be calm, but do NOT be ashamed to let them know you are stressed and close to tears. Trust me, if you tell them why you need it, you will have a better chance of getting someone to help you.

FedEx or DHL should be able to get a copy to you within 24 hours, and then you are all set. If your DH has an immediate family member (Mother, father, sister, brother) in the area from where the certificate must be obtained, they can sign for it and get it fast. In the meantime, call HAL and ask about the copy you have, and don't cease to search for the passport. You might, just MIGHT, be able to get a passport re-issued in time if you hurry, however that could cost a bundle IF they can do it that fast. Don't count on it. Go for the b.c. via Fed Ex.

If this offers the smallest bit of comfort: my brother in law was arriving for his honeymoon in Jamaica 9 years ago, and had his birth certificate and driver's license in his pocket for immigration. He stepped from the plane and was blinded by sun. He reached into his pocket for his sunglasses and the b.c. came with them....and flew off into the wind across the tarmac, never to be seen again. He still got into the country, and his sister got him a certified copy of his b/c. within 72 hours so he could leave at the end of the week.

This must be so hard, I will say a prayer to Saint Anthony for you that you get a hold of one or the other. If you can, let us know how it goes, okay?

Take care,
Emmie

[guzikim]

I promise. Thank you all so much.

Kim

[gail811]

Living in DC may offer the possibility of getting the passport replaced fast. Maybe give them a call and see if they can help. Good luck!

[Kathy & George]

On a recent trip with Celebrity, My husband lost his passport, birth certificate and Driver's licence about an hour before we boarded. The cruise line had me sign for him and required that he be with me when boarding in any port. I had a copy of our marriage certificate (raised Seal) a Work Picture ID and a copy of the on-line immigration form we had filled out for the ship, it contains the passport numbers as well. Our trip was saved! We found the missing documents on the drive home in the car. If you have a port that requires a passport to get back on, just have him stay aboard at that port...service is fantastic when most everyone else has left the ship.

[gizmo]

You can get a new passport, but it is going to cost. There are places that get you a passport in 24 hours. I did a google on passport 24 hours and there are lots of links.

http://www.itseasypassport.com/

http://www.travisa.com/

http://www.world-visa.com/

http://urgentpassport.com/24hourservice.htm

[sail7seas]

After you replace the missing documents, I would replace your TA.


You got very bad information from the TA.

Good luck. I hope you smoothly and easily get the necessary passport or raised seal birth certificate and have a wonderful cruise.

[sail7seas]

On a recent trip with Celebrity, My husband lost his passport, birth certificate and Driver's licence about an hour before we boarded. The cruise line had me sign for him and required that he be with me when boarding in any port. I had a copy of our marriage certificate (raised Seal) a Work Picture ID and a copy of the on-line immigration form we had filled out for the ship, it contains the passport numbers as well. Our trip was saved!



You were SOOOO lucky that Celebrity allowed him to board. I would never count on being that lucky. Happy it worked out okay for you.

[richnorto]

I would go ahead and get the expidited BC and Passport. I ordered both, and the BC out of CA took longer than the passport!:o Hopefully, one or the other will arrive in time. I would however expect the passport to arrive first, living in DC and under these time constraints - they can be pretty fast if they know you are leaving soon and it's an emergency. Good Luck!!!

[Screwbit]

Here's one for ya: Five years ago, decided it was time to do the Passport thing. Our applications go to New Orleans (don't ask me why, when DC is right up the road, 100 miles). Anyway, sent all paperwork, which INCLUDES your original Birth Certificate, 10 weeks prior to our cruise. Well, it got to be one week before sail date, and still no Passport. Frantic phone calls began. Not very helpful in New Orleans. "It should be going out any day". What the h**l does that mean? Two days before we are due to leave, I have no passport, no birth certificate. I called the Dept. of Vital Statistics in New York City (my birthplace). The lady I spoke with was incredibly understanding, and had a new, raised seal birth certificate overnighted to me- had it by 9:30 am the next morning. Remember, this is NY, where the civil servants can supposedly be "less than cooperative"- not the case at all. I sent this lady a dozen roses for her help. The Passport showed up in the mail three days into our cruise. Bottom line: with some correct phone calls, and the right approach, you can make it happen.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Kim, I feel so badly for you. Try to be calm and take it a step at a time. You've gotten some excellent and wise advice on this thread. Follow it carefully, definitely talk to HAL and I'm sure this is going to work out for you.

Please let us know because I know I'd be tearing my hair out just like you, but easy does it every time. If you get too upset you'll get nothing done.

I wish you good luck and try not to worry.

[tomc]

I'm just bumping this up so Kim can find it when she reports back in.

[ekerr19]

Watch those California BC's too! The short form is not recognized as legitimate anymore - it looks as though her DH was born in 1968, so it may not be a problem as I don't think Cali issues the short form anymore.

We got extremely lucky with Kyle's - the passport agency said "no way - need the long form" and I called the LA County Clerk & Recorder and miraculously got to speak to a "live" body and gave her my CC number and she overnighted me a new one... I had no idea until that point that the original I had requested & received in 1988 was worthless. In our case, we were fortunate - a BC alone wouldn't even have worked, we were embarking in Costa Rica.

Good Luck - keep us updated!

[Ziggy7]

I dont know about LA County but Orange County does not use short form anymore :)

[ekerr19]

I dont know about LA County but Orange County does not use short form anymore :)

I don't think LA does either... I recall having a conversation with this very nice lady who helped me and she told me all the problems they were having with it relating to identity theft.

Ironically, Kyle was born just across the OC line, but then transferred back to UC Irvine Med Center, where he remained for a few weeks, but LA did the cert.

[SantaAna,CA]

Just wanted to know, Kim, if it turned out okay...hope you got things worked out.

Jane

[CDRMark]

If things are still snafued, call your Congressperson and ask for intervention; this has worked for acquaintances of mine in the past. Living in DC area can help. You may have to "walk" the paperwork around.

Luck
MarkB

[Linda&Vern]

Hope things worked out okay for you today. A piece of info: Just a few weeks ago a business associate in my office needed an emergency (replacement) passport (long story). We flew him to DC, he got the passport, and flew out of the country to his meeting that same day. I don't have all the details because I didn't arrange the trip ... but it worked out for him.

[RuthC]

Am I the only one who wondered why Hubby can't find his passport, and Hubby has the wrong birth certificate, but Kim was the one losing sleep over it? :confused:

I do hope your husband gets the documents he needs in time, but Kim---you can cruise in any case.

[seattlecruiser]

guzikim, as you said in your earlier message, HAL requires an original or certified copy of the birth certificate. It doesn't require a "raised seal"...just a certified copy. Since as you said the certificate has a purple ink seal it is not a photo copy but an original certified copy....I don't think you will have any problem getting on the ship.

[tomc]

Am I the only one who wondered why Hubby can't find his passport, and Hubby has the wrong birth certificate, but Kim was the one losing sleep over it? It's a guy thing.

[seattlecruiser]

Kim, I can't seem to edit my prior post....but in re-reading HAL's ID requirements, it says that for Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, or New England a picture ID and certified birth certificate are required. It goes on to say that for all other cruises a valid passport with at least six months to expiration is required. Since you are going to the Caribbean, it seems your fall under the passport requirement. Good luck.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Am I the only one who wondered why Hubby can't find his passport, and Hubby has the wrong birth certificate, but Kim was the one losing sleep over it? :confused:

I do hope your husband gets the documents he needs in time, but Kim---you can cruise in any case.

Ruth, too funny;) ... but seriously, it is for this very reason that a certain "hubby" doesn't even know where his passport is! Because "wifey" has it tucked safely away with hers. If I "pop" tomorrow, he's outta luck:D ... no cruising or leaving the country for him anytime soon ...

[Linda&Vern]

Am I the only one who wondered why Hubby can't find his passport, and Hubby has the wrong birth certificate, but Kim was the one losing sleep over it? :confused: I do hope your husband gets the documents he needs in time, but Kim---you can cruise in any case.
My DH would have been sound asleep for sure. And I would probably still be sleepless with every closet, drawer, bookcase, etc. in the house torn apart. I agree -- I think it is a guy thing!;)

[Susan-M]

Kim, I can relate to this as I experienced a similar situation and know that this can make you physically ill & unable to think straight. However, chances are the passport is probably in the house.
A poster on another thread lost their passports, replaced them, then found the originals in a cosmetics case when she started packing for the next trip. It was a case that she only used for travelling. Have you gone through all of the bags that you used on your last trip?
Good luck....I have the feeling that with the 2 days that you have left prior to your cruise, that you will get the ID that he needs, if he doesn't find his passport before then.
Susan

[guzikim]

Hello all,
First of all, THANK YOU, if it wasn't for you guys last night, I don't know what would have happened. Honestly. Here's the word from HAL--they said that it's fine. That back when my husband was born, they didn't have raised seals in LA county. I said, "yeah, but, it's not up to you, it's up to customs", and she said for me to calm down and think. She said "Kim, do you think that every person who goes to the bahamas or the caribbean on a cruise has a passport with them?" I said "no". "She said, now, do you think that EVERY person has had a raised stamped bc?" I said, "I don't know". She said, trust me, they don't. Then she said, "didn't you just get married?" Well, what does customs think you used for citizenship proof? His bc!" I said, "yeah, I guess." She said, "all he has to do is prove that he's a citizenship. If he has a marriage license (with raised seal no less!) and a birth certificate and a driver's license. . . trust me, it's fine."

I feel that she's right. Also, about my TA. I guess I misspoke when I said "photocopy" last night. I meant "certified copy". Anybody have anything to add? I am so exhaused from shopping, hubby says I'm getting a little too crazy over this, that if HAL says it's fine, then it's fine, and quite frankly, since it's 9:46 p.m. and I'm just starting a couple of loads of laundry, I'm too tired to worry about it anymore. I did get some of my essential shopping done today, although it wasn't like "whoopie! Shopping!" It was more like, 'If I have to go into one more store today. . . '! You guys have been a godsend. Please keep these posts coming until I get out of here. Someone told me that if I take my laptop on the cruise it will cost me $10 a minute to use it. Is that true? If that's the case, it's staying home! I'm also not trying to pack my entire closet. O.K., ladies? any help you can give me there? If you guys get me through this, I will NEVER be able to thank you enough! And, by the way, I'm never this neurotic. I'm the sanest person I know, although I see I'm not making a good impression on you guys. So much for first impressions:rolleyes:

Kim

[richnorto]

OK, Kim, take your sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and a good book. You're set now! Relax, have fun - you'll laugh about this later!:) Laurie

[Ziggy7]

hehehe Kim, not to worry, we have all be thru something like this atleast once in our life time :) Just take a deep breath and exhale slowly ,,, believe it or not everything will work out! Have a great time and relax and enjoy your cruise, we know you deserve it! :)

[dakrewser]

Mo, it won't cost you $10/minute for your laptop! Here's the real deal: http://www.mtnsat.com/ds_kbyg_hal.htm

[HeatherInFlorida]

Kim, you are going to have a heavenly time. Before you know it you'll be out there with the sun and the sea and nothing to worry about but having an amazing time with your husband and newfound friends. This will be nothing but a distant memory.

You still have to take that deep breath and just cool your brain down. It's racing racing racing and you're making yourself crazy. As Rich says, pack a couple of things and be off. It's all going to be fine.

And when your husband does get his passport (and he will be needing one even in the Caribbean in the next couple of years), you take charge of it. Then you will never have to worry about it again.

Just remember, out of the ratrace of DC and into the tranquility of aqua seas and warm sun. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.................:)

[Host Walt]

Kim, you are far calmer than I was for our first cruise. We overpacked by double and overplanned the details by triple. Just ran short of film. (Alaska cruise).

Just go and have a ball. If you forget something you have two options; buy a replacement on board or on shore or make do.

Please tell us how everything went for you when you get back. Your input can help the next person who is getting ready to go.

[dakrewser]

Kim, you are far calmer than I was for our first cruise. We overpacked by double and overplanned the details by triple. Just ran short of film. (Alaska cruise).

Just go and have a ball. If you forget something you have two options; buy a replacement on board or on shore or make do.


Are we still talking about her husband, 'cause I don't think they sell those on board... :)

[fb0075]

RELAX---

All you have to get is a "Certificate of Live Birth" from health dept or at any MAJOR airport!!!
Just Really good ID required!
FRANK

[lipoppop]

My DH would have been sound asleep for sure. And I would probably still be sleepless with every closet, drawer, bookcase, etc. in the house torn apart. I agree -- I think it is a guy thing!;)

Guy thing? Let me tell you a story. My wife and I and two friends were flying out of Jfk for a two week trip to Italy. When we went to check in the clerk asked my wife if she had a more recent passport. It seems she brought an old, expired one.

Luckily we ran outside, hired a taxi and drove 40 miles to our home, retrieved the new passport, drove back to the airport and ran to the checkin line. We were told the flight had closed but a supervisor standing there grabbed us, dragged us through security and to the gate. I heard the door close behind me as we boarded.

Thank goodness for the getting to the airport 2 hours before flight time.

[maderik]

My sister had this problem and she almost didn't get on the ship AND this was before 9/11. Don't risk it.