HAL Website has Conflicting Information

[fsdj1097]

While browsing the HAL Website, I noticed that the information regarding the requirements for identification differs depending on where you look.

If you browse under "PassPorts", you get the following information:
Passports
The following documents are required for U.S. and Canadian citizens:

Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii or New England cruises:

1) A valid passport ~or~
2) A U.S. or Canadian government-issued picture identification; plus an original or certified copy of a United States birth certificate, Canadian birth certificate, U.S. Naturalization Certificate, or Canadian Naturalization Certificate.

However, if you browse under "Documentation" you will see the following -
Identification
Guests arriving at embarkation without proper documentation may not join the voyage and will not be entitled to a refund.

The following documents are required for U.S. and Canadian citizens:

Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii or New England cruises:

1) A valid passport ~or~
2) A U.S. or Canadian government-issued picture identification; plus an original or certified copy of a United States birth certificate, Canadian birth certificate, U.S. Naturalization Certificate, or Canadian Naturalization Certificate.

All other cruises: A passport valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise and necessary visas. Expired passports are not acceptable

Am I looking at this wrong?

I'm not questioning whether you should or should not bring a passport, just whether or not HAL has conflicting information on their website.

[pboedeker]

When you get your documents..you will see that the first scenario you listed agrees with the verbage in your documents.

[fsdj1097]

We've sailed to the Caribbean on HAL a few times and saw pax with only birth certificates and photo ids allowed to embark.

However, if HAL first timers visit the website and see the second scenario listed, panic may ensue.

Not sure if the conflicting info has been on the site all along and I just missed it, or if HAL is going to start requiring Passports for Caribbean iteneraries.

[dakrewser]

Not sure if the conflicting info has been on the site all along and I just missed it, or if HAL is going to start requiring Passports for Caribbean iteneraries.

HAL doesn't require any identification (well, a credit card! :rolleyes: ) it's a question of what the various countries that the ship visits will require.

[jaguarstyper]

Right now, passports are not required in the Caribbean. But, these times, they are a changin'. I have read that some new Homeland Security initiatives being considered would put many more restrictions on free travel without a passport. You probably wont have much trouble getting into the Caribbean countries. Its getting back into the USA where you may have a problem.

Bottom line, bring your passport. I cant see any reason not to bring it if travelling anywhere outside the country. If you have one, bring it. If you dont have one, get one, and bring it. Better safe than sorry.

Tim

[newcruiser452]

What kind of ID would you or should you have for a 4 year old and 7 year old?

[localady]

Birth certificates would be about it for kids that age. Not like kids that age have student ID or a drivers license....:cool:

[dakrewser]

But they could (and probably should) have passports. There's also additional documentation needed if they're not travelling with both parents...

[Linda&Vern]

Right now, passports are not required in the Caribbean.........Tim
Our TA and the HAL documents (HAL noted on the receipt) of our recent Dec./Jan. Maasdam cruise said "passports required to enter Barbados."

[iv18-Diane]

Linda, there was a big contravercy going on then. You only need a Passport to go to Barbados if you are staying over 24 hours, since the cruiseslines don't they have been waved fom the Passport only rule.

Diane

[Ziggy7]

I thought there was a big thread on this that passports would be required soon to anywhere out of the country and prices for them were going up in april. Anyone else remember this ????? http://boards1.cruisecritic.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[ron46936]

A passport is still the best form of ID if you travel outside the US. It may not be worthwhile for a once in a lifetime Caribbean or Alaska cruise, but if you are doing more than that get a passport.

[jhannah]

I thought there was a big thread on this that passports would be required soon to anywhere out of the country and prices for them were going up in april. Anyone else remember this ????? http://boards1.cruisecritic.com/images/smilies/confused.gif Absolutely. Here's one (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=145087&highlight=passports).

[Ziggy7]

Absolutely. Here's one (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=145087&highlight=passports). Thanks Jim,
knew I could count on you :)

[Himself]

If you bring a current Valid passport you will be fine. Mine goes out this week and I hope the new one arrives shortly

[smoosh21]

I wouldn't worry so much about the passport for getting out of the country and visiting other nations, but I would definitely worry about having one trying to get back into the US. I have always found it much easier to get into other countries than getting back into the US, especially since 9/11.

[AbbieRose]

I was on the Zaandam last week, and due to some luggage delays we were two of the last passengers to board. And the gentleman checking us in was approached by another worker who told him, "they wouldn't let her on." Apparently there was a woman there with a new driver's license that didn't have a photo on it, and she didn't have any other form of photo i.d., and they wouldn't let her on the ship. Having just those sketchy details, I'm not sure why a driver's license wouldn't have a picture on it, but it just reinforces the need for a passport in my mind. I can't imagine anything more devastating than not being allowed on the ship.