sparks1093

Some of us have actually read the Royal information on the OP's question and have provided him an answer based on that reading, while also suggesting that they read if for themselves. There is nothing wrong with seeking input/information from those who have "been there/done that". Yes, there may be misinformation given, but that is usually winnowed out fairly easily by the number of correct answers given. So to sum up- none of the ports on OP's itinerary require six months of validity remaining. Fact, not opinion. The cruise line may impose a stricter standard than that required by law, rule or regulations. Fact, not opinion. Royal's language is strongly indicative of the fact that they do require 6 months validity. Fact, not opinion. Therefore my opinion is that if I were in OP's shoes I would make sure that our passports had 6 months validity. (And having read Royal's FAQ I have to agree with @Charles4515 that they are being intentionally vague, probably hoping that guests will just get a passport. If I were a new cruiser though it would only serve to push me into the arms of a cruise line whose guidance is clearer.) The only bone of contention, I think, is that you would call the cruise line for info and my opinion is that is an exercise in futility for all of the reasons previously stated in this thread.

Then it's a darn good thing that I like corn flakes, bologna sandwiches, and hot dog spaghetti. 🤪

And conversely no one can point out that what you are discussing hasn't been mentioned in the current thread? 🤣You may be right regarding Carnival's motives for eliminating these items but you are putting words in their mouth and ascribing a motive that isn't evident in this particular case. Frankly I think it is a good thing that they are trying to save money where they can. Helps keep the cruise fare low.

I don't worry about what other people choose to use for documentation, it's their choice so why should I care?

I don't recall anyone saying anything about how Carnival was framing this in any particular way, either.

Not sure anyone mentioned "green consciousness" at all. They stopped serving the items because people weren't eating them. Of course it saves money not providing something that won't be consumed.

I'm not sure where the disconnect is, but given the language on Royals site it reads like they require 6 months validity remaining on a passport so that is what I would do because I wouldn't want to be left behind. I only quoted Carnival's contract because you brought it up.

Here's what Carnival's contract says about travel documents: Proper travel documentation and eligibility to travel is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. In addition to immigration and customs requirements, the U.S. government and others place restrictions on the carriage of Guests whose names appear on government watch lists or who are deemed legally ineligible to travel. It is the Guest’s sole responsibility to ensure his/her legal eligibility to travel and to bring and have available at all times all required travel documents. Guests are advised to check with their travel agent and with the appropriate government authorities to determine the necessary documents and travel eligibility requirements for their particular cruise destinations, including the port of embarkation. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising Guest of what travel documents are required for the requested itinerary and it is recommended that Guest travel with a valid government issued passport at all times. Carnival may cancel the booking of any Guest who is or becomes ineligible to travel for any reason, or who is traveling without proper documentation. In short, passenger's responsibility. Their FAQ does give details about the documentation required for different itineraries.

Yes and the contract usually doesn't go into specifics about travel documents. Just says it's the passenger's responsibility. Since Royals website says passports "must have 6 months validity " that is what I would personally go with.

The learner's permit is issued by a government entity. The question has been answered.

And that's exactly what I advised- go to the source, which is the website (even quoted the website). Every cruise line's terms and conditions includes a provision about documentation and specify boarding will be denied if the passengers documentation is not sufficient and it is up to the passenger to ensure they have the correct documentation. They aren't going to let CS muddy the waters by saying anything the website does not.

Yes, there are, but they don't control the narrative and those that have a different opinion about said beloved cruise line are allowed to post it. The Cruise Critic moderators do a fantastic job and there aren't enough positive posts about this group of volunteers.

It's a bummer for sure but I know that I would be one of those that wouldn't eat the bread bowl so I can totally understand. I love bread and will eat my share, and I also hate to waste food, but eating the bowl is just not typically my thing (and the same would go for a taco shell bowl). I would eat a little of it but I probably wouldn't finish it. And people being people the only way having it as an option might work would be to charge more for an order with the bread bowl.

As long as it is issued by a government entity, local, state, federal, it will work as a photo ID.

The cruise line has it in writing already on their website and that is all one is going to get. You can call CS all day long and all you will get is a stock answer that is in keeping with what is there. The CS reps are not trained to be documentation experts and will not answer specific questions for those "one off" situations. If one goes to Royal's FAQ it does say that they strongly recommend that everyone use a passport and then it says, "The passport must be valid for six months after the day your cruise ends." Now, there may be something else somewhere on the website that qualifies that, but that statement sounds pretty conclusive- "must be". That doesn't read like a suggestion or a recommendation. So, if I were traveling on Royal I would make sure that my passport had 6 months left on it, even though I know that this isn't required by the US or any of the countries being visited.

7. So this time next week instead of not being able to sleep at home because of excitement I will be in a hotel in Cocoa Beach not being able to sleep because of excitement with check in only a few short hours away. This is going to be a long week.

You got us to 8 days to go, so thank you! So looking forward to boarding now!

In the overall scheme of things, it doesn't. If you don't want to answer, don't. I figured maybe there was something that wasn't clear to you or for some reason you felt you didn't get a complete answer, so I asked to try to draw that out to see if there was anything else that anyone could do to help you.

Why the bump? Your question has been answered. 🙂

There's a lot to this. It seems that some people are always seeking perfection in everything and they are looking for the perfect vacation. They try to plan everything meticulously so that everything is "just so". But when it comes to cruising how often does that happen? We all know that ship happens, so being flexible is a good thing. One of the lessons that we learned early on in life was to make plans loosely and be adaptable to a changing environment and that has served us well in the cruising world.

It's for each person with red status or above, so if you are cruising with someone on their first cruise you would receive it and they wouldn't.

Sure, it can be overwhelming, but at the same time the amount of control one has over the cruise have increased as well. Granted, there are some for whom it's best if everything is done for them so they don't have to decide, but for those of us who don't need that having so many options is a good thing. And now we have places like Cruise Critic where people can turn for help if they need it. Yes, sometimes the "old timers" on here forget what it was like when they started cruising and can be somewhat gruff in their responses, but overall CC is a wealth of information (and one can learn a lot just by browsing existing threads with no real need to post).

Sounds like red, but you can sign into your Carnival account, go to your profile and click on "my benefits". That will show you what your VIFP level is.

Your Sail and Sign card is color coded to reflect your status. As long as it is not blue you are entitled to this perk. When they scan your card it will show them this also and whether or not you have already claimed it.

We were on Legend to Montego Bay. Since I was ill and confined to my cabin that day I can't give any direct thoughts of the port, but those I was cruising with had a great time ashore (they toured a haunted plantation). Legend is an older ship but is in good repair and is easy enough to navigate. My signature has a link to my review of a previous trip on Legend.