Birth Certificate not good enough?!

[Noreno]

Interesting!

[viaggi_per_mare]

I have had a passport since I was a child but my husband did not. Our first cruise he brought his "original BC" (he is in his late 60's) It was so brittle when they unfolded it, it "broke" into 8 pieces on all the folds. When the lady called a supervisor over to consult if it was a "real" birth certificate, he looked my husband up and down and said "They look about the same age, he's just still in one piece":p

 

He now had a "new" passport.

[SATXLady]

I'm not sure if I am understanding correctly...myself, husband, son(17) and daughter (12) will cruise from and back to Baltimore will we be able to use just a BC and license? I just went on the passport website and it will be over $500 I'd rather spend that on the cruise!!! Also does th US have a consulate in Nassau an Freeport?

 

As long as they are OFFICIAL birth certificates certified by your state, you will be fine.

[CruzVinnieCruz]

I'm not sure if I am understanding correctly...myself, husband, son(17) and daughter (12) will cruise from and back to Baltimore will we be able to use just a BC and license? I just went on the passport website and it will be over $500 I'd rather spend that on the cruise!!! Also does th US have a consulate in Nassau an Freeport?

 

Yes to the birth certificate question and this is exactly why the closed loop exception was allowed to begin with as many of the Caribbean nations worried that tourists would spend the monies not on passports but apply them to alternative vacation venues.

 

I was only pointing out that a passport would save someone what could amount to a big hassle. I am sure arrangements can be made, but I would rather not add stress to an already stressful situation.

And while it may take a fax and ten minutes at arrival for some, what about the ones that don't go so smoothly. I, personally, would rather not find out I was in the latter group at the worst possible time.

 

While the poster was inquiring about the need of a passport for boarding ships on a closed circuit cruise-- to which the answer is "no", some may find it worth the money for a passport to avoid complications that could occur when an unplanned problem arises.

 

I understand your intentions but when capitalizing NOT and stating not yet to passports is an opinion and not factually accurate.

 

The government allowed the exception to closed loop cruising for several reasons other than the concerns of the Caribbean nations. As a passenger the State Department has already done a security check of all passengers on the manifest. If a passenger misses the ship or needs to get back the U.S. all of this information is easily verified. This is a very low security risk activity as compared to taking an international flight at the spare of the moment.

[MsTabbyKats]

I just don't understand why so many people still don't want to get passports. The excuse of "I won't use it very often" is silly - they last ten years, and you don't know right now how often you'll use it. I'm 55 and have had a passport for over forty years. It's no big deal.

 

I find it "mind boggling" myself. If I needed the money for the cost of a passport to spend on the trip....I wouldn't think I could really afford the trip.

 

I also put copies of the passports in our luggage....just in case.

 

Traveling without one would just be too much stress...even with the BC and state issued ID.

[blindrid]

"I heard from a friend whose close relative works at the port in a fairly high position who said that on more than one occasion recently they have had to escort some would-be passengers out of the port due to not having proper documentation."

 

I agree with your comment about "I heard it from a friend". I hear all type of BS from my friends ;).

 

Once you're onboard, I have a tough time believing someone would get removed for documentation issues.

 

Don't fret over anything - and as mentioned, an offical BC and DL is fine. Hospital BC's are nothing more than souveniers.

 

As to TabbyKat's comments, I can understand why one would not want to spend $500 for a family of four (one or two, no big deal) for a minimally used document. That and I'm missing the "stress" part of travelling with a BC. Doesn't make sense unless one is prone to self imposed stress or need to worry about everything.

[F5Loar]

I believe the closed loop no passport works! It has created a market of people who otherwise would not go on a cruise. Mostly first timers but it takes that first time to find out if you will do another one or not. However one more national disaster like 9/11 could cause Congress to stop the closed loop deal and require all Americans to have passports when they leave the country even for a drive over to Mexico or Canada. I for one can't figure out why $100+ to get one. It's a $2 booklet of papers with a photo you proivde.

Somebody is making a heck of a profit on doing these passports and it's not the guy behind the desk taking your information to get one.

[1timecruiser]

I believe the closed loop no passport works! It has created a market of people who otherwise would not go on a cruise. Mostly first timers but it takes that first time to find out if you will do another one or not. However one more national disaster like 9/11 could cause Congress to stop the closed loop deal and require all Americans to have passports when they leave the country even for a drive over to Mexico or Canada. I for one can't figure out why $100+ to get one. It's a $2 booklet of papers with a photo you proivde.

Somebody is making a heck of a profit on doing these passports and it's not the guy behind the desk taking your information to get one.

 

I've traveled by cruise ship since '04 and always have used a certified birth certificate and state issued drivers license and so have my family members w/state issued identification (if no drivers license). The fact that they allow this also means that people, who may not usually travel, may not have a passport or the means to get one. For those that think different, foot the bill for someone else you don't know, or leave your opinion of what they should have to yourself.

 

To the OP, birth certificates, ID for those 16 and over and you're good to go! Happy cruising!

[Flairy]

I heard from a friend whose close relative works at the port in a fairly high position

 

Please don't take offense OP! ..but I didn't read much after that.

 

If you "hear" things from people, please don't ask the internet and perpetuate the rumors. Just confirm/deny with Carnival for a direct answer :)

[bplazo]

I am so glad that I finally got a passport last year, now I just need to use it!

[tamirpr]

I echo the comments of others.

 

On our cruise in February we were sitting in the port waiting to board and heard quite the commotion behind us. Of course I turned around to eavesdrop.:D It was a party of 25 cruising for a wedding. The sister of the bride's birth certificate did not match her ID or something like that. I can't remember which. She had got married the year before and did not follow up with correcting documentation OR bringing her marriage certificate. Officials were adamant that she could not board. Women were crying. Sister was screaming and stamping her feet.

 

They ended up calling somebody at home to break into her house and fax a copy of her marriage license to the port. We saw them all later on the ship and high-fived the sister for getting on the ship. She said then, "If I ever pay this much for a vacation again, I am NOT going to try to save money and I'm getting a passport."

 

It's really not worth the hassle or the chances of not boarding to not have a passport. Then there's no question.

[ManyMore]

Why do people lie or give information they are not absolutely sure of? Gets on my last nerve! Yes you can use a BC on a closed loop cruise as long as the countries you are visiting don't require a passport ie Canada.

[mferris77]

Please don't take offense OP! ..but I didn't read much after that.

 

If you "hear" things from people, please don't ask the internet and perpetuate the rumors. Just confirm/deny with Carnival for a direct answer :)

 

I know.. I almost didn't post this because of the 'heard it from a friend' aspect. That's suspicious right off the bat. I just know that someone was not allowed to board the ship due to a documentation problem with respect to birth certificates, and was wondering if anyone had heard anything happening or had ideas as to why that may have been the case. I myself did not believe that Carnival was suddenly not allowing people with certified BC's aboard, otherwise half their ships would sail empty and they'd have a lot of angry customers on their hands.

[mom2tcdx2]

It is interesting as I have read similar comments coming from other lines in regards to cruises out of Port Canaveral (Royal and Disney). However I do think the confusion lies in what people think is a real birth certificate and it is not. Most have what has been issued as a hospital souvenir and think that is the legal document.

 

I have actually 3 different copies of my birth certificate due to how the state of Virginia has changed it over the years. My mother had one, my father had a different one and then I had submitted for a new one (old one issued in the 70's was just a little raggedy) and all three are different, but all issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia (no raised seal).

[cruisinnewbie629]

I echo the comments of others.

 

The sister of the bride's birth certificate did not match her ID or something like that. I can't remember which. She had got married the year before and did not follow up with correcting documentation OR bringing her marriage certificate. Officials were adamant that she could not board.

 

They ended up calling somebody at home to break into her house and fax a copy of her marriage license to the port. .

 

That is interesting....I brought my marriage certificate with me just in case and the carnival rep at the desk laughed at me when I offered it in addition to the BC. She didn't even look at it, and my name on my ID certainly doesn't match my Birth Certificate.

Then when disembarking the ship, I offered it to the custom's official who was looking over all our docs and he kinda laughed and said no, we don't need that, all we need is the BC and ID.

 

I have read all different experiences with this, so I certainly will bring it again just in case (if I don't have my passport yet and I am so lucky as to go on another cruise soon:D)

[CruzVinnieCruz]

I find it "mind boggling" myself. If I needed the money for the cost of a passport to spend on the trip....I wouldn't think I could really afford the trip.

 

I also put copies of the passports in our luggage....just in case.

 

Traveling without one would just be too much stress...even with the BC and state issued ID.

 

What about the family of 5 or more that wants to try a cruise?

 

There are thousands of passengers each week that cruise with just an government ID and birth certificate.

 

We have had passports for three decades but personally see nothing wrong with people who cruise without one.

[crzndeb]

Of course, it is everyone's option whether they want to get a passport or not.

 

But watch these boards light up if and when they are made mandatory for all travel.

 

If you have a large family, start picking them up 1 at a time as finances allow. If you have a child that is less than 5 years from 16, wait until they turn 16, since it will then be good for 10 years.

 

Also remember, that a closed loop cruise, is leave and return from same port. You will need a passport if you leave from one US city and disembark from another. These are usually repositioning cruises.

 

I like having a passport...it allows spur of the moment flights or cruises out of the country if a great deal comes up.

[MsTabbyKats]

"I heard from a friend whose close relative works at the port in a fairly high position who said that on more than one occasion recently they have had to escort some would-be passengers out of the port due to not having proper documentation."

 

I agree with your comment about "I heard it from a friend". I hear all type of BS from my friends ;).

 

Once you're onboard, I have a tough time believing someone would get removed for documentation issues.

 

Don't fret over anything - and as mentioned, an offical BC and DL is fine. Hospital BC's are nothing more than souveniers.

 

As to TabbyKat's comments, I can understand why one would not want to spend $500 for a family of four (one or two, no big deal) for a minimally used document. That and I'm missing the "stress" part of travelling with a BC. Doesn't make sense unless one is prone to self imposed stress or need to worry about everything.

 

The best reason to have this "minimally used document" is so that when you suddenly need it, you don't have to listen to what friends tell you, or come to a forum asking for advice because you don't have one.

 

It's also the best document to have when you need to identify yourself in other situations.

 

$500 for ten years is really not so much.

 

Also...there may come a time when you take a trip to a more distant shore.

[viaggi_per_mare]

Of course, it is everyone's option whether they want to get a passport or not.

 

But watch these boards light up if and when they are made mandatory for all travel.

 

If you have a large family, start picking them up 1 at a time as finances allow. If you have a child that is less than 5 years from 16, wait until they turn 16, since it will then be good for 10 years.

 

Also remember, that a closed loop cruise, is leave and return from same port. You will need a passport if you leave from one US city and disembark from another. These are usually repositioning cruises.

 

I like having a passport...it allows spur of the moment flights or cruises out of the country if a great deal comes up.

 

 

Don't forget to renew them early. I renew mine at 9 years. Some countries require that the passport be good for 3 months PAST your using it to enter and exit their country. That means if you passport expires the end of Sept and you have a two week vacation in August, your passport will NOT be acceptable to enter their country if it is expiring too soon after you leave.

[Tonkel]

A passport is not required for closed loop cruise, I by no means ever said that was the case. You can board closed loop cruise with BC & ID.

Carnival:

It is recommended that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to meet their ship at the first port should they miss their scheduled embarkation and allow guests that must disembark the ship before their cruise ends due to an emergency to fly back to the U.S without significant delays and complications. It is also recommended that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of travel.

 

Again, personal choice as to whether someone wants one or not. I was giving info as to why someone may want one.

 

For people that do not live near the port and have travel problems, a passport would be needed for them to fly to catch the cruise at the next port if they desired.

 

Since your response I have read the info on closed loop:

"Closed Loop" Cruises: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.

 

It does not state anything about air travel from a port if you leave the cruise before returning to the US. And while there are exceptions to every rule, not everyone wants to take the chance. I have not been able to find any information pertaining to flying out from a port in the middle of a cruise without a passport. I try to research everything before our trips, and would have been relieved for this info a few months back.

 

But, based on the State Department and CBP websites the information I posted is correct. It pertains to the cruise itself not air travel.

 

And there are planned changes to passport regulation in the future which makes what I said a fact.

 

I am all for helping and if my information is incorrect than I would be happy to have the corrected information. I am all for positive, helpful, opinions and responses. This website has helped tremendously on my past cruises.

[KFinTx]

I just don't understand why so many people still don't want to get passports. The excuse of "I won't use it very often" is silly - they last ten years, and you don't know right now how often you'll use it. I'm 55 and have had a passport for over forty years. It's no big deal.

 

I don't get it either. Too many things could happen while you're out of the country that might require you to fly back into the US. Save yourself the time & hassle & just get a passport. I, for one, just wish they would simplify things--if you leave the US, you need a passport/passport card to get back in.

[KFinTx]

What about the family of 5 or more that wants to try a cruise?

 

If they can't afford passports, they definitely can't afford to deal with the problems which might arise if they are out of the country and need them.

[BubMunkeyBles]

I've always found it interesting the debate on passports. I've had one since I was 12. My 1 year old has one and my 3 month old is about to get one. We do fly internationally though, but its very useful to have for other things as it proves ID and citizenship. We love to travel and I would think for frequent cruisers at least that it would be worth while. For me its about protection and I feel safer in Mexico and while traveling with the best form of proof of both who I am and my kids are, God forbid something was to happen.

[mauraoel]

No the U.S. leaves injured citizens in foreign ports everyday. The issue of needing a passport or not needing one for closed loop cruising has been decided for the foreseeable future. The DW is a flight attendant and on two occasions brought passengers back from the Caribbean with faxed permission to fly from the State Department (no passports). The only thing that happened from the airlines side is those passengers had to be pointed out to officials upon arrival. They showed I.D. were questioned and on their way in ten minutes.

 

Not sure of the circumstance or how they got the someone to fax the airlines but those passengers did not have to swim back.

 

The question and answer you haven't supplied is how long did they have to spend in that foreign country (paying for lodging, food, transportation to and from consulate and then of course airfare) while the consulate was getting everything squared away so that they could fly home... :rolleyes:

[cruisinnewbie629]

If they can't afford passports, they definitely can't afford to deal with the problems which might arise if they are out of the country and need them.

 

Speaking as a family of 5 that recently cruised with only one of us having a passport here is why we didn't have them.

 

We booked our cruise at end of Jan and paid it in full, early saver, at a cost of less than $3,000 for all 5 of us for 7 days. Not a bad deal! DS already had a passport from a school trip and I planned on the rest of us getting one as well. However, DH lost his job the following month. Now yes, we could have cancelled the trip and eaten the loss of deposit; but we made a decision that we wanted to take this trip with our kids and as long as we could still pay our bills & put food on the we could......but we certainly could not afford to pay for passports as well at over $100.00 a pc.

 

We just returned this past weekend from a great cruise and some much needed family time.

 

I realize anything could have happened, but really the only reason we would leave that ship would be for a medical emergency and being relatively young and healthy we took the odds. I think money would be the last thing on our minds if we had a true medical emergency.