Passport Debate

[negc]

 

Why would any cruise line choose to increase their own document requirements beyond what the US government requires and "require passports on all cruises, including closed loop"? To do so would put them at a distinct disadvantage versus all of their competitors and I can't believe that any of the major lines would forego potential revenue by turning away guests who aren't in possession of a passport. Can you cite any line which specifically does this or is this just an apocryphal anecdote? I do agree that carrying a proof of a name change is certainly advisable just in case, but the answer to the OP's question was correctly answered when he or she was told that a passport is not a requirement for US citizens on a closed loop cruise - no exceptions.

[George C]

Get the passport. If the unknowable, unplanned emergency occurs you cannot fly home from anywhere outside the US without a passport. Why take the chance.

 

I agree , less hassle more protection with passport

[sparks1093]

Why would any cruise line choose to increase their own document requirements beyond what the US government requires and "require passports on all cruises, including closed loop"? To do so would put them at a distinct disadvantage versus all of their competitors and I can't believe that any of the major lines would forego potential revenue by turning away guests who aren't in possession of a passport. Can you cite any line which specifically does this or is this just an apocryphal anecdote? I do agree that carrying a proof of a name change is certainly advisable just in case, but the answer to the OP's question was correctly answered when he or she was told that a passport is not a requirement for US citizens on a closed loop cruise - no exceptions.

 

To the best of my knowledge the only cruise lines that do require a passport on all sailings and itineraries are the upscale lines like Regent (I don't think they are worried about a competitive disadvantage). From Regent's FAQ:

What is your policy on passports and visas?

 

The latest information regarding passports and visas for U.S. and Canadian residents can be viewed here. It is the policy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises to require passports for ALL travelers for all voyages, regardless of guests' nationality and ports of call and countries visited. You must obtain and carry a valid passport to board a Regent Seven Seas Cruises vessel. Passport Cards or a copy of a passport are not accepted. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the conclusion of your cruise. Please obtain or renew your passports early. Consult your travel professional or customs authority for documentation requirements for your cruise.

Edited December 22, 2014 by sparks1093

[TravelerThom]

... the answer to the OP's question was correctly answered when he or she was told that a passport is not a requirement for US citizens on a closed loop cruise - no exceptions.

Would you like to modify that statement? Actually there ARE exceptions, as many longer closed loop cruises require a passport. As an example you will not be allowed to board the HAL Prinsendam departing Port Everglades 3 Jan 2015 on a closed loop cruise without both a passport AND a Brazilian visa.

 

Thom

[wrighka]

Thanks everyone for your help! I did not mean to start a debate :D:D

 

I told my daughter if she DID NOT get a passport, she would need to bring her driver's license, birth certificate, marriage certificate and divorce decree. She's actually had a passport, but it has expired and when I asked her where it was, she said "Somewhere". I am NOT going to do this for her as she is 39 years old and needs to do it for herself. Also, she lives about 2 hours from me so I can't take her by the hand and lead her through the steps!

 

I am going to go to the US Passport page and do some reading.

 

Thanks again!

[reallyitsmema]

Thanks everyone for your help! I did not mean to start a debate :D:D

 

I told my daughter if she DID NOT get a passport, she would need to bring her driver's license, birth certificate, marriage certificate and divorce decree. She's actually had a passport, but it has expired and when I asked her where it was, she said "Somewhere". I am NOT going to do this for her as she is 39 years old and needs to do it for herself. Also, she lives about 2 hours from me so I can't take her by the hand and lead her through the steps!

 

I am going to go to the US Passport page and do some reading.

 

Thanks again!

 

Just to add another wrinkle to this debate, I saw on your other posts that your travelling with your daughter and granddaughter. Make sure you have the correct documentation for your granddaughter too. Here is a link to the family legal documents that are required. Take note of what is needed if your granddaughter has a different last name than her mother.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/travelDocumentation.do?cS=NAVBAR&pnav=3&snav=5

[wrighka]

Thank you mema. Yes, I've checked into what my granddaughter needs and an original BC will do! Her last name is the same as her mom's. ;)

[reallyitsmema]

Thank you mema. Yes, I've checked into what my granddaughter needs and an original BC will do! Her last name is the same as her mom's. ;)

 

Excellent! Where you just mentioned your daughter was divorced, if she had changed her last name, I would hate to see the granddaughter miss the cruise because of a missing document.:)

[tinatark]

I think this will be one of those long-debated issues! My SIL even "knows" people, who knows people who were turned away at the port with just a BC and driver's license. Grr. SMH!

 

I agree, a passport makes it "easier" - but it's fine with just a BC/drivers license!

[Calgon1]

Is this document allowed? Can I use that document? Certified ? Notarized ? etc. etc. etc.

The bottom line . . . For the price of a couple of nice dinners . . . A passport ALWAYS works!

Edited December 22, 2014 by Calgon1

[hac82]

I do not usually post to a passport related thread, but I thought this time I would share a personal experience. This is not cruise related, but it does show the power of a passport over a driver's license.

 

Back on Sept 9, 2001, I left for a business trip up in Chatham, Ontario and I just had to make sure I had my passport with me. My wife wanted to know why I wanted to use it when all I needed was a driver's license to get back from Canada. I said to her "It is the best form of ID I own and I feel better having it with me."

 

Well two days later, we all know what happened and I was stuck on the other side of the border. However, when I heard that the border was re-opened, I drove to the Queensbury Crossing at Niagara Falls with one other person who also had her passport, we handed them to the Customs agent at the booth, he looked at them, handed them back to us and only said two words, "Welcome Home". There were no questions or security checks, nothing to get across. We got across faster than others did, just because we had the passport.

 

Now I never leave the country without it. You never know when you will need it. Even if you do not need it on a closed-loop cruise, if for ANY reason you do not complete that closed loop, and you have to fly home or you have to return to a different port than you left from (remember Hurricane Katrina and the ships that had to go to other ports instead of NOLA), you will need it. For short money instead of the cost of an expedited passport and a delayed return, get the passport.

Edited December 22, 2014 by hac82

[pmmaurer]

Excellent! Where you just mentioned your daughter was divorced, if she had changed her last name, I would hate to see the granddaughter miss the cruise because of a missing document.:)

 

If granddaughter is a minor, you may have to provide documentation from the father giving the mother permission to take the child out of the country.

[TravelerThom]

... Even if you do not need it on a closed-loop cruise, if for ANY reason you do not complete that closed loop, and you have to fly home or you have to return to a different port than you left from (remember Hurricane Katrina and the ships that had to go to other ports instead of NOLA), you will need it...

I have had a passport continuously since 1968, and I never (well, almost never, we won't discuss the time I showed up in St. Vincents on a small boat from Grenada with NO documentation) travel without it. I certainly won't guarantee anything, but US CBP has generally been pretty accommodating to passengers on ships who end up where they are not supposed to be. When Grandeur of the Seas had to abort in the Bahamas due to fire and when Carnival Dream aborted in Sint Maarten due to electrical issues, people without passports flew back on cruise line chartered flights with no problem. I'm still carrying my passport, however.:rolleyes:

 

Thom

[MrsPete]

RC follows security guidelines more than other cruise lines.

No, it's all about the US Customs Office, which treats customers of all cruise lines in the same way. RC doesn't care about your nationality -- only your money -- but they want to be sure that you'll be able to re-enter the US when you return home.

And as always - should you have an emergency and need to get home from any foreign port without a passport you will not be able to fly

Keep in mind, though, that even with a passport, you may not be able to fly home. Why? Consider all the things that must align for you to leave the cruise early:

 

- You must reach an island. No number of identification documents will help you on an at-sea day.

- You must be able to book a last-minute flight out of the small airports, which are all that some of these islands have. They likely aren't going to have the availability that you'd have at your home airport.

- You must be able to afford a last-minute ticket. And considering the timing that'd be required to get to an airport, you'd probably be paying this last-minute price to get home only 1-2 days early.

 

So flying home isn't particularly easy, no matter what type of documents you have. It'd have to be a pretty big emergency to do it.

 

I'm not saying you should or shouldn't get a passport; rather, I'm saying that flying home isn't so easy as whipping out your passport and saying, "I'd like a seat, please."

[cherylandtk]

Why would any cruise line choose to increase their own document requirements beyond what the US government requires and "require passports on all cruises, including closed loop"? To do so would put them at a distinct disadvantage versus all of their competitors and I can't believe that any of the major lines would forego potential revenue by turning away guests who aren't in possession of a passport. Can you cite any line which specifically does this or is this just an apocryphal anecdote? I do agree that carrying a proof of a name change is certainly advisable just in case, but the answer to the OP's question was correctly answered when he or she was told that a passport is not a requirement for US citizens on a closed loop cruise - no exceptions.

 

To the best of my knowledge the only cruise lines that do require a passport on all sailings and itineraries are the upscale lines like Regent (I don't think they are worried about a competitive disadvantage). From Regent's FAQ:

What is your policy on passports and visas?

 

The latest information regarding passports and visas for U.S. and Canadian residents can be viewed here. It is the policy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises to require passports for ALL travelers for all voyages, regardless of guests' nationality and ports of call and countries visited. You must obtain and carry a valid passport to board a Regent Seven Seas Cruises vessel. Passport Cards or a copy of a passport are not accepted. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the conclusion of your cruise. Please obtain or renew your passports early. Consult your travel professional or customs authority for documentation requirements for your cruise.

 

In addition to Sparks' correctly listed Regent requirement, I would add that Princess requires a passport of all travelers when minor(s) travel with only one adult.

[jayblue]

I'm going to throw my two cents in as a person without a passport, who will be getting one before her next cruise.

 

Better safe than sorry.

 

The last time I cruised was pre-9/11. We lived in a different world then. These days we must always be prepared for the worst case scenario.

 

Sent from my SM-G900T using Forums mobile app

[Desert Cruizers]

I agree with others who stated , if you for any reason need to fly home from a foreign port , a passport is required. Much easier to have it with you then to say I wish I had my PP

[Onessa]

I have had a valid passport all of my adult life because I travel alot.

 

But it does seem that the BC/DL-only folks do slow up the lines. Passport holders do seem to move through the lines more quickly.

 

Legally you can get away with BC/DL (and perhaps a few more peices of paper too) so no you do not need it. Might there be some situations where having it would be a plus - yes.

 

Best reason though . . . a friend of mine's DH last minute cannot go with her to Greece for a convention -- for a $50.00 fee to change the name on the plane reservation - I am now going!

[sparks1093]

I have had a valid passport all of my adult life because I travel alot.

 

But it does seem that the BC/DL-only folks do slow up the lines. Passport holders do seem to move through the lines more quickly.

 

Legally you can get away with BC/DL (and perhaps a few more peices of paper too) so no you do not need it. Might there be some situations where having it would be a plus - yes.

 

Best reason though . . . a friend of mine's DH last minute cannot go with her to Greece for a convention -- for a $50.00 fee to change the name on the plane reservation - I am now going!

 

I have never gone through a line slower because I presented a BC/DL. I think I spent all of 1 minute with the CBP officer after our last cruise.

[zekekelso]

Is this document allowed? Can I use that document? Certified ? Notarized ? etc. etc. etc.

 

The bottom line . . . For the price of a couple of nice dinners . . . A passport ALWAYS works!

 

Just to be picky, a "passport" can have the same issues as other documents. It can be out of date. It can have less that 6 months on it going to a country that requires that. It can be the wrong form (passport card when you need passport book), etc.

 

Passports are nice to have. But they aren't magic. Always carefully check whatever form of ID you are using.

[zekekelso]

Even if you do not need it on a closed-loop cruise, if for ANY reason you do not complete that closed loop, and you have to fly home or you have to return to a different port than you left from (remember Hurricane Katrina and the ships that had to go to other ports instead of NOLA), you will need it.

 

In every single case where disaster struck and a cruise ship didn't complete it's closed loop, exceptions have been made. Nobody was kept out of the US for not having a passport.

 

And if you have to fly home, you can typically get an emergency passport in 1-2 business days. Not ideal when there is an emergency. But when people point out the risks people take, they should present those risks realistically

[Gasdoc]

A passport is relatively inexpensive. It is good for 10 years. We never travel without it. I even use it when traveling domestically. Why take a chance. I would recommend it for any cruise, even a closed loop.

[fishtaco]

Just to be picky, a "passport" can have the same issues as other documents. It can be out of date. It can have less that 6 months on it going to a country that requires that. It can be the wrong form (passport card when you need passport book), etc.

 

Passports are nice to have. But they aren't magic. Always carefully check whatever form of ID you are using.

 

I fail to see how a passport has the same issues as other forms of ID when related to overseas travel and more importantly possible repatriation concerns on a closed loop cruise?

 

A passport card is not a passport.

 

An out of date passport is an expired passport that can be renewed easier than obtaining a first passport in an emergency situation but in essence it is no longer a valid passport and cannot be compared to valid ID only to non valid ID.

 

You do not or will not ever need 6 month validity on a passport to re enter or board a flight to re enter your own country of citizenship.

 

No other form of id will allow you to enter a country that requires 6 months passport validity or requires a visa other than special arrangement entries.

 

To say a passport has the same issues as other forms of ID is untrue because a valid passport is the ultimate valid ID even when you are in your own country of citizenship.

 

Invalid ID is invalid ID passport or otherwise.

[LadyBeBop]

Hoping I got all my ducks in order. There is one more passport we need to get, but we will get it early next month. Our closed-loop trip isn't until April.

 

1) My husband and I have passports that expire in 2017.

 

2) My eldest daughter and her husband has passports that expire in (I think) 2022.

 

3) My youngest daughter has a passport that expires in 2018, under her maiden name. She got married two years ago. Her husband isn't going on the cruise. We booked the cruise under her maiden name. The agent whom I booked the cruise with said that was OK. However, would her cruise card be OK for liquor and casinos? She is 26, and still get carded from time to time.

 

4) Her six-year old daughter does not have a passport. We will get her one early next year. Her last name is her mother's maiden last name. Her natural father is completely out of the picture. He signed over parental rights last year. Her stepfather will probably adopt her; however that will be in several years. We will get the passport; however we will book any subsequent trips under her present name.

 

Do we have everything under control? Can we book the trip under my daughter's maiden name?

[kitkat343]

I think you are not technically supposed to book under your daughter's maiden name if she has legally changed it. But I booked my honeymoon (a land trip) to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand with 6 internal flights plus the flight from Newark to Vietnam and Bangkok back using my maiden name and original passport a few years ago. No one questioned it, and it wasn't a problem. When my passport expired, I applied for a change of name and now all the documents are up to date and I use my married name when booking travel. Does your daughter still have other forms of valid ID with her maiden name? I think you might have a harder time replacing her passport if she loses it and her driver's license has a different name (I would imagine that there are people who are robbed of all ID who must need to replace passports).

 

The cruise cards are labeled for alcohol (on my last cruise, they mixed up my cruise card and my 3 year old son's, so he was eligible to purchase alcohol instead of me but since I was pregnant I didn't bother to get it fixed).