Therefore, you tend to see more cruise ships sailing with a foreign flag. If your children dont yet have passports, the time has come to pay the fees, fill out the forms, and get their pictures taken. I called the "Invoice" a "Contract" a few times. In your experience, how does that person board? I'm only showing what RCCL's policy is. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You are also right, "itinerary" has a lot to do with the documents required/acceptable. For these cruises, you do not need a passport for re-entry into the United States. Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's Travel Documentation page for specifics. If you are a U.S. citizen and cruising out of the United States (meaning your cruise begins and ends in the United States), then you do not need a passport. 2023 www.jsonline.com. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. In some cases, where youre arriving in a country by sea , the cruise line will handle visa procurement for you. WebWhat forms of ID are required for minors travelling on Royal Caribbean? An U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, aConsular Report of Birth Abroadissues byDepartment of State,(DOS) and/orCertificate of Naturalizationissued by U.S. A Birth Certificate and DL are acceptable. Remain vigilantand exercise normal precautions aboard a cruise ship and on shore, as you would whenever traveling abroad. It has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. Also airports and cruise terminals are accustomed to processing a passport. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. If all of a sudden we had multiple people show up without photo ID and unable to produce something showing their name and picture , then the policy would tighten. Have a contingency plan for returning homeif you must remain in a foreign country longer than expected. Corporate legalese v boots on the ground, real life, local best practices. There are many perks for passengers and cruise lines that offer closed-loop cruises. They dont need to go to another location. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. A supervisor might accept a photo work ID, a picture of an old DL, even a Costco card with the passengers photo has been accepted. The general wisdomfor US Citizens is an original raised seal birth certificate and government issued ID is adequate. This is the most popular summer travel destination:According to Google Flights, Unlimited cruises:Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass. So my question Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. Mexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. WebPassports are not required for closed loop cruises because you are leaving and entering from the same U.S. port, without really spending any time abroad. The opportunities for adventure on a Caribbean cruise are endless. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Passport cards cannot be used on cruises from international homeports. Passport Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. We've already, Have you ever thought you wish you knew then what you know now? Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Explore beautiful spots spread across Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and drink in the natural beauty only Hawaii delivers. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Read Also: Royal Caribbean Cruises To Hawaii. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Illness or Injury Depending on the severity of your illness or injury, you may have to be admitted to a local hospital overseas. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, Want to take a short cruise to an exotic island without the hassle? Children under 19 can use these same documents only if they are traveling with a school, church group, sports team, or other organization with adult supervision. If you are flying directly to or from your cruise vacation, please enter the airport name or I guess we have dialed this down to what the definition of is is. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Theyprovide travelers with a low-cost, convenient alternative for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. How family members cancontact you in an emergency, such as cell or satellite phone coverage and/or an e-mail address for emergencies. Again, keep in mind, we are talking about close loop cruises, I can tell you that Cuba is one of them too. The island does not require a passport among U.S. citizens. I've used my passport before for employment to satisfy both requirements in one document rather than the usual social security card and drivers license. What is written on the invoice that is personslized to every guest with the details of their booking and a link to yje guest contract certainly takes precedence over a blanket statement in a FAQ's section. What if I get hurt on excursion? Its the passengers responsibility to check with the appropriate government agencies and their cruise line to determine what documentation is required. You are right, I do look at policies/procedures/laws/rules in black and white until something else comes along to gray it up a little with facts. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth That works yet supposedly a valid passport has to not expire within the next six months?. Popular closed loop itineraries include not only the Caribbean but also the Mexican Riviera and Alaska. Travelers who do not have a passport can apply for a NEXUS cardbut will be able to use it at land or marine crossings only, not airports. Typically, closed-loop cruises may leave from Miami, Florida, and travel to Bermuda before returning to the same port in Miami. However, using your train of thought, should I think something is allowed or not allowed because it isn't on the "Cruise Contract"? Unexpected circumstances can come up that make it impossible to return to the United States on the cruise ship. Documents - Do I need a passport for a cruise? - U.S. Sure, policies are ignored, or whatever, but am I going to bet thousands of dollars on it? If youre trying to fly to an international cruise port without a passport, you wont get past airline check-in. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. I'm not right 100% of the time and I've proved it. I can't think of any Close Loop sailings that RCCL goes to that has a 6-month requirement, other than possibly Columbia. This applies to going on a cruise as well, and. 7 of which pertain to sailings (closed loop sailings) that depart from a U.S. Home Port, three of which are about Puerto Rican Citizens and the date their Birth Certificates were issued. More on that coming up! and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. Because they didnt have their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship, they werent permitted to board and they werent eligible for a refund.2, Recommended Reading: Ncl Los Angeles Cruise Port. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. Its best to check the specific entry requirements for each foreign port youll be visiting before leaving your passport at home. WebMexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - U.S. Customs and U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Frequently Asked Questions. Securing a passport can be a hassle. When it comes to domestic cruises, nothing beats a trip to Hawaii. As long as you're on a closed-loop cruise, youll be able to skip the passport in favor of other government-issued IDs. Don't get me wrong, I do believe you have a good argument and you may get away with it, they'll take pity on you. In a nutshell, a passport card is a plastic card that can fit into a wallet and are accepted for land and sea border crossings betweenthe U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The only time youll need to show your birth certificate is during the boarding check-in process and when you leave the ship as you arrive back home. Still need a passport to enter the US. For cruise passengers driving to their port, their vehicle will be available when they disembark. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. The exact travel documentation required depends on what citizenship you hold, as well as where your cruise is sailing from and to. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status. Many first timer cruisers want to know if you need a passport to take a cruise, and the answer depends on a few factors. Ultimately they are the ones that will decide if you board and no stranger on an internet forum is going to assist you or be responsible if there is some nuance or special circumstance in your case. Not as much as shorts in the MDR but often enough. Thanks for your response, but I already knew all this. Passport card. Your previous content has been restored. Why? On a closed-loop cruise, adults do not necessarily need a passport but you will need proof of identity in the form of a valid government-issued photo ID card AND proof of citizenship . CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. For U.S. citizens, you can enjoy traveling without a passport requirement. A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port is considered a closed loop. Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. It's not. You will enjoy it. Believe me, this isn't the first time I've had this discussion on the very subject and it's been in a few cruise social media sites going back for more than a couple of years. The passport is good for 10 years. Passport Requirements for Royal Caribbean Cruises. A closed-loop cruise is one that starts and finishes at the same U.S. port and only sails to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or the Bahamas.1. Acceptable forms of ID for closed-loop cruises: Passport. Think logically. I would think what is written on the invoice would trump what it says on the website. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Are There any Cruise Requirements for Passports? | Royal As luck would have it, youve suddenly got a few open days in your schedule and a yearning to travel somewhere exotic. Cruise Requirements for Passports I will likely want to cruise again. 4. It's one reason I had the various links of information available. Passports do have an additional cost to them , but we feel the advantages of having a passport far outweigh the cost and work required to get one. Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. I suspect that the language changed with the introduction of the new cruise contract that was just released. Passport Ensure cabin safety and make sure thedoor and balcony are properly lockedat all times. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise -- a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. Passports for Canadian Citizens travelling to the US only need to be valid for the length of their stay. I walked out with mine on the Monday after my last a cruise, lol. The cruise ship takes care of the immigration process for passengers arriving in a foreign port. The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. Consider a cruise. If you look at Roysls site it says recommends and not requires. For a cruise ship to qualify for a closed-loop status, it must start and end in the United States. Royal Caribbean International - Identification Document Few years ago we were in Belize doing an excursion in Belize, tubing through the caves (Darknight I believe it was) and we also went through the forrest in the mountains. Having a passport on a cruise means not just an easier embarkation and disembarkation process, but it protects you against an unexpected situation that may occur during the course of a cruise, such as: Certainly many guests will cruise without a passport and likely not run into any issues. 5. Western Caribbean locales in Mexico like Yucatn and Cozumel deliver exciting attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to flamingo lagoons, and activities like swimming with dolphins, dune buggy rides, sailing, snorkeling, diving and zip lining. Not all embassies/consulates are located near the cruise ports and moreover, the time it takes for the entire process to occur is not quick. Located just southeast of Miami in the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas offers an ideal island getaway. Ive read several posts on different sites stating the call centers for cruise lines are not very educated and give wrong information, so in all honesty I would trust someone who has actually traveled to these ports vs. calling and talking to a rep. You won't need your passport at these ports. This is often the case for Mediterranean cruises that visit, but dont embark or debark in, Egypt. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Many countries outside of North America do require a passport and visas are even required where they apply. Many cruises that have this itinerary may not require a passport. Cruises that depart from and then return to the same U.S. port and visit only Canada, Mexico, and/or the islands of the Caribbean are called closed-loop cruises. Perhaps Pennsylvania uses a different verification of address but not everyone in the US can walk out with a Real ID licence. State-issued enhanced drivers licenses (EDLs) provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. As usual, I'd hate to be the one or cause someone else by not providing what is the written policy. The Bahamas. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, citizens must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their cruise. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. Closed-loop cruises are the primary exceptions to the rule that those arriving in the U.S. by sea need passports. BTW, there is no 6 month requirement given by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizens who choose to travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19 as they attempt to return to the United States. Double-check your cruise lines ID requirements, because theres no room for error. There is also a fine line in answering this question that goes beyond the word "need" and essentially talks about if you "should" get a passport. For U.S. citizens, passports are not required for all cruises. If you are cruising to the Bahamas from the U.S., the following documents are acceptable: passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card , or an enhanced drivers license. EDITED IN: It doesn't say "Required" because they aren't, if you want to use a Birth Certificate and DL on a "closed Loop" cruise, you can. On this exciting trip, you can deep sea fish for marlin, explore forest caves and waterfalls, soak up the sun on a black-sand beach and attend a traditional luau. Lawful permanent residents must continue to present a valid Permanent Resident Card. Youll be glad you did. When you arrive back in Seattle or San Francisco, take time to explore those cities for even more vacation fun. We are required to take them off in Cuba but that is the only one for us so far. How many formal nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise? If you are a U.S. citizen traveling or from Hawaii, another U.S. territory , then you may also not need a passport. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. I just looked and they have changed the language in their policy from what it was in January. Routine wait times are 10 to 13 weeks, and that doesnt include mailing times, according to the State Department. We discuss what is a closed-loop cruise and why they are so popular. But, the title of this thread includes and is limited to "Close Loop" cruises. For U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), you must have your photo ID plus your Permanent Resident Card (I-551/Green Card). BTW, I just looked at my so-called "Invoices" and they aren't even that, it's a "Booking Confirmation". Be aware you can not fly internationally without a passport so if something happened mid-cruise and you needed to fly home, you couldn't. And for the last time, I am not going to discuss/debate what Joe or Mary got away with. I am only posting RCCL's written policy. While we do recommend having a passport just in case, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. An example would be one that starts in Florida and ends in the Bahamas. If youre looking for cruises that dont require a passport, take a round trip sail to Bermuda from New York City, Baltimore, Charleston or one of two Florida ports of call. As Britains oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. ALL PERSONS traveling by land and sea outside of the United States are required to present a passport book/card, or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States.