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Irishgrl13
Fingers Crossed...
Member since 6/09 1301 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Passports and cruising
I have a quick question for any avid cruisers... We are trying to surprise my mom with a cruise for her 60th but just found out her passport is expired. The cruise goes to Turks and Caicos as well as a private island... Someone told me she can get off the ship at the ports without a passport but god forbid there were an emergency and she had to leave from the islands she would be screwed!! Is this true? Or do we absolutely have to get her a passport... Somehow.... Without ruining the surprise....
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Posted 1/20/14 11:44 AM  |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Passports and cruising
Yes that's true...she doesn't need a passport if it begins and ends within the US. If there is an emergency (highly unlikely) you have to jump through some hoops to leave, but they aren't going to hold you hostage. You would need to visit the US Consulate to get a temp. passport, and they aren't usually open on the weekends. It's risk a lot didn't want to take. Didn't bother me to travel without one though.
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| Posted 1/20/14 12:01 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by BargainMama
Yes that's true...she doesn't need a passport if it begins and ends within the US. If there is an emergency (highly unlikely) you have to jump through some hoops to leave, but they aren't going to hold you hostage. You would need to visit the US Consulate to get a temp. passport, and they aren't usually open on the weekends. It's risk a lot didn't want to take. Didn't bother me to travel without one though.
We've always ALWAYS (since the new passport laws a few years ago) needed passports for ANY cruise that goes out of Bayonne.... I would verify with the cruise line and again with the the US Passport & International travel dept with the consulate. They have gotten EXTREMELY strict in recent years.
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| Posted 1/20/14 12:05 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by BargainMama
Yes that's true...she doesn't need a passport if it begins and ends within the US. If there is an emergency (highly unlikely) you have to jump through some hoops to leave, but they aren't going to hold you hostage. You would need to visit the US Consulate to get a temp. passport, and they aren't usually open on the weekends. It's risk a lot didn't want to take. Didn't bother me to travel without one though.
This.
My IL's recently cruised and do not have passports. They had no problems.
Ideally it's best to have one just in case but not necessary.
ETA: U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Message edited 1/20/2014 3:11:59 PM.
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| Posted 1/20/14 3:08 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by ElizaRags35
Posted by BargainMama
Yes that's true...she doesn't need a passport if it begins and ends within the US. If there is an emergency (highly unlikely) you have to jump through some hoops to leave, but they aren't going to hold you hostage. You would need to visit the US Consulate to get a temp. passport, and they aren't usually open on the weekends. It's risk a lot didn't want to take. Didn't bother me to travel without one though.
This.
My IL's recently cruised and do not have passports. They had no problems.
Ideally it's best to have one just in case but not necessary.
ETA: U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
That's so interesting, because with each of our cruises, leaving out of either NYC or Bayonne, we've been required to have passports - they had made it clear that we needed it, no exceptions... and we cruise annually. I'm really surprised! I wonder if it depends on the cruise line??
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| Posted 1/20/14 3:50 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by jessnbrian
Posted by ElizaRags35
Posted by BargainMama
Yes that's true...she doesn't need a passport if it begins and ends within the US. If there is an emergency (highly unlikely) you have to jump through some hoops to leave, but they aren't going to hold you hostage. You would need to visit the US Consulate to get a temp. passport, and they aren't usually open on the weekends. It's risk a lot didn't want to take. Didn't bother me to travel without one though.
This.
My IL's recently cruised and do not have passports. They had no problems.
Ideally it's best to have one just in case but not necessary.
ETA: U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
That's so interesting, because with each of our cruises, leaving out of either NYC or Bayonne, we've been required to have passports - they had made it clear that we needed it, no exceptions... and we cruise annually. I'm really surprised! I wonder if it depends on the cruise line??
Which cruise line did you sail out of? I copied this directly from RCCL's site.
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| Posted 1/20/14 4:08 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Passports and cruising
That's royal carribean?!?!??! That's what we've always cruised out of - to Bermuda!!! maybe my family's been doing something very strange over the years - but we always leave either out of NYC or Bayonne, go to Bermuda (usually) and we've ALWAYS had to have passports - even when we embark they ask for our passports, not photo ID's.
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| Posted 1/20/14 4:12 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Passports and cruising
I'm guessing that's only if you are going to a US territory - according to the US travel website (the government website) if you travel to Bermuda or Mexico (or any other non-US territory) during your voyage, you are required to have a passport book or the passport ID card - NOT just a valid photo id.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/news/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative.html
ETA : I just saw that caveat for the closed loop on another page, but that's specifically if you do not get off the ship at the other ports - hmmm that's so interesting!
Message edited 1/20/2014 4:18:42 PM.
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| Posted 1/20/14 4:16 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by jessnbrian
I'm guessing that's only if you are going to a US territory - according to the US travel website (the government website) if you travel to Bermuda or Mexico (or any other non-US territory) during your voyage, you are required to have a passport book or the passport ID card - NOT just a valid photo id.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/news/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative.html
ETA : I just saw that caveat for the closed loop on another page, but that's specifically if you do not get off the ship at the other ports - hmmm that's so interesting!
Closed loop is just that it begins and ends in a US port. You can get off. It would be different if it were say a transatlantic where you begin or end at a non-US port.
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| Posted 1/20/14 4:45 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Passports and cruising
From Customs/Border Patrol's website as of 7/29/13:
I'm taking a "Closed Loop" cruise, do I need a passport?
Most cruises beginning and ending in the U.S. are considered "Closed Loop," meaning they begin and end at the same port in the U.S. For instance, if you board a cruise ship at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and after visiting at least one foreign port of call, such as Bermuda, or Cancun, return back to Fort Lauderdale, you have taken a closed loop cruise.
If, on the other hand, you - say - board a cruise ship in San Diego, California, sail through the Panama Canal (stopping at a foreign port during the cruise), and end the cruise in Miami, Florida, you have not taken a closed loop cruise and the following information does not apply to you. As of June 1, 2009 you need a passport (including infants).
U.S. Citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country on the cruise with proof of citizenship, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) and, if 16 or older, a government issued photo ID. If the child is a newborn and the actual birth certificate has not arrived from the Vital Records Department, we will accept a Hospital issued birth certificate. The United States does not require you to have a passport. (A Consular report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State or a Certificate of Naturalization is also acceptable.)
HOWEVER, it is possible that one or more of the Caribbean Islands on your itinerary, does require you to have a passport to enter their country. In that case, it is very possible that the cruise line will require you to have a passport to board, even if it is not a U.S. requirement. You should always check with your cruise ship, travel agent and or destination country to confirm the requirements for entry into the foreign countries you will be visiting. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides document requirements for entry into the United States only.
If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the U.S., the U.S. government does not require you to have a passport for any travel, including air, land or sea travel, however, you are even more likely to be required by your destination country to have one. A Caribbean island that does not require a U.S. Citizen to have a passport may require a U.S. LPR to have one, and a visa as well.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or a U.S. LPR, you will need a passport or the appropriate documentation based on the status you are seeking in the U.S. for any type of cruise, closed loop or not. If you are traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), your I-94W (immigration stamp) that you were issued when you first entered the U.S. can be used for reentering the U.S. at the end of your cruise - as long as the cruise ends before your 90 day admission period has expired and you did not travel beyond adjacent islands or contiguous territory, and you were not outside the U.S. for more than 30 days. If the cruise takes you beyond that 90 day admission period, you will have to apply for a new admission, and you will have to convince the CBP Officer that you were not just taking the cruise in an attempt to circumvent the 90 day limit for VWP travelers.
Finally, if you are a VWP traveler who entered the U.S. by land from either Canada or Mexico, an ESTA is not required for re-entering the U.S. as a cruise ship passenger. ESTA is only required for travelers upon their initial arrival in the U.S. by air or sea.
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| Posted 1/20/14 4:50 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by jessnbrian
That's royal carribean?!?!??! That's what we've always cruised out of - to Bermuda!!! maybe my family's been doing something very strange over the years - but we always leave either out of NYC or Bayonne, go to Bermuda (usually) and we've ALWAYS had to have passports - even when we embark they ask for our passports, not photo ID's.
If you didn't have a passport,they would gladly accept your photo ID and birth certificate. A Passport is probably the recommendation from the cruiseline, but it's not required. I would bet if you said you didn't have one, they would ask for the above. US customs is who you are dealing with to get back on the boat, and back into the US at the port at the conclusion of your cruise, so it's def. not ship specific.
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| Posted 1/20/14 5:03 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Passports and cruising
My family goes crazy about making sure we have passports for our cruises!!!! They are too much, I'm going to print out that info from the website!
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| Posted 1/20/14 5:49 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by jessnbrian
My family goes crazy about making sure we have passports for our cruises!!!! They are too much, I'm going to print out that info from the website!
Well if you have one, there is really no reason not to bring it. We don't have passports, and didn't see the need to get them since we could use the aforementioned docs., and we booked with only 3 weeks out.
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| Posted 1/20/14 6:20 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Passports and cruising
Yes it is true. I would never cruise without a passport. Between hearing stories on many cruises of people who got injured on mopeds, in taxi or car accidents, got sick (heart attack, appendix, etc) or fell. They had to end their cruise early. You can be cautious but you can never predict an accident or illness where you must leave the ship. You would be screwed. Never mind if you missed the ship. So while you can go on some cruises with just a BC it is risky. In order to fly out you must have a passport. So while you can do it....it is a gamble. If she had a passport she might not be willing to take that gamble. Also it might not be fair to ask someone to take that gamble without their knowledge to make that decision themselves.
Could you some how convince her to renew for another reason...or just renew to renew without ruining the surprise.
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| Posted 1/20/14 8:43 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by jessnbrian
My family goes crazy about making sure we have passports for our cruises!!!! They are too much, I'm going to print out that info from the website!
There are some cruises that you can go with a bc and not a passport. They definitely exist. It depends on the islands that are visited. I haven't read up on it recently, but it depends on the itinerary and is not cruise line specific.
The issue is that if something happens...death in the family at home, accident, or illness, missing the ship. It is great to say oh you just visit the embassy....but it depends on why you need/want off and home. If you are desperately ill or in an accident and need to get back to the US ASAP you might not be in a position to just go to the embassy and wait until something can be issued. Some people care about this others take the gamble. It is important to know the pros and cons of not sailing with one.
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| Posted 1/20/14 8:53 PM |
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JRsMaMa
LIF Adult
Member since 11/07 2044 total posts
Name:
Jake's Mama
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by jessnbrian
I'm guessing that's only if you are going to a US territory - according to the US travel website (the government website) if you travel to Bermuda or Mexico (or any other non-US territory) during your voyage, you are required to have a passport book or the passport ID card - NOT just a valid photo id.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/news/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative.html
ETA : I just saw that caveat for the closed loop on another page, but that's specifically if you do not get off the ship at the other ports - hmmm that's so interesting!
I travelled on a cruise with family and not everyone has a passport and we went to the Bahamas and they were able to get off of the ship (this is leaving from Florida). You DO NOT need a passport for a closed loop cruise.
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| Posted 1/21/14 1:31 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by JRsMaMa
Posted by jessnbrian
I'm guessing that's only if you are going to a US territory - according to the US travel website (the government website) if you travel to Bermuda or Mexico (or any other non-US territory) during your voyage, you are required to have a passport book or the passport ID card - NOT just a valid photo id.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/news/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative.html
ETA : I just saw that caveat for the closed loop on another page, but that's specifically if you do not get off the ship at the other ports - hmmm that's so interesting!
I travelled on a cruise with family and not everyone has a passport and we went to the Bahamas and they were able to get off of the ship (this is leaving from Florida). You DO NOT need a passport for a closed loop cruise.
It is not about getting off the ship in port that can be the issue. It is about the possibility of something happening and then you would not be able to fly back to the US. If you can board the ship without a passport you can disembark in port without one. But if there is an emergency you cannot fly home without the passport. I believe you need picture idea to reboard the ship in all ports as well as you room key. Many show a photocopy of their passport or their drivers license to reboard after an excursion or sightseeing.
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| Posted 1/21/14 4:21 PM |
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JRsMaMa
LIF Adult
Member since 11/07 2044 total posts
Name:
Jake's Mama
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by JRsMaMa
Posted by jessnbrian
I'm guessing that's only if you are going to a US territory - according to the US travel website (the government website) if you travel to Bermuda or Mexico (or any other non-US territory) during your voyage, you are required to have a passport book or the passport ID card - NOT just a valid photo id.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/news/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative.html
ETA : I just saw that caveat for the closed loop on another page, but that's specifically if you do not get off the ship at the other ports - hmmm that's so interesting!
I travelled on a cruise with family and not everyone has a passport and we went to the Bahamas and they were able to get off of the ship (this is leaving from Florida). You DO NOT need a passport for a closed loop cruise.
It is not about getting off the ship in port that can be the issue. It is about the possibility of something happening and then you would not be able to fly back to the US. If you can board the ship without a passport you can disembark in port without one. But if there is an emergency you cannot fly home without the passport. I believe you need picture idea to reboard the ship in all ports as well as you room key. Many show a photocopy of their passport or their drivers license to reboard after an excursion or sightseeing.
Yes, I understand this. I should have quoted the posters other post about saying on the cruises she's taken she needed to have a passport. If it was closed loop she did not need one.
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| Posted 1/22/14 1:51 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by JRsMaMa
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by JRsMaMa
Posted by jessnbrian
I'm guessing that's only if you are going to a US territory - according to the US travel website (the government website) if you travel to Bermuda or Mexico (or any other non-US territory) during your voyage, you are required to have a passport book or the passport ID card - NOT just a valid photo id.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/news/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative.html
ETA : I just saw that caveat for the closed loop on another page, but that's specifically if you do not get off the ship at the other ports - hmmm that's so interesting!
I travelled on a cruise with family and not everyone has a passport and we went to the Bahamas and they were able to get off of the ship (this is leaving from Florida). You DO NOT need a passport for a closed loop cruise.
It is not about getting off the ship in port that can be the issue. It is about the possibility of something happening and then you would not be able to fly back to the US. If you can board the ship without a passport you can disembark in port without one. But if there is an emergency you cannot fly home without the passport. I believe you need picture idea to reboard the ship in all ports as well as you room key. Many show a photocopy of their passport or their drivers license to reboard after an excursion or sightseeing.
Yes, I understand this. I should have quoted the posters other post about saying on the cruises she's taken she needed to have a passport. If it was closed loop she did not need one.
Lol no problem. I just think it is important to know the distinction. I have read stories of people who didn't realize that and had an issue and were screwed.
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| Posted 1/22/14 5:12 PM |
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tourist
Member since 5/05 10425 total posts
Name:
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by Irishgrl13
I have a quick question for any avid cruisers... We are trying to surprise my mom with a cruise for her 60th but just found out her passport is expired. The cruise goes to Turks and Caicos as well as a private island... Someone told me she can get off the ship at the ports without a passport but god forbid there were an emergency and she had to leave from the islands she would be screwed!! Is this true? Or do we absolutely have to get her a passport... Somehow.... Without ruining the surprise....
How far in advance are you planning on surprising her? OR are your packing for her & just showing up at the pier? 
You may still be able to get her a passport.
You don't need one, but I think the cruise lines prefer it if you have one, and I feel better about having one.
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| Posted 1/23/14 1:55 PM |
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Irishgrl13
Fingers Crossed...
Member since 6/09 1301 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: Passports and cruising
Ok...so we booked for 4/3 - 4/7 so we have about two months.... Here are my issues, maybe you guys can help me.
1- We are only surprising her the night before (she lives in FLA, so most of her wardrobe is OK for warm weather. She has a pool 8 months of the year and usually has a current bathing suit that she is happy with...
2- My brother and I are flying down the day before (my sister lives near her) and just showing up at her school to say "hey, we're going on a cruise, etc" Her 4 closest friends are meeting us on the boat to continue the surprise the next day...
3- we found her birth certificate but it is in her Maiden name. License is obviously in her married name (even though she is divorced, never changed back b/c she was married for almost 30 years and felt that it would be weird to go back.....SO.... what do we need now? An old copy of her marriage license because i'm pretty sure she burned that!!   I asked my dad and he doesn't keep anything so he can't help. Can we get a copy from the church or town they were married in? from 1975???
4- It might be easier to just get a passport but I cannot come up with any reason why I would need a "passport" photo of her??? Can I just find a 1"x1" photo or does it have to be an official photo?
Any suggestions you guys have are very much appreciated!!
Message edited 1/25/2014 9:48:59 PM.
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| Posted 1/25/14 9:48 PM |
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by Irishgrl13
4- It might be easier to just get a passport but I cannot come up with any reason why I would need a "passport" photo of her??? Can I just find a 1"x1" photo or does it have to be an official photo?
Any suggestions you guys have are very much appreciated!!
You can't just get a passport for her. She needs to sign the paperwork. The photo is the least of the issues
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| Posted 1/26/14 3:43 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Passports and cruising
Posted by Straightarrow
Posted by Irishgrl13
4- It might be easier to just get a passport but I cannot come up with any reason why I would need a "passport" photo of her??? Can I just find a 1"x1" photo or does it have to be an official photo?
Any suggestions you guys have are very much appreciated!!
You can't just get a passport for her. She needs to sign the paperwork. The photo is the least of the issues
Can you tell her about another trip or somehow convince her to renew without telling her the dates or about this trip.
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| Posted 1/26/14 3:58 PM |
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