Passport Question- Bahamas

Just used up my future cruising credit for a 3 day cruise for my birthday . We're going to the Bahamas, but do I need a passport, or a passport card? I've never traveled out of the country before, so this is all new to me

Passport Question- Bahamas

If you are on a closed loop cruise, leaving from a US port, and coming back to the same port, you don't need a passport. Just your birth certificate and license. This is for Disney though, you might want to check your cruise line. It's supposed to be a universal policy, but I've read about passengers being refused on another cruise line without a passport, even though it's a closed loop cruise.

Passport Question- Bahamas

I wouldn't take any chances - I'd get the passport.

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Re: Passport Question- Bahamas

Definitely take your passport. You are leaving the country.

When DH and I were dating, we went on a cruise to the Bahamas from Florida. It was DH's first cruise and he didn't bring his passport. It was a fiasco to say the least. His mom had to fax documents. I think the only reason he got on the ship was that he had a military id from when he did 1 year of ROTC in college.

I also went on a cruise with some gfs in college. One of my friends was German. She had her german passport but her visa was expired. Even though we departed from florida, border control on the ship would not let her back into the US. She was stuck for 2+ hrs. If I remember correctly, our school had to fax over documents that she was indeed a currently enrolled student.

Message edited 8/27/2013 11:09:18 AM.

Re: Passport Question- Bahamas

I agree that if you have time to get it, it seems easier. I on the other hand do not have time, as we booked our trip 3 weeks out.

Passport Question- Bahamas

I agree with everyone else get a passport. You never know what can happen...and you'll have it for the next trip!!

Re: Passport Question- Bahamas

I have been on 3 cruises including one to the bahamas exactly a year ago & I do not have a passport. If it's a closed loop cruise it is not required. If you have time to get one though it probably is the easiest/safest route "just in case". If you don't get a passport, you'll need your license, birth certificate & depending on the cruise line, bridging documents (marriage license). Enjoy!!!

Passport Question- Bahamas

Thanks ladies- yes it is a closed loop cruise, and I'm going to need one when I go to Jamacia in July anyways, so I will get one. About how long is the turn-around time to receive it? The cruise is in 3 months- I should be OK, right?

Message edited 8/27/2013 9:37:37 PM.

Passport Question- Bahamas

I think the turn around for passports is 6-8 weeks. But I've gotten mine sooner that that. I woudl apply ASAP to make sure you have all the documents necessary and it arrives in time. I paid to have DS expidted b/c when we applied we were exactly 7 weeks before leaving and I didn't want to risk it not arriving in time. it came 2 days later!

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I would never leave the country without a passport. That said I got one for my son this year and they said it would take 6 to 8 weeks but I got it in about 3. I was very pleasantly surprised.

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You should be fine with 3 months! Especially since they really work hard to expedite documents (as long as you applied in a reasonable amount of time) to accommodate your travel dates. I've never heard ANYONE say they had to cancel a trip because they didn't get their passport in time... again, as long as they applied within reason.