Cap off a day of adventure in Bermuda with a sunset rum-tasting cruise. Passport card. Staff at the cruise terminal will check your travel documents before they assign you a key card and send you up the gangway to the ship. If you use a "Passport" it must meet the minimum requirements. WHTI does not affect U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, who are still required to present their permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status. Its best to check the specific entry requirements for each foreign port youll be visiting before leaving your passport at home. That means spur-of-the-moment international trips without a passport can be impossible to pull off. . Securing a passport can be a hassle. Additionally, if travels need to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, you will need a passport. Customs and Border Protection saysU.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can enter or depart a country on the cruise with proof of citizenship, but some destination countries "may require" a passport. Those sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean dont need to be concerned with fulfilling this requirement. You May Like: Dolphin Cruises Orange Beach Al. Your cruise must end before the 90-day period for admission has passed. For U.S. citizens, passports are not required for all cruises. Perhaps Pennsylvania uses a different verification of address but not everyone in the US can walk out with a Real ID licence. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. All closed-loop cruises embark accept any of the following WHTI-permitted forms of US identification: a passport card, Enhanced Drivers License, Trusted Traveler Program ID (FAST, SENRI, and Nexus), or an I-872 American Clear editor. The cruise ship takes care of the immigration process for passengers arriving in a foreign 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. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Are you looking to cruise without a passport? It is recommended that passports are taken with you on the cruise as you may need them at a foreign port of call. The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) allows you to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Plenty of cruisers make these sailings without a passport and without any trouble using just their driving license and birth certificate. In an emergency, someone may need to know who you are. WebHeres an example of a closed-loop cruise itinerary that starts and ends in a United States Cruise Port: A 4-night cruise departs from the Port of Miami in Florida. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. I'm not saying that I do or don't agree with it. 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. If you aren't on a close loop cruise, you have to have a passport and RCCL requires, by policy, that it must expire at least 6 months after you return to the U.S. I would think what is written on the invoice would trump what it says on the website. Passports 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. Thanks for your response, but I already knew all this. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. Powered by Invision Community. All I need is the book. Closed-loop cruises are the primary exceptions to the rule that those arriving in the U.S. by sea need passports. A Birth Certificate and DL are acceptable. Anl emergency could force you to end the cruise in a foreign port of call, and a passport will make getting home much easier. Yeah, I walked out with my Real ID in Jan. 2020 (I went to a REAL ID Center), but not all PA DMV can print them. For U.S. citizens, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. But I bet the Contract changes, thereafter, really quickly. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. Always bring your passportin case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port in an emergency, even if your cruise says you wont need it. Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. WebHeres an example of a closed-loop cruise itinerary that starts and ends in a United States Cruise Port: A 4-night cruise departs from the Port of Miami in Florida. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, a passport, which must be valid for the duration of theirstay, a valid NEXUS card, used at self-serve kiosks at designated airports. You mean the contract that keeps getting longer and more complicated all for the purpose of reinforcing the notion that the customer has zero rights in any dispute with the cruise line? With the booking confirmation every passenger is being given the information required by the cruise line. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. I actually had a relative be denied at the airline ticket counter because their passport had less than 6 months left on it (they were trying to fly to England at Christmas). It almost comes to a "what if" scenario at times but lets just say that "what if" is what the wife and I specialize in at our jobs so we always try to prepare for the worst case scenario. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. For those who have a longing to escape to a tropical destination or attend an exciting Alaskan adventure yet dont have a valid passport, you may want to consider a closed-loop cruise. Routine wait times for a passport are anywhere from 10 to 13 weeks, according to the State Department. Needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ships departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop cruise. It's one reason I had the various links of information available. By When the airlines say they require 6 months remaining on the passport for international flights - they mean it. What about an Canadian? Dont Miss: Princess Cruise And Flight Packages. Birth certificate + government-issued photo ID*. Bring enough cash to cover your stay. February 16, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Discussion. U.S. citizens can take advantage of closed-loop cruises where passports are not required. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. So my question The U.S. Virgin Islands, another Caribbean destination, allows domestic travelers to enter without a passport. It's not. 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. If you can cruise with a birth certificate they are not going to turn away a valid passport on those itineraries. Do we need a passport or will a certified birth certificate and photo id work. In Ensenada, the Cinderella of the Pacific, you can ride horses along mountain trails, tour the wine country, shop for souvenirs and taste the local tequila. Although you do not need a passport to visit these destinations as a U.S. citizen, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for their cruise vacation for the following reasons: Cruises up North Americas East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec. Most closed loop cruises from the US do not visit any countries that require a passport, much less 6 month post travel validity, or is waived for cruise passengers. You cant cruise just anywhere on a closed-loop sailing, but the choices are more interesting than you might expect. One couple had planned a closed-loop cruise from Baltimore, and they mistakenly believed they only needed their drivers licenses to board. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. That does not mean it is required on every cruise. For this reason, Alaskan itineraries include visits somewhere in Canada, and there arent a lot of Hawaii cruises. If you take a closed-loop cruise to Bermuda, you can leave your passport at home and travel instead with a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate. And there is a big difference. For a cruise ship to qualify for a closed-loop status, it must start and end in the United States. If you are flying directly to or from your cruise vacation, please enter the airport name or After you pull into port in the Big Apple, make sure to see a Broadway show, visit the Empire State Building and take a stroll through Central Park. Did you go to KoP? Experience lighthouses, lobster bakes and craggy sea cliffs in Portland, Maine, and enjoy a trip to Saint John, a beautiful city on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. Check before leaving. Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations. For these cruises, you do not need a passport for re-entry into the United States. You cannot paste images directly. The passport card is an option the United States government provides that is a lower cost alternative to the passport book. Also required is the original copy of your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status. Go on a Cruise. U.S. citizens can enter the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. While LPRs are not required to have passports, other destinations may contain different rules. In addition to making family travel much easier, the old and expired passports accumulated over the decades make for great memories. We were on the same cruise and my passport was 5 months and 28 days from expiry. We flew and sailed last month and my wife's passport expires in 5 months. Cruises from mainstream lines sailing from Europe, the United States, and Australia do closed-loop cruises more frequently. So, just answer me this, does RCCL, by policy, require that U.S. Citizens using a Passport as a cruise document, have at least 6 months validity beyond return to the U.S? When it comes to domestic cruises, nothing beats a trip to Hawaii. Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that dont require passports. The Guam Visitors Bureau says U.S. citizens are required to showa U.S. passport, but photo ID and proof of citizenship may be accepted "on a case-by-case basis.". And I'm talking about RCCL's policy, not any other company unless it is RCCL, or country. But, RCCL doesn't cruise there, so no need to list it. International sailings (cruises that begin outside the United States), U.S. citizens require a valid Passport and the corresponding visa required for entry and exit from the country. Dont Miss: Royal Caribbean New Years Cruise. Wanna Feel Good About The World? Consider downloading thisCruise Ship Travel Tips PDFto take with you while you travel. New Further, passports are also required for cruises that begin and end in different locations . ", Small island, big opportunities:This idyllic Caribbean hideaway isn't just for the rich and famous. Although there are some situations where passports are not strictly necessary, it is better to be safe than sorry. If your children dont yet have passports, the time has come to pay the fees, fill out the forms, and get their pictures taken. However I find a definite answer whether or not passports are required. I totally and completely disagree. Read Also: Royal Caribbean Cruises To Hawaii. Passport Not Required. We flew and sailed this past March and my wife's expired 5 months from the date we sailed. Closed-loop cruises make financial sense for cruise lines as well as passengers. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Does the contract say how many bottles of wine you can bring aboard? 1. Once again, forgive me for providing a good deed (and you know what they say about good deeds), again. It was requred to be mailed to my street address as that was part of verifying residence for Real ID in those states. But, the title of this thread includes and is limited to "Close Loop" cruises. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. Okay, so be it. Some countries may require mandatory quarantine on arrival if a case of COVID-19 is identified aboard your cruise ship. What is a closed loop cruise can simply be phrased as any cruise ship debarking from and returning to the same point. Corporate legalese v boots on the ground, real life, local best practices. U.S. citizens can present a valid: U.S. Passport; Requirements for lawful permanent residents of the United States are not changed by the implementation of WHTI. 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, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. WebUnder such conditions, guests will need to present (a) a valid passport (b) a Royal Caribbean Cruises tour ticket and (c) one photocopy of passport page showing guest picture and personal information to the Russian Immigration officer as they depart the ship. Therefore, you tend to see more cruise ships sailing with a foreign flag. Are you looking to cruise without a passport? in the DMV that Monday. However, using your train of thought, should I think something is allowed or not allowed because it isn't on the "Cruise Contract"? So my question is: does Cozumel, Grand Cayman, or Jamaica require a passport even if Im on a closed loop cruise? BTW, if you look hard enough, you'll find which countries require 6-month expiration. Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. For that, you need only a birth certificate and a drivers license . Carry awritten copy of all your prescriptionswith you in case a country requires it, or you need to replace your medications. 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 notneeda passport. Most people are not very careful so they should send their renewal in a year. It was an amazing adventure, on the forrest portion we were climbing up a trail and all of a sudden we heard some screaming coming from the group about a tenth of a mile behind us. How many formal nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise? So if you're sailing it will get you onto a closed loop cruise but if you are outside the US, even if in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, you can't use it fly back to the US. Different ports will have different requirements. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Is it on Majesty of the Seas? No where in the new contract is there any language about passports. Leave one copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry one separately from your actual documents. 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. So, just answer me this, does RCCL, by policy, require that U.S. Citizens using a Passport as a cruise document, have at least 6 months validity beyond return to the U.S. If you are a U.S. citizen and cruising out of the United States , then you do not need a passport. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). before it expires. 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. I'm not right 100% of the time and I've proved it. Illness or Injury Depending on the severity of your illness or injury, you may have to be admitted to a local hospital overseas. Look no further: Youve decided you want a vacation, but theres a problem youre a U.S. citizen and you dont have a passport. You should check the passport requirements for any port you are visiting, as sometimes there can be a port that requires a passport to visit even if you do not need a passport to return to the United States. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. 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. Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary byshipand destination. Because as far as the State Department is concerned, adults are anyone 16 and up. You must remain on the ship if you dont have your passport. While the passport card may protect you against certain scenarios and is superior to not having a passport at all, getting a passport book not only provides more coverage (such as flying internationally), but it allows you to travel beyond simply cruises. 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. Your previous content has been restored. WebIf you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport. "You should check with your cruise ship, travel agent, and destination country to confirm the requirements to enter the foreign countries you will visit.". Most cruises beginning and ending in the same location are considered "closed-loop," meaning they begin and end at the same port in the United States and travel within the Western Hemisphere. 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. Additionally,the State Departmentsaystravelers under 16 do not need a passport to enter Canada; they need only proof of U.S. citizenship. Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's Travel Documentation page for specifics. Why? https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states. If under 16, a U.S. citizen can present their birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or consular birth report abroad. Additionally, vacation planning for guests booking round-trip flights is also made easier. Embarking and deparking from Galveston, Texas. I would 100% take what is written on your booking invoice as policy as opposed to what is written in general terms in an FAQ section of the website. You never can plan an illness or an injury and never know when you may need the appropriate documentation. The Bahamas. Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. 27 days ago. In fact, with so many options, it can be downright confusing. WebApply early for your passport, or make sure your current one will be valid at least six months beyond your travel dates and has two or more blank pages. According to PA's website, that means that I got the Real ID license. Canadian and U.S. children under 16 must only present birth certificates (notarized, original, or certified copy), Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, Certificates of Naturalization, or proof of citizenship. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises 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. Some countries do require 6 months so they are covering themselves. Passports are universally accepted because they combine identification and citizenship, whereas a driving-license-& -birth-certificate combo might get refused. For an easy round trip, you can begin and end in a number of U.S. cities including New York City, Galveston, Mobile, New Orleans and Tampa. It is critical to understand the proper documentation needed for a cruise, as no refunds are provided for guests who fail to bring proper documentation. Medications that are legally prescribed in the United States are not always legal abroad. U.S. citizens can present a valid: U.S. Passport; Passport Card; Enhanced Drivers License; U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. 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, and return to Fort Lauderdale, you have taken a closed loop cruise. Took me exactly 56 minutes for the entire processin the DMV that Monday. I did that with the page that is linked to. You can post now and register later. Better to be safe than sorry get a passport if you do not have one. If that is so, then I just walked out with it. I found what I was looking for. An official website of the United States government. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! This applies to going on a cruise as well, and. Passports are not required to visit the Northern Mariana Islands, aU.S. commonwealthmade up of 14 islands, includingSaipan,Tinian andRota. If you are a US citizen and are doing a closed loop cruise , then you do NOT need a passport at this time. It is for travelers who are not going to leave the country by airplane, and plan to only leave the United States via land or sea. 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. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. We've already, Have you ever thought you wish you knew then what you know now? Any non-U.S. citizen must present a passport for each cruise they take, including a closed-loop cruise. But children passports are only good for 5 years so I want to wait as long as possible to renew. Recommended Reading: Cheapest Way To Cruise Alaska. We are cruising to Cozumel, George Town (Grand Cayman), and Falmouth, Jamaica in April 2019 aboard Liberty of the Seas. If the supervisor is confident that everything about what is being presented in this situation, then they will accept it. This is the most popular summer travel destination:According to Google Flights, Unlimited cruises:Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass. It was alot of fun! Dont take chances that might ruin the vacation of a lifetime. I made an error. If you travel on a cruise ship or river cruise and disembark in a foreign port, you might not be able to receive appropriate medical care or be medically evacuated if you get sick. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. We would need something to convince us that the person standing in front of us is truly who they say (and their BC) says they are. If you leave on a cruise Convenience. If someone couldn't produce anything showing their name and photo (old passport, old DL, Costco card, employment ID, etc), then they probably would be denied boarding. Regardless, we always recommend traveling with a U.S. passport book, in case there are any inconveniences during your trip. The birth certificate contains details about you that could be used to steal your identity more readily than the passport. These types of cruises are becoming more common with cruise lines. However, I strongly recommend that all adults 16 and over have a passport. According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Citizens can enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo I.D., including: U.S. Passport Passport Card Birth Certificate Enhanced Drivers License Combine those details along with your drivers license number or ID number that can be very dangerous for identity theft. Of course, if you are traveling internationally, U.S. citizens will need a passport. From Caribbean destinations to closed-loop travel, here are the spots Americans can go without a passport. Most closed loop cruises from the US do not visit any countries that require a passport, much less 6 month post travel validity, or is waived for cruise passengers. Something that I guarantee you nobody in his group planned on! So, I'm not interested in playing word games (Acceptable). 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. Here's what to know and how to renew it, Which beaches to visit, what to know in San Juan, Culebra and more, This idyllic Caribbean hideaway isn't just for the rich and famous, Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents. How family members cancontact you in an emergency, such as cell or satellite phone coverage and/or an e-mail address for emergencies. Ships cannot depart Fort Lauderdale and return to Miami, even though both ports are in Florida. Traveling by plane would be a different story. For all other nationalities, a passport is generally required to cruise. You should check the passport requirements for any port you are visiting, as sometimes there can be a port that requires a passport to visit even if you do not need a passport to return to the United States. Consider storing your travel documents and othervaluables in a secure spot, such as a room or ships safe. The peace of mind of having the passport is worth far more than the effort to getting it. 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 . This is an RCCL policy. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop This is important to know before boarding. Part of planning a, Many first time cruisers are eager to learn about the best Royal Caribbean ship to sail on, so a common question asked, Choosing a cruise cabin isn't easy. If you miss your ship at a port, you will need to find a way to catch up to the cruise or return home. That works yet supposedly a valid passport has to not expire within the next six months?. Children 15 and under only need to have their U.S. birth certificate. To qualify, the ship must return to the exact same port they left from. Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. It says accepted. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. It does not say required. Hell no! For example, if your cruise begins and ends at the same port in Miami, then you are on a closed loop cruise. That's not the purpose of my post. WebAcceptable proof of citizenship includes an original or certified copy of a government issued birth certificate (raised seal and signature) and a laminated government The Department has been working with states to enhance their drivers licenses and identification documents to comply with travel rules under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), effective June 1, 2009. 6 Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. I traveled internationally on a cruise with Royal with a passport that had five months left because the year when I renewed I had a lot of travel and that was the best window. The words "Birth Certificate" is used 10 times. When you arrive back in Seattle or San Francisco, take time to explore those cities for even more vacation fun.

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