So my question It says accepted. Interesting. American citizens do, however, need: Keep in mind that, while you may not need a passport to embark on a closed-loop cruise and return home, you might need it to enter certain countries along the way. I will likely want to cruise again. We discuss what is a closed-loop cruise and why they are so popular. Look on pretty much every TA's invoice and you will see the same thing. In an emergency, someone may need to know who you are. We are required to take them off in Cuba but that is the only one for us so far. I've been to most Caribbean popular ports of call and I have never heard that a Passport is even required to get in. From Caribbean destinations to closed-loop travel, here are the spots Americans can go without a passport. Luckily, not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry the document. What if the ship diverts somewhere and everyone has to fly home? Web"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. 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. They are not going to list every country and itinerary because there are multiple possibilities so they publish a general statement of what is acceptable. In Amber Cove, you can tour the Dominican outback, soak up the sun on Coconut Cove Beach, or ride the Waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua. I don't think so. 4. 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 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? Apart from that, you should keep it secure in your cabin safe. 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. Cruises from mainstream lines sailing from Europe, the United States, and Australia do closed-loop cruises more frequently. New The good news was they were able to fly out the next day, but lost their Business Class seats that they had originally booked. If you choose not to bring your passport and take advantage of the benefits of a closed-loop cruise, there are some things that you need to be aware of. Application processing takes 12 to 14 months,according to the Department of Homeland Security. Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations. WebAcceptable proof of citizenship includes an original or certified copy of a government issued birth certificate (raised seal and signature) and a laminated government 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. Consider storing your travel documents and othervaluables in a secure spot, such as a room or ships safe. What Is the Documentation Required for a Non-U.S. Citizen? Even for non us citizens it is not required. It also includes: Passports can be used as your form of identification but the fact that they arent mandatory is why closed-loop cruises are popular. We checked with a few lines for you. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. What about an Canadian? To get ready for the application, use Passport Photo Onlineyoull be able to get perfect pictures for your children without leaving home. This is my reason. Passport Not Required. It says accepted. Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment. garywatson, April 23 in Royal Caribbean International. The passport is good for 10 years. You will leave it in the safe. 6 Birth certificate may be enough for the ship but will not help you in another country and will add a frustration to an already frustrating situation. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. It also states that "some cruise lines" may have a 6 month requirement. Still need a passport to enter the US. My son's passport will expire 5 months after our cruise booked later in the year. Use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology for Border Crossing, CBP Procedures for Processing Travel Documents at the Border, An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Again, keep in mind, we are talking about close loop cruises, I can tell you that Cuba is one of them too. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Drivers License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). WebRoyal Caribbean International - Identification Document What is a post-cruise address? 27 days ago. The birth certificate contains details about you that could be used to steal your identity more readily than the passport. Make colorcopiesof your passport photo page, foreign visas, and itinerary. I am guessing that your CA CBP officers would want their citizens returning home to Canada with a valid passport, but it doesn't effect your closed loop cruise. 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. I stated clearly a couple of times that I will not discuss/debate what some people have gotten away with because of politics/lazy or untrained personnel/being good at hiding things/bad management/looking the other way/whatever. 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. 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. So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . Better to be safe than sorry get a passport if you do not have one. This was before the pandemic, so they were able to go to the regional passport office and get a same day replacement passport. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. You can post now and register later. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. I called the "Invoice" a "Contract" a few times. What their procedures are in case ofemergency. What types of documents are accepted for entry into the United States via land and sea? Because international cruises in Europe and Asia require air travel, these vacations also demand a passport. This is longer than any other ID in the USA and it proves both identity AND citizenship. Whether RCI will let you board with whatever documants depends on the itinerary. The card is ok to fly within the US as a Real ID. This will be challenging if you dont have your passport. The big "what if". U.S. citizens who travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19. Display as a link instead, We DO NOT require passports for The Bahamas if flying from Canada. In this case, you would need a U.S. passport to fly home upon clearance from your doctor. 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. 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. If under 16, a U.S. citizen can present their birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or consular birth report abroad. VisaCentral can obtain a passport in as little as 48 hours. What if I dont have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States? Not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry a passport. Upload or insert images from URL. Are you looking to cruise without a passport? 2. You need a birth Certificate with a raised seal and a valid govt ID or license. However, I strongly recommend that all adults 16 and over have a passport. The passport book is more durable for multiple trips. When traveling outside of the U.S. a passport is always recommended, but cruises are the exception to the rule. Not as much as shorts in the MDR but often enough. if 16 years of age or older, And a certified birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization. When it comes to domestic cruises, nothing beats a trip to Hawaii. Think logically. By 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. The way I figure it, if you follow the written (the black and white written) policy, you can't go wrong. Consular Information Frequently Asked Questions, Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage, Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia Travel Options Out of Russia, FIFA Womens World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. Social Security Cards and Voter Registration cannot be used as a form of citizenship. If you are considering travel on a cruise ship, please review the latest CDC guidance. Join. If youre traveling internationally, a passport might not be the only document you need. 1. 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. 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. Did you go to KoP? And there is a big difference. Also, it is advisable to always travel with some form of identification. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. 4. This includes countries in Europe, Asia, Central and South America. Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. If you show up at the terminal with only 5 months left on your passport and you just happen to get one of those by-the-book guys who's been very well trained and he tells you that your passport, by policy, isn't acceptable, what's your argument? For closed Here's what to know and how to renew it. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! If you miss your ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet your ship. 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. Ships cannot depart Fort Lauderdale and return to Miami, even though both ports are in Florida. It does not say required. Have a plan in case you have to remain overseas longer than expected. 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. Regardless, we always recommend traveling with a U.S. passport book, in case there are any inconveniences during your trip. This rule states that U.S. Mexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. 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. Spend a day soaking up history in Boston, Massachusetts, and tour the Charles River aboard an amphibious duck vehicle. If thats not useful try. Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. Pink-sand beaches, beautiful blue waters and colorful coral reefs deliver the perfect recipe for sunning, swimming, sailing and snorkeling. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. THAT I remember. As long as you're on a closed-loop cruise, youll be able to skip the passport in favor of other government-issued IDs. At the time I was looking it definitely stated recommended as we knew that my wife's passport expired. We will be traveling with Royal Caribbean in May. The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. All rights reserved. The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. One couple had planned a closed-loop cruise from Baltimore, and they mistakenly believed they only needed their drivers licenses to board. Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. The, 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, a. issued by U.S. More on that coming up! If youre looking for a different kind of cruise, explore parts of New England and Canada with New York City as an exciting starting and ending point. The important thing here not having a photo ID is so rare that the supervisors have some leeway to try to make what the unfortunate passenger has, work. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. 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. 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. Not having a passport means you will need to travel to a U.S. embassy or consulate in a foreign country to apply for a temporary visa to re-enter the country. 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. The Caribbean makes a popular destination for travelers considering a tropical cruise. Do we need a passport or will a certified birth certificate and photo id work. citizens must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their cruise. If you leave on a cruise Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Have to agree with @twangsteron this one, if you search the boards you will find that this very subject has been debated to death. Its best to check the specific entry requirements for each foreign port youll be visiting before leaving your passport at home. An original copy of your government-issued birth certificate or naturalization certificate and a government-issued photo ID, Fly out of the United States to meet a ship at the next available port should they miss the scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port. Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. "In those instances, the cruise lines would require passengers to have a valid passport to board even if it is not a U.S. requirement,"the agency's website reads. Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. A stop in the charming fishing village of Halifax, Nova Scotia offers beautiful gardens, more delicious seafood and double-decker bus tours. 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. But it doesn't say that a passport with less than 6 months remaining will also be accepted does it? The saying "you don't know what you don't know" refers to the notion you cannot take advantage of something without, When you are looking to pick the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise for your family, often you will find a few good choices, You might be wondering how many formal nights there are going to be on your Royal Caribbean cruise. And what is your take on the issue presented here, lost ID. There are many perks for passengers and cruise lines that offer closed-loop cruises. Once again, forgive me for providing a good deed (and you know what they say about good deeds), again. Routine wait times for a passport are anywhere from 10 to 13 weeks, according to the State Department. 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. A government photo I.D. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. Damage to cruise ship Occasionally cruise ships are damaged or have mechanical issues that cannot be fixed during your trip. Many cruises that have this itinerary may not require a passport. The Bahamas. You will enjoy it. 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. In fact, with so many options, it can be downright confusing. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. But I bet the Contract changes, thereafter, really quickly. We did this cruise last year AND I am in the process of booking it again for this coming May on Royal Caribbean again. What is a closed loop cruise can simply be phrased as any cruise ship debarking from and returning to the same point. It can be costly and embarrassing. 2. In your experience, how does that person board? You likely wont get your money back either, and if you traveled domestically to the cruise homeport, youll need to make your own arrangements to book a hotel or change your flights back home. But, if you aren't using a Birth Certificate and DL, your Passport must meet their minimum requirements. If you are a U.S. citizen and cruising out of the United States , then you do not need a passport. Web In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required. Securing a passport can be a hassle. However I find a definite answer whether or not passports are required. Citizenship and Immigration Services. All rights reserved. Check with the destination countrys embassy or consulate about local laws regarding your prescribed medicines. If the Canadian passport was accepted for entry to the US at the border by our US CBP (and that Canadian was standing in front of me at a US terminal to get on a closed loop cruise), as long as that passport was valid for at least a day after the cruise, they would be embarked. Card if traveling while on official orders, Traveler Program cards (SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST). Lawful permanent residents must continue to present a valid Permanent Resident Card. The island does not require a passport among U.S. citizens. In the Eastern Caribbean, find dream destinations like Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. If you are a US citizen and are doing a closed loop cruise , then you do NOT need a passport at this time. 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. Cruise lines with Canada and New England closed-loop sailings include Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, Holland America and small-ship operator American Cruise Lines. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Therefore, always make sure to know whether you need your passport or not before going on your cruise. A lock ( 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. Photocopies are not accepted, only original documents. My license has the gold star on it. 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. I can't think of any Close Loop sailings that RCCL goes to that has a 6-month requirement, other than possibly Columbia. 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. Does the contract say how many bottles of wine you can bring aboard? I hope the takeaway from all this is that its never too early to get your childs first passport. 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. When you get off and on the ship in ports of call, youll just need to have your ID and your cabin keycard. garywatson, April 23 in Royal Caribbean International. For U.S. citizens, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. In terms of the "absolute requirements" not the "its convenient" stuff, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/cruise-ship-passengers.html, https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/united-states-citizen-travel-documentation. Consider a cruise. I totally and completely disagree. By Traveling to Nassau , Coco Cay and Key West . Traveling past that date for over 30 days is not permitted. It's not. We are cruising to Cozumel, George Town (Grand Cayman), and Falmouth, Jamaica in April 2019 aboard Liberty of the Seas. You cant cruise just anywhere on a closed-loop sailing, but the choices are more interesting than you might expect. Acceptable forms of ID for closed-loop cruises: Passport. WebMexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. 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. Youll be glad you did. . If you cannot be discharged before the cruise ship is scheduled to depart, the cruise ship may leave without you. Passports are required for all cruise travel to all other International destinations. Your cruise Passports do have an additional cost to them (especially for children), but we feel the advantages of having a passport far outweigh the cost and work required to get one. The only way youll board a ship without a passport is if your cruise does not require one. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. 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. Unexpected circumstances can come up that make it impossible to return to the United States on the cruise ship. U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Frequently Asked Questions. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. If they did not have the appropriate paperwork with them it would have been more of a pain than if they did. Typically, closed-loop cruises may leave from Miami, Florida, and travel to Bermuda before returning to the same port in Miami. Double-check your cruise lines ID requirements, because theres no room for error. You never can plan an illness or an injury and never know when you may need the appropriate documentation. It was alot of fun! So, for instance, all of those round-trip cruises out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are closed-loop cruises. I can not and will not justify RCCL's policies. What is the goal of requiring secure documents? It is our preference to carry them anytime we are outside of USA, just in case. There are only a very few countries that actually have that requirement but because of that everyone involved in travel lists recommending that your passport be valid for 6 months as a CYA. It was requred to be mailed to my street address as that was part of verifying residence for Real ID in those states. If 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. If you are flying directly to or from your cruise vacation, please enter the airport name or 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. In neither state was I able to walk out with it. I've been to them all. United States maritime law states that non-U.S. flagged ships must make at least one stop at a foreign port. This keeps popping up every now and then. I suspect that the language changed with the introduction of the new cruise contract that was just released. I walked out with mine on the Monday after my last a cruise, lol. "If you are a U.S. citizen a passport is not required, but it still serves as the best identification when traveling,"the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's website says. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was launched in 2009 by the United States government. 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. Paste as plain text instead, Closed-loop cruises make financial sense for cruise lines as well as passengers.
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