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. 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. Check before leaving. 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. This is often the case for Mediterranean cruises that visit, but dont embark or debark in, Egypt. Unexpected circumstances can come up that make it impossible to return to the United States on the cruise ship. Closed-loop cruises start and finish at the same United States port. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! Depart from the Californian cities of San Francisco, San Diego or Long Beach for a quick but memorable cruise to the Baja Peninsula in northern Mexico. Additionally, there must be a destination to a foreign location to qualify as a closed-loop cruise. This is taken directly off of Royal Caribbean's invoice for a cruise that was booked today. Youll be glad you did. TheWestern Hemisphere Travel Initiative(WHTI) requires you to travel with a valid passport (including infants). 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. So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . If they did not have the appropriate paperwork with them it would have been more of a pain than if they did. For me, the peace of mind of a passport far outweighs bringing a birth certificate and ID along with you. WebRoyal Caribbean International - Identification Document What is a post-cruise address? If you are cruising to Bermuda, then you dont necessarily need a U.S. passport book, but can use any of the following documents instead: U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler card , or an enhanced drivers license. First time cruiser and Im stressing about required travel documentation. "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. Also airports and cruise terminals are accustomed to processing a passport. Okay, the horse is dead enough, again. A passport is required for all international flights and for any cruise that embarks or disembarks in a foreign country. Routine wait times are 10 to 13 weeks, and that doesnt include mailing times, according to the State Department. Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. Children may need just a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, but not a passport or photo ID. Like what you see? 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 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. Explore beautiful spots spread across Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and drink in the natural beauty only Hawaii delivers. Caribbean, Alaskan, and Mexican cruises are extremely popular. BTW, I just looked at my so-called "Invoices" and they aren't even that, it's a "Booking Confirmation". Waited too long to get a passport? 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. 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. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. One couple had planned a closed-loop cruise from Baltimore, and they mistakenly believed they only needed their drivers licenses to board. Pasted as rich text. 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. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown. However, it is recommended that you take it with you since you may need it at foreign ports or in case of an emergency. Remain vigilantand exercise normal precautions aboard a cruise ship and on shore, as you would whenever traveling abroad. And as stated, I'm not going to try to justify what RCCL does or doesn't do, and I'm not going to discuss what Joe or Mary got away with 5 years ago. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. 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 . WebMexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. But, RCCL doesn't cruise there, so no need to list it. It says accepted. That's not the purpose of my post. In Alaska, also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, you can see spectacular, icy glaciers by boat or seaplane, watch for whales and try your hand at dog sledding. In the Eastern Caribbean, find dream destinations like Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. U.S. 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 certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government issued driver's license, picture ID, denoting photo, name, and date of birth. If that is so, then I just walked out with it. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! 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. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was launched in 2009 by the United States government. However, as we mentioned previously, you will have better protections in the event of an emergency or a change of travel plans simply by carrying a valid passport. Citizens of the United States dont require passports on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. Why won't they let someone on that doesn't have at least 6 months left on their Passport but let someone on with just a birth certificate and DL? 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. Note the use of the word "recommend", Yes, that's exactly where I went - the one next to Home Depot. 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 I've been to them all. 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. That being said, there are certain types of cruises where youll be able to board with other types of documentation if you do not have either a passport book or passport card. *A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID. But some like to see all that is published on cruise line websites in black and white. For these cruises, you do not need a passport for re-entry into the United States. At the time I was looking it definitely stated recommended as we knew that my wife's passport expired. I suspect that the language changed with the introduction of the new cruise contract that was just released. U.S. citizens traveling on closed-loop cruises to either Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean can travel with the following documentation: First, how old is the child in question? WebMariner of the Seas is experimenting with a complimentary embarkation day lunch to help alleviate demand in Windjammer. Things You Need To Know About Passport Expiration For Minors, required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification, Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise With Tropical Buffet, Royal Caribbean Cruises Southern Caribbean. 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. 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. 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. You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. A closed-loop cruise is a sort of loop-hole in the passport requirement for a cruise. I totally and completely disagree. This applies to going on a cruise as well, and. These and other cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. This case is closed unless something comes up to add material discussion. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. 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. The concern without having a passport is if an emergency occurs, only an official passport will allow you to easily and quickly fly from a foreign port to another port and/or back home. Routine wait times for a passport are anywhere from 10 to 13 weeks, according to the State Department. 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. 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. But I bet the Contract changes, thereafter, really quickly. Powered by Invision Community. If you can cruise with a birth certificate they are not going to turn away a valid passport on those itineraries. Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. But, if you aren't using a Birth Certificate and DL, your Passport must meet their minimum requirements. A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port is considered a closed loop. 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. 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 you are flying internationally you still need a passport. 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 are returning to an international port or disembarking an international river cruise: Checktravel.state.govto find out aboutadditional challengessome travelers might face abroad, such asolder travelers,those with disabilities,women, andLGBTI travelers. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. What types of documents are accepted for entry into the United States via air? If you are a U.S. citizen traveling or from Hawaii, another U.S. territory , then you may also not need a passport. Do I want to be limited to places that will accept the birth certificate/ID combination? 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. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. This will be challenging if you dont have your passport. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. February 16, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Discussion. I always carry our passports, as well as our trip and health insurance information with me when I leave the ship and go on foreign soil. But, I try. An official website of the United States government. It does not say required. It says accepted. Recommended Reading: Cheapest Way To Cruise Alaska. 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. Original certificate of U.S. naturalization, U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad. Passport cards cannot be used on cruises from international homeports. 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. That should make you think instead of having a one track mind on this subject. The U.S. Virgin Islands, another Caribbean destination, allows domestic travelers to enter without a passport. Citizens of the United States dont require passport s on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. I can not and will not justify RCCL's policies. Yes, some countries do not allow you in their country with less than 6 months remaining, some are just 3 on your passport. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. The Caribbean makes a popular destination for travelers considering a tropical cruise. Thanks for your response, but I already knew all this. Most U.S. citizens dont need a passport for closed-loop cruises that depart from American ports. Is a contract a policy? If not, just leave blank, How to make the most of your time on a Royal Caribbean cruise, First time cruisers: comparing Royal Caribbean's Oasis class to Voyager class. 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. 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). Thanks for the help! Cruise ships usually sail under a foreign flag. So my question is: does Cozumel, Grand Cayman, or Jamaica require a passport even if Im on a closed loop cruise? For a cruise ship to qualify for a closed-loop status, it must start and end in the United States. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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? But it doesn't say that a passport with less than 6 months remaining will also be accepted does it? Your cruise Here's what to do, How long is a US passport good for? 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. The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. On my browser it has a "find" feature. With the booking confirmation every passenger is being given the information required by the cruise line. I made an error. This keeps popping up every now and then. No kidding. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! Remember that travel plans change and you may need to fly out of the United States to meet your ship at the next available port if you miss the scheduled embarkation. Many cruises that have this itinerary may not require a passport. 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. It's not a "Contract", at least according to you. How many formal nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. 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. If you are a U.S. citizen and cruising out of the United States , then you do not need a passport. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. By Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations. Passports are required for all cruise travel to all other International destinations. Passport Requirements for Royal Caribbean Cruises. For this reason, Alaskan itineraries include visits somewhere in Canada, and there arent a lot of Hawaii cruises. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that dont require passports. Cruises that dont begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. Something that I guarantee you nobody in his group planned on! 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. 5. An example would be one that starts in Florida and ends in the Bahamas. 6 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. If your children dont yet have passports, the time has come to pay the fees, fill out the forms, and get their pictures taken. So my question Does a child need a passport on a closed-loop cruise?Second, is this a closed-loop cruise? In your experience, how does that person board? We checked with a few lines for you. Traveling by plane would be a different story. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. These types of cruises are becoming more common with cruise lines. Convenience is the main reason that people take closed-loop cruises. 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. 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Do we need a passport or will a certified birth certificate and photo id work. We discuss what is a closed-loop cruise and why they are so popular. And what is your take on the issue presented here, lost ID. This is the most popular summer travel destination:According to Google Flights, Unlimited cruises:Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Interesting. I always advise people to call the cruise line and confirm documentation with them. I guess we have dialed this down to what the definition of is is. 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. Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. U.S. citizens who travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19. Canadian citizens travelling by air to the United States must present one of the following documents: This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, including children, travelling by air to or even just transiting through the United States. 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. Keep in mind that these requirements are for U.S. citizens only. If youre traveling internationally, a passport might not be the only document you need. Is it on Majesty of the Seas? Are you looking to cruise without a passport? Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. What if I dont have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States? Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Drivers License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). 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. If you need a passport, and you don t have one to show, you will not be allowed to board. Clear editor. A passport is not required. I will likely want to cruise again. The concern without having a passport is if an emergency occurs, only an official passport will allow you to easily and quickly fly from a foreign port to another port and/or back home. You just get to come and go as you please. When you come ashore, followlocal laws and customs. 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. BTW, if you look hard enough, you'll find which countries require 6-month expiration. So, why list them.? U.S. citizens can take advantage of closed-loop cruises where passports are not required. 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. For closed Do you think they are going to list every/all unacceptable forms of ID? If you are considering travel on a cruise ship, please review the latest CDC guidance. And for the last time, I am not going to discuss/debate what Joe or Mary got away with. 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. Children 15 and under only need to have their U.S. birth certificate. This is important to know before boarding. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Also, your cruise company may require you to have a passport, even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not. What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)? The only way youll board a ship without a passport is if your cruise does not require one. We are cruising to Cozumel, George Town (Grand Cayman), and Falmouth, Jamaica in April 2019 aboard Liberty of the Seas. Do you tell him that the Contract "Recommends" A, but his retorts that the policy dictates "B"? "Otherwise, you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship when departing the islands, such as a raised-seal birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. And the ability to use a Birth Certificate and DL is an authorization given by the: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-74?language=en_US. I'm not saying that it WILL happen, but identity theft is real. 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. The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. I have zero memory these days for details like this. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. What if the ship diverts somewhere and everyone has to fly home? They dont need to go to another location. For those unfamiliar with the term, we discuss what a closed-loop cruise is. 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. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. 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. If you break the law, you will be subject to the justice system of the host country, If youlose your passport, report it immediately to the nearest. The supervisors know what will and won't be accepted by CBP. 3. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Have a plan in case you have to remain overseas longer than expected. Not as much as shorts in the MDR but often enough. However, I strongly recommend that all adults 16 and over have a passport. On Grand Turk, enjoy swimming with stingrays, riding horses along the coast, or touring the island by ATV. If you miss your ship at a port, you will need to find a way to catch up to the cruise or return home. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Passengers should also note that for some ports, you may require a passport to gain entrance. This was implemented to clarify what documents guests require for traveling on a cruise ship. The big "what if". Closed-loop cruises make financial sense for cruise lines as well as passengers. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. I haven't seen the word "recommended" in the policy! They may require different documentation for entry. If you are cruising with kids under age 16 on a closed-loop cruise, you'll need to bring a certified copy of their original birth certificate for identification. They do not need a photo ID. 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. For closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: A boarding pass. A government photo I.D. if 16 years of age or older.

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