A closed loop cruise is a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. But it doesn't say that a passport with less than 6 months remaining will also be accepted does it? On Grand Turk, enjoy swimming with stingrays, riding horses along the coast, or touring the island by ATV. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise -- a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. As Britains oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. 4. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Ultimately they are the ones that will decide if you board and no stranger on an internet forum is going to assist you or be responsible if there is some nuance or special circumstance in your case. God forbid something should happen to you in the Bahamas and you cant get back on board of the ship you will need your passport to get off the island. Royal Caribbean International - Identification Document 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. The good news was they were able to fly out the next day, but lost their Business Class seats that they had originally booked. This is an RCCL policy. I've been to them all. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific 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. Sure, policies are ignored, or whatever, but am I going to bet thousands of dollars on it? 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. I hope the takeaway from all this is that its never too early to get your childs first passport. The U.S. Virgin Islands, another Caribbean destination, allows domestic travelers to enter without a passport. BTW, there is no 6 month requirement given by the U.S. Government. Its the passengers responsibility to check with the appropriate government agencies and their cruise line to determine what documentation is required. The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. Cruise Ship Passengers - United States Department of State By You might be wondering if you should get the passport card vs book. 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. 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. It's not a "Contract", at least according to you. You are right, I do look at policies/procedures/laws/rules in black and white until something else comes along to gray it up a little with facts. 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 local's beach guide to Puerto Rico:Which beaches to visit, what to know in San Juan, Culebra and more. U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Frequently Asked Questions. Is it on Majesty of the Seas? Traveling by plane would be a different story. Childrens passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years. For closed Passport 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? With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! The passport book is more durable for multiple trips. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop Some countries might refuse to dock your ship or allow passengers to disembark. Thanks for the help! Passport Requirements Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. First time cruiser and Im stressing about required travel documentation. U.S. credit and debit cardsdo NOT workinCuba. So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . It's not. For me, the peace of mind of a passport far outweighs bringing a birth certificate and ID along with you. closed loop Therefore, always make sure to know whether you need your passport or not before going on your cruise. For a cruise ship to qualify for a closed-loop status, it must start and end in the United States. Therefore, you tend to see more cruise ships sailing with a foreign flag. I'm not Joe or Mary but an actual person here on CC, so please read my comment above. LockA locked padlock 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? A photocopy will not be permitted. If your children dont yet have passports, the time has come to pay the fees, fill out the forms, and get their pictures taken. Closed These types of cruises are becoming more common with cruise lines. Closed-loop cruises are the primary exceptions to the rule that those arriving in the U.S. by sea need passports. Interesting. No problem at all as none all the countries only required a valid passport. According to PA's website, that means that I got the Real ID license. Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that dont require passports. What if the ship diverts somewhere and everyone has to fly home? If youre trying to fly to an international cruise port without a passport, you wont get past airline check-in. 6 At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. 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. 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. Whatever the reason, you still have choices. 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? Does the contract say how many bottles of wine you can bring aboard? When you come ashore, followlocal laws and customs. IRTPA, in part, required the DHS and DOS to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other acceptable document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Wanna Feel Good About The World? In this case, you would need a U.S. passport to fly home upon clearance from your doctor. We flew and sailed this past March and my wife's expired 5 months from the date we sailed. Even though youll be sailing on a no-passport-required cruise, youre still required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification: Proof of Citizenship AND Government-issued photo ID. Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory and popular Caribbean destination, is about as easy to fly to as any state if you have a state-issued ID. 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. Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. However, it is recommended that you take it with you since you may need it at foreign ports or in case of an emergency. 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. 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. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! As long as you book a closed loop cruise, you can travel to certain destinations without a passport. It is discussed somewhere in the government's websites and it just states that some countries require 3 or 6 months. Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary byshipand destination. Do Kids Need a Passport to Go 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. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. If you use a "Passport" it must meet the minimum requirements. 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. This keeps popping up every now and then. What Is a Closed Loop Cruise? Someone (adult) showing up without a photo ID is rare. 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. U.S. citizens who travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19. A closed-loop cruise is a sort of loop-hole in the passport requirement for a 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. Any non-U.S. citizen must present a passport for each cruise they take, including a closed-loop cruise. The big "what if". It makes a port of If you are traveling to the Bahamas on a closed-loop cruise, which is a cruise that starts and ends at the same U.S. port, you may travel with a state-issued ID and an original U.S. birth certificate. I don't know. 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. In fact, with so many options, it can be downright confusing. We are cruising to Cozumel, George Town (Grand Cayman), and Falmouth, Jamaica in April 2019 aboard Liberty of the Seas. 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. I will likely want to cruise again. 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. 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. . But, if you aren't using a Birth Certificate and DL, your Passport must meet their minimum requirements. Application processing takes 12 to 14 months,according to the Department of Homeland Security. But, that doesn't have anything to do with RCCL's policy which is stand-alone. 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. Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. 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. Youll be glad you did. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. WebWhat forms of ID are required for minors travelling on Royal Caribbean? You must remain on the ship if you dont have your passport. We always recommend carrying a passport book or a passport card while vacationing on a cruise. What types of documents are accepted for entry into the United States via air? Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. 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 may need just a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, but not a passport or photo ID. It was alot of fun! 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 3. For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D. By Many first timer cruisers want to know if you need a passport to take a cruise, and the answer depends on a few factors. 5. Dont Miss: Princess Cruise And Flight Packages. Most people are not very careful so they should send their renewal in a year. I don't think so. 5. What is the goal of requiring secure documents? You are assuming that what is written in their FAQ's is policy. Here's what to do, How long is a US passport good for? When the airlines say they require 6 months remaining on the passport for international flights - they mean it. All rights reserved. When you get off and on the ship in ports of call, youll just need to have your ID and your cabin keycard. Do we need a passport or will a certified birth certificate and photo id work. Dont Miss: Royal Caribbean New Years Cruise. Look no further: Youve decided you want a vacation, but theres a problem youre a U.S. citizen and you dont have a passport. Official websites use .gov 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. A NEXUS application processing fee costs $50 for a five-year membership, and children under 18 can apply with no fee. VisaCentral can obtain a passport in as little as 48 hours. 4. Below, weve compiled a list of seven places to visit without a passport, from scenic Alaska to the beachy Caribbean. And I don't think I'm wrong here. *A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID. Different rules will apply if you are an LPR. Additionally, there must be a destination to a foreign location to qualify as a closed-loop cruise. It also states that "some cruise lines" may have a 6 month requirement. WebMariner of the Seas is experimenting with a complimentary embarkation day lunch to help alleviate demand in Windjammer. Original certificate of U.S. naturalization, U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad. The goal is to strengthen border security while facilitating entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers, making the process more efficient and convenient. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end 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. A Birth Certificate and DL are acceptable. They can end one voyage and begin boarding the next a few hours later. Card if traveling while on official orders, Traveler Program cards (SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST). before it expires. In your experience, how does that person board? Learn more about U.S. citizens passport validation cruise requirements. Look on pretty much every TA's invoice and you will see the same thing. 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. You will enjoy it. 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. 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. A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. The goal of the pier side staff is to get all passengers onboard legally. I have had two Real ID licenses from two different states.I moved. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port. 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. However, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason (e.g., for an emergency evacuation, you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States. 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. For U.S. citizens, you can enjoy traveling without a passport requirement. Are you looking to cruise without a passport? In these cases, you might need to go ashore in a country which requires a passport and/or you would need a U.S passport book to fly home. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. And yes, RCCL will allow you to cruise on U.S. Homeport "closed loop" itineraries with just a Birth Certificate and DL (Government ID). 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. Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. Not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry a passport. Passports are universally accepted because they combine identification and citizenship, whereas a driving-license-& -birth-certificate combo might get refused. I called the "Invoice" a "Contract" a few times. I did that with the page that is linked to. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. This case is closed unless something comes up to add material discussion. WebMexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. 5 things people that cruise a lot would tell first time cruisers if they could, 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. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. Passport cards cannot be used on cruises from international homeports. 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. 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. A government photo I.D. 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. What if I get hurt on excursion? This is important to know before boarding. 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. RCCL lists Columbia as one of them. in the DMV that Monday. Popular closed loop itineraries include not only the Caribbean but also the Mexican Riviera and Alaska. However I find a definite answer whether or not passports are required. We've already, Have you ever thought you wish you knew then what you know now? Photocopies are not accepted, only original documents. Even for non us citizens it is not required. Complete Guide to Closed-Loop Cruises (and Open Jaw Dont take chances that might ruin the vacation of a lifetime. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, Because international cruises in Europe and Asia require air travel, these vacations also demand a passport. Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. Recommended Reading: Cheapest Way To Cruise Alaska. This includes being ready to cover additional lodging costs, flight ticket change fees, and any other additional expenses they may incur due to the unexpected extension. 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. 3. 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. PASSPORT Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. I'm not right 100% of the time and I've proved it. 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. 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? The cruise ship takes care of the immigration process for passengers arriving in a foreign port. Looking for more tips about passports? Cruise You need a birth Certificate with a raised seal and a valid govt ID or license. Explore beautiful spots spread across Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and drink in the natural beauty only Hawaii delivers. Have to agree with @twangsteron this one, if you search the boards you will find that this very subject has been debated to death. Powered by Invision Community. U.S. citizens who do choose to travel internationally should make contingency plans, as they may have to remain in a foreign country longer than originally planned. Once again, forgive me for providing a good deed (and you know what they say about good deeds), again. Cruises that dont begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. I just looked and they have changed the language in their policy from what it was in January. But some like to see all that is published on cruise line websites in black and white. I can not and will not justify RCCL's policies. We are required to take them off in Cuba but that is the only one for us so far. Children 15 and under only need to have their U.S. birth certificate. I found what I was looking for. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. 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. It can be costly and embarrassing. Royal Caribbean Rookie Mistakes To Avoid! To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. Check before leaving. On my browser it has a "find" feature. Passport Requirements for Royal Caribbean Cruises. So, for instance, all of those round-trip cruises out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are closed-loop cruises. Citizens who are members of the NEXUS program, which expedites entry forpre-screened travelers, can present their membership as proof of identification when traveling, according to the Canadian government's website. 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? 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. The peace of mind of having the passport is worth far more than the effort to getting it. Illness or Injury Depending on the severity of your illness or injury, you may have to be admitted to a local hospital overseas. 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. 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. It was requred to be mailed to my street address as that was part of verifying residence for Real ID in those states. A passport book can get you to so many more places internationally, and in the case of an emergency on a cruise, having a passport book allows you to make unexpected travel arrangements significantly easier. 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. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. What if I dont have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States? You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. 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. As long as you're on a closed-loop cruise, youll be able to skip the passport in favor of other government-issued IDs. Not every passenger goes to the website to check for information. 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. Further, passports are also required for cruises that begin and end in different locations . And I'm talking about RCCL's policy, not any other company unless it is RCCL, or country. The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) allows you to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. All rights reserved. The words "Birth Certificate" is used 10 times. Have a plan in case you have to remain overseas longer than expected. There is also a rule called the Six Month Passport Validity Rule. 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 You May Like: Dolphin Cruises Orange Beach Al. It's a CYA blanket statement so they don't need to go through every potential variation and continuously update their website as other countries policies change. "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. Consider storing your travel documents and othervaluables in a secure spot, such as a room or ships safe. A passport is not required. 1. Have a contingency plan for returning homeif you must remain in a foreign country longer than expected. Do I need a passport to travel? Not for these destinations. Havemedical, emergency evacuation, and other. 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. Do you think they are going to list every/all unacceptable forms of ID? The cruise ship will have procedures in place for handling a crime onboard. 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. Typically, closed-loop cruises may leave from Miami, Florida, and travel to Bermuda before returning to the same port in Miami.