For those unfamiliar with the term, we discuss what a closed-loop cruise is. 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. Don't get me wrong, I do believe you have a good argument and you may get away with it, they'll take pity on you. . 2023 www.jsonline.com. United States maritime law states that non-U.S. flagged ships must make at least one stop at a foreign port. Have a contingency plan for returning homeif you must remain in a foreign country longer than expected. Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that dont require passports. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? For cruise passengers driving to their port, their vehicle will be available when they disembark. 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. Dont Miss: Royal Caribbean New Years Cruise. So, why list them.? The goal of the pier side staff is to get all passengers onboard legally. Convenience is the main reason that people take closed-loop cruises. 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. 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. We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City, and occasionally Norfolk. I don't know. If you use a "Passport" it must meet the minimum requirements. Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . For those on the Visa Waiver Program, you can use the I-94W (your immigration stamp received when first entering the United States) when you re-enter at disembarkment. If you miss your ship at a port, you will need to find a way to catch up to the cruise or return home. 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. LockA locked padlock The left has no idea what the right is doing. "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. Perhaps Pennsylvania uses a different verification of address but not everyone in the US can walk out with a Real ID licence. Im hoping someone has traveled to these ports without a passport and can comment with their outcome. If you are a US citizen and are doing a closed loop cruise , then you do NOT need a passport at this time. But, I try. Paste as plain text instead, Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment. However, using your train of thought, should I think something is allowed or not allowed because it isn't on the "Cruise Contract"? In your experience, how does that person board? If any of you came to me with a valid US passport that was still valid by the end of your closed loop cruise I would embark you. It has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. In neither state was I able to walk out with it. Some countries may require mandatory quarantine on arrival if a case of COVID-19 is identified aboard your cruise ship. Why? 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. 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. Your cruise Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. 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. We DO NOT require passports for The Bahamas if flying from Canada. Powered by Invision Community. For that, you need only a birth certificate and a drivers license . A lock ( You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. 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. The supervisors know what will and won't be accepted by CBP. This was before the pandemic, so they were able to go to the regional passport office and get a same day replacement passport. If you are flying directly to or from your cruise vacation, please enter the airport name or This is an RCCL policy. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. That does not mean it is required on every cruise. I would politely let you know that your passport was about to expire, but for the purposes of your closed loop cruise, it still works. Do you think they are going to list every/all unacceptable forms of ID? It can be costly and embarrassing. Damage to cruise ship Occasionally cruise ships are damaged or have mechanical issues that cannot be fixed during your trip. Of course, if you are traveling internationally, U.S. citizens will 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. Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. Better to be safe than sorry get a passport if you do not have one. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 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. But it doesn't say that a passport with less than 6 months remaining will also be accepted does it? 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. A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port is considered a closed loop. 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. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. VisaCentral can obtain a passport in as little as 48 hours. I always advise people to call the cruise line and confirm documentation with them. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. Closed-loop cruises make financial sense for cruise lines as well as passengers. in the DMV that Monday. Are you looking to cruise without a passport? As usual, I'd hate to be the one or cause someone else by not providing what is the written policy. 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. New applicants can expect to spend $130 for a passport book, plus a $35 acceptance fee. "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. When you arrive back in Seattle or San Francisco, take time to explore those cities for even more vacation fun. 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. 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. Passports for Canadian Citizens travelling to the US only need to be valid for the length of their stay. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. They dont need to go to another location. TheWestern Hemisphere Travel Initiative(WHTI) requires you to travel with a valid passport (including infants). But some like to see all that is published on cruise line websites in black and white. 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. Worth Reading: What Is a Transatlantic Cruise? Your link has been automatically embedded. 2. You must remain on the ship if you dont have your 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 This includes payment for hotels, restaurants, taxis, souvenir shops, etc. But, the title of this thread includes and is limited to "Close Loop" cruises. 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. 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. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. You need a birth Certificate with a raised seal and a valid govt ID or license. What if I dont have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States? You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. More on that coming up! 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. 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. These types of cruises are becoming more common with cruise lines. Have to agree with @twangsteron this one, if you search the boards you will find that this very subject has been debated to death. For closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: Starting and ending in Seattle or San Francisco, an Alaskan cruise takes you to charming waterfront cities and villages like Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Pasted as rich text. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! If you arent a Lawful Permanent Resident or a U.S. citizen, you must provide appropriate documentation to prove your citizenship, including a passport. A closed-loop cruise is a sort of loop-hole in the passport requirement for a cruise. 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. 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. 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. 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. What types of documents are accepted for entry into the United States via air? Passport card. Additionally, vacation planning for guests booking round-trip flights is also made easier. A government photo I.D. Cruises that depart from and then return to the same U.S. port and visit only Canada, Mexico, and/or the islands of the Caribbean are called closed-loop cruises. Join. As long as you book a closed loop cruise, you can travel to certain destinations without a passport. Also airports and cruise terminals are accustomed to processing a passport. Is a contract a policy? The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. Also, it is advisable to always travel with some form of identification. There is also a rule called the Six Month Passport Validity Rule. The passport book is more durable for multiple trips. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. This is often the case for Mediterranean cruises that visit, but dont embark or debark in, Egypt. if 16 years of age or older, And a certified birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization. Securing a passport can be a hassle. 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. No kidding. Hell no! BTW, I just looked at my so-called "Invoices" and they aren't even that, it's a "Booking Confirmation". For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents. 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. 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. That should make you think instead of having a one track mind on this subject. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. 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. Ensure shore excursions and purchases comply withU.S. regulations. Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS If you need to obtain a passport quickly, please contact VisaCentral at 844-834-5702 and reference account 75006 for discounted VisaCentral service fees. For U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), you must have your photo ID plus your Permanent Resident Card (I-551/Green Card). So I understand this is considered a closed loop cruise. First time cruiser and Im stressing about required travel documentation. 5. Whether RCI will let you board with whatever documants depends on the itinerary. As long as you're on a closed-loop cruise, youll be able to skip the passport in favor of other government-issued IDs. I can not and will not justify RCCL's policies. For me, the peace of mind of a passport far outweighs bringing a birth certificate and ID along with you. Wanna Feel Good About The World? Here are some examples: Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. 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? Here's what to know and how to renew it. 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. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop I just looked and they have changed the language in their policy from what it was in January. For additional passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov. 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.". Ships cannot depart Fort Lauderdale and return to Miami, even though both ports are in Florida. 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. 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. We flew and sailed this past March and my wife's expired 5 months from the date we sailed. And there is a big difference. It's not a "Contract", at least according to you. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! Travelers on closed-loop cruises sailings that depart and end at the same U.S. portand travel within the Western Hemisphere do not need a passport, according to Customs and Border Protection. However, it is recommended that you take it with you since you may need it at foreign ports or in case of an emergency. I guess we have dialed this down to what the definition of is is. Further, passports are also required for cruises that begin and end in different locations . This is the most popular summer travel destination:According to Google Flights, Unlimited cruises:Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass. 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. By 1. If you are a U.S. citizen and cruising out of the United States , then you do not need a passport. Something that I guarantee you nobody in his group planned on! RCCL lists Columbia as one of them. Photocopies are not accepted, only original documents.