slicksun

I've actually been through this scenario because my husband used to be a green card holder (he now has dual citizenship.) The passport is extremely IMPORTANT and without a valid one, I doubt this woman will be allowed to board the ship. Many times, even with my husband's valid passport and green card, we were held aboard the ship in port while his passport cleared immigration at various islands. So yes, various ports in the Caribbean DO CHECK the passports of foreign nationals. The most problematic port we encountered was in Venezuala where we were held up for over an hour waiting for his passport to be processed by their immigration people.

 

What many people don't realize is that the green card doesn't mean squat to other countries. Without a valid passport the woman could be deported. This means, she can be put on a plane back to the Philippines.

Wouldn't be surprised that you had trouble in Venezuela....

If you know anything about world politics Chavez considered the U.S. an enemy state. I wouldn't even go and I'm a U.S. citizen. He's no longer in power but I'm sure the new regime is a carryover of the old values.

That being said I'm going to take my chances and risk her getting deported back to the Philippines LOL.

Too many nightmare stories of these types of misunderstandings and the Cruiselines giving out bad info.

 

 

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k. great advice. you've been most helpful.

i just called royal.

they said she is good to go with a green card because it's a closed loop and she is allowed to embark and disembark on all of the stops as well.

they said i worry too much and enjoy my vacay.

You need to think about the cruise line letting you board in the first place - forget "...the smaller islands...". The relaxed documentation (birth certificate and photo ID) may not apply to a Green Card holder. Have you contacted a Phillipines consulate to discuss the situation? - and not just shrug off the three months estimate given upon application.

you have to physically go there to apply for a renewal.

there is no special person to talk to for an expedited passport. I'm a U.S. Citizen and I always am surprised how lackadaisical every single process is for her dealing with the Philippines government (outside of the passport process). We even brought our plane tickets and they said too bad and just told us to wait.

Their illustration board at the office said 6-8 weeks but they told us 3 months ...They must be accounting for the holiday swoon.

Kind of off topic but we met an old couple that drove from Ohio to Chicago because it was the nearest consulate. Ridiculous that they make everyone show up in person.

Link to site:

 

"For immigration purposes, traveling from the continental United States to Puerto Rico does not constitute an exit from the U.S. as long as the flight goes directly from any state to Puerto Rico. Likewise, when coming to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico, travelers do not have to go through Immigration, as long as the flight comes directly from Puerto Rico to any state.

 

However, as in any other U.S. state or territory, immigration enforcement agencies have the authority to interview people to verify legal status. It is a legal requirement for aliens lawfully present in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, to be in possession of the appropriate visa or official documentation establishing their legal immigration status.

 

Arriving in Puerto Rico from a foreign country is the same as arriving in any other part of the U.S. Therefore, persons who are not U.S. citizens, or alien residents traveling to Puerto Rico from any other country, should contact the U.S. State Department* about visa and other requirements for entry into the U.S. ( www.state.gov/travel/)"

 

Since you are traveling to a US commonwealth country, consider yourself as having dodged a bullet.

thanks

I cant see the smaller islands giving us a hassle about coming back on board especially with a green card and illinois license.

I don't see them hassling cruisers to be honest.

If the passport comes in time we'll be thankful but we'll do without if it doesnt come.

Hi,

Very specific question.

I already booked a cruise I guess I shouldve waited until this was all sorted out.

Here are the circumstances.

1. My fiancee is a U.S. Perm Resident i.e. Green card holder with a Philippines expired passport expired late 2012. She applied yesterday for a new one but they said up to 3 months and have no expedited services.

2. Traveling from Chicago to San Juan on feb 7.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findac...ilDate=1150207

3. We didnt have any problems from a cruise in Miami to Bahamas before with an expired passport.

4. Does she need a passport?

I hear both yes and no when searching through google. I was just thinking she could bring all of her docs including the expired passport, green card, renewal of passport receipts, birth cert, driver's license etc and we would be good. Is my logic flawed?

TIA

how do i get in on this? i plan on cruising more in the future.

i just finished my 1st ever cruise on rci and I didnt feel like i was getting anything. Pit bosses gave me some stares but none offered me anything. There were swings of +1500 to -1500 in a given session. Played for at least 6-7 hours everyday for 3 days.

They gave me some paltry raffle tickets for a cruise which I felt was an insult.

Do these cruise offers and the $400-$600 comps only goto high limit players?

I consider myself a mid level player. $25-$50 hand average in blackjack. $50-$100 a spin in roulette.