dmannion95

2 hours ago, sparks1093 said:

True enough and the OP did not explicitly identify themselves as a US citizen, but since the OP did quote from the rules for a US citizen it is a reasonable presumption. If the OP happens to be reading the rules incorrectly for their situation that's on them.

Both of us are US citizens. Sorry for the confusion.

23 minutes ago, capriccio said:

When in doubt, check the State Department's website!

 

Antigua: Those traveling to Antigua and Barbuda on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. However, we strongly recommend visitors obtain a passport before travel in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires a cruise passenger to disembark and return by air.  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/AntiguaandBarbuda.html

 

St. Kitts:  Caribbean cruises that begin and end in the United States (closed loop cruises) do not require that you travel with a valid passport.  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/FrenchWestIndies.html.html?wcmmode=disabled

 

So you can use a valid US passport (valid as of the day of re-entry into the US) or WHTI compliant documents (drivers license plus original birth certificate).

Very helpful. Thank you!

25 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

I went on a Caribbean cruise with less than six month because I had so many cruises stacked I could not time one to have six months.
 

As you mentioned you could take a birth certificate. It is not technically, it is actually allowed on that closed loop itinerary. If you are worried about it take a birth certificate as backup. You won’t need it but that seems to makes some people feel better for some reason. 

Antigua and St. Kitts specifically state 180 days post departure needed. Did you go to either of those ports on your sub 6 months trip? Thank you for the tips!

1 hour ago, 1025cruise said:

You'll be fine.

Appreciate the input. What makes you sure? Have you encountered a similar situation?

On 5/18/2023 at 9:45 AM, Kellie in Texas said:

My mother is still waiting on her passport renewal. Mailed it in February. In the mean time, they've already been on their cruise; fortunately, she was able to use her birth certificate. 

I am in a similar predicament. Did your moms cruise leave a US port and return to the same US port? Was it a Caribbean cruise? My NCL cruise is coming up and my wifes passport expires in 5 months, opposed to the "required" 6 months 

Help! I leave with my wife on the NCL Sky on 11/17/23 (18 days from now). It's out of Miami and goes to Dominican, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts, US Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas before returning back to Miami. On their website, it says if you leave from a US port and return to that same US port on a Caribbean cruise, you could technically board with your birth certificate AND license. My wife has a passport that expires in April, which is less than 6 months away... I have seen mixed reviews on this, but have read multiple posts saying people have done similar cruises with 3 months left etc. and had no issue. The option here is to SUPER expedite a passport renewal through VisaCentral (recommended by NCL) for $1,000 or basically just let it ride and take the risk. Community, please advise! Have any of your traveled and had no issue? It is worth noting that Antigua specifically says your passport must be valid for 180 days following departure date. St. Kitts says "must have 6 months validity at entry." Am I screwed??