Marriage License Carnival's Response

[Warm Breezes]

I went through Carnival's websites "Contact Us" and asked the following question:

 

I am married and use my husbands surname. My Birth Certificate has my Maiden Name and my Driver's License has my current name. I am booked under my current name. Do I need my marriage license to board?

 

This is the response I received (Note the items I highlighted):

 

Thank you for contacting Carnival Cruise Lines. We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.

 

Please bring along your Marriage Certificate as well, so it can match your booking.

 

REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

 

 

 

Carnival requires guests to provide proper travel documentation in order to travel.

The documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise and is the

responsibility of the guest. Due to the heightened level of security, Carnival is

strictly enforcing this policy. Our policy states that any guest traveling without

proper documentation will be denied boarding the ship and no refund will be

provided.

 

 

 

Citizens of U.S. Territories and Commonwealth will follow the same Travel

Documentation Requirements below. U.S. Territories and Commonwealth include: Puerto

Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John), America

Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

 

 

 

AIR TRAVEL FOR U.S CITIZENS

As of 1/23/07, all persons are required to carry a valid passport for all air travel

to or from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

 

 

 

The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning

directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S.

territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to

present a passport. San Juan, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St.

Thomas/St. John/St. Croix) are considered territories of the United States.

 

 

 

SEA TRAVEL FOR U.S CITIZENS

It is recommended that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise.

This will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to meet their ship at the first port

should they miss their scheduled embarkation and allow guests that must disembark

the ship before their cruise ends due to an emergency to fly back to the U.S without

significant delays and complications.

 

 

 

It is also recommended that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least 6

months beyond completion of travel.

 

 

 

Closed-loop cruises

 

A closed-loop cruise is one that begins and ends at the same port in the United

States. ALL Guests are required to carry proof of citizenship (such as a birth

certificate) and guests 16 years of age and older are required to have a

government-issued photo ID. Any of the WHTI-compliant documents listed below are

also acceptable.

 

 

 

 

An original Birth Certificate issued by the Department of Health and Vital

Statistics.

A certified copy of state, county or vital statistics issued birth certificate.

Guests may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate by contacting: The

Department of Health and Vital Statistics at: http://www.vitalchek.com

(http://www.vitalchek.com/)

A Government-Issued Photo I.D is required of all guests 16 years of age and older.

Sources of Photo I.D:

 

Driver's License

Driver's Permit

School/Student I.D (acceptable for guests 16/17/18 years of age)

Government-Issued identification card (city/state/federal)

 

 

 

Cruises that begin and end in different U.S ports / Cruises that begin and end in a

foreign port

 

Guests are required to carry a valid U.S passport or other recognized (and

applicable) WHTI-compliant document listed below to enter or re-enter the United

States by land or sea.

 

 

 

Cruises that originate or end in Europe

 

Guests are required to carry a valid U.S passport. It is recommended that the

passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of travel.

 

 

 

 

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative / WHTI-Compliant Documents

The goal of the WHTI is to facilitate entry for U.S and Canadian citizens and

legitimate foreign visitors, while strengthening U.S border security. Standard

documentation will enable the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and

reliably identify a traveler. WHTI will go into effect on 6/01/09 for land and sea

travel into the U.S; WHTI went into effect for air travelers on 1/23/07. The Western

Hemisphere includes: United States / Canada / Mexico / Bermuda / The Caribbean.

 

 

 

IMPORTANT: For guests on closed-loop cruises, see travel requirements listed above.

 

 

 

1) Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air,

land or sea between the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere countries.

 

 

Expired Passport: cannot be expired more than ten years from date of expiration to

cruise departure; an expired passport will only be acceptable for domestic cruise

travel completed by 5/30/09.

Guests may apply for passports at more than 4500 passport-acceptance facilities

nationwide. These include: passport agencies; courthouses; post offices; libraries.

 

New passport cost: $100 (age 16 and older); $85 (under 16).

Passport renewal cost: $75 (every ten years).

Expedite Processing fee: $60 additional (to above costs).

Carnival recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least 6

months beyond the completion of travel.

 

 

 

2) The Passport Card: U.S. citizens may present the new, limited-use, wallet-size

passport card. The passport card will only be valid for land and sea travel between

the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda. The passport card

cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.

 

 

The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S land

and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

 

It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book.

The card will have the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an

adult; five years for children 15 and younger.

First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children.

Renewal will cost $20.

 

 

 

3) State Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL): Several states are working with the

Department of Homeland Security to develop EDLs for U.S. citizens residing in their

states. These documents will denote both citizenship and identity and will contain

security features to help prevent counterfeiting and facilitate the entry process at

land and sea ports of entry. The EDL cannot be used to travel by air outside the

United States.

 

 

 

4) Original Naturalization Papers and a Government-Issued Photo I.D

 

 

 

 

 

Names on Travel Documentation

It is important that guest names on travel documents (passport, birth certificate,

etc) and Government-Issued Photo I.D be identical to those on the cruise and airline

tickets. In the event of a different name (name change), documentation supporting

this change is required.

 

Current, valid driver's license with a photo

Government-Issued identification card with a photo (city/state/federal)

Legal Name Change court document

Marriage Certificate: original or copy

 

 

If a guest is on her honeymoon and a marriage certificate is not available, the

name on the booking should read: maiden name followed by the married name; do NOT

hyphenate the names.

 

 

 

 

Unacceptable Forms of Documentation

 

 

Xeroxed or fax copies of any of the above acceptable forms of documentation.

Driver's License as the only proof.

Voter's Registration Card

Baptismal Papers

Hospital-issued birth certificate; announcement of birth from a hospital

A notarized copy of a Birth Certificate is not acceptable; this is simply a Xerox

copy of a birth certificate that a Notary has stamped.

U.S. Military I.D and a Photo I.D

A Dependent Military I.D that is issued to the spouse and children of Military

Personnel is not acceptable.

U.S. Military Discharge Papers

 

"Acknowledgement Waiver"

We no longer permit guests to sign an "Acknowledgement Waiver of Citizenship" at

Embarkation in lieu of traveling with the proper travel documentation required

above.

 

 

 

 

 

Traveling with a Minor

When traveling with a minor where both parents or legal guardians are not cruising,

we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent

parents/legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. This will expedite

processing by the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that a notarized

letter to this affect is required if debarking with children in Mexico (sailing

one-way and not returning to the cruise).

 

 

 

 

If there is anything else we can do for you please don't hesitate to ask.

 

 

 

Cordially,

 

 

 

Jason Vega

Carnival Cruise Lines

Reservation Specialist Support

Guestinfo@carnival.com

[mindymp]

I didn't read all that. But are you newly wed? What I understand is that your birth certificate and drivers license both have your maiden name? And your tickets with Carnival have your married name? Yes, bring your marriage certificate.

Do you have time to get a passport, that would make your life easier.

[Warm Breezes]

I didn't read all that. But are you newly wed? What I understand is that your birth certificate and drivers license both have your maiden name? And your tickets with Carnival have your married name? Yes, bring your marriage certificate.

Do you have time to get a passport, that would make your life easier.

 

 

No I said my DL and my boarding name are the same (my current name). My BC only has my maiden name. I was not asking about passports and will not be addressing that.

[Kurbanfan]

Same as what we already knew.........current valid drivers license with a photo is sufficient.......this is one of the documents supporting the name change.......it is right there on the list......

 

I don't know about all you guys but I had to bring my birth certificate in order to get my drivers license.....and if you need to change your name on your drivers license when you marry you need to bring your marriage cert.......

[cb at sea]

I've NEVER brought a Marriage lic/cert......no married woman's BC and DL will have "matched" names....it's the birth date they;re looking at...

It's really not needed.

[Warm Breezes]

Same as what we already knew.........current valid drivers license with a photo is sufficient.......this is one of the documents supporting the name change.......it is right there on the list......

 

I don't know about all you guys but I had to bring my birth certificate in order to get my drivers license.....and if you need to change your name on your drivers license when you marry you need to bring your marriage cert.......

 

That's what I thought when I looked at the list, but he also told me to bring my Marriage License in his opening statement. It's like their policy says one thing but they are telling passengers another. Since I can't get a straight answer, I will just take it with me. It's not like it is that big of a deal and it doesn't cost me anything to take it. Next time someone asks, I won't answer because I honestly don't think Carnival knows the answer to their own policy.

[pnjkeith]

That's what I thought when I looked at the list, but he also told me to bring my Marriage License in his opening statement. It's like their policy says one thing but they are telling passengers another. Since I can't get a straight answer, I will just take it with me. It's not like it is that big of a deal and it doesn't cost me anything to take it. Next time someone asks, I won't answer because I honestly don't think Carnival knows the answer to their own policy.

 

Whats new here?

 

Get a passport, all problems solved.

[Warm Breezes]

Whats new here?

 

Get a passport, all problems solved.

 

Again....Not talking passport....It is cheaper and easier to just take my ML along.

[zqvol]

Same as what we already knew.........current valid drivers license with a photo is sufficient.......this is one of the documents supporting the name change.......it is right there on the list......

 

I don't know about all you guys but I had to bring my birth certificate in order to get my drivers license.....and if you need to change your name on your drivers license when you marry you need to bring your marriage cert.......

 

No it is not. Carnival clearly told her to bring a marriage certificate.

 

Why do you insist on disagreeing?

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Again....Not talking passport....It is cheaper and easier to just take my ML along.

 

but what if your transportation on the way back to the ship gets a flat and the jack is broke and you miss the ship. You'll be stuck in a foreign country forever.:D

 

Bill

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Whats new here?

 

Get a passport, all problems solved.

 

and leave your autotips in place.;)

 

Bill

[pnjkeith]

and leave your autotips in place.;)

 

Bill

 

Hehe, you can remove them if you need the money to buy a passport.

[Crusin6]

and leave your autotips in place.;)

 

Bill

And don't smoke on the balcony....and it is OK to give your young children a 1AM curfew because there are no criminals on the ship.

 

 

Did I miss anything?:D

[jburk]

Well now this first timer is totally paranoid....had to call the county clerk's office today to see how to get a copy of the marriage license since I threw mine away by accident several years ago. It's $6 and a 15 minute wait to receive it on the spot. Sure beats walking away from that ship w/ my tail between my legs and my eyes filled w/ tears. :(

 

~j

[chuck5605]

And don't smoke on the balcony....and it is OK to give your young children a 1AM curfew because there are no criminals on the ship.

 

 

Did I miss anything?:D

 

You forgot to mention Rum runners and the expensive drinks on the ship.

[Kurbanfan]

No it is not. Carnival clearly told her to bring a marriage certificate.

 

Why do you insist on disagreeing?

 

Because if you would have read what Carnival said....which she posted was.....In the event of different name change... documentation supporting the name change is required....the list is:

 

Current, valid driver's license with a photo

Government-Issued identification card with a photo (city/state/federal)

Legal Name Change court document

Marriage Certificate: original or copy

 

 

DO YOU GET IT NOW:confused:

[ChrissyM_Cruiser]

Just bring the marriage certificate. You may or may not be asked to show it based upon who you get as a check-in agent, I've had both. (pre-passport days).

 

It will alleviate tons of stress to just have it ready to present. And after all, you're probably going on vacation to relax, so...

[jkbec1]

Why are so many people against getting a passport? Their value over the long run far exceed the initial cost. Plus its the only documentation you will ever need when traveling, not to mention it makes getting on the ship faster.

 

The only reason that I could see not getting a passport is that you have a criminal record that prevents you from getting one.:eek:

[Warm Breezes]

Ok. I replied to my e-mail with the following response:

 

Jason,

 

Can you help understand this a little more? Your answer seems to

contradict with the document you sent. You wrote:

 

"Please bring along your Marriage Certificate as well, so it can match your

booking."

 

But the document said:

 

"Names on Travel Documentation

It is important that guest names on travel documents (passport, birth certificate, etc) and Government-Issued Photo I.D be identical to those of the cruise and airline tickets. In the event of a different name (name change), documentation supporting this change is required.

 

 

Current, valid driver's license with a photo

Government-Issued identification card with a photo (city/state/federal)

Legal Name Change court document

Marriage Certificate: original or copy"

 

According to the document a "current, valid driver's license with a photo" is on the same list as "Marriage Certificate: original or copy" as acceptable supporting documentation. As I said in my original e-mail, my driver's license (which is current, valid, and with a photo) has my current name on it, which is the same name I booked under. Doesn't that mean that it is a supporting document just like a marriage certificate would be and that I won't need to bring my marriage certificate?

 

Sorry to bother you with this. I'm just trying to understand why I am being told to bring a marriage license when the documentation seems to be saying I am ok with just my birth certificate and driver's license. FYI...I have never been asked for my marriage license on my previous 6 cruises (3 with Carnival), but I have been hearing stories of women who have been asked for them when their driver's license matched their booked name on Cruise Critic. I'm just trying to understand the reason behind this, since the documentation says you just need "Current, valid driver's license with a photo" to support a name change.

 

Thanks for your time in helping me understand this.

I'll post his answer when I get it. I wish I could a straight answer explaining this. These conflicting ones are too confusing for everyone.

[MrPete]

.... Or the cost of one.

 

BTW, it's not as hard as one may think to get back into the country if you get stranded outside the country and don't have a passport.

[zqvol]

Because if you would have read what Carnival said....which she posted was.....In the event of different name change... documentation supporting the name change is required....the list is:

 

Current, valid driver's license with a photo

Government-Issued identification card with a photo (city/state/federal)

Legal Name Change court document

Marriage Certificate: original or copy

 

 

DO YOU GET IT NOW:confused:

 

:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

 

Carnival said if the name on the BC is different than on the ID bring a marriage license or some other document to explain why it is change.

 

Most of us get it some don't.

 

Ladies - Carnival controls who gets on the ship. Not someone on these boards. To avoid disappointment, either travel with a passport, or bring something that shows why the name on your BC is different than your current name. That is a lot easier than being denied boarding.

[Warm Breezes]

Why are so many people against getting a passport? Their value over the long run far exceed the initial cost. Plus its the only documentation you will ever need when traveling, not to mention it makes getting on the ship faster.

 

The only reason that I could see not getting a passport is that you have a criminal record that prevents you from getting one.:eek:

 

Please stop trying to bring passports into this issue. We are trying to get a question answered that has NOTHING to do with PASSPORTS. If a person has one or not is none of your business... nor is their reason for their not having one (although I would think a criminal record is not a reason for the majority who don't.) There are many, many married women who sail with just their driver's license and birth certificate. This is legal and acceptable by our government. We want to get an answer to our question that is clear and not in conflict with the supporting documentation. I don't think that is asking too much. We are NOT asking about PASSPORTS.

[Warm Breezes]

:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

 

Carnival said if the name on the BC is different than on the ID bring a marriage license or some other document to explain why it is change.

 

Most of us get it some don't.

 

Ladies - Carnival controls who gets on the ship. Not someone on these boards. To avoid disappointment, either travel with a passport, or bring something that shows why the name on your BC is different than your current name. That is a lot easier than being denied boarding.

 

But their supporting document said a current, valid driver's license with a photo was a supporting document just like a marriage license. I can totally understand the confusion. They say one thing and support it with another.

[jkbec1]

Please stop trying to bring passports into this issue. We are trying to get a question answered that has NOTHING to do with PASSPORTS. If a person has one or not is none of your business... nor is their reason for their not having one (although I would think a criminal record is not a reason for the majority who don't.) There are many, many married women who sail with just their driver's license and birth certificate. This is legal and acceptable by our government. We want to get an answer to our question that is clear and not in conflict with the supporting documentation. I don't think that is asking too much. We are NOT asking about PASSPORTS.

 

I think I must have hit a nerve with you.

 

Furthermore, why on earth would you question what Carnival told you? You have the information, go with it. The people on this Board, while they provide very good information are not the ultimate authority on what Carnival will or will not except in letting you on the ship. Any information you receive is anecdotal at best.

[Warm Breezes]

I think I must have hit a nerve with you.

 

Furthermore, why on earth would you question what Carnival told you? You have the information, go with it. The people on this Board, while they provide very good information are not the ultimate authority on what Carnival will or will not except in letting you on the ship. Any information you receive is anecdotal at best.

 

I'm questioning it because they say one thing and support it with information that conflicts with what they say....so I don't understand why they are saying it....I'm only trying to understand what they are telling me. I know people on this board are not the authority (otherwise I would be listening to all of you who are insisting I get a passport:rolleyes:). The reason I am questioning Carnival is because they are the ones who decide what you need to get on the ship. When their answers conflict with their supporting documentation, I believe that is cause to question them some more.