Passport Question

[newhampshiregirl]

We are sailing on the Voyager on Feb 25 (can't wait). We sent in passport renewals for son and husband the first week of January. When I went to the state dept. website for 3+ days to check the status online using last 4digits of social security # and last name, birthdate etc, I get an error message. One time it said the site was down for maintenance. Does anyone have any other info on how to check the status.

 

We did put the date of departure on the applications and we still have 35 days to go, but getting concerned.

Thanks

[rjg41]

You time allowed may be a little tight considering how busy they are. If you are US Citizens, not to worry assuming that they have certified copies of their birth certificates and you DH has a gov't issued ID like a drivers license. A minor does not need the picture ID. For Caribbean cruises you are ok until year end.

[Happy ks]

National Passport Information Center

1-877-487-2778

[zotzer]

You can use expired passports. From the Royal Caribbean website:

 

"Domestic Sailing Requirements:

U.S. Citizens: A passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended as it will speed-up your check-in formalities as well as your departure procedures with government officials" and

 

"For your protection,

we recommend that your passport expiration date not occur within six (6) months of the sailing termination date."

 

Tracy

[springtxbill]

If you do not have another copy of the official bc for each person, go ahead and get one soon in case the passport does not get back you will be covered.

[Sheffie]

A minor does not need the picture ID.

 

Just a minor point: if they are 16 or older, they will need a government issued birth certificate and picture ID. Under 16 is okay with just the government issued birth certificate.

 

Good luck tracking down the passports!

[Charlie2na]

Website goes down pretty regularly.....keep trying

[cruisinfanatic]

You can use expired passports. From the Royal Caribbean website:

 

"Domestic Sailing Requirements:

U.S. Citizens: A passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended as it will speed-up your check-in formalities as well as your departure procedures with government officials" and

 

"For your protection,

we recommend that your passport expiration date not occur within six (6) months of the sailing termination date."

 

Tracy

They don't have them. Were sent in for renewel.

[cruisin granny]

It has taken 9 weeks for my husband's new passpaort. It is "supposedly" in the mail now. The best time to call the office is early morning -opens 7:00 AM ET or mid afternoon. I have called once a week for the last 3 weeks. Supposedly the office had problems with a new bank but has them resolved. Good luck.

[cruisin granny]

My Husband's passport just arrived. Keep trying. You can also expedite it for a fee & it will be there in 2 weeks.

[newhampshiregirl]

Thank you everyone. I will try calling the passport office on Monday morning!