Lshriver Posted September 26, 2020 #1 Share Posted September 26, 2020 Can I use birth certificates as my kids’ documentation for getting on the msc Armonia?? The reason I’m asking is because under my account to fill out passenger info is only the option of passport or National ID (what is that?). My husband and I have passports but not my kids. On Carnival they used birth certificates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmas gran Posted September 27, 2020 #2 Share Posted September 27, 2020 As MSC is European owned the rules may be different from Carnival or Royal Caribbean I suggest you or your travel agent check with MSC and get the reply in writing. It would be terrible if you turned up at the port and denied boarding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyank Posted September 27, 2020 #3 Share Posted September 27, 2020 8 hours ago, Lshriver said: Can I use birth certificates as my kids’ documentation for getting on the msc Armonia?? The reason I’m asking is because under my account to fill out passenger info is only the option of passport or National ID (what is that?). My husband and I have passports but not my kids. On Carnival they used birth certificates. According to MSC customer service this morning, 27 September, "MSC does not accept birth certificates as proof of identity for boarding" To answer your other question about ID's, many european countries provide national ID cards to citizens or residents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lshriver Posted September 27, 2020 Author #4 Share Posted September 27, 2020 Ok interesting, thank you! I may call myself to just be sure but it sounds like I have to get them passports! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homosassa Posted September 28, 2020 #5 Share Posted September 28, 2020 Also, when I was on the Armonia in March 2020, the on board procedures for disease control was strict. One mother was particularly upset because her child who was allowed on board ship with "just a cold, no fever," was refused the use of the onboard children's program. Also, at least one family that was the next table over from us were placed into quarantine when both one of the children and the mother identified as being unwell at dinner on the second night of the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lshriver Posted September 28, 2020 Author #6 Share Posted September 28, 2020 Thank you for all your info! We have only been on one cruise and it was carnival so we are newbies. We only ever used the Children’s program for our kids. They are too little to roam the ship anyway to do the other activities on their own and I didn’t know Carnival allowed that. We hope they enjoy the children’s program on the Armonia but mostly we plan on being at the pool area/Splash pad and two days in Ocean Cay! We eat meals with them anyway so I’m not worried about that and we really do use this as a “family” vacation. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reedprincess Posted September 28, 2020 #7 Share Posted September 28, 2020 On 9/26/2020 at 6:02 PM, Lshriver said: Can I use birth certificates as my kids’ documentation for getting on the msc Armonia?? The reason I’m asking is because under my account to fill out passenger info is only the option of passport or National ID (what is that?). My husband and I have passports but not my kids. On Carnival they used birth certificates. FWIW - passport is the #1 document of choice. However, currently, it is still local for US citizens on closed loop cruises from a US port that visit solely WHTI countries are still quite fine to use a certified state birth certificate and government issued photo ID, and any bridge docs if one has had a name change. MSC follows the laws in the countries they are ported in, just like other lines. Lots of people have been just fine on various US departures with BC and photo ID. Of course, 100% completely recommended and advised to get a passport. If there is any type of emergency while you're off on your cruise, you'll need to work with the nearest US consulate to get emergency documents issued so you can fly if needed. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homosassa Posted September 28, 2020 #8 Share Posted September 28, 2020 3 hours ago, Lshriver said: Thank you for all your info! We have only been on one cruise and it was carnival so we are newbies. We only ever used the Children’s program for our kids. They are too little to roam the ship anyway to do the other activities on their own and I didn’t know Carnival allowed that. We hope they enjoy the children’s program on the Armonia but mostly we plan on being at the pool area/Splash pad and two days in Ocean Cay! We eat meals with them anyway so I’m not worried about that and we really do use this as a “family” vacation. Thanks! As you do plan to have a "family" vacation, you will love MSC. MSC also usually has things such as strollers and children's toys available for borrowing. I don't know where the location is on the Armonia for this equipment. As I said, I was eyeing the children's area in the pool and, an added bonus on the Armonia, the gelato is free (stand located just aft of pool area, the children's section is on the forward end of the pool area). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Essiesmom Posted September 29, 2020 #9 Share Posted September 29, 2020 7 hours ago, reedprincess said: FWIW - passport is the #1 document of choice. However, currently, it is still local for US citizens on closed loop cruises from a US port that visit solely WHTI countries are still quite fine to use a certified state birth certificate and government issued photo ID, and any bridge docs if one has had a name change. MSC follows the laws in the countries they are ported in, just like other lines. Lots of people have been just fine on various US departures with BC and photo ID. Of course, 100% completely recommended and advised to get a passport. If there is any type of emergency while you're off on your cruise, you'll need to work with the nearest US consulate to get emergency documents issued so you can fly if needed. Enjoy. While this is true, it is the option of the cruise line to require all guests to have passports. Many of the premium/luxury lines do this. EM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reedprincess Posted October 1, 2020 #10 Share Posted October 1, 2020 On 9/28/2020 at 11:36 PM, Essiesmom said: While this is true, it is the option of the cruise line to require all guests to have passports. Many of the premium/luxury lines do this. EM Which lines supersede US law and requires a passport on US closed loop departures to WHTI countries? Thanks. And FWIW, MSC is neither a premium nor luxury line, and is 100% (or at least has been prior to the halt in operations ) in line with my post.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseguyinorl Posted October 2, 2020 #11 Share Posted October 2, 2020 11 hours ago, reedprincess said: Which lines supersede US law and requires a passport on US closed loop departures to WHTI countries? Thanks. Virgin Voyages requires a passport. According to CBP, it is within their right to do so. Can speak from personal experience with this one. Can't speak for other lines. On 9/27/2020 at 3:04 AM, crazyank said: According to MSC customer service this morning, 27 September, "MSC does not accept birth certificates as proof of identity for boarding" To answer your other question about ID's, many european countries provide national ID cards to citizens or residents. This may be true for European sailings. However, per the Director of USA Operations, MSC Cruises USA operating in the Caribbean does not supersede the CBP requirements which can be a Birth Certificate (plus photo ID if 16 or older), assuming it is a roundtrip sailing. BTW, this is the department that physically approves boarding documents at the pier and coordinates with CBP if not in compliance.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyank Posted October 2, 2020 #12 Share Posted October 2, 2020 1 hour ago, cruiseguyinorl said: This may be true for European sailings. However, per the Director of USA Operations, MSC Cruises USA operating in the Caribbean does not supersede the CBP requirements which can be a Birth Certificate (plus photo ID if 16 or older), assuming it is a roundtrip sailing. BTW, this is the department that physically approves boarding documents at the pier and coordinates with CBP if not in compliance.. OK, have it your way. but answer a couple questions, how old is your info? What I posted was less than two hours old when I posted it. Also, if Virgin requires a passport what makes you think MSC can't/won't? Policies change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Essiesmom Posted October 2, 2020 #13 Share Posted October 2, 2020 20 hours ago, reedprincess said: Which lines supersede US law and requires a passport on US closed loop departures to WHTI countries? Thanks. And FWIW, MSC is neither a premium nor luxury line, and is 100% (or at least has been prior to the halt in operations ) in line with my post.. From a well know online travel agency: The following cruise lines require a passport for all sailings, regardless of destination or port of departure: Azamara, Crystal, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Oceania, P&O, Paul Gauguin, Regent, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, Star Clippers and Windstar. Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean cruises that visit islands in the French West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin and Saint Barts) require a valid passport regardless of departure port. I don't think the part about Saint Martin is correct unless you are docking on the French side. And we were never asked about passports when crossing from Dutch to French side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homosassa Posted October 2, 2020 #14 Share Posted October 2, 2020 One also needs to be careful of the itinerary that the OP might be sailing. As I have been on MSC closed loop cruises that call in ports that require passports for cruise ship passengers, a passport could very well be required for their cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homosassa Posted October 2, 2020 #15 Share Posted October 2, 2020 An addition to Essiesmom's post, Holland America also requires passports of any adult traveling alone with children and for the children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmas gran Posted October 2, 2020 #16 Share Posted October 2, 2020 All the discussion about this, it seems the safest way is get passports Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lshriver Posted October 2, 2020 Author #17 Share Posted October 2, 2020 I don't know but when I try to go into my MSC cruise account and put in my family's info the only options I have for on-board documentation is either a National ID or passport. So if it would include birth certificate wouldn't it say it there?? We are already looking into passports. Thanks for your input! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Hlitner Posted October 3, 2020 #18 Share Posted October 3, 2020 On 10/1/2020 at 2:37 PM, reedprincess said: Which lines supersede US law and requires a passport on US closed loop departures to WHTI countries? Thanks. And FWIW, MSC is neither a premium nor luxury line, and is 100% (or at least has been prior to the halt in operations ) in line with my post.. Oceania is another cruise line that requires "all passengers" to have a valid Passport. As to MSC's category I think one could say it depends on what "MSC Experience" you choose. For those of us who elect the Yacht Club it is something akin to a luxury line while those in other Experiences might class it as something akin to Carnival. Hank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starfish the second Posted October 5, 2020 #19 Share Posted October 5, 2020 We have sailed MSC from Miami with just birth certificates on their web site you can find the info 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homosassa Posted October 5, 2020 #20 Share Posted October 5, 2020 2 hours ago, starfish the second said: We have sailed MSC from Miami with just birth certificates on their web site you can find the info Have you read the thread. If so, you would have learned that your experience may not hold true for the OP's cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuzzinpaul Posted November 14, 2022 #21 Share Posted November 14, 2022 So what happened? Do they take birth certificate? My wife and have passports but our 6 kids do not. 37 days away from embarkation. My MSC Concierge said BC is fine for my kids. Only going to Ocean Cay. Can't do the web check in because it asks for passport or ID for my kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcpagejr Posted November 14, 2022 #22 Share Posted November 14, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, Kuzzinpaul said: So what happened? Do they take birth certificate? My wife and have passports but our 6 kids do not. 37 days away from embarkation. My MSC Concierge said BC is fine for my kids. Only going to Ocean Cay. Can't do the web check in because it asks for passport or ID for my kids. Yes BC's are fine if your on a closed loop cruise to carribean departing from FL. We have cruised MSC 2x in past and both my wife and I used BC and DL for ID purposes...and BC for my preteen grandson. Note: if any of your children are 16 or over they will also need a state issued photo ID Edited November 14, 2022 by lcpagejr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jessab Posted December 7, 2022 #23 Share Posted December 7, 2022 On 11/14/2022 at 12:44 AM, lcpagejr said: Yes BC's are fine if your on a closed loop cruise to carribean departing from FL. We have cruised MSC 2x in past and both my wife and I used BC and DL for ID purposes...and BC for my preteen grandson. Note: if any of your children are 16 or over they will also need a state issued photo ID Hi. I booked a cruise on msc assuming it was fine to use my birth certificate. However I'm having trouble printing my boarding pass online and I wonder how you inputted the documents for web check in. There are only passports and national IDs as choices, so I checked national ID and put my driver's license in. I wonder if that is why I can't print the boarding pass. Can you please explain how it worked for you? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelleherdl Posted December 7, 2022 #24 Share Posted December 7, 2022 Folks. You will be fine if you can’t print your eTicket. You will just need to complete the health questionnaire for each guest at checkin. It does add a few minutes, but it will not keep you from either going through security or checking in at the terminal. As others have mentioned before you can just enter a series of 9’s for the passport number and that will often get you through online checkin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbrown111 Posted January 10, 2023 #25 Share Posted January 10, 2023 On 12/7/2022 at 2:16 AM, Jessab said: Hi. I booked a cruise on msc assuming it was fine to use my birth certificate. However I'm having trouble printing my boarding pass online and I wonder how you inputted the documents for web check in. There are only passports and national IDs as choices, so I checked national ID and put my driver's license in. I wonder if that is why I can't print the boarding pass. Can you please explain how it worked for you? Did you have any issues with traveling without passport? I am in the same situation with MSC and the customer service has been no help after several phone calls. I have only sailed carnival so I have no experience with MSC. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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