MSC MERAVIGLIA to Ocean Cay with kids, passport question

[Kuzzinpaul]

I reserved with my MSC concierge and asked that before I commit, I need to know that if my 6 kids does not need a passport. She said they do not; their birth certificate will suffice.  My wife and I have passports. I tried to do the web check in and when it comes to my kids,  it asked for their passport or ID. I can't continue checking in without filing them in. What do I do,? This is our first cruise. 

[Essiesmom]

As long as you have their official birth certificates, you are good to go.  If any are 16 or older, they will need a govt issued picture ID, such as driver’s license, school ID, etc.  if you visit the MSC board here there is a recent thread about this.  EM

Edited November 14, 2022 by Essiesmom

[Morgsmom]

If it is a closed loop cruise you do NOT need a passport. Good luck with SIX kids 🤔

 

[kelleherdl]

22 hours ago, Kuzzinpaul said:

I reserved with my MSC concierge and asked that before I commit, I need to know that if my 6 kids does not need a passport. She said they do not; their birth certificate will suffice.  My wife and I have passports. I tried to do the web check in and when it comes to my kids,  it asked for their passport or ID. I can't continue checking in without filing them in. What do I do,? This is our first cruise. 

Please be patient with the terminal check-in agent. I understand there are a few extra steps for guests with birth certificates. Not a big deal, but it does take a little more time as birth certificates can’t be scanned in like passports. 

 

A little trick I learned from another guest which may work for you. It is possible to enter any Id number into the spaces for the birth certificate guests. This will allow you to get past those steps to complete online check-in. The numbers that are needed must be manually entered by the check-in agent at the port anyway.  Obviously, this only applies for US closed-loop cruises which permit US citizens to travel with birth certificates. Enjoy the cruise.

[cruiseguyinorl]

2 hours ago, kelleherdl said:

It is possible to enter any Id number into the spaces for the birth certificate guests.

I have always used nine 9's and any random date in the future and it worked fine.