Passports

[reaman]

With the new guide lines for passports, do I still need to get passports for my cruise next April. My cruise is out of Tampa for a Western Carribbean cruise. I'm driving to port unless I can get a reasonable flights between now and then. Just trying to save the cost of passports for everyone in our family if I don't have to buy them for this cruise.

[Arubalisa]

The deadline for requirement of mandatory passports for cruise passengers has been extended.

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

 

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

 

Contact your cruise line to see specifically what proof they would like to see.

[Arubalisa]

Darn double post...

[wrp96]

Depends on your cruiseline. As of now Royal Caribbean is still requiring passports for next year, but some other cruiseline's aren't.

[creek42]

Though the time frame has been extended for cruises, you might want to think about a possible emergency while on the cruise! If you where to have to leave the ship due to a home emergency to fly home, you can not board a flight with out a passport! we went ahead a got ours for this reason. between applying for and receiving it in the mail was 3 weeks.

[Travel luv]

Yes..we debated this issue for a few months as well, but later decided to go ahead and get our passports. Too many crazy things going on in the world. Figured might as well go ahead and get them, since we will eventually need them any way. Just makes traveling so much easier. We spent the money..and now we don't even miss it.