Do we need a passport?

[moesyk4]

My husband and I were hoping to find a cruise where we wouldn't need to purchase passports, which may not be possible (I'm not sure about being in international waters). Anyways, we were looking at sailing on the Celebrity Summit from San Diego to Hawaii, but we noticed it stops in Ensenada for one hour in the middle of the night. Would we need to get a passport for this trip?

[bububr]

Its best to have a passport because you will need one regardless in a few years.

 

At this time, If you didn't have a passport and an emergency happened where you had to be flown in from a non-US port you would be denied entry. Beginning in a couple of years all passengers on domestic flights will be required to have one. Think of it as an investment. And a safety precaution.

 

Your best bet is to call X directly and see what their policy will be when you plan your cruise.

 

My last cruise my passport had to have an expiration date no earlier than 6 months from the end of the trip. This is also stated in their literature.

 

Dave:eek:

[tuggers]

Bite the bullet. Get a passport. You will need one next year for cruises and right now you need it for air. It's no big deal and it will be good for 9 and 1/2 years.

[Goofyisme]

Beginning in a couple of years all passengers on domestic flights will be required to have one.

 

Dave:eek:

 

What is your source for this statement?

[aaerobear]

Passports will not be required for domestic flights. That is simply not the case.

 

Ed

[theduffys]

Passports will not be required for domestic flights. That is simply not the case.

 

Ed

You are right--not yet anyway. However, I do believe that a passport will soon become our required "identity" card.

[raudacruise]

As long as you have all the necessary docs its easier to get a passport than a drivers license. Costs a bit more but its good for 10 years (shorter time for kids) vs. depending on your state drivers license for around 4 years. And renewing is very/very simple.

 

You can find all the info at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

 

They have PDF fill in forms so it really isnt all that painful. Finding that birth certificate might be the hard part.

[Moeve]

Why would it not be possible for you to get passports?? Sorry I am just confused...

[charlielinda]

Having a passport is a good thing to have regardless of if you need it for this upcoming trip. You may or might not need it for this trip but imagine the opportunities it can open for you once you have it.

[chessbriar]

The only cruise where you might be able to get away without having one would be the 7 night Hawaii cruises on NCL. They are all American ports. They are the only company that has ships that pass the Jones Act. All other cruises and ships have to hit at least one foreign port. The 10 night NCL Hawaii cruises even hit a foreign port. If it goes to a foreign port you are leaving the country even if you don't step off the ship.

[dkjretired]

however could someone possibly answer the woman's question. You are all preaching about the passports which is a good thing but no one has answered her question. I don't know the answer except to tell her to call Celebrity.

[theduffys]

Here is the info from the Clebrity web site. It would seem that for this year, at least, a passport is not required for the cruise to Hawaii from Calif.

Cruise Travel

As early as January 1, 2008, subject to U.S. Government amendment, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

 

Until that time, the following travel document requirements apply:

 

International Travel

• A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America.

 

Domestic Travel

• For domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended.

• In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required.

• A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.

• Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.

Our Recommendation

(Insert Brand Name) strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship’s departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons.

Guests who cruise in or after January 2007, who need to fly to the United States before their cruise ends will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them.

For additional passport information visit www.travel.state.gov. Or if you prefer, contact Passport Express at www.passportservices.com/celebrity) for applications and assistance.

Non-U.S. Citizens