We all know there is an exception to every rule and needing a passport for a cruise is no exception! However, there are some very strong reasons why you should travel with a valid passport when you take your next cruise. Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of the U.S. and Canada, who enter or re-enter the United States by air, land or sea. There is a notable exception pertaining to this rule for land and sea crossings for U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens sailing on closed loop sailings (those that begin and end in the same U.S. port) and traveling to destinations in Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda, are allowed to travel with a valid certified birth certificate with raised seal and a government issued photo I.D.
However, all major cruise lines STRONGLY recommend that all guests travel with a passport that is valid for at least six (6) months beyond the end of the cruise for the following reasons:
- Guests may need to fly to a port of call if they missed embarkation.
- Guests may need to fly home during the cruise for medical, personal or business emergencies.
- Involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct or other reasons.
- Guests who miss the ship’s scheduled departure in ports of call.
- Guests may be required to present a passport in some ports of call to disembark the ship.
Just do it…get your passport. Passports are the ticket to your travel dreams. Travel is the ultimate education tool for learning about destinations, cultures, people and, most importantly, ourselves. Travel gives you perspective and a different understanding of the world.
For more information on obtaining a passport visit http://travel.state.gov/passport. Once you have your passport, make a copy of the inside cover and carry it with you on your next trip somewhere other than where you carry your passport. In case you lose your passport, having a copy will make it much easier to replace. We hope you enjoy discovering the world….we know we have!
TRAVEL SMART…GET A PASSPORT!!!
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