royal caribbean closed loop cruise passport requirements

Citizenship and Immigration Services. By Thanks for the help! Convenience. The EDL isonly accepted at land and sea border crossings, not for air travel. It's not a "Contract", at least according to you. American citizens do, however, need: Keep in mind that, while you may not need a passport to embark on a closed-loop cruise and return home, you might need it to enter certain countries along the way. A NEXUS application processing fee costs $50 for a five-year membership, and children under 18 can apply with no fee. Leave one copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry one separately from your actual documents. The opportunities for adventure on a Caribbean cruise are endless. WebApply early for your passport, or make sure your current one will be valid at least six months beyond your travel dates and has two or more blank pages. Don't get me wrong, I do believe you have a good argument and you may get away with it, they'll take pity on you. (Columbia is the one I know does require 6 months even for cruise passengers, don't book a cruise going to Columbia without meeting that requirement). Original certificate of U.S. naturalization, U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad. A closed loop cruise is a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. Dont let your lack of a passport stop you. If you are a US citizen and are doing a closed loop cruise , then you do NOT need a passport at this time. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government issued driver's license, picture ID, denoting photo, name, and date of birth. So if you're sailing it will get you onto a closed loop cruise but if you are outside the US, even if in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, you can't use it fly back to the US. Explore beautiful spots spread across Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and drink in the natural beauty only Hawaii delivers. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. For U.S. citizens, you can enjoy traveling without a passport requirement. Different rules will apply if you are an LPR. I actually had a relative be denied at the airline ticket counter because their passport had less than 6 months left on it (they were trying to fly to England at Christmas). For U.S. citizens, passports are not required for all cruises. It can be costly and embarrassing. The peace of mind of having the passport is worth far more than the effort to getting it. The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. You can post now and register later. But, RCCL doesn't cruise there, so no need to list it. If you are flying internationally you still need a passport. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Consider a cruise. Having a passport on a cruise means not just an easier embarkation and disembarkation process, but it protects you against an unexpected situation that may occur during the course of a cruise, such as: Certainly many guests will cruise without a passport and likely not run into any issues. This includes payment for hotels, restaurants, taxis, souvenir shops, etc. Your previous content has been restored. One couple had planned a closed-loop cruise from Baltimore, and they mistakenly believed they only needed their drivers licenses to board. With soft-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and pastel-colored British colonial architecture, the Bahamian capital of Nassau makes a popular port of call for cruisers. I suspect that the language changed with the introduction of the new cruise contract that was just released. Remain vigilantand exercise normal precautions aboard a cruise ship and on shore, as you would whenever traveling abroad. What is written on the invoice that is personslized to every guest with the details of their booking and a link to yje guest contract certainly takes precedence over a blanket statement in a FAQ's section. Birth certificate may be enough for the ship but will not help you in another country and will add a frustration to an already frustrating situation. . Routine wait times for a passport are anywhere from 10 to 13 weeks, according to the State Department. Many countries outside of North America do require a passport and visas are even required where they apply. Depart from the Californian cities of San Francisco, San Diego or Long Beach for a quick but memorable cruise to the Baja Peninsula in northern Mexico. Most closed loop cruises from the US do not visit any countries that require a passport, much less 6 month post travel validity, or is waived for cruise passengers. And there is a big difference. Consular Information Frequently Asked Questions, Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage, Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia Travel Options Out of Russia, FIFA Womens World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. Citizens of the United States dont require passports on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. So I understand this is considered a closed loop cruise. You never can plan an illness or an injury and never know when you may need the appropriate documentation. But, the policy is the policy. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Drivers License , a government-issued birth certificate, a passport card, or a passport. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Took me exactly 56 minutes for the entire processin the DMV that Monday. Securing a passport can be a hassle. It is for travelers who are not going to leave the country by airplane, and plan to only leave the United States via land or sea. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. It makes a port of All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid passports and US visas. There are many perks for passengers and cruise lines that offer closed-loop cruises. On my browser it has a "find" feature. Children may need just a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, but not a passport or photo ID. RCCL lists Columbia as one of them. It's one reason I had the various links of information available. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. What is the goal of requiring secure documents? These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City, and occasionally Norfolk. Additionally, vacation planning for guests booking round-trip flights is also made easier. WebHeres an example of a closed-loop cruise itinerary that starts and ends in a United States Cruise Port: A 4-night cruise departs from the Port of Miami in Florida. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port. For me, the peace of mind of a passport far outweighs bringing a birth certificate and ID along with you. And what is your take on the issue presented here, lost ID. Birth certificate + government-issued photo ID*. Waited too long to get a passport? It is our preference to carry them anytime we are outside of USA, just in case. Youll be glad you did. Even though youll be sailing on a no-passport-required cruise, youre still required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification: Proof of Citizenship AND Government-issued photo ID. Passports are universally accepted because they combine identification and citizenship, whereas a driving-license-& -birth-certificate combo might get refused. Okay, the horse is dead enough, again. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection saysU.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can enter or depart a country on the cruise with proof of citizenship, but some destination countries "may require" a passport. It was requred to be mailed to my street address as that was part of verifying residence for Real ID in those states. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. Because as far as the State Department is concerned, adults are anyone 16 and up. However, it is recommended that you take it with you since you may need it at foreign ports or in case of an emergency. I am only posting RCCL's written policy. In these cases, you might need to go ashore in a country which requires a passport and/or you would need a U.S passport book to fly home. The last 3 have nothing to do with this. What their procedures are in case ofemergency. Check with the destination countrys embassy or consulate about local laws regarding your prescribed medicines. For U.S. citizens, a passport is not required for closed loop cruises. When embarking on adventures by sea that dont require a passport, make sure you have the proper cruise documentation. Carry awritten copy of all your prescriptionswith you in case a country requires it, or you need to replace your medications. Ensure cabin safety and make sure thedoor and balcony are properly lockedat all times. Additionally,the State Departmentsaystravelers under 16 do not need a passport to enter Canada; they need only proof of U.S. citizenship. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. They may require different documentation for entry. If you are cruising with kids under age 16 on a closed-loop cruise, you'll need to bring a certified copy of their original birth certificate for identification. They do not need a photo ID. On your booking confirmation that goes out to every passenger who books it clearly states recommended. Thanks for your response, but I already knew all this. Cruises that depart from and then return to the same U.S. port and visit only Canada, Mexico, and/or the islands of the Caribbean are called closed-loop cruises. If someone couldn't produce anything showing their name and photo (old passport, old DL, Costco card, employment ID, etc), then they probably would be denied boarding. While we do recommend having a passport just in case, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations. So, for instance, all of those round-trip cruises out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are closed-loop cruises. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status. Plenty of cruisers make these sailings without a passport and without any trouble using just their driving license and birth certificate. What about an Canadian? Do you think they are going to list every/all unacceptable forms of ID? 1. In this case, you would need a U.S. passport to fly home upon clearance from your doctor. All rights reserved. When it comes to domestic cruises, nothing beats a trip to Hawaii. The passport is good for 10 years. Go on a Cruise. If youre looking for a different kind of cruise, explore parts of New England and Canada with New York City as an exciting starting and ending point. Consider storing your travel documents and othervaluables in a secure spot, such as a room or ships safe. I found what I was looking for. Also required is the original copy of your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status. Check before leaving. Be aware you can not fly internationally without a passport so if something happened mid-cruise and you needed to fly home, you couldn't. WebMariner of the Seas is experimenting with a complimentary embarkation day lunch to help alleviate demand in Windjammer. WebU.S. Some countries might refuse to dock your ship or allow passengers to disembark. No kidding. Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. You are assuming that what is written in their FAQ's is policy. The passport card is an option the United States government provides that is a lower cost alternative to the passport book. Yeah, I walked out with my Real ID in Jan. 2020 (I went to a REAL ID Center), but not all PA DMV can print them. Regardless, we always recommend traveling with a U.S. passport book, in case there are any inconveniences during your trip. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. We flew and sailed this past March and my wife's expired 5 months from the date we sailed. Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. The birth certificate contains details about you that could be used to steal your identity more readily than the passport. Caribbean, Alaskan, and Mexican cruises are extremely popular. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. I think we all know that RCCL's, et al, have a hard time keeping up with their own hands. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. 4. To qualify as a round-trip cruise departing from the U.S., the cruise ship needs to meet a specific criterion. How family members cancontact you in an emergency, such as cell or satellite phone coverage and/or an e-mail address for emergencies. You are also right, "itinerary" has a lot to do with the documents required/acceptable. For U.S. citizens, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. If you look at Roysls site it says recommends and not requires. We would need something to convince us that the person standing in front of us is truly who they say (and their BC) says they are. WebUnder such conditions, guests will need to present (a) a valid passport (b) a Royal Caribbean Cruises tour ticket and (c) one photocopy of passport page showing guest picture and personal information to the Russian Immigration officer as they depart the ship. It is recommended that passports are taken with you on the cruise as you may need them at a foreign port of call. Additionally, there must be a destination to a foreign location to qualify as a closed-loop cruise. Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Frequently Asked Questions. While the passport card may protect you against certain scenarios and is superior to not having a passport at all, getting a passport book not only provides more coverage (such as flying internationally), but it allows you to travel beyond simply cruises. It is discussed somewhere in the government's websites and it just states that some countries require 3 or 6 months. The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. If you take a closed-loop cruise to Bermuda, you can leave your passport at home and travel instead with a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate. New applicants can expect to spend $130 for a passport book, plus a $35 acceptance fee. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. 27 days ago. Most cruises beginning and ending in the same location are considered "closed-loop," meaning they begin and end at the same port in the United States and travel within the Western Hemisphere. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. Always bring your passportin case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port in an emergency, even if your cruise says you wont need it. I always advise people to call the cruise line and confirm documentation with them. It also includes: Passports can be used as your form of identification but the fact that they arent mandatory is why closed-loop cruises are popular. Clear editor. But, if you are using other than a BC and DL, you must use a Passport and it must meet RCCL's minimum requirements, by policy (note, I didn't say what you can get away with). Certain destinations, such as China and Russia, may require visas for arrival into the country by air or independent exploration ashore. The concern without having a passport is if an emergency occurs, only an official passport will allow you to easily and quickly fly from a foreign port to another port and/or back home. Lawful permanent residents must continue to present a valid Permanent Resident Card. When traveling on a closed-loop cruise in the Caribbean, you dont need a passport, but if you choose to travel without one, you will need BOTH a valid US drivers license and an original birth certificate. A closed-loop cruise is a sort of loop-hole in the passport requirement for a cruise. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was launched in 2009 by the United States government. In the Eastern Caribbean, find dream destinations like Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. As Britains oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. If the Canadian passport was accepted for entry to the US at the border by our US CBP (and that Canadian was standing in front of me at a US terminal to get on a closed loop cruise), as long as that passport was valid for at least a day after the cruise, they would be embarked. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. I just looked and they have changed the language in their policy from what it was in January. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. 2. If any of you came to me with a valid US passport that was still valid by the end of your closed loop cruise I would embark you. Cruise ships usually sail under a foreign flag. Whether RCI will let you board with whatever documants depends on the itinerary. Some countries do require 6 months so they are covering themselves. Note the use of the word "recommend", Yes, that's exactly where I went - the one next to Home Depot. Although there are some situations where passports are not strictly necessary, it is better to be safe than sorry. Application processing takes 12 to 14 months,according to the Department of Homeland Security. The cruise ship takes care of the immigration process for passengers arriving in a foreign port. When traveling outside of the U.S. a passport is always recommended, but cruises are the exception to the rule. https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx, pastel-colored British colonial architecture, Things to Do in Los Angeles: Before or After Your Cruise. If under 16, a U.S. citizen can present their birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or consular birth report abroad. Make colorcopiesof your passport photo page, foreign visas, and itinerary. We checked with a few lines for you. All closed-loop cruises embark accept any of the following WHTI-permitted forms of US identification: a passport card, Enhanced Drivers License, Trusted Traveler Program ID (FAST, SENRI, and Nexus), or an I-872 American Additionally, if travels need to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, you will need a passport. you board a cruise ship in San Diego, California, sail through the Panama Canal (stopping at a foreign port during the cruise), and end the cruise in Miami, Florida, you have not taken a closed loop cruise. For all other nationalities, a passport is generally required to cruise. This case is closed unless something comes up to add material discussion. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. before it expires. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a I'm not Joe or Mary but an actual person here on CC, so please read my comment above. No. Havemedical, emergency evacuation, and other. I traveled internationally on a cruise with Royal with a passport that had five months left because the year when I renewed I had a lot of travel and that was the best window. I've been to most Caribbean popular ports of call and I have never heard that a Passport is even required to get in. February 16, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Discussion. U.S. citizens traveling on closed-loop cruises to either Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean can travel with the following documentation: First, how old is the child in question? Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, I don't know. A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. U.S. citizens who do choose to travel internationally should make contingency plans, as they may have to remain in a foreign country longer than originally planned. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. Corporate legalese v boots on the ground, real life, local best practices. More on that coming up! For those who have a longing to escape to a tropical destination or attend an exciting Alaskan adventure yet dont have a valid passport, you may want to consider a closed-loop cruise. You can find this information on the govt website.. just search for closed loop cruise requirements. But, I try. Official websites use .gov Few years ago we were in Belize doing an excursion in Belize, tubing through the caves (Darknight I believe it was) and we also went through the forrest in the mountains. The island does not require a passport among U.S. citizens. It is what it is. Also, it is advisable to always travel with some form of identification. Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. 91. r/royalcaribbean. That's not the purpose of my post. The passport book is more durable for multiple trips. You might be wondering if you should get the passport card vs book. Theyprovide travelers with a low-cost, convenient alternative for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. If you miss your ship at a port, you will need to find a way to catch up to the cruise or return home. in the DMV that Monday. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Web"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. At the time I was looking it definitely stated recommended as we knew that my wife's passport expired. You must remain on the ship if you dont have your passport. Because they didnt have their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship, they werent permitted to board and they werent eligible for a refund.2, Recommended Reading: Ncl Los Angeles Cruise Port. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop By But some like to see all that is published on cruise line websites in black and white. 2. I've used my passport before for employment to satisfy both requirements in one document rather than the usual social security card and drivers license. We will be traveling with Royal Caribbean in May. The exact travel documentation required depends on what citizenship you hold, as well as where your cruise is sailing from and to. Closed-loop cruises are the primary exceptions to the rule that those arriving in the U.S. by sea need passports. When you come ashore, followlocal laws and customs. Again, keep in mind, we are talking about close loop cruises, I can tell you that Cuba is one of them too. WebMexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. Passport cards cannot be used on cruises from international homeports. In a nutshell, a passport card is a plastic card that can fit into a wallet and are accepted for land and sea border crossings betweenthe U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Convenience is the main reason that people take closed-loop cruises. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. Canadian and U.S. children under 16 must only present birth certificates (notarized, original, or certified copy), Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, Certificates of Naturalization, or proof of citizenship. I don't think so. For that, you need only a birth certificate and a drivers license . ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. Canadian citizens travelling by air to the United States must present one of the following documents: This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, including children, travelling by air to or even just transiting through the United States. There is also a rule called the Six Month Passport Validity Rule. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. But, the title of this thread includes and is limited to "Close Loop" cruises. A government photo I.D. This is longer than any other ID in the USA and it proves both identity AND citizenship. Display as a link instead, Of course, if you are traveling internationally, U.S. citizens will need a passport. 3. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Something that I guarantee you nobody in his group planned on! Recommended Reading: Cheapest Way To Cruise Alaska. For this reason, Alaskan itineraries include visits somewhere in Canada, and there arent a lot of Hawaii cruises. BTW, there is no 6 month requirement given by the U.S. Government. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Wanna Feel Good About The World? This is the most popular summer travel destination:According to Google Flights, Unlimited cruises:Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass. According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Citizens can enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo I.D., including: U.S. Passport Passport Card Birth Certificate Enhanced Drivers License The concern without having a passport is if an emergency occurs, only an official passport will allow you to easily and quickly fly from a foreign port to another port and/or back home. Worth Reading: What Is a Transatlantic Cruise? Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. The card is ok to fly within the US as a Real ID. I guess we have dialed this down to what the definition of is is. I'm sure they're accustomed to a birth certificate as well but my brain believes they're more accustomed to a passport. Travelers who do not have a passport can apply for a NEXUS cardbut will be able to use it at land or marine crossings only, not airports. They are not going to list every country and itinerary because there are multiple possibilities so they publish a general statement of what is acceptable. Citizens who are members of the NEXUS program, which expedites entry forpre-screened travelers, can present their membership as proof of identification when traveling, according to the Canadian government's website. I can't think of any Close Loop sailings that RCCL goes to that has a 6-month requirement, other than possibly Columbia. Consider downloading thisCruise Ship Travel Tips PDFto take with you while you travel. God forbid something should happen to you in the Bahamas and you cant get back on board of the ship you will need your passport to get off the island. It is the only reliable travel document for international travel. I'm not saying that I do or don't agree with it. BTW, if you look hard enough, you'll find which countries require 6-month expiration. From Caribbean destinations to closed-loop travel, here are the spots Americans can go without a passport. lucy pearman husband, m16a1 trapdoor stock, is the bay filey a good investment,

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