Do I need a Passport to Cruise?

One of the most frequently asked question by United States cruisers is... Do I need a Passport to cruise?  The answer in most cases is yes!  There are some cases where a passport is not required. This depends mainly on the cruise line and the port of call, but most times a cruise that begins and ends in the same US port will not require the use of a passport.  Other forms of documentation would be accepted like a government issued I.D. card and an original birth certificate with a raised seal or original Naturalization Certificate.  

Does this mean you should not have a passport?  Absolutly not!  A passport may not be required to go to places like the Bahamas, most places in the Caribbean, and Alaska, that said, it is strongly recommended!  What if you miss your cruise?    Or you have an injury and you are forced to stay in the city/country you were vacationing in?  How will you get back into the United States?  There are places that will help you in that instance, however they are very time consuming and often costly.  Until a resolution is met, you will not be able to enter back into the United States.

It is always best to err on the side of caution and not only have a Valid passport, but also make sure that it will not expire for at least 6 months after your cruise returns to the Untied States.  Depending on your port of call, it may be required that your passport is valid 6 months after your scheduled return.   For more informtion on passports, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

It can take a solid 6-8 weeks to apply for and receive your passport.  Even if you have it rushed it can still take weeks to arrive.  If you are planning on traveling in the near future, please apply for your passport.  Failure to present proper documentation at any cruise terminal, will result in the cruise passenger not being able to travel.  This is at the expense of the customer and is not covered by most travel protection. 

Advantages of Travelling with a Passport

• A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document
• Passports are required for entry into most foreign countries - please check the entry and exit requirements for each country you travel to prior to leaving.
• Unlike a birth certificate or driver’s license, your passport can be replaced if lost, damaged, or inaccessible during the course of your trip
• Passports also ensure full access to your funds while travelling, as they are often required for financial or legal transactions

Should you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at 814-682-7232.  Thank you for reading this post.  I look forward to helping you build your next ultimate vacation!   www.dantonresuta.cruiseshipcenters.com