Hello,
I am planning for my first cruise.
I am planning to go on a 3nite cruise to the Bahamas from Florida.
I do not have a passport but did call both the cruiseline and passport office and both are telling me as long as it's a closed loop cruise,which it is, that I do not need one.
My SIL who works for the cruise line is telling me that I definitely need one.
Now I am confused.....I am going to apply for a passport tommorrow, but it may not arrive in time for my departure.
Help !!!
Some cruise lines recommend a passport in event you need to fly back mid-cruise, and to make disembarkation quicker.
Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:
U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license).
A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.
*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State
All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port)
will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see state.gov/travel
"Closed Loop" Cruises: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.
http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_sa.html
http://www.expertcruiser.com/blog/cruisers-passports-required-june-1-2009/
edit: I'm getting on my little soapbox, but EVERYONE NEEDS a passport, regardless of if you never have plans to leave the country. They are superb identification documents, and when getting jobs you can just show your passport instead of DL & SS card.
