Do I Really Need A Passport To Take A Cruise Here In The US?

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     Lately, this question is being asked of us quite often.  Additionally, we are seeing it asked frequently in the Facebook cruise groups we belong to.  So we thought this would be a good opportunity to address this question.

 

     “Do I really need a passport to take a cruise here in the US?”  Well the answer to that question is twofold – there is a legal component and a practical answer, which are different.  For the sake of this article, this information only applies to US Citizens.  If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident or a Foreign National, different rules and regulations will apply.  Contact us directly to discuss your special needs.

 

     Most cruises in the US are considered “Closed Loop” cruises. What does that mean?  That means your cruise begins and ends at the same port in the US.  For example, a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise that embarks and disembarks in Fort Lauderdale is a “closed loop” cruise.  If, on the other hand, you take a Panama Canal cruise that embarks in San Diego and then disembarks in Fort Lauderdale, you have NOT taken a “closed loop” cruise and the following information does not apply.  As of June 1, 2009, you will need a passport – including one for infants – for cruises that are NOT “closed loop” cruises.

 

     US Citizens on “closed loop” cruises will be able to enter or depart the US on the cruise with proof of US citizenship, such as an original or copy of his/her birth certificate and, if 16 years of age or older, a government issued photo ID.  The birth certificate must be one that is issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born.  A hospital certificate of birth is not acceptable.

 

     However, it could be possible that one or more of the stops (countries) along your itinerary would require you to have a passport to enter their country.  In that scenario, you would be required to travel with a passport. 

 

     That’s the “legal” answer to the question.  Now … let’s go over the more practical answer.  While you may be perfectly legal to cruise on a “closed loop” cruise without a passport, we strongly recommend against this.  Why do we say this?  Here are two scenarios where not having a passport can cost you dearly in extra expenses, delays enroute and extra emotional distress. 

 

Scenario one:  You and your family arrive at the airport for your flight to Fort Lauderdale to start your 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise.  Your flight is delayed for several hours because of mechanical issues.  This means you will miss your connection and therefore not arrive in Fort Lauderdale in time to board the cruise ship before it departs.  The airline says it will fly you to the first port of call, which is Nassau, so that you can board the ship – albeit a day into your cruise vacation.  The airline asks for everyone’s passports because a passport is required for any international flight.  Since you have no passports, the airline cannot assist you any further as you cannot fly internationally without passports.

 

Scenario two:  You and your family are on your Western Caribbean cruise and you get a message from home that there is an emergency and you need to return home as soon as possible.  The cruise line disembarks you in Jamaica so you can fly home.  Unfortunately, without passports you cannot fly home.  You now have to go in person to the US Embassy and make an emergency application for passports at considerable expense.  Additionally, it takes a couple of days for the emergency passports which is extra time for stress to build and for expenses to accumulate. 

 

     These are just two possible scenarios that can, and have, occurred to people while on cruises.  The overwhelming reason given for not wanting to get passports is the cost.  Keep in mind a passport, in most cases, is good for 10 years.  So by time you divide the passport cost by 10 years, the yearly cost is minimal considering it’s another form of insurance for peace of mind in case of any difficulties or emergencies that may occur during your cruise vacation.  So, while you were perfectly legal to take a “closed loop” cruise without a passport, the fact that you didn’t have one created extra time, stress and expenses should your plans change at the last minute.   

 

     We have been in the travel business for over 20 years.  We are equipped to assist you with your vacation no matter the size of your group – we can handle it all.  When you are ready to take your next cruise vacation please contact us at Cruise Planners of Kansas City and one of our knowledgeable agents will help you plan a trip to remember.