From East Coast ports, cruise ships visit the Yucatan Peninsulas Costa Maya and the island of Cozumel in the Caribbean Sea. Floridas ports of Miami, Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale), and Port Canaveral (about an hour east of Orlando) offer the majority of closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas. Unlock big savings up to 30% off + more on Carnival sailings with Cruises.com with all the cruise line offers and more. Turns out, in order to fly back to the US, you need a passport no matter what age. Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. With COVID-19 protocols still in place, you may need to show your vaccination card and even proof of a booster shot, depending on your cruise line. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Once you're settled in your cabin, you can lock up your jewelry, passport, wallet and other valuable items that will fit into the safe. In that case, it's a good idea to pack a few extra meds for that unexpected headache or mild case of heartburn. In case something goes wrong while traveling, you'll want to carry a printed list of emergency contacts and their phone numbers, as well as contact information for your doctor, credit card companies and bank, and the local embassies or consulates for the countries you're visiting. Paper copies are helpful backups, especially when Wi-Fi is spotty or your phone runs out of juice. Cookie Notice It depends on a few different factors. Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification, proof of your booking number and boarding information, and confirmation that you aren't ill. You must present these upon arrival at the port. There's no definitive answer -- and it can be confusing. (Beware of corkage fees on some lines if youd rather bring your special bottle to dinner.). From mega-ships to smaller expedition vessels, theres a voyage for every type of traveler. That is to say, without the correct ID, your trip outside the US can become a nightmare. Offer ends 5/3/23. Book your next Carnival Cruise and combine your VIFP loyalty benefits, plus our exclusive offer! You are required to show valid documents to gain entry into the US. If you're cruising with children, you'll want to toss entertainment and snack options in your carry-on to keep them happy in the check-in line and on the ship until the rest of the luggage arrives. If you're still waiting for your bag to arrive just before sailaway or at the dinner hour, it won't be a problem if you've planned ahead and packed a change of clothing in your carry-on. The check-in process should be mostly seamless, so you don't want to be fidgeting around looking for everything when it's your turn to step up to the counter. You'll also be less likely to lose your card while youre juggling your carry-on luggage, cruise documents, phone and other items in the terminal. Pack all necessary travel documents in your carry-on luggage so you have them on hand when needed. A variety of documents are accepted as proof of citizenship, including a state-certified U.S. birth certificate. A portable phone charger is also a great idea to bring on vacation, especially if you'll be using your smartphone as your camera during your cruise. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Typically, when you arrive at the pier, you give your larger suitcases to the porters, who bring guest luggage on board en masse for the crew to deliver to your cabin door. Adults who are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with them are required to present the child's valid passport and visa or the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy) and an original notarized letter signed by at least one of the child's parents. If you're ready to stretch your legs after a long flight and get in some exercise time at the gym, pack a pair of athletic shoes, socks and workout gear in the bag you bring on the ship. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023, All rights reserved, Cruising Know It All, Royal Caribbean Drops Future Cruise Credit Expiration Dates. Check here before booking an award fare. Some staterooms have very modest-size safes and others can accommodate a small laptop. You can put off finishing for a few days. Passport info and credit card info for sign and sail account, unless they are using cash. At the time of writing, some of the most popular destinations which require UK cruisers to obtain some form of visa include India, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Australia and Russia. Your email address will not be published. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Required fields are marked *. Australian residents must provide Government issued photo I.D or a Passport. Suggestion: when the time comes that you can do online checkin, go into each booking and choose the desired time. TPG has answers: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Make photocopies of the information page of your passport or passport card, the front and back of your driver's license and birth certificate (if using it for a closed-loop voyage), and the front and back of each credit card. We just checked in and I showed the VeriFLY app that I had completed and approved. Powered by Invision Community. This post will give tips for completing the online check-in process as well as discuss getting your boarding pass. The check-in process can be intimidating if you haven't gone through it before. For new and featured blog posts and articles please like us on Facebook! . Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document OR a validated birth certificate issue after July 1, 2010 AND a . The pandemic brought us a new form of travel document that may impact your next cruise. U.S. citizens on cruises in the Western Hemisphere that originate and terminate in the same U.S. port are required to have proof of citizenship such as a valid U.S. passport or a government issued birth certificate combined with a government issued photo I.D. The Hawaiian islands are about 3,700 miles from the West Coast, so cruises from the mainland to Hawaii and back involve four or five days at sea in each direction. Ditto the Above: Once you set the check in time for each BOOKING Number, sit back and relax for a few minutes. For "closed-loop" cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: A boarding pass; A government photo I.D. It is also recommended that you carry any medication that you may need with you in your carry on. Gear up for a successful and stress-free embarkation day, and make sure you have all the necessary items on hand and ready to go with this guide. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year. Consular report of your birth abroad. Royal Caribbean has a two-bottle maximum for wine and Champagne with no corkage fee if you imbibe in your stateroom. Posted 15 minutes ago. Some people prefer their own products to those available on the ship. or call 877-559-4875 and identify yourself as a Carnival Cruise Line guest. And also no. Acceptable Forms of ID Domestic US Cruises*. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Check here before booking an award fare. Ports to the Bahamas, Mexico, and More, 10 of the Best Cruises for Solo Travelers at Any Age, 10 Amazing Ways to See the U.S. by Cruise Ship, The Best Bahamas Cruises for Island Hopping and Optimal Onboard Fun, These 8 Cruises Make It Easy to Explore Hawaii on Your Next Vacation, 12 Amazing Cruises You Can Book Now for 2021. For that reason, citizens of the United States can use a U.S. passport card as a form of identification to enter Jamaican borders when arriving by sea. #2. Most cruise line alcohol policies permit you to bring Champagne or wine on board the ship. Some cruise lines will ask you to complete a paper form at the terminal on embarkation day, while others will allow you to complete it a few hours before you arrive. Do I need to bring my drivers license on a cruise? The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to present a valid passport or other approved document that establishes the bearers identity and citizenship to enter or reenter the United States. The first thing to remember is that you always want to carry the proper documents for your trip to avoid disastrous consequences. I booked three cabins for my extended family. Departure ports for closed-loop Caribbean cruises include Tampa, Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Baltimore, New Orleans, and New York City. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Park Hyatt Tokyo will close in 2024 for a much-needed, year-long remodel. The links below will supply you with important information on the Carnival embarkation process. Talk to the security personnel on board if you are the victim of a crime. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The cruise lines really want all passengers to board, but they have to have confidence that the citizenship documents that we accept at check-in, or that are referred to our supervisors or to the documentation officer, would pass muster with the CBP Officers. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. It depends on the cruise line. By the time you have finished that, you will know exactly what you will need from the others. Royal Caribbeans seven-night Southern Caribbean Holiday cruise embarks in San Juan and visits Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, St. Vincent, and St. Maarten. The majority of closed-loop cruises to Alaska originate and return to Seattle. US citizens entering the United States must have one of the following types of travel documents to enter: On a closed-loop cruise (for example, departing and arriving at the same port), you can show a birth certificate and a government ID. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Its always good to review the necessary documents and make sure you have everything in order before your trip. They just need the passport number, dates of issue and expiration, and the government entity that issued the passport. August 20, 2002. Travel Documents Required For Cruise-Only Sometimes the best price cruises, are the 2-night 3 day cruises that port at the Bahamas allowing you a full day of excursions off of the ship. Cruising is back after a few years of rough seas, figuratively speaking. Boarding a cruise ship isn't like boarding a city bus or hopping on the subway. Whether you need to work while you're on board the ship or you're able to disconnect for part or all of your cruise, it's advisable to keep your electronic devices with you so they don't get lost, stolen or damaged. You can follow her daily exploits, both at sea and on land, on Instagram or Twitter @slyjabroni. Consider storing your travel documents and other valuables in a secure spot, such as a room or ship's safe. Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings . If this applies to you, check with your cruise line to find out which travel documents to prepare for your visits to these countries. Even costume jewelry can be pricey, so keep it with you in the luggage that you carry on board. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. U.S. PassportPassport CardState Enhanced Driver's LicenseCertificate of U.S. NaturalizationNative American IndiansFor cruises that begin and end in a US port- US citizens can show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate issued by a government agency and accompanied by government-issued photo identification. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Lots of visits to the embassy, cancelled flights, extra hotel costs. This post will give tips for completing the online check-in process as well as discuss getting your boarding pass. Whether you need a passport depends on numerous factors, including where you embark and disembark the ship, where you're sailing to and which line you're cruising with. The good news is that you can cruise to quite a few popular destinations without a passport, including Alaska, the Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, and New England. These copies won't replace the real things, but they could help to speed up the process if you have to procure replacements. Similar to what you'd need for a flight, a cruise boarding pass is the document that shows you've checked in for your sailing, set up an onboard charge account for purchases and chosen a boarding time. If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport. The type of documentation or ID your child needs in order to sail varies based on the itinerary, your mode of travel to your homeport, who your child is sailing with and even the . The cruises must be "closed-loop," meaning they begin and end at the same U.S. port. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. From West Coast ports, destinations along the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez include Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatln, Manzanillo, Loreto, La Paz, Guaymas, and Topolobampo. Mention 'Carnival Account 75020' for discounted rates on service fees. Having these easily accessible ensures you'll know what to do if you have an emergency, lose your passport or find a hold on your travel funds. If you're driving to your embarkation port, you can attach the tags before you leave home. What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money? Located 570 miles east of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is a convenient cruise destination from the East Coast ports of New York City, Baltimore, Charleston, Boston, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Norfolk, Virginia. No problem here are cruises you can take without a passport. Plus, should the unthinkable happen and your luggage never arrives, youll be as prepared as you can be. If not, big trouble, big fines, and someone can lose their job. Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. If you arrive without a boarding pass, don't worry. When you come ashore, follow local laws and customs. We will be traveling together and some are elderly and they don't use a computer. Still need help? More banned items: What not to pack for a cruise. If youve been thinking about a cruise perhaps you received an invitation from a friend to join an upcoming trip, or you noticed a last-minute cruise bargain youll want to make sure you have all of your travel documents ready to go. American citizens may opt. Official US Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID, like a drivers license or an identity card. Permanent Residents, Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information. Knowing what travel documents you need when traveling outside the US can be daunting, and the requirements can sometimes be hard to understand and navigate. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. Cruises also depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico. 10 Cruises From Florida for a Warm-weather Getaway, 8 Cruises From NYC to Europe, the Caribbean, and More, 7 Cruises to Mexico for Every Type of Traveler, 10 Around-the-world Cruises for the Trip of a Lifetime, 25 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation, 8 Cruises to Jamaica and Other Beach Destinations, 7 Incredible Cruises That Visit Puerto Rico, Royal Caribbean Launches 3- and 4-day Sailings From U.S. It can be something as simple as a pair of shorts and a fresh shirt or a sundress and sandals, but it's still nice to change out of your travel clothes before heading up to the pool deck for a celebratory glass of Champagne or going out for dinner on the first evening of your cruise. Carnival Cruise Line's online check in process is required for all guests. The cruise ship will have procedures in place for handling a crime onboard. Once you arrive, you may need to charge one or all of your devices, so keep the chargers and their cords in an organizer or pouch in your carry-on bag. For that reason, I always advise printing hard copies of anything you might need in a pinch, using as little paper as possible. Find the right card for you. Thankfully all they needed was their birth certificates. While you may leave and enter the United States on a closed-loop cruise with the required identification and proof of citizenship, you should be aware that some countries on your itinerary may require a passport. What documents do i need to cruise on carnival, U.S Permanent Residents must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. For instance, the US government has specific requirements for travel documents that allow US citizens to come and go. Every voyage on a ship that's not U.S. flagged, departing from and returning to a U.S. port must, according to maritime law . This mistake has cost us (a lot) more than the cruise. The tips on getting a passport photo and submitting the passport application early are great. Your travel documents are essentially a permit to travel the world. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. And the passport doesnt need to be uploaded. By Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Ultimate Cruise Packing Tips for First-Timers Remember Essential Documents Bring a Carry-On Backpack Keep a First-Aid Kit Use Sun, Bug, and Rain Protection Wear Comfortable Closed-Toed Shoes or Water Shoes Have Proper Attire For Dinner Take a Light Jacket, Sweater, Sweatshirt or Wrap Carry a Non-Surge Power Strip Use Resealable Plastic Bags No DL needed. Princess Cruises' 16-day Hawaiian Islands voyage from San Francisco visits Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui before five days at sea and a stop in Ensenada on the return to San Francisco. Turns out, in order to fly back to the US, you need a passport no matter what age. Documents & Check-In Documents & Check-In Carnival wants to make boarding your "Fun Ship" cruise as easy as possible. And the passport doesn't need to be uploaded. Posted February 5. You should also consider putting together an emergency kit that includes pain relievers, antacids, bandages and other over-the-counter drugstore items for unexpected embarkation-day ailments. *Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional per person. As a result, you will have a smooth cruise. Most cruise lines require guests get vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. Answers Consent Form for Minors Travelling with a Guardian Please find the attached consent form for Minors travelling with a Guardian to be filled in and presented at check-in on embarkation day. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. If you're flying in, I suggest packing a small roll of duct tape in your bag and attaching the tags after you land so they aren't accidentally ripped off during transit.