What is needed when one cruises in lieu of a passport?

If you're a US citizen, you just need a birth certificate. (Of course if you don't bring one, they still let you cruise--you just have to sign a piece of paper declaring that you are a US citizen).<BR><BR>Not sure about non-US. Anyone?

I am a US citizen. Thanks for the info.

India: I would ignore Bob's reply. I think they require a birth certificate with a raised seal. Also, I've cruised after 9/11 and documents are checked very carefully. You might want to get a passport. It's not that expensive and you'll have it for 10 years.

Thanks Mary

India - I would second getting a passport. It would help you getting thru airports easier and getting off the ship in places like St. Thomas. The cruise ships must clear immigration when getting to St. Thomas because it is a U.S. territory and some of the ships have two lines, one for passport holders and another for "other" ID - guess which one moves 10 times as fast as the other.

FOR THE CARIBBEAN SAILINGS YOU WILL REQUIRE EITHER A VALID PASSPORT OR A STATE ISSUED BIRTH CERTIFICATE WITH THE RAISED SEAL PLUS A GOVT ISSUED PHOTO ID. FOR SAILING TO ALASKA OR HAWAII THE CRUISE LINES ARE KNOW REQUIRING PASSPORTS.

Thanks Peter. I will be getting a passport. I'm sure it's easier to replace a lost passport than a lost birth certificate.

Hi India,<BR><BR>If I were you, I would order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the town clerk in the city where you were born. Mail order - $5.00.<BR><BR>No problem if you lose it. Just get another.<BR><BR>If you lose a passport you will have one miserable day trying to get a new one. And it is very expensive. Make sure you carry a copy of the first page to make it a little easier.<BR><BR>Paul<BR>