In the past if you forgot to bring your Identification it would not be too difficult to prove who you were. Even in foreign embarcation ports you could have just contacted the port agent. <BR><BR>The new and strictly enforced directive is: NO ONE will be allowed to sail without proper Identification. This would be a birth certificate or a certified copy with a raised seal along with a photo ID such as a driver's license.<BR>An expired passport will do for both. This in ONLY in the Caribbean.<BR><BR>Children under 16 do not need a photo ID in the Caribbean.<BR><BR>Cruising in other areas you will need an up-to-date passport. In most countries around the world your passport must not expire within the next six months.<BR><BR>Hint: Hang a sign on your wall or refrig. stating PASSPORT so when your documents arrive you can put the ID in your folder.<BR><BR>Too many passengers forget their ID. It would be very sad to miss your cruise.<BR><BR>Happy cruising,<BR><BR>Paul

Paul, this information is so important. Thanks to Fodors or cruisemates, I found the following information posted and copied it for my daughter-in-law, mainly to let her know that the kids wouldn’t need photo IDs for our upcoming Alaska cruise. However, I had forgotten that she was a naturalized citizen. After locating all the birth certificates, she was unable to find her original naturalization certificate. After many calls to Carnival and CruisesOnly, plus two long and frustrating days at INS, she managed to get documentation enough for a passport (pick up tomorrow, we sail the 17th!). I wish I could find the original thread I found this on to thank personally whoever posted it for saving our vacation. Whew!<BR><BR>BTW, Carnival's Welcome Aboard brochure does not mention naturalization papers, which might have alerted us earlier to the problem.<BR><BR>This is that helpful post:<BR><BR>"They're citing a tightening up of security post 9/11 and saying that if you don't have the required proof of citizenship and photo ID, they are going to deny boarding, no exceptions, and you won't get your money back. (Carnival Cruise Lines)<BR><BR> In case anyone's interested, it says proof of citizenship is a passport or an original birth certificate or a certified copy of a birth certificate with raised seal, US Military ID or original naturalization papers. Plus people 16 and older have to have a photo ID."<BR>

When does this "New" policy take effect, or has it been in place since 9/11?<BR><BR> I personally know a woman who is Egyptian (she looks like a terrorist) and she boarded a Carnival ship with an EXPIRED PASSPORT and wasn't even questioned. That was in December 2001, so it was after 9/11.

This policy was just recently announced by Carnival. It wasn't in place last December.

The post on this was dated 6/27 and it quoted a Carnival fax. It makes me suspect that the sender was a travel agent and had received it recently.

Hello Sue,<BR>I think we all know that Paul is an agent. thanks for the info

There are and have been many agents on this board. Take the info seriously. Both Carnival & NCl are taking a "No Tolerance" stance in the next couple of months. Before, there was some slack given - but once everything is in order, people will be denied boarding if they don't have the correct identification. This is something that your travel agent should go over with you - if you have one or used a reputable one.

Disney Cruise Line has just come on-board with the "reminder."<BR><BR>If one reads their cruise documents you will find, as in the past, all documents needed to travel listed.<BR><BR>In the past most cruise lines did allow boading with ohter forms of ID but not now.<BR><BR>As with all non-US citizens it is their responsibility to check with their government agencies, embassies or consulates prior to the vacation.<BR><BR>Do not rely on your travel agent or the cruise line's reservation agents for document information if you are not a US citizen.<BR><BR>Paul