Passport Requirements - What effect if one is going on a cruise
 

I know the relaxed passport requirements only applies when one is leaving and entering the US. I wonder how that comes into play when one is going on a cruise. I do not remember showing my passport at any of the ports we stopped at on any of the cruises we have been on.

We applied last month and going on a Southern Caribb cruise in August 19th. Does not look like we will get it on time. I have already printed the so called application receipt online. I will see if I can get my congress person involved if neccessary.

Until January 1 2009, you do not need a passport if you are coming into the USA via land or ship.

By air , yes you need a passport.

Percy

The application gets you in/out of USA, you will still need to prove citizenship for the foreign ports, make sure to order another certified copy of your birth certificate if you do not have one www.vitalcheck.com can help.

I've never had to show a passport or proof of citizenship in port for a Caribbean cruise. It's been about 4 years since I did a Caribbean cruise, and I suppose the rules could have changed since then. Have you done that recently on a Caribbean cruise, Wednesday?

They clear you at the pier when you get on the ship, then you can just walk on/off the ship after that with your card...so any denied boarding will take place at the very beginning....if no passport, the original or certified copy of your BC + ID is crucial...the other countries have not changed their entry requirements to accept a passport application, that was the US's bright idea but they didn't clarify enough. I work behind the scenes in the biz so I am in contact with cruise lines and pax daily.

OK, I thought you meant when you dock at Jamaica (for example) the Jamaicans would want your passport/proof of citizenship. Thanks for clearing that up. :-)