Passports needed?
 

Given the heightened security measures for flying and cruising, will we (both US Citizens)need passports at any of these ports of call; San Juan, St. Croix, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, St. Thomas? We presently do not have passports.

You do not need passports to visit the ports on a cruise. HOWEVER, when you check onto the ship you will need photo identification and there is absolutely nothing better than a passport. Any other type of ID may cause you to be delayed and screened further. A US passport costs $55 and is good for 10 years. We use it even on domestic flights. I makes travel a lot easier. Get one, you won't regret it.

I'm going to Bermuda and just applied for my passport. Just seems like it will be easier.

Though not required for any of those ports - I personally will not leave the country without my passport.<BR><BR>If you do not have one - bring a photo ID (driver's license and birth certificate with raised seal).

Roy: I am Canadian but never the less a passport for any travelling 'North American' has now become an absolute necessity especially since 9/11. It really makes check-ins at airports and cruise ports easier.

If you have the time - spend the money and get a passport.<BR><BR>It is good for 10 years and makes life so much easier - especially for married females whose birth certificate shows their maiden name.<BR><BR>I always take mine when I travel.

Of course a passport is the best way but if a couple is cruising for the first time and is watching their budget, a passport is quite an added expense.<BR><BR>I would say, forget about the passport this time. Bring a photo ID and birth certificate and if and when it is time to visit more exotic ports then purchase the passports.<BR><BR>I have a passport but do not bring it when I visit the Caribbean. It is too much of a hassle to get another if it is lost or stolen. You will lose at least a day of your vacation.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul, getting a passport seems like a small expense compared the the hassle of not having one. It really is the universal language.

Get a passport! Definitely worth the money!<BR><BR>I have even started to use it on domestic flights. <BR><BR>$55 for 10 years is not that big of expense.

The question asks about bringing a U.S. passport when visiting foreign countries. But remember -- you have to get back into the U.S. upon your return. Who knows what might happen during the week one is away? Why wouldn't you want the ONLY form of ID which immigration always recognizes?

With everything going on, I would not leave the country without a passport.<BR><BR>It wouldn't surprise me if they make it mandatory in the future to have one.

In today's world, I would not leave the country without my passport.

My friend is in a similiar situation. We're going on the Carnival Sensation in March and she doesn't have a passport.<BR><BR>With all of the things that have happened in the last year, she has decided that she would fork over the money and order a passport so she'd have it for our trip.<BR><BR>It eases my mind too because I think I would worry about what Could happen if she didn't have one!<BR><BR>

1 more yes vote. I recommend getting a passport. True, you may not need one but if something were to go wrong (and we know that anything can happen), having a passport may make things easier.

Hi! I am from Canada and sailed with Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas in Feb 2000. We had to have passports. When boarding the ship they take your passport from you, and on the last day they hand them back to you just before going through customs. I always keep a photo copy in a safe place, and leave one at home. I have used my passport many times since on domestic flights, with no hassle.

If you can afford a cruise then $55.00 for a passport should be within your means, especially for the peace of mind it will give you. Also you don't have to carry it with you all over the ship or when you get off at every port, it can be kept in your safe, so the chances of losing it are nominal.

Another vote for having a passport. I was out of the country during the 9/11 mess, and was sure glad I had a passort with me. <BR><BR>Bill M