blissful_seas

Depends on where you are in SoCA - if you're close to LA, there's a Passport Agency on Wilshire, you can make an appointment if you're traveling within 14 days and they issue the passport card on-site, not sure how long it would take to get the book - I know it's usually same day or next day at most of the agency locations (or it used to be). I believe the passport card is valid for closed-loop cruises as well.

 

http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/agencies/agencies_909.html

There is. My son's passport wouldn't scan when he was going to Aruba and they will no longer type in the numbers manually - so you are screwed if your passport gets demagnatized. We went to the same day place and got a replacement and he was able to fly out that night. They were great - but be prepared to pay over $600 for the service. It saved his trip to Aruba but cost us plenty! Not sure how much a passport card would be, passport was required for his flight.

Another thing that bothers me is when people put their room service trays in the hall. The halls are narrow and the trays could be a safety hazard as people could trip on them. Also it is just plain unsightly to look at left over food on the floor.

That always bugs me too - I just leave mine on the table in the room.