Anyone actually cruised recently without passport?

[acadran]

We're on a closed loop cruise in 3 weeks. Taking 2 13yo's along. Both have applied for passport (expedited) but am concerned they will not arrive in time. I know the rules say they can cruise on a closed loop cruise with BCs and Parental Consent Forms (notarized), but has anyone done this recently? Can you get in and out of Mexico and Grand Cayman?

Thanks

[cb at sea]

I've never used a passport to cruise...and I won't, until it's REQUIRED.

 

It's not a problem getting into or out of any of the countries on your itinerary...NONE require passports from cruise passengers. It's the United States that requires them for land and air travelers. You are NOT required to have on on a cruise.

[acadran]

cb: thanks for your input.

[fann1sh]

Make sure the birth certificates are state issued originals or certified copies (not just a hospital form).

[bcsurvivor2001]

Also make sure the woman (if married) brings her marriage license. Name on birth certificate will not match license - so you need to PROVE who you are.

 

I heard mixed messages about this last December when we went on our first cruise - I brought mine anyways "in case" and they did ask me for it. Better safe than sorry!!!

[smeyer418]

I took my three year old Grandson to Bermuda on a ship without a passport last year.

 

Closed loop from NY without a problem whatsoever.

 

Just a state issued birth certificate.

[PS90]

Everyone and his dog has an opinion on this, but like cb at sea said, you are not required to have one for your itinerary. Don't sweat it. ;)

[candydane]

They won't need the passports to CRUISE.

 

However, they would need them if something happened and they had to FLY home to the US from a foreign airport.