Passports needed?

[Hollyster2]

Anyone travel to the Mexican Riviera without a passport, but with a valid birth certificate? I am trying to decide if we really need a passport while cruising there this summer. Anyone?? We have traveled to ensenada without a passport on a ship, and to the western carribean twice. Disney Cruiseline is strongly recommending passports for their West Coast cruises to Mexico, so I am wondering if there is more of a need for cruisers to carry passports?

[suziehmkr]

Passports are not necessary. They are always encouraged, but not necessary. Be sure that your birth certificate is a CERTIFIED copy though.

[Hollyster2]

We do have certified copies and have used them 4 times without any problems.

Thanks!:)

[salty dog]

Passports make it MUCH easier to cross what used to be called Frontiers. They show that you know what you are doing, and the Customs Personnel are much less likely to give you a hassle.

[Hollyster2]

Thank you all for your input!:)

[andrea63]

our family has used Certified Birth Certificates for 8 cruises. Now we have Passports. The Birth Certificates were starting to get worn out from constantly shoving them in and out of backpacks when going through customs. Also from putting, rather "shoving them in room safes." Passports are smaller and sturdier, but both do the job of getting you onboard ship!:D