Hawaii Cruise - Passport ????

[tbenson81]

We are cruising from LA to Hawaii roundtrip in October. My question is - Is this method a lot more convenient than say terminating in Mexico like some of the other cruises? We dont have to deal with immigration or customs or anything do we? Do we even need a passport if we are going to Hawaii or can we just use our drivers license since we arent leaving the United States? Thanks

 

Tony

[LARGIN]

If you are going on Princess you will have to go through customs because the ship has a 4 hour stop in Mexico.. Having a passport makes it easier for them and for you.. I know of no ship that goes RT from LA to Hawaii without stopping at a foreign port. To do so would be against the Passenger Service Act..

[imsulin]

LARGIN is absolutely correct.

[tbenson81]

What if we dont even get off the boat in Ensenada, Mexico. Then should we be ok?

[LARGIN]

What if we dont even get off the boat in Ensenada, Mexico. Then should we be ok?

 

Does not matter.. Customs will not check if you got off the ship or not.. The ship went to a foreign country so everyone will have to go through Customs. If you intend to cruise more in your lifetime, I would suggest getting a passport. In the future it will be a requirement for all travel outside of the US

[serene56]

A birth certificate is all that is nescessary for a cruise from LA to Hawaii. that and a state issued ID.

[tbenson81]

So you guys are saying that customs will board the boat and check all passengers or all passengers will have to get off the boat and go through customs?

[serene56]

Before you board the ship-- the people of the cruiselines will be checking documents.

In certain ports- custom officers will be in the lounge for checking. Everyone must present themselves to the custom officer before anyone can get off the ship. or before the ship can move.

 

I know this is done when a ship leaves Florida and goes to the Bahamas then St thomas . Customs is done in St Thomas this way. I dont know about going to Mexico before Hawaii.

[kitty9]

It doesn't matter if you stop at any foreign port for 5 minutes or five hours, you will have to go through US Customs and Immigration when you return home

[Big Al B.]

I may be mistaken, but I believe that it is immigration you must clear before leaving the ship. I know when we were in the Caribbean we did this in St. Thomas (the first U.S. port we arrived at). We did not have to do anything in San Juan. We did have to fill out a customs form and turn it in after we picked up our luggage at disembarkation. I do agree with the others that if you plan to do a bit of traveling, a passport is a good investment.

[Aloha Me]

Regardless of where you go, having a passport eliminates much of the "What documentation do I need" question. I thought it was costly when we applied 3 years ago (and I understand fees have gone up since) but it was money wisely spent. And they are good for ten years! I notice we don't get the looks we used to with state ID and birth certificate. Living close to the Canadian border, getting back and forth used to be a hassel but passports make it so much easier to come and go.

[traveller99]

I carry mine even on domestic flights... And it is the original, not a copy!

[sunshine426]

I have to agree, having a passport just makes it easier. I traveled to Canada and the Bahamas many times with my birthcertificate and drivers licenece, but it is faster with your passport.