Passports for Bermuda?

[BobbyL262]

Hey Everyone,
One of my friends just came back from a cruise to bermuda on the Zenith and when arriving back to the U.S.A. was asked for her passport. She was not the only one. She was told due to the increased terror warning here in the USA for the summer months the customs folks are requesting all citizens entering back into the US have a passport. She told the officer she didnt have one as she was not told one would be required.

Has anyone heard this? Does celebrity ask we have passports for bermuda? Can they really require them once your on the ship?

Thanks!
Bobby

[mromoff]

[B]If you are leaving United States soil, you should have your passport. PERIOD!!!!!!![/B]

It is a simple thing to get but will be the most important document you can have if you travel.

Mindi

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[AuntieBon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>If you are leaving United States soil, you should have your passport. PERIOD!!!!!!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As passports are not a requirement for a lot of cruises your response to the original poster was a little harsh.

I would be just as surprised if they asked me for a passport as until recently I didn't have one. Allowing passengers on the ship without a passport and then asking for one at the end is a little tough to accomodate. I sympathize with the OP and can imagine the panic you felt. Hope all was cleared up fairly quickly for you.

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Empress of the Seas 9/18/04 Pink Sand and Blue Waters of Bermuda

[BobbyL262]

AuntieBon,
Thanks for your reply, my post had said a friend of mine just came back from Bermuda and was asked for her passport and was told "its now a requirement due to the new terror threat"

I am going to Bermuda in July and wasnt told by Celebrity of this new requirement nor that things were changing as to what I.D. To bring, I was asking if anyone knew that they are infact required now, because then I'd have to shell out that money and get one for myself and the other 14 people traveling with us.

[negc]

They are not a requirement for passengers cruising to Bermuda from the US! It is amazing how some people (like the one who told your friend that it was)- seem to enjoy spreading misinformation. A few months ago the same was being said about cruisers visiting Barbados. Before such a requirement is put in place, you can be sure that there will be plenty of advance notice provided to the public. That said, having a passport is certainly advantageous and well worth the price, especially when you consider that they are good for ten years. BTW did your friend explain how she was able to re-enter the country without one, if it was "required"? "I think someone's chain was being yanked.

Bill

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[Triguy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> If you are leaving United States soil, you should have your passport. PERIOD!!!!!!!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Good advice.

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[TinLemon]

In a mildly related story... I lost my passport once while in Germany and had very little problems getting back in the country. Granted, this was before 9/11.... but basically the Germans had no problems letting me hop on the plane, but when I got to the states I had to go to a special room that just had rows and rows of seats, and then a large court room style judges podium with some customs officials in it. Luckily I had a photo copy, so I handed that to them and explained my situation, then they told me to sit down. About 15 min. later they called my name and told me I was free to go.

Celebrity Zenith to Bermuda - 9/11/04

[mamayer]

Go to the Celebrity website and fill out the "guest documentation summary," which they ask you to do and e-mail to them. Under immigration when you click that you are a US citizen, they ask you for your passpost no., date and place of issue.

[waltw]

Passports are not needed to leave countries normally. It is getting into countries where all the problems occur.
So if you are trying to get into the US and you do not have proper paperwork....well the implications can be left to your imagination.
In this day or heightened security, it is best to have a passport.

[Guest]

Sorry but this is my pet peave, I wish people would answer questions for posters who ask legitimate questions. A passport is NOT needed for an American citizen going to Bermuda on a cruise. Is it a good idea, yes but it is NOT necessary.

Don

[DUCK33]

easy don.....breath....its ok. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

[mromoff]

Hi Everyone:

I am sorry if I offended anyone. That was not my intention. I always try to be helpful and I always appreciate the wealth of knowledge that there is on this board. It has made be a better cruiser, and an even better traveler.

There are so many people worried about passports on this board - whether they should or shouldn't bring them, if they will [I]really[/I] be needed, etc.

The point I was trying to make, (and I didn't do a good job of it) is that it is so simple to obtain a passport. It is the best way to prove your citizenship. The passport lines on the cruise ship always move much faster.

I guess I just get frustrated with people that can't seem to grasp the fact that travelling with a passport will solve all of the worries and "what ifs" versus travelling without a passport.

Personally, I would rather worry about what I am going to wear and what excursions I am going to take rather than will I be able to get home or go where I want? But that is just me... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Mindi

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[Danno]

Do Canadians need a passport to go into the US...of coarse not. Would I go into the US without mine, no chance!! This single piece of documentation makes my life easier, securities life easier, the cruise line folks easier.

Not to preach but for your own good, get a passport. You'll never understand why you didn't have one before.

Dan

CenturyX1,GalaxyX2,HorizonX5,VolendamX1,

Zenith to Bermuda Oct/04
Century to E.Caribbean Feb/05

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