Recent passport renewals

[NewSalt]

We just booked a cruise which departs the end of January. Our passports expire in April. We’re visiting St. Martin, which does require that a passport be valid for six months past the date of entry.  Obviously, we’ll have to renew before we leave. Has anyone renews a passport recently.  Is two months enough time or should I spring for expedited processing?  

[Essiesmom]

You do not need to renew your passport at all for this visit.  That restriction might apply if you were going there for an extended stay or land tour.  St. Martin is party to the WHTI which says you can travel on a closed loop cruise without a passport as long as you have a birth certificate which proves citizenship and a gov't issued photo ID.  Renew your passport after your trip.  That is assuming that your cruise is closed loop.  EM

[spookwife]

we mailed ours off for renewal just the past week.  if I can find this thread again, I'll let you know how long it took.   but I  haven't seen any warnings that it was taking longer than usual.  

[idraconis]

I renewed my passport this May. Received my new passport arrived 24 days later. So figure around a month.