PASSPORTS... DO I NEED ONE?

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not NEED a passport to get on and off the cruise ship if it is CLOSED LOOP (starts and ends in the same location) AND to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico, or Canada.  If you are cruising to/in Europe, you NEED a passport.  If you are cruising the Panama Canal, you NEED a passport.  If you are cruising a reposition cruise, you NEED a passport.  If you are on a closed loop cruise to South America, you NEED a passport.

 

HOWEVER…. Getting one is always a good idea and here’s why…

Accidents happen, that’s why they are called accidents. Your on the pool deck, grandma slips and breaks a hip. Your kid takes a stumble down the stairs and need stiches.  Or someones appendix bursts. Who knows?  But now you need immediate medical care that cannot be given onboard. Not only are you now subject to potentially questionable medical care, but the ship is not going to wait for you while you are in the hospital.  Now you have to make it home somehow.  Without a passport, you are going to be in trouble.  WITH a passport, you can book a flight, go through customs, and prove yourself to be a citizen of the United States with very little issues.

It’s an insurance policy you hope you never really need. If you are willing to take that gamble.. go for it.  I know I don’t want to be stuck in a random hospital where I’m hoping they speak my language and have to worry that  everything will go smoothly. 

It’s up to you, but there is a reason passports are recommended, even if they are not required.  Emergency situations can, and will happen.

 

Here is a quick list to help you understand the benefits/negatives of getting a passport.

 

BENEFITS

- Will help you in an emergency situation

- Your citizenship will be unlikely to be questioned

- Can be used for 10 years (5 for children)

 - Can be used as an alternate form of ID in case of a lost Driver's License or ID card

 - No need to travel with birth certificates or other important documents, which can be difficult to obtain if lost

 - You can get them stamped in some of the ports! (always fun to do)

- Traveling to other countries can be easier, as US passport holders often do not need to purchase a Visa

- Peace of mind that no matter what, you will legally be able to get home via plane, ship, etc.

 

NEGATIVES

- Passports cost money

- Passports can take a long time to process

 

 The benefits  greatly outweigh the negatives.  Yes it can  be a quite an expense.  However if you plan accordingly it wont be so bad. 

 

How to apply.. http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html