Expert: Curtis Thorsen - 4/14/2009

Question
do i need a passport to go on a cruise may16 to may 24 to the eastern carribean? im not sure which cruise line my sister booked. just need a general answer, because it takes 4 wks to get a passport & this date is 4 wks from now! thank you!

Answer
Ahhh the passport topic.... a HIGHLY discussed topic right now !

OK.... here is the TRUTH on this topic:

Passport is NOT REQUIRED for "Closed loop" cruises.... meaning departing and arriving to and from the same US port. A original or certified copy of your birth certificate (with raised seal) along with a government issued photo ID is all that is necessary for your cruise for proof of citizenship.

That being said, IF you had to FLY back home for some reason, a PASSPORT WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR AIR TRAVEL to re enter the USA.

I am seeing turn around times for passports of 3 - 4 weeks right now, but the passport agencies are stating 6 - 8 weeks.

I encourage you to get a passport if not now, but in the near future for future travel..... $100.00 for 10 years is a great investment to see the world and not have to worry !

Have a GREAT CRUISE !!!

Curtis Thorsen
President
Cruise Resort & World Travel
fun2cruiz@aol.com

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