Do I need a passport to travel from New Orleans La to Mexico by cruise ship?

Question

Do I need a passport to travel from New Orleans La to Mexico by cruise ship?

Answer 1

You don't say when you plan to travel and that matters a lot.  You should call the cruise line and confirm the rules as they will be for your travel dates.

As another answer points out, the date (originally January 2008) for requiring passports for all travel has changed at least once and may change again - but you can't count on it.  

However, you should GET A PASSPORT and eliminate the questions/worry.

Answer 2

not yet, however you will in the near future.  Keep checking the state dept web site as the proposed date for passport requirement keeps changing.

Answer 3

YES you do need a passport.  All cruise lines now require you to have a passport.  I just got back from a 2 week cruise and in order for my friend to registar me as going with her they needed my passport number.  When you get to where teh ship is sailing out of they will ask to see your passport.  Doesn't matter where you are sailing out of.

I worked with someone who went on a cruise about a few months before I did and they said when they got to where the ship was sailing out of there were people who didn't have a passport.  Those people could not even get on the ship because they did not have their passports.

Answer 4

I thought that New Orleans was a non habitable disaster zone after the flooding.  As for heading to Mexico, contact a travel agent or go online and visit websites that cater to visitors to Mexico, you should find the answers that you seek there.

Answer 5

IMPORTANT: A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR A CRUISE

Please be sure to read items numbered 1-4

1. If you FLY to and/or from your cruise departing/returning port outside the United States

NEW... All citizens, regardless of age, including infants will be required to show a passport to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Panama, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the rest of the World. Guests sailing on or after January 23, 2007 will be required to present a valid passport during ship check-in formalities. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after sailing. Passengers who's Alaska cruise itinerary includes a port call to a Canadian city,  or begins or ends in a Canadian port/city are required to have a valid Passport. You are responsible for having the proper documenation with you when you travel.  In addition Visa's may be required to enter certain countries while on a cruise. So, well in advance of leaving home, check with the cruise line for the exact documentation requirements for your cruise or cruisetour. Failure to have the proper documentation ( Passport, Visa, Health Vacination Certificates etc. ) as required will result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise.

  



2. If you FLY to and/or from your cruise departing/returning port inside the United States



US Citizens: If you are flying to and from your cruise ports of embarkation and disembarkation in the United States Only,  a valid passport is highly recommended now AND REQUIRED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2007.  

Up until December 31, 2007 In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID. This only applies if your cruise leaves and ends in the United States. If a plane trip outside the United States is part of your cruise itinerary anywhere in the world, you will need a valid Passport. Passengers who's Alaska cruise itinerary includes a port call to a Canadian city,  or begins or ends in a Canadian port/city are required to have a valid Passport, regardless if you drive or fly. Failure to have the proper documentation as required will result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise.



3. If you DRIVE to and from your cruise departing/returning port inside the United States



US Citizens: If you are driving and not flying to and from your cruise ports of embarkation and disembarkation in the United States Only,  a valid passport is highly recommended now AND REQUIRED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2007.   Up until December 31, 2007, In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID. This only applies if you are driving. If a plane trip outside the United States is part of your cruise itinerary anywhere in the world, you will need a valid Passport. Passengers who's Alaska cruise itinerary includes a port call to a Canadian city,  or begins or ends in a Canadian port/city are required to have a valid Passport, regardless if you drive or fly. Failure to have the proper documentation as required will result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise.



4. Our recommendation

We strongly recommend that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship's departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons.

if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them.

Answer 6

No, You do not need a passport to go to Mexico by ship as long as u stay in the boat, but maybe you can bring it with you in case of something, i mean for ID.

When the passport is required is when u try to travel inside Mexico by car that's when you will have to carry it, and for proof of residence.

Hope this helps to you

Answer 7

You do not need a passport yet to travel to the caribbean on a cruise ship.  But, if you want to be really sure before you buy your tickets, call the cruise line ship agent.  They are the people at the port that will let you in the ship.  You can get their phone number from cruise line reservation line or U.S Custom Dept. at the port of new Orleans.

Answer 8

Not if you don't get off the ship...

Answer 9

You will need a passport if you are traveling outside of the U.S. You can go without one but the cruise line will not permit you to leave the ship.

I am a travel agent, i book cruises for my clients everyday.

Take my advise and get a passport they are about 100.00 and are good for 10yrs.

Answer 10

Sorry, but EVERY answer you got  so far is WRONG except "John". Passports are NOT needed for cruises to Mexico and the Caibbean region and you most certainly CAN get off the ship.  After summer 2009, passports will be required.  See site below to read the current info from the U.S. State Dep't...the BEST possible source of information.  You may also talk to your cruise company. Now, some cruise lines like their passengers to have  passports, so you can ask their policy.  Right now, the law requires you to have a photo I.D. and  proof of citizenship...EITHER a passport OR birth certificate to travel to and from and to enter Mexico and Caribbean countries.  "Sara" cited a cruise company website as her source of information...and THAT source is outdated...requirement dates were set back after that was published.  State Dep't site gives current info.

Answer 11

Leaving Monday for New Orleans for a cruise on the Carnival Fantasy.We will be visiting Cozumel and Progreso.We do not need a passport.We will be able to disembark at both ports.Check the Homeland Security website.

Of course a passport is always recommended BUT not yet needed.

Answer 12

Sara has it almost correct, the date has changed several times since that information was posted and it is now into mid 2009. However if for some reason you need to fly back into the US you will need a passport to re enter the country.