Do i need a passport for off shore excursions on a cruise???

Question

im going on a cruise march 1st. it says you only need a birth certificate and drivers license to get on the ship. i was wondering if i need a passport for where the ship stops? jamaica, cayman islands, cozumel. i called the cruise line but the lady wasn't very helpful. anyone know if i need a passport to get off the ship and into those places? or if what i board the cruise with will work? thanks

Answer 1

I just did a cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship in December 2007 that had these same port stops and no one asked to see our passports.  All you will need is the cruise card that the ship will issue to you when you check in at the pier, and your driver's license or other photo ID.  They do not even check ID's when you get off the ship, but they do require you to show the cruise card and photo ID in order to get back into the secured areas at the port to board your ship.

Answer 2

Usually you do not need a passport for excursions or to re-enter the ship.

However, as I have been on seven cruises, every time we leave the ship we bring along our passports with us for many reasons.  If something were to happen to you on the island, having a passport with you would be extremely helpful.  Also, if you were to lose your key-card, which you will need to re-board the ship, this would probably save you.  I would highly suggest bringing your passport with you, for simple saftey reasons, in addition to these.

If you do take this advice and bring it with you, be very careful and mindful to where you store it while on land.  I would recomend putting it at the bottom of your bag so that it is not visible, because unfortunately, pickpocketing happens a lot, ESPECIALLY in jamacia.  Also, keep money out of sight, again especially in jamaica.  (often times when you leave the secured dock, the islanders will ask you for money).  Also, do not take your passport out while you are on land, unless it is necessary, so that no one will, agian, try to take it.

I hope my answer was helpful to you! Enjoy your cruise!

Answer 3

No, You will not need a passport for the excursions.  Starting in 2009 (Recent legislation signed by Bush) you will need your passport to reenter the country on a cruise.  Once you are on a cruise and are in Ports you will not need your passport unless specifically stated by the country you are visiting, then you will need it to even get off the ship.  But until 2009 you wont need it for that even.

Answer 4

I hope the first answer is correct, because on several cruises, I've had to have a passport. Some places like in French polynessia, they actually took our passport and checked out everyone, then gave them back at the end of the day.This was in 2007.So I sure would ask a travel agent on that one just to be sure.