Do you need a passport to go to the bahamas on cruise lines?

Question

our family will be taking a cruise on royal caribbian on june 7th

and we are hearing different things. I thought it was for air flight as of 01/23/07 and other would be 01/01/08. please let me know.

Answer 1

I was just in the Bahamas last weekend.

You need your passport. Bring it. Also, make sure you have some other form of ID on you (driver's license, if you have kids, birth certificates) just to be sure.

Have fun!

Answer 2

good question.

Answer 3

Yes, I think you do.  Here is a link to the passport website.  The fist link on the left side of the page addresses your question.  Have fun on your trip.  Take me with you?

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passpor...

Answer 4

i dont think so but im going on a cruise in march and i got one just to make sure. i would get one just to be on the lucky side

Answer 5

Yes, you will need a passport to get back into the US.  

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbp...

Answer 6

Short answer: It couldn't hurt. Having a passport is easier than producing, say, a DL and birth certificate (which if lost can open the world of identity theft to a malicious person).

Not to mention that you will need a passport for cross-border crossings anyway in the near future... and it means less hassles at ports of call.

Long answer: Currently, the passport rule is in effect only for air travel. Land and sea crossings do not require a passport until next year.

However, a passport has a great many advantages over alternative identification. Border guards are most familiar with passports, and you could get some cool stamps in there to show the family. An adult passport is good for ten years (a child's is good for five), and since you're not travelling for a while, you could get them by applying at the post office and not have to worry.

International destinations accept passports as a primary form of identification. if you want to exchange currency, or stay at a hotel (granted the latter doesn't aply on this trip), they ask for your passports to prove identity.

Plus, it's something you don't have to worry about the next time you and your family plan on going overseas.

Answer 7

cruise lines have booted the deadline back to 1/1/08...lucky....you could have looked on carnival's web site...but youll have fun!!!

Answer 8

No you do not. I use birth certificates. You can use eaith passports or birth certifivcates.

Answer 9

yes you do now

Answer 10

Bring them just to be safe.

Answer 11

You are correct.  My family is also taking a cruise in June.  You do not have to have a passport to cruise until 1/1/08.  However, if there is an emergency, and you need to fly back to the US, then you must have a passport.  We are not getting passports.  We are taking our birth certificates and drivers licenses to have a photo id.  Have a great trip.

Answer 12

Until 2008 you dont require a passport by sea, but if you have ANY problems or emergencies that require you to fly home (medical, family death, missed ship, victim of crime), YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WITHOUT A PASSPORT. You are taking a huge risk if you dont get one.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: To enter the Bahamas U.S. citizens must present original proof of U.S. citizenship (valid U.S. passport or certified U.S. birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID) and a return ticket.  Voter registration cards, Social Security cards, driver's licenses, affidavits, and other similar documents are not acceptable as proof of U.S. citizenship.  U.S. citizens do not need to obtain visas to visit the Bahamas.  

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION:   Effective January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada are required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

Answer 13

yep