Hi I live in Florida and will be doing a cruise to the bahamas do I need a pass port??

Question

i've been on many cruises I know their was a rule going into effect that you need a pass port but everytime I have cruised it has not been needed has that taken effect yet thank you everyone

Answer 1

If you live in the US and you are traveling to the Caribbean by sea before June 1, 2009, you can present a valid driver's license and birth certificates instead of a passport. Keep in mind though that they will not accept copies of the birth certificates, they need to be certified originals (they should have a seal and a raised stamp on them, I believe).

If you are traveling to or from the Caribbean by plane though (say flying to or from Puerto Rico before or after the cruise), then you do need to present a passport.

As always though, you should ask a travel agent or the cruise line themselves to verify this.

Answer 2

I just looked at the State Department web site and official government ID, such as a driver's license and a certified birth certificate will still be good for re-entry into the U.S. until next year for cruise travel.

Answer 3

It is recommended that you get one to be safe.

Answer 4

last time i went from fl to bahamas, you didn't need one, but that was december 2007. they told us you needed one starting summer 08, but that was for carnival. you should call them & ask.

Answer 5

You wont need a passport till June 2009.

Answer 6

We just got back...You really need to check the Cruise line website for document requirements.  They will tell you exactly what you need.  When we went we did take our passports becuase we had them, we were tired of the Government not making up it's mind when we really did need them.

The documents are pretty restricted, so I'd check them out ASAP..so if you need passports you can get them ordered.

Answer 7

In fact with cruise, you will not need a passport untill June 2009 BUT be alert that if something goes wrong during the trip (e.g. you got really sick) and they have to transfer you to the nearest shore place... How can you enter the US w/o a PP ??? Just think about that before you take your own risk....