...do i need?

Question

im going on a cruise out of new orleans stopping in progresso and cozumel in less than a month...do i need to get a passport? or will my real birth certificate and my id work?

Answer 1

Right now you will be OK with the Birth certificate and photo ID.  The rules will change sometime in the next 4 months; the Federal Agencies responsible for the policy have only said thus far, "some time as early as mid-summer" a passport will be required of all persons entering the US.

BUT, many cruise lines urge you to get a passport just in case of emergency.  Like if you get sick, or if the ship has a problem and you have to fly back home, you'll need a passport to reenter the US at the airport.

It takes 4 to 6 weeks normal processing to get a passport.  If you live in one of the cities that has a regional passport office you can get it in 14 days by making an appointment and bringing in your $97, application, birth certificate and other documents to the regional center>

http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/abo...

check the web site to see what's close to you.

Answer 2

It's probably too late to get a passport, but fortunately the rules that were to change in January have been put off until July (unless they get put off again). However air travel into the US requires a passport so if there is an emergency and you need to fly back to the US you will have an issue. They will not bar you from re-entering the country but they will make you jump through a bunch of hoops to prove you are an American citizen. Based on you itinerary I assume you are taking the Fantasy out of New Orleans. Great Cruise. If you get to spend some time in New Orleans try to go to the Court of Two Sisters for dinner. This is a fabulous restaurant. We stayed in New Orleans for a few days after our cruise (Carnival Conquest in May just before Katrina hit) and went to the Two Sisters and Emeril's place and believe me the Two Sisters was much better.I have emailed them apparently Katrina did not really hurt them at all. Have a great time.