It was all Royal Caribbean's fault ?

[pink845]

Dear non Canadians,

I did not realize that the cost of a passport in the US is so pricy - different amounts seems to be quoted $110, $135, $185. Up here in Canada the cost is $85 for 5 years. Turnaround is no more than 2 weeks. Extra fees if we want it in three days but most people have no need unless family emergency and lo and behold no passport. Perhaps we Canadians travel a bit more and hence most of us have passports (of course, we now cannot leave the country or re-enter without one - great security feature -if I do say so myself. But you US seems very security conscious right now and I think the time is coming when, you all will have passports mandated for travel and they will only get pricier so, why not bite the bullet now. Our passports are used for so much more too - health insurance card registration, even registering kids into hockey and soccer. That little book has many uses in terms of identification.

[Cruise Fanatic]

US passports really aren't that pricey compared to the Canadian passport. Ours our good for 10 years. For those getting a passport book for the first time it's $110 plus and execution fee of $25. A renewal is $110. If they plan accordingly their is no reason to pay expedited fees. It may say it can take 4 to 6 weeks, but they haven't been taking that long.

[Wheels87]

Actually, I believe that for minors, the passport is only good for five years, so that is something to consider as well.

I am cruising in January out of San Juan and my passport expires in June...I should be OK with that shouldn't I? My plan is to renew is as soon as I get back.

What do you all think?

Brad

[MCPayne]

Brad

Yes, you are correct to a point. If you are under 16, then the passport is only good for 5 years. Here is the link to the FAQ's site on the United Stated Department of State site.

Also, as an FYI, when you renew your passport, you have to send in your old one, but don't worry. You'll get it back with holes punched in it to show it is void. This way, you can still look back at the places you have visited if it's stamped . In our cases, most cruise lines just swipe it at check in, so there are no stamps!

[Dave]

I am cruising in January out of San Juan and my passport expires in June...I should be OK with that shouldn't I?

You'll be fine.

[Berick1234]

Just get a passport and consider the cost as part of the cruise....Plus, as Dave has said many time, you need one to fly home from the islands in case of an emergency....Having one, just makes sense...

Bob E