Passport

[Scbk]

I read on the Us Dep of Travel that passports are not required for bahama cruises that originate and return from the same point in the US. The royal caribbean website, however, says passports strongly encouraged. Our cruise is in April and I am just trying to figure out if I need to spend the $100 bucks to get it or not

[Dave]

The rules requiring passports were supposed to start yesterday, but last year the government decided to hold off until this coming spring - with no confirmed date for implementation when I last checked. You may recall the mess this past summer regarding the passport requirements for air travel...the cruise ship passport thing is shaping up to be the same mess.

Bottom line is that at some point in the future, a passport will be required for all cruises no matter where they go. You have time, so I strongly urge you to go ahead and get the passports now. That way you won't have to worry if the government suddenly decides to start enforcing the new rule this coming April. And they are good for 10 years, so it isn't as though it is a big expense.

[electech]

Better safe than sorry and I think it is now a requirement. As Dave said, they could change their mind, but don't count on it. Get it and then you won't have to worry about it.

[Cruise Fanatic]

The policy has been changed so many times it makes me dizzy. Get the passport! The latest status can be found here

[Berick1234]

You are going to need a passport sooner or later...best to get it NOW:-)...Happy Cruising..

Bob E

[kclvt]

Can anyone tell me how long it is taking for passports to be sent back? My son and his girlfriend are procrastinating and it is driving me crazy. We cruise on 4/12/08!

[suzi415]

I applied for mine in August 2007 and it only took 3 weeks. This was without expediting it. I think the closer it gets to vacation times, the longer it will take.

[Didikay]

Any one here going on the SOS on January 18th?