Passport/Cruise

[OldHillcrestGuy]

Ive never been on a cruise, but planning one for our 40th anniversary. Is a passport needed for locations in the Carribbean, Ive heard some places you dont need one, but that doesnt sound right unless its the Virgin Islands. I understand you can get your passport photo at some post offices? Is it best to go to a travel agent and have him arrange everything and what do the fee's cost for using him, or call these places you see in the travel sections in the paper that just has a phone number.
Im looking to go around late March or April and leave from Baltimore.

Any help with my questions would be greatly appreciated.

[lovinmaryland]

Originally Posted by OldHillcrestGuy

Ive never been on a cruise, but planning one for our 40th anniversary. Is a passport needed for locations in the Carribbean, Ive heard some places you dont need one, but that doesnt sound right unless its the Virgin Islands. I understand you can get your passport photo at some post offices? Is it best to go to a travel agent and have him arrange everything and what do the fee's cost for using him, or call these places you see in the travel sections in the paper that just has a phone number.
Im looking to go around late March or April and leave from Baltimore.

Any help with my questions would be greatly appreciated.

You dont require a passport if your cruise only hits one place and leaves & returns from an american port.

An example would be leaving from New Jersey going to Bermuda and then arriving back in New Jersey.

I have been on a cruise that didnt require one but I did purchase one just to be safe. I got my picture taken at CVS and then went to the post office to complete everything else. I received my birth certificate back in about a week and the passport in 3 weeks.

[Katelin (Premo)]

Originally Posted by OldHillcrestGuy

Ive never been on a cruise, but planning one for our 40th anniversary. Is a passport needed for locations in the Carribbean, Ive heard some places you dont need one, but that doesnt sound right unless its the Virgin Islands. I understand you can get your passport photo at some post offices? Is it best to go to a travel agent and have him arrange everything and what do the fee's cost for using him, or call these places you see in the travel sections in the paper that just has a phone number.
Im looking to go around late March or April and leave from Baltimore.

Any help with my questions would be greatly appreciated.

Yes..you leave the ship and step on foreign soil..you better have your passport! Some cruises out of the US require you to have passport just to board!
Have a great trip and Happy Anniversary!!



PS: Go to your Post Office..best and quickest place to get passport..they have applications and will do photos and mail it out for you!! Super easy!!

[Misfit]

Went to Bremuda a few month's ago and a passport is needed to get back on the ship.

[Bavarian]

Originally Posted by OldHillcrestGuy

Ive never been on a cruise, but planning one for our 40th anniversary. Is a passport needed for locations in the Carribbean, Ive heard some places you dont need one, but that doesnt sound right unless its the Virgin Islands. I understand you can get your passport photo at some post offices? Is it best to go to a travel agent and have him arrange everything and what do the fee's cost for using him, or call these places you see in the travel sections in the paper that just has a phone number.
Im looking to go around late March or April and leave from Baltimore.

Any help with my questions would be greatly appreciated.

Ask your Travel Agent

[Homer J]

Wirelessly posted

If you don't ever plan on flying anywhere that you would need a passport, you can get a passport card. Cheaper than a full passport but can only be used if you travel out of the country by ship or car.

[Katelin (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Bavarian

Ask your Travel Agent

Call the State Dept or check out their website..since they issue you a passport, they know where you need it.

[lovinmaryland]

Originally Posted by Homer J

Wirelessly posted

If you don't ever plan on flying anywhere that you would need a passport, you can get a passport card. Cheaper than a full passport but can only be used if you travel out of the country by ship or car.

Passport card wont work for cruises unfortunately.

[Gummie]

A passport is needed most times, if you need more information, check the cruise lines website.

[vraiblonde]

Originally Posted by Katelin

PS: Go to your Post Office..best and quickest place to get passport..they have applications and will do photos and mail it out for you!! Super easy!!

^This^ It's not particularly expensive, around $50 or so, and only takes a few minutes. They do everything right there at the post office and mail it to you, just like Katelin said.

Also, if you're cruising in March or April, go get your passport now. Right now. Usually you'll have it back within a few weeks, but sometimes it takes longer.