Why do you need a birth certificate for a cruise?

Most cruises operate as “closed loop” cruises, which begin and end at the same port. If you take a closed loop cruise, you are not required to have a passport to reenter the United States. Instead, you can return to the country with a government issued ID, such as a driver's license, and a birth certificate.



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If you're a United States citizen going on a “closed loop” cruise, you'll only need to present: Government issued photo identification. Proof of citizenship (an original or copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization)

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Birth Certificate Information A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified. Birth Certificate Card. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

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Ships that terminate in U.S. ports may require passengers to fill out Customs forms and show their passports to border control in the cruise terminal. Some passengers might be required to meet with immigration officials on board prior to getting off the ship.

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Traveling with a child that is not your own Are you traveling with a grandchild, niece, nephew, or other child that you are not the guardian of? When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without their legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present a notarized form signed by the child's guardian.

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The answer is Yes. You will need a passport to go on a cruise from the UK, regardless of your international destinations, or even if you're not planning on leaving the ship. A passport is an essential travel document that serves as your proof of identity and nationality when crossing borders.

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Children under the age of 16 who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada are exempt from the passport requirement for land and sea border crossings.

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Cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Canada, New England, Mexico, Bermuda, and Hawai'i all fit these criteria. Keep in mind the “closed-loop” bit. If your ship is not returning to the same port—for instance, if you are eyeing a one-way Panama Canal sailing from Los Angeles to Miami—you do need a passport.

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The notarized letter from the child's parent must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise, must authorize guardian to sign legal documentation/waivers for participation in any activities requiring them (i.e. Rock Climbing, Flowrider, Bungee Trampoline, Inline Skating, or Ice Skating) and ...

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Whenever a ?ruise ship docks at a port of call, the local authorities require a fee. Before a cruise starts, the cruise line will add up the port charges from the different ports of call on the cruise itinerary and will pass the cost of these port charges on to the passengers.

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The entire timeline can take 30 to 45 minutes after arrival. Just because your cruise ship is at the dock doesn't mean that people get off immediately. Once you are cleared to go ashore, you may experience a rush of people, but lines tend to decrease quickly.

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You won't be able to leave the ship without your cruise card, nor will you be able to return to the ship without it, so keep it close to you at all times. In most ports, you won't need your passport, so leave it locked up in your room's safe.

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If your bill is not paid, as you try to leave the ship, your SeaPass card will bong, and someone from Guest Services will take you aside to make provisions for payment. Maybe you have friends with you that can lend you some cash or a credit card. You may have to call someone to get a valid credit card number.

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