You need a passport for your cruise.
Ok, I’ve said it. You SHOULD get a passport for your cruise.
Let the arguments begin but, in my opinion, it’s the best option for anyone who travels or wants to travel in the future. Not only is a passport a brilliant form of identification, it also confirms your citizenship and allows you to travel most of the world. Few things in my life signify freedom to me, like my passport in hand.
But let’s break it down.
Benefits of traveling with a passport
With a U.S. passport, you can travel to more than 180 destinations for short-term trips without a visa, take as many trips abroad as you want for as long as you want, and seek assistance from the local U.S. embassy during times of trouble.
A passport is an excellent form of Identification. Not only does it confirm your identity, citizenship, and rights, but If you lose another form of identification, a passport is always accepted as a legal form and can assist in getting other documentation and identification replaced.
My motto: “You never know when you might want to flee the country!” Seriously, it is, ask my nieces, I say it a lot.
Everyone is doing it…
According to the Dept. of State – In 1990, only five percent of Americans had a passport. Today, that number is 48 percent. More Americans can travel abroad now than at any time in our history. There are now over 160 million valid U.S. passports in circulation (nearly double the amount from 2007).
Do you really need a passport for your cruise?
Ok, here’s where the cruising debate begins. To board the cruise, sail, and return to the same port, you are NOT required to have a passport. However, if you don’t have a passport, you will need an official birth certificate and a state-issued photo I.D. (driver’s license). That will work so long as everything goes according to plan.
But life doesn’t always go to plan.
A word from the U.S. State Dept. You know, the government.
“We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.”
Karma and Murphy
Karma is a guy on the Chiefs (Sorry, I’m a Kansas City girl – Go Chiefs!), but have you met this guy, Murphy…as in Murphy’s law?
Mur·phy’s Law – /ˈmərfēz ˈlô,ˈmərfēz ˈlä/ – Noun – “a supposed law of nature, expressed in various humorous popular sayings, to the effect that anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”
For example, You are sunning yourself in beautiful Barbados, living it up at The Boatyard, when all of a sudden, Murphy pops up tossing appendicitis your way. Yes, it’s happened.
On a recent cruise, a young man had a heart attack. We were redirected to Turks & Caicos in the middle of the night. From there, he took an ambulance to the airport and a medical flight to Miami for further treatment. Not only was he happy he had travel insurance, he was lucky that he and his wife had passports.
Don’t thumb your nose at old Murphy. Be prepared.
I personally follow the policy that I’d rather have it and not need it than the reverse. Oh…and get that travel insurance to people! Yes, I’m the old lady shaking my finger at you. 😉
Passports are an investment.
Many people skip getting passports when planning a cruise due to the time and expense involved. I scoff at this excuse. You likely just spent thousands of dollars on the cruise you plan to take. A passport is under $200 and, for adults, is valid for ten years! Balance that investment against the thousands spent on your average 7-night cruise. How many trips will you take over the next ten years? (I hope you get to take a lot!)
Pst… Be sure to share your adventures with our Facebook community. Don’t worry; we keep out the trolls.
My spouse and I have passports but haven’t gotten them for our kids.
Why not? Don’t you love them?
Actually, you’re not alone. Many people haven’t taken the step to get passports for their kids. Either they have yet to plan a trip that requires one, or they are concerned about the time and expense. Or, they only plan international trips without their kids. No judgment.
Passports obtained for children under 16 are only valid for five years. I have to admit, that’s a compelling argument for waiting, as you pay the same price as an adult. However, if you plan on traveling with your child internationally even once, yes, even just on a cruise, I think it’s worth the investment.
The iffy area for me would be if they are around age 16. That is a big grey area for me. For example, if they acquire their first passport at 15 1/2, it’s still only valid for five years. That situation for me may be worth waiting and planning a later trip or for a cruise utilizing alternative documentation if you are planning a cruise.
What about the passport card?
Nope, don’t do it. It can’t be used for international air travel! If we are talking about cruising, this is the point! So, while it is valid for land and sea…it isn’t helpful for the situation where you have an emergency and must fly home.
Go ahead, try to convince me otherwise, but I think it’s a waste unless you live near the Canadian or Mexican border and drive back and forth regularly, and that is the extent of your travel.
Get the passport BOOK!
Ready to get your passport? Start here. I’m excited for you! Go out and see that great big world! Current processing times are 6-8 weeks, so don’t delay!
Once you have your passport, don’t let it expire.
Keep track of your expiration date, especially since those for kids are only five years. Time has a way of flying by. Use a passport expiration tracker like the one in my Ultimate Cruise Planner so that you know when it’s time to renew. (on sale now)
It’s also important to note that many countries will not accept passports that expire within six months of your visit and return date, so plan ahead. You also don’t want to have your current passport sent out for renewal when you need it for a trip.
While you’re planning, make sure you check out the Finding Jillian Ultimate Cruise Planner!
In Conclusion, Yes, you should Get a Passport for your cruise.
No, you don’t “need” it to board the ship, but you might “need” it to get home if Murphy shows up.
Friends, there are so many things in life we spend money on. I enjoy my over-priced Starbucks and binge-watching Netflix just as much as the next person. Don’t pinch pennies on something that is THE premier form of identification and is an investment in your travel future.
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