Caribbean cruise documents?

[Black Pearl]

I'm sure it has been asked, but I want to make sure I've got the right stuff in order. The trip is just my wife and I going.

What documents do we need for a 5 night cruise from Miami to the Caribean and back to Miami? Is the passport necessary?

 

[Master Yoda]

You can currently do it with just a birth certificate, but a passport is recommended. If you get stuck at a port for any reason a passport will make getting home much easier.

 

[The Mom]

Lack of passports was one (of many) considerations on where to tow the disabled Carnival cruise ship - around 900 passengers did not have one with them (or didn't have one at all). It was easier to disembark in the US rather than Mexico, but perhaps was a longer trip.

Also, and heaven forbid it become an issue, if you are ill or injured and have to be treated on shore, or if you have to make an emergency flight home, or have to stay behind for some reason, the lack of a passport can be a real hindrance.

 

[Phonedave]

Just to clarify.

If you leave the US via ship, and return home on the same ship via the same ship all you need is a birth certificate.

If you need to do ANYTHING else. Return via any other mode of transportation (plane, helicopter, car, bus, foot, or another vessel) then you will need a passport. If you do not have one, then you will have a long wait at the US counsulate while they arrange one for you

Short story - get a passport and bring it.

-dave

 

[Black Pearl]

Thanks all!