Do you need a passport for a cruise to the bahamas 2011?

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Victor

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Like the title says. It is a closed loop cruise. Same port when we leave and come back. Some sites say yes other say no. Also one said i can use my DL and Birth Certificate. I need to know ASAP. We are leaving the first of the year so the sooner the better.


Thank you.
 
1 check with the cruise line. My guess is probably YES because at some point you will step foot on foreign land and that is just how it goes. You will likely need to go through customs once you embark and disembark in the foreign county.

Now if the ship was out to sea (maritime law) and you went from US Mainland through other countries waters on the way to e.g., HAWAII, then NO. Also, should you get separated from the ship you would not be able to easily return to the US without a passport. It's easy to get one and they last about 10 years so I say go for it but it's getting close so I would go ASAP. Also, it is important to let them know that you have a travel date- they can rush it. There is a box you check.
 
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection states,

"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents."

The Bahamas does not require you to have a passport if you are on a cruise ship and a U.S. Citizen

It is suggested by most cruise lines and it is a required document for driving to Canada or Mexico.
If you have to fly home for some reason & don't have a passport, you will need to visit the embassy or counsul & fill out paperwork. Get the passport if you think you might want to travel outside the U.S. again.
 
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