Disney Cruise

Posts Tagged ‘Going On A Cruise’

Going on vacation is something that everyone looks forward to doing. Going on a cruise raises that level of excitement even more, as it is often the first and only time that people are going on a boat this large and actually leaving the country. However, anyone doing this should know the new travel laws that require expedited United States passports for cruises.

The best indicator of the necessity of pasports for a cruise is whether or not the cruise is international. In short, passports are needed for international travel and are not needed for domestic travel. Passports are never mandatory for domestic travel, but passport laws can vary for different types of international travel.

First and foremost, everyone needs to understand that many of the travel laws have changed quite dramatically over the last year or so. Prior to June 2009, there was no need to have a passport to travel to places like Mexico or Canada. Because of many of the events over the last ten years or so, these rules have now changed.

Obviously, anyone that is physically crossing the border into another country on a one way trip would need a passport, but they are also required in various other scenarios as they pertain to cruises. Even destinations that never required passports before are asking for them, but there are still some exceptions that can be noted.

Additionally, any cruise that starts in another country would require the use of a passport. This should be pretty obvious because a cruise starting in another country often requires international air travel. There are never exceptions for the need of a passport when it comes to air travel. Passports are also now required for all border crossings, so a passport is necessary for any cruise departing from an international port.

Currently, there are trips that are called “closed loop” cruises. They are nothing new to the industry and probably what you or your friends have traveled on before. This is a trip where the traveler boards in a port like Miami, travels to different areas and then returns to that very same port. Trips like this can present an exception to all other passport laws.

Passports are generally not required for closed loop cruises. In place of passports for cruises deemed closed loop, adult passengers are only required to bring a valid driver’s license and birth certificate. Closed loop voyage passport and document exemption laws only pertain to travel from a U.S port to ports in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, and select Caribbean Islands. Anyone unsure of the passport requirements for closed loop cruises to certain Caribbean Islands should consult with the cruise company, their travel agency or the State Department website. Anyone that has a passport would be wise to bring it along just in case.

It is always smart to read up on where the trip is going to see if expedited passports for cruises are required for that specific trip. Now as we said, even ifpassports are not required, it may be a smart move to at least have a passport card when traveling anywhere outside the United States. It is better to be safe than sorry and having extra documentation is never a bad thing for a traveler.

Going on a cruise is a great adventure. First time cruisers often wonder how much luggage to bring. Due to the size constraints of most cruise ship rooms, you don’t want to bring more than you need. The following luggage tips can help you get the most enjoyment on your next cruise.

The number one piece of luggage you will need is a good quality carry on bag. If you are flying to your port city, most domestic airlines will allow a size 22 carry on luggage. Be sure to get a rolling carry on bag as this will make traveling much easier. When packing, be sure to pack all of your essentials in the carry on. When you arrive to your ship, you will be checking in your entire luggage except the carry on. Since your your larger luggage pieces will be sent to your room in the evening, you will only have what you packed in your carry on for most of the first day.

A good luggage to consider would be a Travelpro 22 inch carry on bag. The TravelPro Platinum 6 Expandable Rollaboard is a popular and versatile carry on.

Experienced cruisers tend to bring one large suitcase in addition to a carry on bag. Of course, if you are going on a long 7-day cruise, you might want to bring an additional mid sized bag. While a cruise is a relaxing experience, dealing with multiple pieces of luggage at the end of a cruise can be daunting and a bit frustrating. Keeping you luggage to a minimum can help make that last day more manageable.

When choosing luggage, be sure to find one with a garment compartment. This will limit the need for a garment bag.  

You’ll also want to consider bringing soft side luggage instead of hard sided. Soft sided luggage is lighter and has the flexibility to fit in tight areas. Hard sided luggage tends to be heavier and is not that forgiving when it comes with storing.