NEW! - Passports NOT Required for Cruises (Mexico/Canada/Caribbean) Until June 1, 2009

Starting June 1, 2009, travelers entering the United States on a cruise will be required to present a passport or other recognized identification document.

The new requirement was outlined today by the U.S. government during a final ruling on travel documents for land and sea borders. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative calls for travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the country.

HOWEVER, we strongly recommend that you obtain your passport as soon as possible, even though it is not required until June 1, 2009.

Think as a passport as a Travelers license; it is good for 10 years and anyone leaving the United States should have one for the following reasons:

1. In the event another 9/11 type terrorist attack occurs while you are outside the U.S., a passport will definitely expedite your re-entry into the U.S.


2. If an emergency occurs while cruising (family death, medical injury or illness etc.) requiring you to fly back to the U.S. from a foreign port you MUST have a valid U.S. passport to return via air.


3. If something occurs in a foreign country that requires interaction with police, customs, or other foreign officials a passport is considered offical identification known by most authorities, whereas a birth certificate or state issued identification may be suspect.


4. When contacting a U.S. consulate or embassy in a foreign country a passport is considered the primary, and best form of identification.

For more information and requirements about applying for a passport visit the U.S. Department of State's website.