Another birth certificate question

[married2grumpy]

I did a search and got some good info but just want to be sure. I have found all 5 of our BC's. The kids have an original BC on nice paper with raised seal and a certified copy on plain white paper with raised seal. The certified copy is okay to bring right?

How do you carry your BC's? When exactly are they needed?

I think having passports would be easier but I just can't justify the cost for all 5 of us for 1 trip.

Thanks for any info you can share!

 

[ivanova]

the certified copies are fine as long as they have that raised seal.

I carried ours in my person, in a separate envelope.

They are needed when you check in at the port (in addition to picture ID for the adults).

I agree that passports are pricey - but I went ahead and got ours (1) because DH travels to Japan so I figured I needed one in case of an emergency, and (2) it makes airport check-in more convenient (don't have to go digging for my wallet/driver's license), and (3) although we thought we'd only ever cruise once, we've now cruised twice with cruises 3, 4 and 5 on their way

 

[married2grumpy]

Are BC's also needed when you are getting back on the ship from the islands or just picture ID? How long is a passport good for and what is the appoximate cost?

Thanks!

 

[jrabbit]

Are BC's also needed when you are getting back on the ship from the islands or just picture ID? How long is a passport good for and what is the appoximate cost?

Thanks!

You just need your KTTW card and Photo Id to reboard the ship while in port. Thats why you should take your D/L with you even though you are using a passport. Once you check in at the port your need for the passport "goes away" (unless you're on the eastern then you need it for immigration at St. Thomas). Once you are able to get into your room, lock your passports up in the safe.

Passports are good for 10 years if you are 16 or older. Only 5 years if under 16.

Cost: between $80 and $90 each. There are two fees: one for the "order taking department (your post office) and the other for the government to issue the passport. You do need to write two seperate checks for the fees because they go to diferent entities. A third charge can be for the photos you need to provide. You can provide your own, just follow the photo requirements to the letter and you will be fine.

 

[kreedham]

You're right. Getting 5 passports can be quite costly. I'd get them for the adults now and the kids later, 1 at a time to help your budget, starting with the oldest. A passport is more acceptable to those (customs, et al) that require ID so for your convenience the adults should get them anyway!

My wife already has one. The kids and I are getting one for our August Cruise on the left coast. The TA recommended we have them.

As far as the BC goes we never had to show them but you've still got to have them!

 

[ambushangel]

What about getting back on the boat with a child?

Do they need photo ID with their KTTW card?

 

[ivanova]

What about getting back on the boat with a child?

Do they need photo ID with their KTTW card?

No they'd don't.

 

[ambushangel]

Thanks for the info.

 

[PoohJen]

To add my experience:

I was freaking out about the BC thing, because even though I had an original BC for the five of us (all born in different places), my husband's did not have a raised seal. It was close to cruising time. I called DCL who assured me "as long as it's an original...".

It all went fine. the BCs were not scrutinized. Not all jurisdictions provide raised seals. Yes, I would have preferred peace of mind with Passports, but am glad I didn't shell out the money for Passports my family won't be needing for a long time.

I'd be interested in hearing about who HAS had trouble boarding w/ their BC.

 

[ldinCT]

Since I am traveling solo with my son, wondering if I will have to have the notorized letter from my husband. I've seen it on some airline sites and I thought it was required when traveling to Mexico. Maybe not since we leave from FL. Thought we had to bring them with us though when we took stepkids on NCL cruise out of FL though. HMMm . Anyone know?

 

[Lynderella]

There is a form inside your cruise ticket booklet to be completed for a parent travelling with a child without the other parent present. I haved used the sample form from the US passport website when I travel out of the country with my children without my husband. So far, no one has asked for it, but better to be safe than sorry.