Cruising without a Passport

[Metalfan]

Hi all! So, my wife and I applied for passports. I received mine but she has yet to receive hers yet. Apparently there was an issue when she applied and she had to fill out a new application and send it to the processing center. It's been 4 weeks since then. Currently, we are uncertain when we'll get it. Obviously we are hoping that it comes before we leave for our vacation on 11/8 but we can't guarantee it. Our cruise is to Nassau and Castaway Cay. When reading the website regarding check in it says all guests must provide a copy of their passport or other proof of citizenship. Well, her birth certificate is in Virginia with her passport application. What else can be used? Also, if she doesn't have it we won't get off the boat in Nassau, but can she get off at Castaway Cay?

Sorry for the questions! Disney is closed right now or I'd just call them and she's having a minor moment tonight about it.

 

[happycamper47]

It may be faster to order another copy of her birth certificate. You will need it for online check in anyway unless you already have a picture of it to upload.

 

[Genie+]

Can she go get another copy of her birth certificate?

There’s also used to be a way to pay to expedite passport online when checking the status.

A similar thing happened to me recently. My birth certificate was with my PP application that got held up (I was getting passport for a different trip). So I just went down to the county records where I was born and bought a new one, and I was in and out in less than 15 minutes, no appointment necessary. When my son had to get a passport (pre-covid) I remember when checking the application status online there was an option to pay around $70 to put a rush on it. Not sure if that is still available.

 

[Metalfan]

Can she go get another copy of her birth certificate?

There’s also used to be a way to pay to expedite passport online when checking the status.

A similar thing happened to me recently. My birth certificate was with my PP application that got held up (I was getting passport for a different trip). So I just went down to the county records where I was born and bought a new one, and I was in and out in less than 15 minutes, no appointment necessary. When my son had to get a passport (pre-covid) I remember when checking the application status online there was an option to pay around $70 to put a rush on it. Not sure if that is still available.

Yea we're about 6 hours from where she was born. The expedited after you've applied can be denied by the government for whatever reason. We are trying to figure out the best option.

 

[Metalfan]

It may be faster to order another copy of her birth certificate. You will need it for online check in anyway unless you already have a picture of it to upload.

Actually we just remembered that they gave her a copy of her birth certificate at the clerks office when we applied. Can we upload that?

 

[happycamper47]

Actually we just remembered that they gave her a copy of her birth certificate at the clerks office when we applied. Can we upload that?

Is it a certified copy? There seems to be some disagreement as to whether a regular copy will work even though that is what is on DCL's website.
Edit to show correct info:

The Bahamas, Caribbean, Pacific Coast, Bermuda or Canada – Round Trip Cruises​

Sailing from/to: Port Canaveral, Miami, Galveston, San Diego, San Juan, New Orleans and New York​

Original valid U.S. Passport​

• Original valid U.S. Passport Card
• Original valid Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST)

OR

• Original or copy of a state-issued birth certificate AND Government-issued photo ID
  1. Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to 7/1/10 are not acceptable

 

[Mommb]

You can try uploading the copy for online check-in, but it would be a good idea to try to get an official copy from the state where your wife was born before the cruise. You may be able a birth certificate online from the state bureau of vital records.

Getting off the boat in ports isn’t the issue — she will not be able to board the ship without proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. Once you have boarded, you don’t need passports to get back onboard in the Bahamas, just a government-issued photo ID such as driver’s license or state ID.

 

[DCL Repeaters]

You will also need to present your passport or birth certificate to customs upon your arrival to the US.

 

[cmph]

You don't have to go in-person to get a copy of her birth cert from vital records in her birth state. Just google the state name plus "vital records" to find the site to request it electronically. When we moved, all of our officials docs were stolen (long story). I had to request copies of my birth certificate, my kids' birth certificates, and our marriage license - a total of 3 different states were involved. I had them all within a couple weeks, if that. Enormous pain to deal with, as a whole, but just requesting a single birth cert would be super easy.

 

[CamillaF]

I have also had luck going to a passport agency. Their is one in Seattle. however they are only open Monday-Friday and will only help you out if you are really close to leaving... and still don't have your passport. See if there is one close to you. It's nice to have as a back up if the passport does not come in time.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

You don't have to go in-person to get a copy of her birth cert from vital records in her birth state. Just google the state name plus "vital records" to find the site to request it electronically. When we moved, all of our officials docs were stolen (long story). I had to request copies of my birth certificate, my kids' birth certificates, and our marriage license - a total of 3 different states were involved. I had them all within a couple weeks, if that. Enormous pain to deal with, as a whole, but just requesting a single birth cert would be super easy.

Well, I was curious so I searched for NJ. Processing time is 8-12 weeks, so that's not going to do any good, either. I'd assume in person you walk out with one, even if you have a bit of a wait.

 

[Kat_M]

yea youll need a certified birth certificate or the passport unfortunately

 

[cmph]

Well, I was curious so I searched for NJ. Processing time is 8-12 weeks, so that's not going to do any good, either. I'd assume in person you walk out with one, even if you have a bit of a wait.

Bummer! NJ was not one of my 3 states, plus it was pre-covid (which seems like it shouldn't matter anymore but still does). Honestly, I would probably just order it now anyway, if I were you, b/c they may give an overly long estimate and it ends up being much faster. Kind of like with the passports - sometimes you get them super quickly while other people report that it was months. No rhyme or reason!

 

[happycamper47]

You don't have to go in-person to get a copy of her birth cert from vital records in her birth state. Just google the state name plus "vital records" to find the site to request it electronically.

In Ohio you can get it at any city or county vital records office no matter where born in the state and most have it ready the same day for pick-up or it will be mailed the next business day. Several even use a service where it can be sent UPS overnight or two day..

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Bummer! NJ was not one of my 3 states, plus it was pre-covid (which seems like it shouldn't matter anymore but still does). Honestly, I would probably just order it now anyway, if I were you, b/c they may give an overly long estimate and it ends up being much faster. Kind of like with the passports - sometimes you get them super quickly while other people report that it was months. No rhyme or reason!

I'm not OP, was just curious how this would work.

Hopefully OP's home state is running better processing times, because 11/8 is honestly right around the corner.

 

[nancipants]

When I was having issues getting my mom's passport, I asked DCL if she could use a copy of her birth certificate, and they said yes.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Contact one of your state's senators for help getting the passport. Mine had a link on their website for passport assistance. I entered my info on their form and in less than a week I had my passport. (I had applied for the passport and it was taking forever to get approved and sent to me.)

Also, one of the vloggers recently got to the port without his birth certificate. His mom texted him a photo of it and he was allowed to board (I think it was Kyle Pallo, but could be wrong). So maybe a copy of the birth cert is OK for Bahamas cruises.

 

[happycamper47]

Also, one of the vloggers recently got to the port without his birth certificate. His mom texted him a photo of it and he was allowed to board (I think it was Kyle Pallo, but could be wrong). So maybe a copy of the birth cert is OK for Bahamas cruises.

Same happened with my daughter and her husband in June, they had no problem boarding or with customs getting off.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Contact one of your state's senators for help getting the passport. Mine had a link on their website for passport assistance. I entered my info on their form and in less than a week I had my passport.

Also, one of the vloggers recently got to the port without his birth certificate. His mom texted him a photo of it and he was allowed to board (I think it was Kyle Pallo, but could be wrong). So maybe a copy of the birth cert is OK for Bahamas cruises.

Wanted to clarify that when I contacted my senator, I had already applied, it just was taking FOREVER. Everyone else who applied at same time as me had gotten theirs more than 2 months earlier.

 

[chubbyzeus]

Well, I was curious so I searched for NJ. Processing time is 8-12 weeks, so that's not going to do any good, either. I'd assume in person you walk out with one, even if you have a bit of a wait.

In NJ you contact the city of birth not the state, and most city clerks take mail requests only. My wife sent a money order with application and copies of marriage license and her license, certified mail with postage paid envelope, to the Camden City Clerk’s Office and got her copy back in 9 days start to finish.