First time cruiser... passport question

[alimbrogno]

We're going on our first cruise and Grand Cayman is one of our ports. Which passport do we need? Book or card? Thanks.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We're going on our first cruise and Grand Cayman is one of our ports. Which passport do we need? Book or card? Thanks.

For US citizens on a closed loop cruise (one that begins and ends in the same US port), the minimum requirement is a birth certificate plus (for those 16 and over) a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID).

That being said, a passport is what I always say is best.

If you're getting a passport a book is "better" than a card. There's nothing a passport card will get you that you can't do with just going the birth certificate and photo ID route. And it just costs you money for no gain.

If you find it necessary to cut your cruise short, and fly home from a foreign port, you'll need a full passport book.

Of course, that's if you're all US citizens.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I just want to throw in that if you don't have a passport and plan on getting one for trip, give yourself plenty of time. I applied for a passport and was denied because my birth certificate. I've used only my birth certificate for years when traveling and when I got married and never had a problem. I know things/times have changed. Luckily, I had enough time to get a new one and got my passport on time.

 

[bcla]

For US citizens on a closed loop cruise (one that begins and ends in the same US port), the minimum requirement is a birth certificate plus (for those 16 and over) a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID).

That being said, a passport is what I always say is best.

If you're getting a passport a book is "better" than a card. There's nothing a passport card will get you that you can't do with just going the birth certificate and photo ID route. And it just costs you money for no gain.

If you find it necessary to cut your cruise short, and fly home from a foreign port, you'll need a full passport book.

Of course, that's if you're all US citizens.

Not all US citizens were born in the US. Apparently a Certificate of Naturalization can be used, but I wouldn't think it would be a good idea. Same goes for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Customs and Border Protection say any document that establishes US citizenship would work for a closed-loop cruise.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1139/kw/cruise documents/sno/1

A passport card can be used on cruises that aren't closed-loop. When I got mine it was only $20, so it seemed like a good idea. Since I got it I've used it as photo ID, to get into Canada and back to the US, for employment eligibility, ID at the airport, etc.