How long does it take to get passports?

[la37]

I know there have been many discussions about why we need passports and if they should be locked in the safe or taken off the ship at each port. I understand the need for passports for my family but my issue is that I really will not have the money to get them until March 1st. Our cruise is May 5th. Will this be enough time for us to get the passports back? We fly out on the 3rd of May and I was afraid 2 months wouldn't be enough time. Although I know that we could go without passports, I feel it would be much easier to travel with them. There has been a name change for one of us on our birth certificate. If we do not take the passport off the ship in Nassau then what do we have to show? If it is the birth certificate, will they not question the name change? I should say the name change was in West Virginia and there they do not remove the original name but only X it out and write the new name in beside it. Any and all advice would be appreciated.

 

[dcandmc]

The State Department says to allow six weeks for processing, but my experience recently (this past September and January) is that it takes about four to five weeks. Barring any problems (like an incomplete application or an unacceptable photo) I would say that the two month window you have should be OK.

For getting back on the ship in Nassau, each passenger will show their Key to the World Card, and I think adults will need to show a photo ID as well (not sure about this). A birth certificate would be used at the terminal during check in if you don't have passports, but you wouldn't use it for getting back on the ship in Nassau.

 

[la37]

Thank you so much. That relieves my mind. The birth certificate that I was afraid they would question is a childs. With all states having different looking birth certificates and that one being even more different than most, I was worried that it could get confusing with customs even though it is an official copy. Also the two adults birth cert. are from Kentucky and hers is from WV and that is another difference that I was afraid would be questioned. I was probably worrying for nothing. Thanks for easing my mind.

 

[TootyJane]

Routine service takes about 6 weeks. If you choose expedited service (there is an extra fee) you can expect your passport in about 2 weeks. Here's the link in case you're wondering: Passport Processing Time and Status Check. HTH

 

[DISJen]

We just applied for ours around the first of January and got them back in 2 1/2 weeks. We were surprised they came that fast!

 

[Realityfreakaholic]

We also got ours in about 2 1/2 - 3 weeks..although we were told it would take 6. I think you will be fine.