new regs

[Mousetaineer]

Has anybody else seen the new DHS regulations for passports? It looks like we will need them before our next cruise in July 2006 since the law is slated to go into effect in Dec.

 

[KKB]

DCL will certainly let you know if they become "official"
It is currently open for public comment, and it appears they may adjust these dates...
We disembark Dec. 31 this year, so we are watching this one carefully! Do not want to invest nearly $500 unless it is absolutely necessary! But if we do not have a definitive answer by the end of summer, I will get the ball rolling!
Happy cruising!
Kristin

 

[ldb1030]

Mousetaineer- When are you going in July 06? We are on the July 1st sailing!!
I'm still thinking about the passport's also! I can't imagine the rush they'll have on them if everyone is going to need them very soon! Will be mess if they don't decide soon! I suppose I could do 1 at a time starting now, really don't have an extra $300.00 sitting around to go and get them now!

 

[CM_Mom]

I would go ahead and get the ball rolling, especially for the Adult passports since they're good for 10 years to avoid the rush now and to avoid getting caught up in the renewal headaches 10 years from now when everyone who gets one at the last minute has to renew...again at the last minute.

FYI, we have found that passports make moving through airports easier even within the country.

 

[tvguy]

We use Passports for everything, getting in and our of the US or a foreign is really a secondary use.
Had to use mine last week to prove citizenship because my company got new owners.....had to use my wife and kids to prove their ID for health insurance.......use them for Little League signups, soccer signups, and yes, it does greatly ease domestic air travel too.

 

[Rence]

The regulations are proposed and baring any changes will go into effect 1/1/2006. It is possible that it may change.

At this point I don't know of any cruiseline that is telling its 2006 passengars that passports are required. I believe that they are playing it safe as people will be upset if the cruiseline said required and the rules changed and they turned out not to be required.

DCL will let folks know in plenty of time. Probably 4 to 5 months prior to sailing if the rules are still in place.

If you are sailing in 2006 it would be a good idea to go ahead and get your passports. At the very least, pay very close attention to the regulations and allow yourself plenty of time to get passports if the requirement goes into effect.

 

[Mousetaineer]

Mousetaineer- When are you going in July 06? We are on the July 1st sailing!!
I'm still thinking about the passport's also! I can't imagine the rush they'll have on them if everyone is going to need them very soon! Will be mess if they don't decide soon! I suppose I could do 1 at a time starting now, really don't have an extra $300.00 sitting around to go and get them now!

We are doing the July 8th Eastern. I'm guessing you're doing Western. Did that last year (2004) and it was wonderful.

 

[ljql_5969]

We are on the July 8th eastern too. I am watching for news on this also! I'll keep watching because I don't want to purchase if I don't have to.