passport card or passport

[cheesekate2005]

Can't decide whether or not to go for the passport or the passport card for cruise next year. We don't plan on doing any other international travel in the near future. Fees are very likely going up so I want to act quick!



Are the passport cards just as well as a passport for a Bahamas cruise?

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Can't decide whether or not to go for the passport or the passport card for cruise next year. We don't plan on doing any other international travel in the near future. Fees are very likely going up so I want to act quick!



Are the passport cards just as well as a passport for a Bahamas cruise?

Neithor one is needed. Just bring your BC and and ID for those over 16yrs and sve some $$$

 

[su_kraft]

Can't decide whether or not to go for the passport or the passport card for cruise next year. We don't plan on doing any other international travel in the near future. Fees are very likely going up so I want to act quick!



Are the passport cards just as well as a passport for a Bahamas cruise?

Passport cards are for border crossings only - so going to and from Canada or Mexico. They are not valid for air or other international travel. When we asked about the card I was told that unless you were crossing a Canadian or Mexican border frequently there was no need fo rthe card.

That said, you don't need apassport for a closed loop cruise (any of the regular cruises Disney offers) unless you have to be flown from a port back home for any reason.

 

[cheesekate2005]

Really? I thought I atleast needed a passport card...they really are not that tough on the requirements?

 

[tvguy]

I wouldn't both with the Passport card. I'd just get a Passport. No, it isn't required for the cruise, but it's like trip insurance, a waste of money if you don't need it, priceless if you do.

 

[jel0511]

Also, passport fees are going up on the 11th, so if you want to beat the fee increase, better get moving. I'd go with a passport. You never know if you'll need one, even though I know you say you PLAN on not needing one anytime in the future. Luckily for me, I renewed my kids passports this past weekend and saved myself $35 per passport, as that's the amount they're going up.

 

[IrenicMom]

The US Consular Division hasn't actually declared the date the increase will go into effect. The 30 day comment period ends on March 11, and they've said that they won't go up until after the comment period closes AND they've had time to consider the comments that were made during that time. How long that will be? No one seems to know - could be a day, could be a month (or more).

So, they WILL be going up, but when isn't known yet, even by the Consulate itself.

That being said - a passport card is of no use to anyone except those who drive through the Canadian or Mexican border - as others mentioned, it's not a valid ID for international flights. It's also not necessary for closed loop cruises (so it's not that they're being lax on the requirements, it's truly NOT an requirement). And, like TVGuy said - much like trip insurance.

That being said - if you choose not to get one, they WILL still fly you home after you receive an expedited, temporary passport from the nearest US Embassy (which, of course, you will have to pay for). Once home, though, you can exchange that temporary one for a real one at no costs, so you won't have to pay twice.

 

[ScouterJT]

I'm in the minority here. But, if I were going to apply for a passport book, I would also apply for the passport card at the same time.

I understand the limitations of the passport card, but I don't think the incremental cost is that great, and I'm comforted knowing I have an alternate proof of citizenship.

 

[kcashner]

I called the passport office last week about the price increase. They have no info that the are willing to release.

That said, the passport card is basically worthless for a cruise. The reason people recommend a passport is to cover an emergency that might require you to leave the ship. The passport card will not cover this contingency, and you'll still have to jump thru the hoops of getting an emergency passport. My logic says to either get the full passport, or save the money and get nothing--use a birth certificate.

 

[jewelmicky]

Just get the passport.....it comes in handy alot.

Or just use Birth Cert.

 

[della0813]

has anyone actually been on the cruise with just a bc and idea??
everything i have read says you need a passport or passport card.
thanks
della

 

[frangi]

So I won't need a passport for a 4 day cruise on October. Just going to Nassau and Castaway Cay. I just wan to be clean on this!

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

FYI...from the U.S. State Dept:

The new wallet-size U.S. Passport Card is a travel document that can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. Note that it cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book.


LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

ALL PERSONS traveling by land and sea outside of the United States are required to present a passport book/card, or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States.

Land/Sea Travel
Beginning June 1, 2009

• U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), most commonly a U.S. passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, or an enhanced driver's license

AND THIS FROM DREAMS UNLIMITED:

Disney Cruise Line does recommend that all guests, including U.S. citizens, have passports. For information in obtaining a passport, here's a link to the official government website . Due to the current volume of requests, please allow ample time for your passport application to be processed. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.

All non-U.S.citizens , including alien residents of the United States, must have valid passports and necessary visas at time of embarkation to ensure his/her ability to re-enter the U.S. upon the ship’s return. Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the responsibility of the Guest.These guidelines are based on U.S. government regulations, which are subject to change at any time. It is the Guest’s responsibility to check with their travel agent, government agencies, embassies or consulates prior to their vacation to ensure that they have proper documentation.

Unfortunately, any Guest traveling without proper documentation, as mentioned above, will not be allowed to board the vessel.

For all non-U.S. citizens including Canadian citizens, travel documents will be taken upon check-in by a Disney Cruise Line® representative, and a passport/Alien Resident Card receipt will be issued for presentation to immigration inspectors upon return to Port Canaveral.

 

[kcashner]

has anyone actually been on the cruise with just a bc and idea??
everything i have read says you need a passport or passport card.
thanks
della

Yes, I have cruised with DD on a birth certificate. If you are on a "closed loop" cruise out of Florida, you do not need a passport. A passport card is worthless on a cruise except as a form of ID like the birth certificate--in an emergency, it's not what you need to get back to the US.

If you are on a cruise that does not start and end at the same port, or a European or Alaskan cruise, different rules apply!

 

[cheesekate2005]

Thanks for all of the information everyone!

 

[AKMOUSE]

We just cruised and got back last week. We got the passport cards and not once were they used. We used our state issued ID everytim that ID was required when getting on/off the ship.

Actually, at check in they needed it - but thats it. Personally, I felt better having one - just in case.

 

[cheesekate2005]

I think that I will get these, just to be on the safe side, or in case there is a sudden surge of extra security.