Passport Cards in Mexican Rivera?

[katmigordon]

Will I need passport cards or a passport to get on and off the ship in the Mexican Rivera? Or can that be done with Birth Certificate and ID?

 

[fredandkell]

Original birth certificate and driver's license should be fine as long as it's a round-trip cruise. See https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/passport-travel-documentation/ (click on the Round-Trip option for Pacific Coast cruises). If it's a one-way cruise, you need a passport.

If you already have a passport, I'd bring it with you just in case, even if you don't need it.

 

[BartmanLA]

You really only need your KTTW card to get on and off the ship, carrying your passport is okay but you run the risk of theft, you rarely will be asked for ID, and if you're in Mexico a state issued ID is often accepted as a form of identification, along with your KTTW card. That will signify you're a passenger on the ship. And the cruise line has copies of your passport on record from when you boarded at the origination port.

 

[Mommb]

I have never done a Mexican Riviera cruise, but at most ports in the Caribbean and in Europe, Disney Cruise Line has told passengers they need a Key to the World Card and a government-issued photo ID to reboard the ship. Some ports have a local check-station before you reach the boarding area, and these check-stations can't see the photo on your Key to the World card. Even if the cruise line doesn't require it, carrying photo ID is always a good idea. You do not need a birth certificate to reboard at a port.

If a port does require a passport, that will be noted in the Navigator and Port Guide and announced at the show the previous evening.

 

[Lilsia]

When you get off of the ship, Mexican authorities do not ask to see your passport or ID. You will need your ship ID to get back into the port. The passport is used to get back into the USA.

 

[monkeydawn]

ICR when you are cruising, if you have said. I just wanted to make sure you were aware that a Birth certificate and ID will not get you home on a flight if that should become necessary for some reason on your trip. I am uncertain if you can cross into the US from Mexico via auto with a BC and ID. If it were me and I had enough time before the cruise I would get a passport in light of everything that has happened these last 6 weeks or so. If you are traveling before you could get a passport then I would probably really reconsider given that in one of your other threads you mention being diabetic, particularly if you cannot get back via auto.

 

[disney789]

Wanted to give my experience on a Ensenada itinerary on DCL. My children and I got off the ship with our KTTW cards only. Upon trying to re-enter the ship, we were asked for our government docs (BC or passport). I left those things on the ship. Initially he did not want to let me thru but eventually allowed us thru and said if we got back off the ship and tried to re-enter we would definitely need our government docs. I asked him why and he said they’re strict because of human trafficking. Now my children don’t want to get off the ship period if we ever go back there.

 

[hrhdhd]

If your cruise requires a passport, you will need it to board in the embarkation port.

You may or may not need to take your passport with you in ports of call, but you'll need a government-issued photo ID and your KTTW card.

A passport card isn't valid for flights, so if you were injured in Mexico and needed to fly home, you'd need a passport book.

 

[Numtini]

Once again, the card is meant for people who live near the border and constantly cross it for work or shopping or whatever. It's not meant for travel. It's not a discount passport. If you're getting something for a cruise, get the book, not the card. If you live next to the border, get the book and the card. There's really no reason to have the card alone.

 

[kiford]

You will need your ship ID to get back into the port.

And government photo ID such as driver's license. We have been asked to show it upon return to the port in Mexico on previous cruises. There may be additional requirements now (you'll be told that the night prior to docking) but photo ID at a minimum in addition to KTTW card. Whether they actually check it in any particular port will depend on who you get and whether they are diligent. Sometimes they are and sometimes not.

 

[Lilsia]

And government photo ID such as driver's license. We have been asked to show it upon return to the port in Mexico on previous cruises. There may be additional requirements now (you'll be told that the night prior to docking) but photo ID at a minimum in addition to KTTW card. Whether they actually check it in any particular port will depend on who you get and whether they are diligent. Sometimes they are and sometimes not.

Yes, adults need an ID also. Thanks for putting that in, I forgot.

 

[mmouse37]

We were in Cozumel on the Fantasy Feb 1-8 cruise and we had to show govt photo ID plus our KTTW card to gain access to the pier to the ship. They tell you onboard that anyone 18 and older needs both gov't issued photo ID plus your KTTW card. Even at Castaway Cay. I usually just bring my drivers license.

MJ

 

[bumbershoot]

Now my children don’t want to get off the ship period if we ever go back there.

YOU needed your ID. Kids don’t have them and I doubt the cruise line would have suggested bringing their BCs off.

And the KTTW card has pictures that come up when scanned.

Just take your ID next time and things will go better.

Sometimes the authority figures at ports get a little full of themselves. For me it was a british immigration guy at Heathrow that decided to be a total jerk to me. The kids will likely run into more people like that if they travel.

Plus, he did let you through even though you didn’t have the proper ID, so...



Yep.

 

[disney789]

YOU needed your ID. Kids don’t have them and I doubt the cruise line would have suggested bringing their BCs off.

And the KTTW card has pictures that come up when scanned.

Just take your ID next time and things will go better.

Sometimes the authority figures at ports get a little full of themselves. For me it was a british immigration guy at Heathrow that decided to be a total jerk to me. The kids will likely run into more people like that if they travel.

Plus, he did let you through even though you didn’t have the proper ID, so...




Yep.

I had my California DL which is why I was surprised he gave me a hard time. That was not our first time on a cruise in Mexico but that was the first time I experienced that situation.

 

[BartmanLA]

Additionally, for those that are cautioning you to take your passport with you in case you get stranded in port, I am pretty sure that if you aren't back on the ship in time the Captain instructs the purser of the ship to enter your stateroom collect your belongings and any materials in your room safe and leave them with the proper port authorities. At least I believe they try to find any important documents like passport and ID etc to leave. I know dock runners are seen at many ports as ships depart, however bottom line if you go ashore it's your personal responsibility to return to the ship before the scheduled departure, barring any emergencies of course.