So when do you run into a problem with the expiration date being within 60 or 90 days, or whatever the particular country's policy is? Is it just flying INTO the country that you may be refused boarding on the plane? But not a problem when leaving?
First,
DCL should provide you guidance about the validity of your travel documents (you provided the expiration date when you checked in online, but you can call to confirm if you want). Once DCL is satisfied enough to transport you, the important thing, IMO, is to have a valid passport for emergency re-entry into the US.
The State Department website is a bit sloppy, for example when you look up Grenada, the Quick Facts section reports 6 months of passport validity, but when you expand the Exit, Entry and Visa Requirements section, it says, "... Grenada law requires all visitors to have a valid passport on entry/exit."
I don't see any validity requirements for your destinations when I search the IATA database (See the
TIMATIC entries below), which I find easier to read than the contradictory State Department site. This is what the airlines use to confirm passenger travel documents. The treatment of cruise passengers is more relaxed than others arriving to stay, but the TIMATIC results are a good baseline.
All that said, I would renew the passport shortly after returning form the January cruise.
----------------
TIMATIC RESULTS:
----------------
St. Kitts-Nevis - Destination Passport
Passport required.
Document validity rules:
Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for the period of intended stay.
The following are exempt from holding a visa:
A max. stay of 6 months
Important:
Nationals of USA who have visited Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria or Sierra Leone within the last 21 days will be refused entry.
Grenada - Destination Passport
The following regulations apply to children/minors:
Minors being nationals of USA under the age of 16, who are not in possession of an official photo ID, are required to present additional proof of identity (e.g. a school photo ID);
The following are exempt from holding a visa:
A max. stay of 3 months
Additional information:
Visitors are required to hold documents required for their next destination.
French West Indies - Destination Visa
The following are exempt from holding a visa:
A max. stay of 90 days:
Additional information:
Visitors are required to hold documents required for their next destination.
Important:
Visitors not holding return/onward tickets could be refused entry.
Antigua and Barbuda - Destination Passport
Entry and Transit restrictions apply:
Visitors must hold return/onward tickets.
Important:
Passengers who have visited Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone within the last 21 days will be refused entry.
The following are exempt from holding a visa:
Nationals of USA.
Additional information:
Visitors must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. The initial duration of stay for nationals of USA is determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival. Extension possible.
Barbados - Destination Passport
Passport required.
Document validity rules:
Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for the period of intended stay.
The following are exempt from holding a visa:
Nationals of USA for a maximum stay of 6 months.
Additional information:
Visitors are required to hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and documents required for their next destination.
