Random Question #1: Passport vs Passport Card?

[JJsmama]

Today is my day for Random questions, I guess. You can always tell when someone's cruise is getting close, can't you? The questions get specific

I have both a passport and a passport card from my years overseas when I carried the passport card all the time and kept the passport in the safe and used it for travel. We needed our full passport for entering/ exiting because of visas,(Asia) etc. I have never used the card for international travel. I know it is more common in USA and nearby. Does it suffice for an Eastern Car cruise?

TIA

 

[Weedy]

If you are a US citizen you don't need a passport (or card) to cruise. You can use a birth certificate and a photo ID. BUT if you should need to fly between ports for any reason (miss a port, illness and need to get home) you will need a passport. You cannot fly on a card.

 

[JJsmama]

Thanks and that is very interesting. I did not know that. Seems I was half right. It is more accepted here but only by land. I went and checked the government website:

Passport card: "Valid when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. Not valid for international travel by air."

Since I have the passport, I will definitely take it in case of emergency.

 

[diznymom]

I look at it this way. That Passport is kind of like insurance. It's better to have it and not Need it, than need it and Not have it.

Get the Passport. Plus, it supersedes all other forms of identification.

 

[lanejudy]

Can you cruise with a Passport Card? Yes
Does it do anything for you? No. The Passport Card's main value is for land travel to Canada or Mexico. It is a valid recognized form of ID and can be used for cruising in place of birth certificate plus driver's license. But as PP stated, if you needed a passport to return home or fly and catch up with the cruise ship -- the card won't work, you'll need the book. Since you have a Passport Book, it's best to use that.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Bluecat74]

and passport renewals are really quick right now-- mine took 15 days and I had my new one!

 

[CraftyMommy]

and passport renewals are really quick right now-- mine took 15 days and I had my new one!

My niece just got her first passport and it arrived 2 weeks later. We were very surprised how quickly it came.