Thoughts on the 4 night San Juan to Port Canaveral?

[hrhdhd]

This link describes closed-loop cruises.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/74/~/documents-needed-to-take-a-cruise

I have taken a cruise from Miami to San Juan, and I needed a passport.

 

[DietCokeMommy]

A passport is needed because of the stop at Castaway (Bahamas). I called Disney to ask because I was questioning this same thing before we went. The CM confirmed a passport book or card is required and it was because of the stop in the Bahamas. DH and I had passports but we ended up getting cards for the kids. We’ll get them passports in a few years.

 

[CaLuCa]

A passport is needed because of the stop at Castaway (Bahamas). I called Disney to ask because I was questioning this same thing before we went. The CM confirmed a passport book or card is required and it was because of the stop in the Bahamas. DH and I had passports but we ended up getting cards for the kids. We’ll get them passports in a few years.

I am more curious of the law now, moreso than our ability to even go. The only thing I can find on a .gov site is about open cruises that visit a foreign port, which a passport is definitely required. The example given is of a Panama repositioning that because it visits Panama as one of the ports, even though orginating and ending in the US, requires a passport. I cannot find anything about open cruises that only visit US land. I would consider Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands US Territory, but is Castaway Cay considered Bahamas?

I know for certain my twins did not have passports when we did either cruise with them. Mine and older DD were expired.

If Castaway Cay is considered a foreign port (which we were allowed to disembark without a passport in 2012 and 2015, but on a closed cruise), then I would take it that a passport is required. However, I am having a hard time understanding why we could go to Castaway Cay without a passport if it is considered a foreign port.

(getting passports is on the list of things to do...just probably not going to happen in time, unfortunately.)

 

[PrincessShmoo]

but is Castaway Cay considered Bahamas?

f Castaway Cay is considered a foreign port (which we were allowed to disembark without a passport in 2012 and 2015, but on a closed cruise), then I would take it that a passport is required. However, I am having a hard time understanding why we could go to Castaway Cay without a passport if it is considered a foreign port.

Castaway Cay is in the Bahamas. It's not US soil.

Closed loop cruises that begin and end in the same US port do not require a passport. So you could have taken a cruise that stops pretty much any where in the Caribbean without a passport, as long as your start port and end port were the same US port.

Those islands in the Caribbean don't require passports for closed loop cruise passengers. It would seriously cut into their tourist trade if they did.

 

[lanejudy]

Castaway Cay is in the Bahamas. It is a foreign port just like Nassau is a foreign port. I don’t believe a cruise involving just US ports is legal.

Generally speaking, a passport is now required for entry/re-entry to the US. There are some exceptions - a closed-loop cruise being one exception. It’s not as much that there is a law specifying the requirement for an open cruise, but rather the lack of a legal exception to the law.

 

[CaLuCa]

Thanks. Bummer for us.

DH wants me to take everyone to get passports tomorrow, but I still don't think it will be in time.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks. Bummer for us.

DH wants me to take everyone to get passports tomorrow, but I still don't think it will be in time.

When is the cruise?

 

[CaLuCa]

February 2.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I don’t believe a cruise involving just US ports is legal.

Only if the ship is a US flagged one. Like NCL's Pride of America in Hawaii.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

February 2.

It'll be close. I'd suggest you get it expedited. Yes, it costs more, but do you want to make sure everyone gets on the ship?

 

[CaLuCa]

We are waiting on the sale of our other house, which is scheduled to close January 15. I can't book this without that going through. We spent the last two years living apart for work/military. Doing this is the We Survived moment for me. Completely not necessary, but it would be great to just know that time is behind us with a relaxing celebration.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are waiting on the sale of our other house, which is scheduled to close January 15. I can't book this without that going through. We spent the last two years living apart for work/military. Doing this is the We Survived moment for me. Completely not necessary, but it would be great to just know that time is behind us with a relaxing celebration.

Maybe another cruise would work out better? Seems like a lot needs to happen within a short time for that cruise.

 

[CaLuCa]

Maybe another cruise would work out better? Seems like a lot needs to happen within a short time for that cruise.

Most likely. I think I got really excited about this itinerary...and we both really liked Puerto Rico...of course, we were young, no kids...I don't even know if it would live up to our memories when we throw 4 others in the mix.

Other crazy thing is, one kid has perfect attendance so far, and I hate to mess that up. I have no problem pulling kids out of school, but he's made it so far without missing a day. Silly little things like that.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Most likely. I think I got really excited about this itinerary...and we both really liked Puerto Rico...of course, we were young, no kids...I don't even know if it would live up to our memories when we throw 4 others in the mix.

Other crazy thing is, one kid has perfect attendance so far, and I hate to mess that up. I have no problem pulling kids out of school, but he's made it so far without missing a day. Silly little things like that.

Yes, being a parent can "mess things up". But it's worth it. You learn to adjust.

 

[Capitalangel]

Also be aware due to the partial government shutdown there may be issues getting passports. I am not 100% sure if they are effected but it is something to call about/ consider.

Edit: nevermind it looks like you are ok. https://travel.state.gov/content/tr...ea/passport-services-government-shutdown.html

 

[clten]

It looks like you are checking documents needed to arrive in your ports from the US. The requirement that you need to check is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). This is the one that gives the requirements for arriving back in the US after travel. The WHTI requires adults to have a passport, passport card, enhanced drivers license or trusted traveler program to REENTER the US. (There is an exclusion for "Closed Loop" cruises in the WHTI but that does not apply to a San Juan to Port Canaveral cruise.) So there is a requirement for passports for your cruise.

 

[cadien]

February 2.

We're on this one!

 

[CaLuCa]

Yes, I attempted to read the WHTI last night, but my non legal brain did not enjoy it.

DH wants to expedite the passports rather than pay for the consolation prize...A seven night on the Fantasy in early summer. Little does he know that my secret plan is to make the kids love it so much we'll be on a 7 night in January 2020.

 

[neutie88]

You definitely need some kins of seasick meds. I like Bonine for myself. Check with your doctor to see whats best for you.
My grandkids have taken Dramamine, but don't need it regularly.

I second the Bonine - I get very seasick and after some experimenting, this works the best for me. The trick is to start taking it at least 24 hours before you get on the boat, it makes a huge difference!