new passport rules
Revised March 27 2008
Rules revised by The Department of Homeland Security

CruiseShopping.com strongly recommends travelers carry a valid passport.

Travel before Summer 2009:
Effective January 23, 2007, the U.S. Government requires a passport for ALL AIR TRAVEL into or out of the United States. PLEASE NOTE specifically that this includes cruise passengers flying into or out of Vancouver. It also applies for example to air travel to or from Mexican ports, and from Caribbean islands except U.S. territories - San Juan, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For U.S. and Canadian citizens whose travel will terminate before Summer 2009 and who are not entering or re-entering the U.S. by air, the following documents are permitted for Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii or New England cruises:

EITHER
1. A valid passport - highly recommended
OR
2. A U.S. or Canadian government-issued picture identification; plus an original or certified copy of a birth certificate from the state or province of your birth or a U.S. or Canadian Naturalization Certificate. Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable.

Please note that you will need a passport if you due to illness, injury, or any other reason are forced to disembark the cruise ship and fly home from a foreign port.

Travel departing Summer 2009 or later:
As early as Summer 2009, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air, land, or sea between the United States and ANY foreign territory (including the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and Bermuda) will be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. This applies also to travel on cruise ships that visit those countries. Note that this includes travelers returning to the United States by Summer 2009, even if they left prior to that date. For more information or to get a passport application, visit the U.S. State Department website.

All passengers must present the required documentation at embarkation and at the airport. Guests without the required documentation will be denied boarding and no refund will be issued. Please understand that cruise lines will strictly enforce this requirement to be in compliance with this important U.S. Government mandate.

Non U.S. nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain further details.

special Note for travelers to Canada:

Travelers to Canada are advised that they may be denied entrance if they have ever been convicted of a criminal offense, including minor criminal offenses and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Please contact the nearest Canadian Consulate for more information.