Has anyone taken a kid on a cruise before?

[Guild]

You need to read this Cat and all others going on Cruises.

Summer 2009 rules: Beginning June 1, 2009, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States via land, sea, and air—regardless of destination. However there are some exceptions.

Proof of Citizenship/Proof of Identity

Don't leave home without proper identification. The cruise lines have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY regarding missing or unacceptable citizenship documents. Make sure you have all of the necessary documentation to travel. IF YOU DO NOT, YOU WILL BE DENIED BOARDING, NO EXCEPTIONS. There is no room for flexibility on this policy. Guests who fail to provide the cruise line with proper proof of citizenship and photo ID will be denied boarding and will not receive a refund. Cruise Direct Online assumes no responsibility for advising guests of immigration requirements. You must check with your cruise line for the specific Proof of Citizenship/Proof of Identity requirements for your cruise.

IMPORTANT: A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR A CRUISE

Please be sure to read items numbered 1-4

1. If you FLY to and/or from your cruise departing/returning port outside the United States

NEW... All citizens, regardless of age, including infants will be required to show a passport to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Panama, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the rest of the World. Guests will be required to present a valid passport during ship check-in formalities. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after sailing. Passengers who's Alaska cruise itinerary includes a port call to a Canadian city, or begins or ends in a Canadian port/city are required to have a valid Passport. You are responsible for having the proper documentation with you when you travel. In addition Visa's may be required to enter certain countries while on a cruise. So, well in advance of leaving home, check with the cruise line for the exact documentation requirements for your cruise or cruisetour. Failure to have the proper documentation ( Passport, Visa, Health Vacination Certificates etc. ) as required will result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise.

Special Note:

Passengers who's Alaska cruise itinerary includes a port call to a Canadian city, or begins or ends in a Canadian port/city are required to have a valid Passport, regardless if you drive or fly. The same is true if a port call to a Mexico city, or begins or ends in a Mexican port/city are required to have a valid Passport, regardless if you drive or fly. Failure to have the proper documentation as required will result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise.

2. If you FLY to and/or from your cruise departing/returning port inside the United States

US Citizens: If you are flying to and from your cruise ports of embarkation and disembarkation in the United States Only, a valid passport is REQUIRED on and after June 1, 2009.

___________________________

EXCEPTIONS

However, there are exceptions for children and some cruises:

Cruises: Under the new regulations, U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises -- those that begin and end at the same U.S. port -- to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean will be able to enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license.

U.S. citizens traveling to and from the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico via the same U.S. port must present an original government-issued photo ID in addition you must also present proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A certified birth certificate has a registrar’s raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office, which must be within one year of your birth. Photocopies are not accepted. A voter’s registration card and social security card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under the age of 16 do not require a government-issued photo ID. Please note: U.S. citizens may need a passport to enter foreign ports.

Although these documents are typically all travelers need at ports-of-call within those countries, most cruise lines still recommend that travelers obtain passports.

IMPORTANT: If a passenger had an emergency and needed to fly home from a port-of-call in Mexico, for example, he would need a passport for air travel. A birth certificate or passport card would be insufficient.

Travelers also should check whether a passport is required by any country on their itineraries.

Children: Under the new regulations, U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 arriving by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean will be able to present an original or copy of their birth certificate to return to the country.

Groups of teens ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or other sponsoring organization, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.

Online: For more information on travel requirements, see the Department of Homeland Security's www.GetYouHome.gov. Passport and passport card processing takes four to six weeks; expedited service is available for a fee.

Things to Know before You go!

Many people dream of exotic cruises with stops in places like Brazil, but beware as foreign country visas can add a big expense to that cruise deal. Although many countries require only a passport, some call for U.S. citizens to get visas, too.

Newer ports of call in Brazil, Turkey, and Russia require them. There’s a difference with Turkey and Russia: Turkey allows cruise ships to acquire “blanket visas” that cover all passengers and Russia allows guests of cruise ships to bypass a visa if they tour with approved ( cruise line organized ) tour operators. However, if you want to see the sites of Russia "on your own" you will need a Russian visa.

Another thing to keep in mind when applying for a visa is that some Middle Eastern and African countries will not issue visas or allow entry if your passport indicates travel to Israel.

Also, some countries like South Africa require blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Read The Cruise line's Brochure

Visa information is listed in the “General Information” section of most cruise line brochures and on should be found at their web site. You are warned: the “sole responsibility of the passenger to carry and have available all required travel documents.” It also states, “Passengers who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or the vessel without refund of the airfare, cruise or cruise-tour fare.”

Remember, it is your responsibility not the cruise line’s, nor your travel agents to know the requirements for travel month's before you leave home.

Passport and Visa Tips

1. Check the expiration date on your passport. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.

2. Look at visa requirements. Although many countries require only a passport, some call for U.S. citizens to get visas, too. Check the State Department Web page to find where visas are necessary.

3. If you DRIVE to and from the same cruise departing/returning port inside the United States

Under the new regulations, U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises -- those that begin and end at the same U.S. port -- to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean will be able to enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license.

US Citizens: If you are driving and not flying to and from the same cruise port for embarkation and disembarkation in the United States Only, a valid passport is highly recommended. In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), A certified birth certificate has a registrar’s raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office, which must be within one year of your birth, plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID. This only applies if you are driving. If a plane trip outside the United States is part of your cruise itinerary anywhere in the world, you will need a valid Passport. Passengers who's Alaska cruise itinerary includes a port call to a Canadian city, or begins or ends in a Canadian port/city are required to have a valid Passport, regardless if you drive or fly. Failure to have the proper documentation as required will result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise.

4. Our recommendation

We strongly recommend that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship's departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons.

Guests who need to fly to the United States before their cruise ends will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them.

United States citizens can visit the...

[g5jamz]

Cat...you better double check. Seriously.

Unless they've changed within a year, this is still in effect. You have a few mexican stops in there...

WHTI

[Scrumtrilescent]

Two options.

1. Cancel cruise.

2. Go on cruise, use it to offloadl kid to Colombian black marketers.

[JakeFlake]

I would get a passport just to be safe.

[Cat]

Cat...you better double check. Seriously.

Unless they've changed within a year, this is still in effect. You have a few mexican stops in there...

WHTI

I've been planning on getting him a passport anyways. The paperwork is filled out, just got to set a time up with dad to sign off on it at the post office. We don't cruise for several more months.

[Johnny Rockets]

You need to read this Cat and all others going on Cruises.

I don't think a passport is needed for most cruises.......

Cruises: Under the new regulations, U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises -- those that begin and end at the same U.S. port -- to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean will be able to enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license.

[Guild]

I've been planning on getting him a passport anyways. The paperwork is filled out, just got to set a time up with dad to sign off on it at the post office. We don't cruise for several more months.

Good you'll have time then. Do it, the sooner the better.

[Cat]

I've been to these islands many times before but like i said not with a kid. If anyone has any recommendations of places to go or things to do with a kid while on the island please feel free to share I know I can always fall back on just a beach day but I think my husband is kind of bored of sitting on a beach all week and Belize doesn't really have many beaches and isn't all that safe.

Right now I'm planning on renting a Jeep in Cozumel and checking out the ruins and a few beaches (only concern i have with this is keeping him from getting burned).

[g5jamz]

I don't think a passport is needed for most cruises.......

Cruises: Under the new regulations, U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises -- those that begin and end at the same U.S. port -- to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean will be able to enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license.

I'd call. Royal Carribbean required we had to have it. And this was June 2009. And we just went to their Coco Cay island and the Bahamas. Prior to May 2009, all that was required was a birth certificate or government-issued id. Doesn't hurt to doublecheck, but where's the incentive for a cruise agent to tell you the correct information once they have your money and you show up and can't get on the boat. Again...I'd call and doublecheck.

but from Carnival's site...

Are passports required? Carnival requires guests to provide proper travel documentation in order to travel. The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. Non-U.S Citizens must contact the appropriate Consulates, U.S. Embassy and U.S. Immigration office to inquire about necessary travel documentation. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of Immigration requirements.

It is recommended that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to meet their ship at the first port should they miss their scheduled embarkation and allow guests that must disembark the ship before their cruise ends due to an emergency to fly back to the U.S without significant delays and complications. It is also recommended that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of travel.

looks like my travel agent made us do a bunch of extra stuff that wasn't required, but again I'd check. I'm OCD on things like that.

[g5jamz]

I've been to these islands many times before but like i said not with a kid. If anyone has any recommendations of places to go or things to do with a kid while on the island please feel free to share I know I can always fall back on just a beach day but I think my husband is kind of bored of sitting on a beach all week and Belize doesn't really have many beaches and isn't all that safe.

Right now I'm planning on renting a Jeep in Cozumel and checking out the ruins and a few beaches (only concern i have with this is keeping him from getting burned).

There's a state park called Chan-Kanaab in Cozumel (no clue on spelling). Cool little snorkeling area that's got the anti-shark clickers going and some underwater stuff to look at. You could buy your own snorkeling stuff and take it with you, but they do have rentals on the ship (obviously) and at the park if you want. But with a 4yr old, you could just buy a little set that you know fits him and he'd have it for the summer at home. You and the wife could just rent, because the problem with having your own stuff...you have to carry your own stuff. That's why I'd probably rent for the two of you at the park, and just take the kid's.

Just get off the boat...get in a cab...and ask to go to Chan-Kanaab. Take some extra packets of crackers with you. Get in the water and crumble the crackers up and get the fish attracted to you. Kid will either love it or run out of the water in horror/fear.

There's some rest platforms at the park in the water to sit and rest, but just make sure he's got a life jacket. ALSO...VERY IMPORTANT. with a small kid...and prevent ruining of your trip. Go by REI, or another outdoor/triathlete sports place and buy the anti-chafing stuff. Can't recall the name of it, but it comes in a little deodorant stick looking thing. Boys especially will get chafed and it will put you out for an entire day if you don't take care of it. Best investment ever.

[Cat]

I wonder if he could snorkel. I haven't even entertained the idea but he is going to be in the pool a LOT this summer. Maybe I should grab some goggles and a snorkel and atleast let him try it out. I'm sure we could get him a life jacket.

.....this might be a terrible idea. What age did everyone's kids start snorkeling? I was 8ish when I first went snorkeling.

[g5jamz]

I wonder if he could snorkel. I haven't even entertained the idea but he is going to be in the pool a LOT this summer. Maybe I should grab some goggles and a snorkel and atleast let him try it out. I'm sure we could get him a life jacket.

.....this might be a terrible idea. What age did everyone's kids start snorkeling? I was 8ish when I first went snorkeling.

I never did it until I was an adult...only because you can't see s**t in the Atlantic.

But my kids love snorkeling in the pool...one is 9...other 5. And a pool is boring...seeing all the wildlife is cool. If he/she can't swim, that's a different issue. My kids can swim like fishes.

[Murph]

So, um, which Bikini's will you be wearing Cat?

[Cat]

I never did it until I was an adult...only because you can't see s**t in the Atlantic.

But my kids love snorkeling in the pool...one is 9...other 5. And a pool is boring...seeing all the wildlife is cool. If he/she can't swim, that's a different issue. My kids can swim like fishes.

We have a pool and he is restarting swim lessons when we get back from the beach. I'd like to think he will be able to swim soon. It will ease my mind just a bit about having a 7ft. deep pool in my back yard.