We sail in early May. Wife and I both have "Real" ID's, but only the oldest child has a valid passport (I think it's still valid).

The other two kids don't have one at all. Not necessarily planning on any excursions, especially with the kids.

Is there a need for us to have anything other than birth certificates on hand for the kids?

How do things change if we get off the boat? (Mahogany Bay, Belize, Cozumel)

We've still got more than two weeks before it starts. It doesn't look like we qualify for getting an appointment (or 3) the way the passport website reads. Is it worth calling our congressman?

Thank you in advance.

Closed loop cruise from North America? I.e., leaving and coming back to same port?

If so, then you're good with birth certificates.

BUT....make sure the birh certificates have a raised seal (government issued, not copies)!

Edit: As far as getting off the ship, you shouldn't need any identification beyond your cruise key/card.

I recommend getting a passport in the future, fwiw...

Thank you. We should have this time, but spring ran by us more quickly than expected and now I just want to make sure we are okay for this trip.

Yes, closed loop. Galveston.

Hincemm said:

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Edit: As far as getting off the ship, you shouldn't need any identification beyond your cruise key/card.

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key word here is "shouldn't". I was recently on a cruise and St. Kitts was asking for an ID/Passport along with your cruise key/medallion. On the boat in St Thomas they said to take your Passport with you but then all they looked at was our medallion.

If you miss the boat leaving for whatever reason, you are going to need a passport.

Even if you have a Real ID, you'll still need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. It will still be accepted as your photo ID but the birth certificate will be your proof of citizenship.

Yep if you get off the boat & need to fly home for some reason it will not be possible without a valid passport. That includes every soul.

With as many questions that get asked about passports, docs, expediting and such I think strong advice would be just to always have a valid passport for each member of the family.

Not sure if applicable to cruises, but the other don't leave home without it I look at now is medical insurance.

Peace of mind makes vacays more enjoyable, at least for me. Enjoy the cruise!

Thank you all. We will be getting passports for all of us by next spring. Don't want to be in a pickle if we are friends with a lottery winner that wants to take a big trip, or if they bring back "Pig in a Poke"!

The wife was able to get us an appointment in Houston, so that at we have passports (at least the adults, not sure about the kids as she just messaged and said only she and I were going).

call and ask Carnival or look on their website