Travel Documents (Passports)
Passports are Not Required (but Recommended) for the Majority of AotS Staff Assisted Cruises
"Closed Loop" Itineraries
Cruise passengers who are U.S.citizens (USCs) sailing on vessels with voyages commencing in a USA port, calling in at least one foreign port and then returning to the SAME USA port are sailing on what is known as a "CLOSED LOOP" itinerary.
US citizens may sail with their original birth certificate plus a government issued pictured ID card (such as a normal drivers license). They may also sail with a valid passport, passport card, state issued enhanced driver's license, NEXUS card, SENTRI card or FAST card.
"Open Loop" Itineraries
Cruise passengers who are U.S. citizens (USCs) sailing on vessels with voyages that depart from one USA port and return to a DIFFERENT USA port, are sailing on what is known as a "OPEN LOOP" itinerary. US Citizen passengers on OPEN LOOP itineraries must hold a valid passport, passport card, or other specific USG approved card. They will NOT be allowed to embark with a birth certificate and drivers license.
NOTE: The information above was valid on 2-2-09 and can change at any time. You will NOT be notified of any changes, and changes may NOT be listed on this website.
For current information:
From the United States Department of State
Document Requirements from the cruise lines:
Please Note: The information on Passport Requirements may change at any time, without notification to you. If you do not have your passport and do not plan on getting your passport for your cruise, we strongly recommend checking the latest requirements periodically here: www.travel.state.gov
Last Names of Minors Different than parents, guardians or adults
Should the last names of the parent and minor child traveling with them differ, the parent is required to present the child’s valid passport and visa (if required) and the child’s birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked through legal documentation. Adults who are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with them are required to present the child’s valid passport and visa or the child’s birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy) and an original notarized letter signed by at least one of the child’s parents. The notarized letter from the child’s parent must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise, must authorize guardian to sign legal documentation/waivers for participation in any activities requiring them (i.e. Rock Climbing, Flowrider, Bungee Trampoline, Inline Skating, or Ice Skating) and must authorize the traveling adult to supervise the child and permit any medical treatment that must be administered to the child. If a non-parent adult is a Legal Guardian, the adult must present a certified certificate of Guardianship with respect to the child.
Questions
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