Don’t Miss The Boat!

Here’s some great advice from a PCT Custom Travel Concierge.

Every year during industry conventions or in industry magazines, we hear, or read, about families and individuals that were not able to board the ship for their dream vacation because they were lacking the proper required documents. This is not meant to be an analytical, step by step, instruction manual on what documents are required to cruise. That type of document would resemble the IRS Tax Code, and would make as much cense. Instead, this article is meant to start the thinking and research process for your specific situation, cruise line regulations and state and federal regulations. YOU should confirm all information for your particular situation.

With the increasing number of blended families, we are finding ourselves having to remind our clients that when a minor is traveling with only one legal parent, grand parents, friends parents (you get the picture) different states and different cruise lines have different requirements for documentation. Some cruise lines “prefer” and others “require” a notarized document from the absent parent(s) stating that the named child has permission to travel out of the country between certain dates and with named legal adult(s). Ask your travel agent to clarify what documentation is preferred or required by the cruise line you are traveling on. This is another example of one of the many benefits to using a travel agent. They typically know where to verify such requirements.

Probably the number one question regarding cruise documents is, “Do I need a Passport?”. We STRONGLY recommend cruising with a Passport, but if the cruise is originating and returning to a US port a Passport is not required. You can travel with other types of proof of citizenship, such as an official birth certificate. The U.S. Passport Card is a great option, and will save you some money. REMEMBER you cannot fly without a passport. If something were to come up that required you to fly home, you MUST have a passport. For more information about Passports, Passport Cards & fees go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/

ATTENTION NEWLYWEDS:
When booking that dream honeymoon, remember to be sure you book the cruise using the SAME name that appears on your driver license, passport or what ever form of ID you plan to use when checking in at the cruise terminal. Too many times a cruise will be booked under a married name and the supporting ID is under the maiden name. Under current federal regulations, you will not be allowed to board the ship if all documents are not under the same name.

Scott McAlister is a Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC). The views and opinions shared by Scott do not represent CLIA, Premier Custom Travel or any of their partner cruise lines. © Scott McAlister 2013