Question about birth certificate

travelingirl · #1 (**permalink**) September 25th, 2011, 06:21 PM

Hello All!
I'm leaving in 6 days for my cruise. What exactly will they be looking for on the birth certificate? I'm getting mixed messages. Someone please verify what was needed on the birth certificate when they sailed so that I'm sure to bet the correct certificate.

Thanks in advance all!

nlb1050 · #2 (**permalink**) September 25th, 2011, 06:49 PM

It must be a State issued certificate with a seal, can not be a hospital or church issue.

fun2cruiz · #3 (**permalink**) September 25th, 2011, 07:08 PM

And must either be "original" or "certified copy".

Have a GREAT CRUISE and WELCOME to Cruise Mates

flowers · #4 (**permalink**) September 25th, 2011, 07:47 PM

I was on Elation earlier this year with three gals, and it was supposed to have been four gals. The fourth had the hospital birth certificate, and they denied her boarding. Her friends said she cried her eyes out. She lost her cruise and didnt have insurance. It would kill me too.

fun2cruiz · #5 (**permalink**) September 25th, 2011, 08:02 PM

More proof that passengers need to be well versed on the Proof of Citizenship that is required when travelling by land, air or sea.

Trip Insurance would not have helped UNLESS it was a "cancel for any reason" policy......

So sad that your friend did not have the proper documents to board the ship and miss out on the FUN, as well as the financial loss she took.

green_rd · #6 (**permalink**) September 25th, 2011, 08:33 PM

Yet another good reason to spend the $ for a passport - and keep it up to date

fun2cruiz · #7 (**permalink**) September 25th, 2011, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green_rd

Yet another good reason to spend the $ for a passport - and keep it up to date

Was wondering how long before the "education of passports" would be interjected into this thread ........only took 5 comment/posts !

green_rd · #8 (**permalink**) September 26th, 2011, 07:44 AM

Couldn't resist - sorry. I know money is tight for some people, I'm just sayin'

johnthed0g · #9 (**permalink**) September 26th, 2011, 08:01 AM

Live & learn...so in the US you need your original birth certificate to get on the ship? Why on earth do you need to do that?

anniegb · #10 (**permalink**) September 26th, 2011, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnthed0g

Live & learn...so in the US you need your original birth certificate to get on the ship? Why on earth do you need to do that?

Because you don't have a passport?

Annie

anniegb · #11 (**permalink**) September 26th, 2011, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green_rd

Yet another good reason to spend the $ for a passport - and keep it up to date

Curiousity kills the cat - how much does a US passport cost and for how long is it valid?

Annie

Aerogirl · #12 (**permalink**) September 26th, 2011, 10:35 AM

The total cost of a is $110.00 application fee + a $25.00 execution fee =$135.00
It's good for ten years. You then renew it at the cost of $110.00

anniegb · #13 (**permalink**) September 26th, 2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerogirl

The total cost of a is $110.00 application fee + a $25.00 execution fee =$135.00
It's good for ten years. You then renew it at the cost of $110.00

Slightly cheaper than UK but we have no alternative. We don't enjoy paying the fees - but we just get on with it.

Annie

nlb1050 · #14 (**permalink**) September 26th, 2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnthed0g

Live & learn...so in the US you need your original birth certificate to get on the ship? Why on earth do you need to do that?

If you do not have a passport it is your proof of citzenship, and if you use a birth certificate then you must have a state issued photo id to go along with it.

Of course if you cruise with just a birth cert and end up having to get off the ship on one of the islands and have to fly home it will be a big hassel as a passport is needed to enter the US from another country via air.

The island of the Caribbean do not care if you do not have a US passport but the US does.

We got our passports prior to a cruise in 2005 and while we do not have a single stamp from any country I have found that having it has helped me with other things here at home, such as applying for a replacement Social Security card and renewing my drivers license.

green_rd · #15 (**permalink**) September 26th, 2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnthed0g

Live & learn...so in the US you need your original birth certificate to get on the ship? Why on earth do you need to do that?

There is a subset of cruises referred to as "closed loop" returning to the same port of embarkation that do not require a passport for US citizens. All cruisers must provide "proof of citizenship"

johnthed0g · #16 (**permalink**) September 26th, 2011, 03:56 PM

Thanks for the information. I may have this wrong but from the UK we MUST have a passport to board the ship & it MUST be valid for at least six months beyond your return...BUT I don't honestly ever recall anyone ever asking to see it once you have boarded. Oh yes they made a big song & dance over your ID when we stopped in the USA but all round Europe I don't see why we couldn't do a "closed loop" as well. To board a plane even for an internal flight we need "photo ID", the modern driving licence would do but most use a Passport for that too.