Documents? What do you HAVE to bring? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

littlemiss1t · 08-13-2009, 06:02 AM

Hello,

Apart from Passport & tickets, what DO you NEED to take.

I don;t have a copy of my birth certificate, do you need this, or is a passport ok.

Also, I am travelling from UK to New York, then cruising 13 nights Eastern Caribbean. Do I need a visa and what is the best way to access this. Also, how far in advance can you apply for this?

Thanks

Carly x

Torus34 · 08-13-2009, 08:10 AM

Your passport and ticket should see you through, though we also carry at least one credit card [to lock and access our in-room safe] and our driver's license [picture ID]. On boarding you'll receive a general-purpose card which will open your cabin door, charge on-board purchases to your account and act as your pass to get off and on the ship at ports.

Char · 08-13-2009, 08:20 AM

When you re-board the ship at your ports of call they will sometimes ask for a photo ID as well as your sea pass card. Usually a drivers license has your picture on it, so that is the common ID used so you don't have to carry your passport off the ship with you,

Every time you leave and re-board the ship you will insert your sea pass card into a slot that registers your coming and going. Be sure to have that card in your hand as you approach the exit and entrance so you won't hold up the line getting it out of your purse or pocket.

canarymoon · 08-13-2009, 09:09 AM

You might want to check the UK's official website to make sure that nono of the countries you will be visiting require a Visa.
It doesn't sound like it ... but I am speaking from a US viewpoint.
Here's ann excample: We don't need one for the normal Eastern Caribbean ports. However, Visas sare required for US citizens traveling to Brazil, which has caught some Amereicans by surprise!
So, check ahead of time to be sure you don't have any surprises!

patsea · 08-13-2009, 01:04 PM

Yes Char - I always seem to be asked for photo i.d. other than my sea pass. I always bring my drivers license for that because it fits right in my waterproof container and is same size as the sign and sail card. the passport is too bulky and I'm too afraid to lose it.

Cruise Planner · 08-13-2009, 01:12 PM

As was stated, it's in your best interest to check with the cruise line, or have your agent check for you, to find out is you need a visa to visit any of the countries you'll be visiting. You probably don't, but I don't want to assume anything since I don't know exactly where you're going or presume to know what the requirements are for UK citizens. For example; there are now new visa requirements for Mexican and Czech Republic citizens who are visiting Canada.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

As for getting back on the ship after visiting a port, your photo id and boarding card are all you'll need. Leave your passport in the safe in your cabin on the ship so you don't lose it, but it never hurts to carry a photo copy with you just in case.

Pete

patsea · 08-13-2009, 02:20 PM

Because I don't like to have copies of things that people can use also, i scan everything onto a flash drive. I carry the flash drive on and put it in the save and then if I lose something I can plug the flash drive right in onboard and reprint anything I need. Just one of the things I do that might be of interest to someone. Maybe.

Cruise Planner · 08-13-2009, 06:14 PM

Another good idea is to scan the information and then email to yourself - that way you don't have to carry anything. Besides, if someone breaks into your safe and takes your passport, they'll more than likely take other items as well, including your flash drive. I've got copies of everything in my email account - never know when or where you might need the information.

But the good thing about carrying a copy with you in a secure place is on the off-chance you may have to have it to prove citizenship. In foreign countries it's always best to wear a security belt inside your clothes with your most important items so it's not a problem carrying copies of documents, traveler's cheques, etc. just in case you need them.

Pete

Lanky Lad · 08-13-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemiss1t

Hello,

Apart from Passport & tickets, what DO you NEED to take.

I don;t have a copy of my birth certificate, do you need this, or is a passport ok.

Also, I am travelling from UK to New York, then cruising 13 nights Eastern Caribbean. Do I need a visa and what is the best way to access this. Also, how far in advance can you apply for this?

Thanks

Carly x

Hi Carly

If you have a clean record you will not need a visa to go to the USA, but you will need to fill in a visa waiver scheme form, you have to fill this in online before you go, but you may also have to fill one in on the plane. When I went to America in 2006, it was on a green card, they kept the top and stamped the bottom half and gave it me back. You need to hand this in before you leave the USA for the last time so they know you have left the country.

If you have any kind of criminal record, even a driving offence, you will need to apply for a visa.

Here is a link to the online form https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.h...1-EB3B09C4FFFD

Here is a link to the US embassy in London which should be helpful Embassy of the U.S. London: Visa Waiver Program

Krazy Kruizers · 08-13-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemiss1t

Hello,

Apart from Passport & tickets, what DO you NEED to take.

I don;t have a copy of my birth certificate, do you need this, or is a passport ok.

Also, I am travelling from UK to New York, then cruising 13 nights Eastern Caribbean. Do I need a visa and what is the best way to access this. Also, how far in advance can you apply for this?

Thanks

Carly x

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