In the past few years, travel has changed. Since 09/11 when terrorists attacked the United States, stricter requirements were implemented. One of the many changes that came about from that tragedy was the requirement of more and specific travel documents so confirmation could be made pertaining to the person traveling. For instance, prior to the attack, some countries could be visited without a Visa such as Canada and Mexico but today, a Visa is required for all out of country travel, which even applies when taking a cruise.
To make sure you do not go through the process of planning the perfect vacation only to discover some type of document needed has not been secured, we wanted to provide a rundown on the type of documentation you would need to get in order prior to sailing. Many of these documents take weeks to months to get so it is imperative you plan accordingly. If you were to try to board a Celebrity ship without the needed documents, you would be denied boarding but you could also be fined. If denied boarding, no refund would be offered.
Documentation Needed for Domestic Cruises
• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) – Under this law, anyone traveling or sailing to and from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean are required to have a valid passport, or some other approved documentation whereby the traveler’s identity and citizenship could be validated to enter and then reenter the US.
• Closed Loop Cruises – If taking a Celebrity cruise that starts and ends at the same US port, you would be allowed to sail out of and back into the country as long as you have proof of citizenship. Documentation for this would include a birth certificate, as well as a government issues picture ID that shows the name and birth as well, and is laminated. Anyone sailing age 16 and under would be required to show the original or a certified copy of the birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, issued by the DOS.
Documentation Needed for International Cruises
• Passport – For any international travel with Celebrity Cruise Line, it is strongly recommended that a valid passport be taken for boarding. Make sure the expiration extends a minimum of six months past the last day of your cruise schedule. That way, if for some reason a cruise were delayed from returning to the original port or an emergency were to arise that required you to stay in a foreign country you would be protected.
• Citizens of the United States and Canada – Specific to people taking a Celebrity cruise who have US or Canadian citizenship, if the ship leaves and returns to the same US port, travel is allowed with an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and photo ID issued by the respective government.
• Non-United States Citizens – If living in the United States but not a permanent citizen, a valid passport is mandatory for taking a Celebrity cruise. In addition to this, a Green Card, also called an Alien Registration Card, or other country issued documentation is required.
• Canadian Land Immigrants – For Canadian Land Immigrants living in Canada, a valid passport, and US Visa is mandated. In addition to this, a copy of the Permanent Resident Card, which was initially called IMM1000 or other country documentation showing alien status would be needed to take a cruise with Celebrity.
• Visa – Visa are required for certain destinations offered by Celebrity Cruise Line. To determine when a Visa would and would not be needed, it would be important to contact Celebrity directly.
• Inoculations – All passengers with Celebrity Cruise Line must be physically fit and/or medically approved to travel. Some destinations require certain vaccinations so again, you could contact Celebrity Cruise Line directly or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine when inoculations would apply.
• Family Documentation – If the names of children and parents or guardians differ, the child must have a valid passport and Visa, as well as an original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate. If a female traveling with Celebrity has several last names listed on legal documentation, she would be required to provide legal papers showing the link of going from one name to another (birth certificate, marriage license, and divorce papers, etc, all certified, or notarized).
• Consecutive Cruises – If a passenger on consecutive Celebrity cruises, you would need a valid passport with the six-month expiration date past the last day of travel, official passport along with a valid Diplomatic or personal passport, second form of laminated identification with photo (drivers license, law enforcement ID, military ID, etc).