Miami, Florida Port Q&A

you don't need passports, but on demarcation the passport line if off right away and the birth certificate line takes forever.

Answered by catziemak on November 29, 2023

My answer is this. Always defer to the island/country rules regulations and laws. Search the island/country and their requirements including customs. It is your safest bet. Chance are with the Bahamas you will not need a passport but it is wisest to confirm that from the Bahamas. Passports take awhile to get so do not waste time in clarifying what is needed.

Answered by RamblingWaves on November 30, 2023

I’ve been on 7 cruises with kids and all, and none of us have ever had passports. Birth certificate and ID. And birth certificate only for children with no ID. They even let one of my adult children on with a COPY of her birth certificate. I was shocked. But it worked.

Answered by bstrasner on December 01, 2023

I asked a friend who has been cruising annually for 10+ years, she and her family have never had passports…they use their Long Form Birth Certificates as ID

Answered by pamnrandy on December 01, 2023

Not needed but you can get passport cards for around $30 a person. The only thing with cards is you can not fly internationally,

Answered by larryt23 on December 01, 2023

international flights, Everyone does will need a passport. you must go through customs. I went in August. it is required go to the website it will tell you.

Answered by ldennis64 on December 04, 2023

All the folks talking about passport "cards", they do not authorize anyone including kids to fly internationally so it's a waste of time and money. Just use a birth certificate. Otherwise, get a real passport if you're concerned about any issues that would require one to make it home. OR be stuck in another country until you can get a emergency passport.

Answered by Skooby on December 02, 2023

Since they’re under 18 you can get them passport cards which cost less and serve the same purpose. They’re children they don’t need passport books. You don’t have to go broke to enjoy your cruise. They’re the size of a driver’s license and cost less than $100 each.

Answered by TaurusQueen4236 on December 02, 2023

According to carnival, if the other biological parent is not with you, you will need an original signed statement from them stating that they give permission for the child to cruise with you. I’m not sure if they enforce this, but it does state that they require it.

Answered by Kristyjill on December 06, 2023

their Original Birth Certificates r fine for sailing and picture ID since they r older. Have both of those items you will be fine. U will need Passports if u r flying and or staying on the islands.

Answered by shanksgirl on December 05, 2023

only need a photo government ID like a driver's license and your birth certificate. passports are not necessary. we cruised 15 cruises before getting ours.

Answered by dlh22701 on December 05, 2023

Yes you need passport, or birth certificates

Answered by arigaroz on December 05, 2023

The birth certificate is just fine. But if you want to be safe and have the time, a passport card, like a driver's license, is only around $60 and will suffice as well. You can get the card at the local post office. It is good for all travel by land or sea.

Answered by NikkiPierman on December 04, 2023

you don't need them. we just completed our first cruise with pass ports, all previous have been birth certificates BUT you do run the risk of something happens and I must say debarkation was way faster!

Answered by oo1emilie on December 04, 2023

I just returned from a trip with a 7 year old. All we took for her was her BC. We traveled out of Miami to Cozumel, Honduras, & Costa Maya.

Answered by cruiserdana on December 04, 2023

as you have heard you you do not need a passport for a cruise All you need is a birth certificate. now it's always good to have one because of something happen at one of the ports which it always does but because there's so many Americans that go to these ports if you don't have a passport they have representation that will help you out it just be a little expensive

Answered by lawdhavemercy on January 11, 2024

A certified birth certificate works just fine for 15 and under. If they are 16 or older, they will need a government issued driver's license or picture ID along with their certified birth certificate.

Answered by abarrett7 on January 10, 2024

get them just in case you need them and they are good for 10 years if they are 16 or older, 15 and under are good for 5 years.

Answered by okhappy493 on January 11, 2024

if you have the state issued birth certificates, you'll be fine.....

Answered by XtraviX on January 10, 2024

When I was in H.S. many moons ago!🤣😂 my track coach taught us a very valuable lesson regarding our equipment for track meets(especially on bringing jackets) he said, and I quote "Its better to have and not need than need and not have" In short, get the passports and enjoy your cruise!

Answered by JesusLoverUSA on February 01, 2024