We always recommend everyone that is traveling to have a passport. The old saying goes "No you don't need one until you need one". We have witnessed in our many travels people who have had a medical emergency and need to disembark the ship mid sailing. How do you get home if you are not in a U.S. territory?
The safest way to travel is with a U.S. passport so in case of an emergency you can fly home. This may be a medical emergency for you, or someone back home or the loss of a loved one or weather-related catastrophe. Every year, many people have to cut their vacation short due to a variety of reasons. Your best insurance to be able to get home quickly is to have a passport in hand.
You can use a passport card to cruise, but you will not be able to fly home. The passport cards are best used for a quick passport ID, or to drive to Mexico or Canada. The passport card may be used for citizenship identification in The Caribbean and Bermuda.
How long does my passport or passport card last? If you are over 16 years old, the passport is good for 10 years. For children 15 and under the renewal period is every 5 years. You can apply for a passport card through the State Department. The passport book can also be applied for through the State Department website for $145 for over 16 and $115 for 15 and under.
Don't delay, schedule your passport appointment today. Bonus tip- CVS and Walgreens are easy and inexpensive for passport photos.
Comments