Jrs1102

5 hours ago, twangster said:

Different states have moved to the newer format or "long" format as it is called in some states at different paces. 

Puerto Rico, while not a US state, as a US territory requires re-issuing birth certificates from prior to a specific date as an example how there can be differences and nuances to the cruising with a birth certificate policy as implemented by US CBP.  

The problem is that there are versions of birth certificates that were once used in different states or territories and not all of these are considered to be an "official" birth certificates.  A hospital issued "birth certificate" is not an official government document.  It can look somewhat official and it can the words "Birth Certificate" or "Certificate of Birth" but that does not make it an official government recognized birth certificate.  Depending on your state or territory you should reach out the them to acquire what is now recognized as an official birth certificate. 

Where I am from I had to acquire what they call a long form version.  They still offer the short form version for some reason and I could have ordered that but I knew the long format was the one I needed to support my passport application.

I appreciate how devastating this much have been but understand they are simply enforcing the government immigration policy.  

Q

Can I cruise with a Birth Certificate if I am a U.S. Citizen?

A

For U.S. Sailings only, U.S. Citizens may cruise using an official Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID, like a driver’s license or an identity card. However, we highly recommend that all U.S. Citizen’s cruise with their U.S. Passport book that is valid at least 6 months after your cruise. Please note that hospital Birth Certificates (baby feet Birth Certificates) are not accepted.

Puerto Rican citizens should review their birth certificates and ensure they are up to date. Puerto Rican birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship.  The Government of Puerto Rico has partnered with document provider VitalChek to provide an expedited method for ordering new birth certificates. To apply through this method please visit:- www.vitalchek.com. Vital Check also offers a bilingual call center available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Processing and shipping fees apply. To apply through this method please call: (866) 842-6765.

For all sailings that visit Colombia, all guests will be required to present a passport book valid for at least 6 months after the sailing’s return date in order to board. Colombian Customs and Immigration requires all visitors to have a valid passport book and will not accept any other travel documents for entry. Unfortunately, any guests without a valid passport book will be denied boarding.

For International Sailings- US Citizens require a passport book with a minimum of 6 months validity post the return of your sailing and the corresponding visa required for entry and exit from the country.

That is the part I missed.

Puerto Rican citizens should review their birth certificates and ensure they are up to date. Puerto Rican birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship. 

Shame on me

7 hours ago, Matt said:

Welcome to the message boards.

I am very sorry you were denied boarding because of the certificate. Did your certificate have the raised seal on it, since it was the original? I've never heard of an "old format" or a "new format" so I'm curious what it means exactly.

It was my original. It doesn't have a raised seal, but does have a stamp that they put on it when it was issued years ago. Im from Puerto Rico so things were done a lot different years ago. Don't live there anymore so since I had my original certificate, I thought that was enough in combination with my drivers license. Based on what I had read when it came to documents. The main thing they mentioned was the color of the paper. That its not blue. 

First time cruiser. On Nov 28 we were scheduled to depart on the Independence. Had check in scheduled at 1pm. But when we arrived at the terminal the line was about 3 hours long. When we finally made it to the counter they told me that my birth certificate even-though it is an original could not be accepted since it was the old format. So we were denied boarding. I thought that since the website said original birth certificate, thats what it meant. They told me I could contact someone from where im from to get an updated version and have a picture sent over, but it was already too late. The office had already closed.  I ended up with my two boys crying, upset and a father torn to pieces over the disappointment. Months of planning and keeping it a surprise for nothing.
My question is as follows: Does anyone have experience when dealing with the Trip Protection program? I bought the protection and already submitted the claim.  Does it take long to process? Just curious cause I cant wait to book a new cruise and tell my boys. So they can be excited again.