klemire626 6 Report post Posted October 10, 2019 First time cruise here. Just wondering if kids need a passport? We will be sailing to the Bahamas in March and I want to make sure I get them in time if they need them Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StephanieH 24 Report post Posted October 10, 2019 Passports are not required however they are recommended. If you don't have passports, you'll need certified copies of their birth certificates. 2 Srp431 and klemire626 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wnuk 25 Report post Posted October 10, 2019 I would recommend it. If by chance you get left behind in a port, you will need it to leave that country. 2 thepants and Srp431 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Notyouravgjt 7 Report post Posted October 10, 2019 If you want to save money while still having a "passport" you could apply for a passport card for them. I love having my passport card. It is about the size of a driver license and I always have it in my wallet. Plus it is a much cheaper option than getting a full passport. 1 klemire626 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BunnyHutt 78 Report post Posted October 11, 2019 2 hours ago, Notyouravgjt said: If you want to save money while still having a "passport" you could apply for a passport card for them. I love having my passport card. It is about the size of a driver license and I always have it in my wallet. Plus it is a much cheaper option than getting a full passport. It also has very limited use. Cannot use passport card for air travel, for example. 2 4ensic and thepants reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thepants 12 Report post Posted October 11, 2019 It depends on where you are sailing from and if its a closed loop USA cruise. With that said, RCI highly recommends passports for children. We do have passport books (not cards) for all of us (me, hubby, and our three kids). It's pricey but anytime we leave the country, even on a cruise, I personally wouldn't travel without one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt 8,250 Report post Posted October 11, 2019 I would recommend getting passports for everyone cruising, including kids. My kids have passports and it simplifies the process so much by having them. 1 Momof4crazytocruise reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kerry 35 Report post Posted October 11, 2019 And depending on their ages, it would be less expensive to get them now. My oldest was 15 when we needed them, so I got the full passport at the "15 and Under" rate that will last him 5 years. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uniongodess 14 Report post Posted October 12, 2019 Just get a passport for the kids. It gets harder as they get older, you need to apply in person and the hours are often during school. I had to pick up my son from school to get it on a half day. He is on his 3rd passport. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Candyman 91 Report post Posted October 12, 2019 On 10/11/2019 at 9:11 AM, Kerry said: And depending on their ages, it would be less expensive to get them now. My oldest was 15 when we needed them, so I got the full passport at the "15 and Under" rate that will last him 5 years. Thanks for pointing that out. My 2nd oldest will be turning 15 so I need to capitalize on the lower rate before we sail next year. 1 Kerry reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
klc317 47 Report post Posted October 12, 2019 Our daughter is currently 7 and we have taken her on several cruises. We got her a passport just in case. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lovetocruise2002 8,306 Report post Posted October 12, 2019 We've had a passport for our girls ever since we started cruising with them at ages 4, 6. It's just easier that way. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
