kellyrc Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 I am surprising my mom with a cruise vacation. She has never been on one and it has always been her dream. I was planning on telling her that we are just going to Florida but here’s the dilemma: she doesn’t have a passport. Does anybody have any ideas on how I can make her get a passport without making it obvious? I’ve got nothing. I was hoping to tell her on Christmas which is only 2 weeks before the cruise. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinJ Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 Great idea, tough to do though. You could tell her you plan to visit the Conch Republic in the Keys and they require a passport? She'll probably be suspicious though. Or talk about some future trip planning that requires a passport and getting it now would help. USFFrank, Cactus527 and kellyrc 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustfsu Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 Well if it goes from the port you leave and the port you return (closed loop route) all she needs is her ID and original raised seal birth certificate. Maybe say you want to hold on to it for safe keeping or make a copy to make a memory book for the family. She would have to bring that if she needed to get a passport, so no way around getting her a passport without that either way. Only way she would need a passport for a cruise if it was transatlantic or don't end up back at your original port. kellyrc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steverk Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 I'd be hesitant to sail without the passport. If anything happens, she'd be unable to fly home. Sorry to have to say this, but the older Mom is, the more likely she ends up needing medical attention. If KevinJ's suggestion doesn't work, then you might have to let go of the surprise and just tell her your plan. She'll still be happy! kellyrc and RafaellaCG 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotPayinExtra Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 Part of the fun is the anticipation and planning. At some point let her in on it and she can plan her wardrobe etc and get excited. And you can get a proper passport. kellyrc, Allen2 and PRMLVM 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustfsu Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 25 minutes ago, steverk said: I'd be hesitant to sail without the passport. If anything happens, she'd be unable to fly home. Sorry to have to say this, but the older Mom is, the more likely she ends up needing medical attention. If KevinJ's suggestion doesn't work, then you might have to let go of the surprise and just tell her your plan. She'll still be happy! That is a good point there. Maybe have the family make a video if you are a little tech savy. Or if you know someone that might be. Or as simple as a power point of past cruises and at the end put something like, get ready because you are going on the next adventure!!! kellyrc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravisMA81 Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 I would tell her now so she can get a passport. Half the fun is planning and researching the ship and ports in the lead up to the trip. FireFishII, kellyrc and PRMLVM 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 I had to get a passport for my dad who is Jamaican. He was happy that I wanted him to have one. Part of the fun was helping him get his documents. My dad is now a Diamond member. We have had many wonderful memories together. rjweber3, Kay45, KristiZ and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoomSlayer Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 Passports are legal documents and only the person named on it can apply for it unless they are minors -- meaning your mom is the one who will have to apply for it herself. As others have said, letting her in on the surprise early and planning for the trip is part of the fun. Plan a special surprise party for her now to let her in on the secret in a fun way. I am sure she will be excited. kellyrc and Cactus527 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted February 26, 2023 Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 I agree with telling her sooner. Make it a surprise celebration! Anticipation is one of the best things about cruising. Here's a great idea...rent out a venue that holds a few thousand people and invite everyone on this blog! We'll help make it a truly memorable event!🛳 PPPJJ-GCVAB, FireFishII, Allen2 and 8 others 2 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellyrc Posted February 26, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2023 Thank you everyone for your reply! Everybody is right - the anticipation and planning is so exciting!! I am going to surprise her early (which is now LOL) so we can plan it and be excited together! Let the cruise planning begin!!!! DoomSlayer, rjweber3, luv2sail and 6 others 4 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amanalo217 Posted February 27, 2023 Report Share Posted February 27, 2023 I was going to say you could tell her it would be a good idea to get a passport to have an extra valid ID for when all the "Real ID" requirements kick in but looks like you're already telling her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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