Nearly caught out by Celebrity passport rules

[Mike.s]

We're due to sail in Japan with Celebrity in a months time. We received an update to the departure terminal and while reading the rest of the mail stumbled across a requirement that our passports must have 6 months validity from the end date of our cruise. This was news to us as neither Japan or South Korea have this requirement (passport must be valid up to and including departure date).  My passport, not a problem, my better half, her passport has 1 day less than six months. Luckily for us we can renew her passport but we were nearly the couple who were denied boading Not sure why Celebrity didn't flag this when we checked in, all I saw was a recommendation that we have 6 months validity after our cruise, should it not of been a red flag?

Edited February 28 by Mike.s
Typo

[twangster]

What countries did you visit?  It's common for airlines to exceed actual document requirements because they have many entry level personnel staffed at airports around the world.  They face big fines for getting it wrong. So they often develop policy that exceeds actual requirements because it's better to err on the safe side. 

It's not unusual for travel companies to establish policy based on common criteria that applies to most people even if that means a specific country requirement is exceeded.

[PhillyLady]

Any time there is an issue with passport/visa eligibility, I believe the policy of most travel entities (cruise lines, tour companies, airlines, etc.) is the final responsibility of ensuring document compliance always rests WITH THE TRAVELER!

I do not know if any cruise lines really have a "function" of flagging ineligibility.  I have seen some reports from people over the years who were denied boarding due to errors with their passports.  Even travel agents might not double check their client passports and confirm they are not within expiration timelines.

I travel internationally frequently, and I am well aware of the six months requirement for many countries. I will probably renew our passports at least eight months before expiration, because I want to allow time for processing and to avoid delays with any potential future trips. 

[Doug_Texas]

@PhillyLady spot on.  The 6 months of validity is pretty standard now. Cruise lines and airlines are not responsible for flagging travelers.  They have no idea what your passport renewal plans are or other countries you may be visiting.  Similar with VISA requirements, the traveler needs to handle their needs.  For example, some countries have requirements for number of blank passport pages.  Resources like Travel.State.Gov is one good place to start.

[Mike.s]

We did all our research for our trip, we're visiting Japan and South Korea, neither of which have a 6 month requirement or a requirement that the passport is less than 10 years old (as much of Europe does). Hence our suprise that Royal has a 6 month requirement, as it's their rule should they not of flagged it when we checked in?

[PhillyLady]

 

Did you not read the responses almost right above your question?  The traveler is always responsible!