Are Passports Required for Cruise with a DJ?

The quick answer is NO.  You actually do NOT have to have a passport if you want to go to Mexico with Chad and Jaclyn next Fall Break on our Cruise with a DJ.  Here's what you DO need.

Here are the current rules regarding passports and cruises (from Passports and Visas.com):

US Citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port) and travel to destinations in Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Bermuda are able to re-enter the United States with proof of citizenship other than a passport or passport card.  Acceptable proof of citizenship includes an original or certified copy of a government issued birth certificate (raised seal and signature) and a laminated government issued picture ID (typically, driver's license), Consular Report of Born Abroad Certificate, or a Certificate of Naturalization.  NOTE: Baptismal records and certificates issued by a hospital are not acceptable.

There is one thing to consider though. ALL major cruise lines (including our host company Carnival) STRONGLY recommend that all guests travel with a passport that is valid for at least six (6) months beyond the end of the cruise.  And here's why . . .

•     Guests may need to fly out of the United States to meet a ship at it's next available port if they missed an embarkation.
•     Guests that would need to fly home before the cruise ends due to medical, family, personal or business emergencies.
•     Involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct or other reasons
•     Guests who miss the scheduled ship's departure at a port of call.
•     You may be required to present a passport to enter the foreign ports that your cruise is visiting.

If you feel like you need a passport, but don't want to pay the full price for a passport book, there is a cheaper alternative.  Check out the U.S. Passport Card.  It's the size of a driver's license, only costs $30.00 for adults (plus fees) and is relatively easy to obtain.  For more info and to begin the application process, CLICK HERE!  Just remember this important note: The Passport Card can ONLY be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. In other words, it's perfect for the cruise, but you cannot use it to fly internationally.

If you would like to go ahead and secure an official U.S. Passport, CLICK HERE! Adult Passport Books currently cost $110 (plus fees).  However, you can pay $140 (plus fees) and get BOTH a U.S. Passport Book and a U.S. Passport Card.

The fees for minors (under 16 years of age) are as follows currently: $95 (plus fees) for the combo, $80 (plus fees) for the U.S. Passport Book and $15 (plus fees) for the U.S. Passport Card.

But if you don't want to secure a U.S. Passport, you don't have to.  Just follow the rules above, round up the required citizenship documents and you are good to go!  And, once you're on board, your Carnival Sail & Sign Card (issued when you board the ship) will get you on and off the ship in Mexico! The staff of the ship will simply swipe your card as you exit the ship, then swipe it again when you return!

Cruise with a DJ is presented by Henderson Chevy Buick GMC!  Cross that money-saving bridge!