Laurie Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Ok, world travelers! I have won a cruise (going next month) and it stops in Cozumel, Mexico. It is Highly Recommended (I'm told) that we have passports (I'm a US citizen). I researched a Passport, and it will cost $200+ to have it expedited. I'm very broke right now. The people putting the trip together say that the risk is, if you somehow miss the boat when it leaves Cozumel, you could get stuck there. For $200, I would rather stay on the boat! Or, remain VERY close to the boat at all times while in Cozumel (it's only there for 9 hours, I think). What would you guys do? Do you think it's really necessary? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 I would say it is a requirement now for when you leave the 50 states, it used to not be that way but was recently changed, correct me if I am wrong. BTW, congrats on winning a cruise, have lots of fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaM Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 They have put an extension on the timing of implementing the new rules based on the delays in getting the passport. You could also go in person to a Passport agency and get one the same day. They are in about 20 cities so maybe one that you live near. For now, if you have a driver's license and your birth certificate (with a stamped seal), that works also I think. That all said, there is very little risk in you missing the boat. We just went on our first cruise in early December. If you go on excursions that you "buy" through the boat, the boat will not leave without you no matter how late the excursion may run (only would happen if something very unusual occurred, I'm sure they're very conscientious about that stuff). If you're just going to get off the boat and go shopping or hang on the beach for awhile, you'll have plenty of time to get back on board. (Just don't have too many margaritas and fall asleep on the beach! :-)) The interesting thing is that last October we were going on a trip to a little island called Nevis. I didn't realize my passport was expired until I got to the airport to check in! It was horrible what I had to go through in Mpls, Chicago and Puerto Rico to get to Nevis...but worth every penny! The interesting part of the whole thing was that when I was coming back to the US, the customs agent just took my passport, said, "you know your passport is expired?", stamped it and handed back. In other words, it was 10 times harder to get OUT of the country as it was to get back IN! How scary is that? Have a blast on your cruise! Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemyGreys Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 I dont know any details on US passports but congrats on your cruise, have a ball Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted January 14, 2008 Share Posted January 14, 2008 LisaM wrote: The interesting part of the whole thing was that when I was coming back to the US, the customs agent just took my passport, said, "you know your passport is expired?", stamped it and handed back. In other words, it was 10 times harder to get OUT of the country as it was to get back IN! How scary is that? Good ole US of A, that sounds about right, LisaM!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted January 14, 2008 Author Share Posted January 14, 2008 Thanks, guys! I think what I'll do is go and put the application in just regular, not expedited (it's $60 less if you don't expedite). If it's not here by the time I leave, I understand I can also show proof that I have an active application and I'll be ok. I was really suprised to win the trip, I didn't even know I was in the running for it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted January 15, 2008 Author Share Posted January 15, 2008 Well, I went and applied today, in case anyone's interested. It cost me $112 all together. $45 to the post office for pictures & processing, $67 to the US Dept of State. I am nervous, though, because they kept my original birth certificate. When I asked for it back, they said, "Oh, no. That goes with your application." So, I'm a little nervous, but crossing my fingers. The guy at the post office said within one week I should be able to check the status. Keeping my fingers crossed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMustee Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 WHAT! They kept your birth certificate?!?!? When are you supposed to get it back? I've only been out of the state of FL 2 times in my life, so I don't see myself crossing the borders anytime soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevjoe Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 They always keep it, and retuen it with your new passport. It's safe. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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