Cruise Documents
Please note: Royal Caribbean domestic sailings are all sailings originating and ending in ports located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico including Panama Canal sailings. All other sailings are considered to be international sailings. These include itineraries in Europe, South America and Australia/New Zealand including re-positioning sailings originating or ending in their ports. U.S. citizens traveling on our international sailings are required to have valid passports.
Before Leaving Home:
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. Caution: The requirements described below are required by government regulations and policies. They are subject to change without notice.
It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. These appropriate valid travel documents such as passports, visas, inoculation certificate and family legal documents are required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries.
Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country and may be subject to fines. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation.
Consecutive Sailings
- Guests on consecutive sailings must ensure they have the proper travel documents for their entire cruise vacation.
Passport Requirements
A valid passport is a requirement for air travel to / from Canada, Mexico the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Effective June 1, 2009 only a valid passport (unless otherwise noted below) or other WHTI compliant document will be accepted for entry or re-entry into the United States. For a list of all approved documents visit: https://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html#compliant_document
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates are not acceptable. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship.
Alien Registration Card (Green Card)
U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status to apply for entry to United States.
Card renewal is an important matter. ARC holders (United States permanent residents) with expired cards may be considered “out of status” and may be denied entry / reentry into the United States. If your ARC was issued over 10 years ago, you should check the expiration date printed on the front of the card. If your card is expired, or it is about to expire, you should renew your card before you sail.
If you are holding an old edition ARC WITHOUT an expiration date, you will not be detained from entering the United States but U.S. Customs and Border Protection highly suggests that you apply for a new card before you sail.
For additional information, visit: https://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/greencard_renewal.html
Please note: Royal Caribbean domestic sailings are all sailings originating and ending in ports located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico including Panama Canal sailings. All other sailings are considered to be international sailings. These include itineraries in Europe, South America and Australia/New Zealand including re-positioning sailings originating or ending in their ports. U.S. citizens traveling on our international sailings are required to have valid passports.
Before Leaving Home:
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. Caution: The requirements described below are required by government regulations and policies. They are subject to change without notice.
It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. These appropriate valid travel documents such as passports, visas, inoculation certificate and family legal documents are required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries.
Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country and may be subject to fines. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation.
Consecutive Sailings
Guests on consecutive sailings must ensure they have the proper travel documents for their entire cruise vacation.
Passport Requirements
A valid passport is a requirement for air travel to / from Canada, Mexico the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Effective June 1, 2009 only a valid passport (unless otherwise noted below) or other WHTI compliant document will be accepted for entry or re-entry into the United States. For a list of all approved documents visit: https://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html#compliant_document
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates are not acceptable. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship.
Alien Registration Card (Green Card)
U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status to apply for entry to United States.
Card renewal is an important matter. ARC holders (United States permanent residents) with expired cards may be considered “out of status” and may be denied entry / reentry into the United States. If your ARC was issued over 10 years ago, you should check the expiration date printed on the front of the card. If your card is expired, or it is about to expire, you should renew your card before you sail.
If you are holding an old edition ARC WITHOUT an expiration date, you will not be detained from entering the United States but U.S. Customs and Border Protection highly suggests that you apply for a new card before you sail.
For additional information, visit: https://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/greencard_renewal.html
International Travel
A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America. For additional passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov.
Our Recommendation
Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship’s departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons.
Guests who need to fly to the United States before their cruise ends will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them.
For additional passport information visit www.travel.state.gov.
Non U.S. Citizens:
You will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or “Green Card”) and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status.
Canadian Landed Immigrants:
All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid passports and US visas. Also required is the original copy of your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status.
Visas
Please contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on your sailing itinerary or the visa service of your choice for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees for your nationality.
VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
Citizens from the Visa Waiver Program countries of: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunel, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom seeking to enter the United States will be required to have in their possession a machine readable passport with a digital photograph valid for the duration of the voyage.
A machine readable passport is one having an alpha-numeric code on the bottom of the picture page. Example:
INOCULATION / HEALTH
As detailed in our brochure, all guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. In many cases inoculations are recommended but in some circumstances they are required. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. Other informational resources can be accessed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler’s Health website at www.cdc.gov/travel or toll free at 1-877-FYI-TRIP, and the World Health Organization website at www.who.int/vaccines-diseases/.
Family Legal Documents
Should the last names of the parent and minor child traveling with them differ, the parent is required to present the child’s valid passport and visa (if required) and the child’s birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked through legal documentation.
Adults who are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with them are required to present the child’s valid passport and visa or the child’s birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy) and an original notarized letter signed by at least one of the child’s parents. The notarized letter from the child’s parent must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise, must authorize guardian to sign legal documentation/waivers for participation in any activities requiring them (i.e. Rock Climbing, Flowrider, Bungee Trampoline, Inline Skating, or Ice Skating) and must authorize the traveling adult to supervise the child and permit any medical treatment that must be administered to the child. If a non-parent adult is a Legal Guardian, the adult must present a certified certificate of Guardianship with respect to the child.
Click here for more information on Passport and Visa Requirements.
Please note: Royal Caribbean domestic sailings are all sailings originating and ending in ports located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico including Panama Canal sailings. All other sailings are considered to be international sailings. These include itineraries in Europe, South America and Australia/New Zealand including re-positioning sailings originating or ending in their ports. U.S. citizens traveling on our international sailings are required to have valid passports.
Before Leaving Home:
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. Caution: The requirements described below are subject to change by governmental bodies without notice.
It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. These appropriate valid travel documents such as a passport, visas, inoculation certificate and family legal documents are required for ship boarding and country entry and/or re-entry.
Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country and may be subject to fines. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring the proper documentation.
Consecutive Sailings
- Guests on consecutive sailings must ensure they have the proper travel documents for their entire cruise vacation.
Passport
- A valid passport is required for travel.
- For your protection, we recommend that your passport expiration date not occur within six(6) months of the sailing termination date.
- U.S. citizens carrying an Official (maroon cover) passport must also be in possession of a valid Diplomatic or personal (blue or green cover) passport to allow ship embarkation.
Visas
- It is the guests’ responsibility to identify and to obtain the necessary visas before commencing their cruise.
- Based on nationality, many countries still require an entry visa.
- Suggestions on where to get visa information:
- U.S. citizens can visit the U.S. Department of State Foreign Entry Requirements
- Canadian citizens can visit Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- the Embassies (Consular Service Office) of each country on your sailing itinerary
- or the visa service of your choice, such as CIBT for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees that apply to your nationality.
CIBT
website: www.cibt.com/rci
toll free telephone: 1.800.858.8579
email: [email protected]
INOCULATION / HEALTH
As detailed in our brochure, all guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. In many cases inoculations are recommended but in some circumstances they are required. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. Other informational resources can be accessed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler’s Health website. or toll free at 1-877-FYI-TRIP, and the World Health Organization website.
Family Legal Documents
Should the last names of the parent and minor child traveling with them differ, the parent is required to present the child’s valid passport and visa (if required) and the child’s birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked through legal documentation.
Adults who are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with them are required to present the child’s valid passport and visa or the child’s birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy) and an original notarized letter signed by at least one of the child’s parents. The notarized letter from the child’s parent must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise, must authorize guardian to sign legal documentation/waivers for participation in any activities requiring them (i.e. Rock Climbing, Flowrider, Bungee Trampoline, Inline Skating, or Ice Skating) and must authorize the traveling adult to supervise the child and permit any medical treatment that must be administered to the child. If a non-parent adult is a Legal Guardian, the adult must present a certified certificate of Guardianship with respect to the child.
Click here for more information on Passport and Visa Requirements.
Before Leaving Home:
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. Caution: The requirements described below are required by government regulations and policies. They are subject to change without notice.
It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. These appropriate valid travel documents such as passports, visas, inoculation certificate and family legal documents are required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries.
Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country and may be subject to fines. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation.
For the current passport requirements click here.
Please note: Royal Caribbean domestic sailings are all sailings originating and ending in ports located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico including Panama Canal sailings. All other sailings are considered to be international sailings. These include itineraries in Europe, South America and Australia/New Zealand including re-positioning sailings originating or ending in their ports. U.S. citizens traveling on our international sailings are required to have valid passports.
DOMESTIC SAILINGS
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) when fully implemented on June 1, 2009 will require all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a valid passport or other approved document that establishes the bearer’s identity and citizenship in order to enter or reenter the United States.
Passport Requirements
A valid passport is a requirement for air travel to / from Canada, Mexico the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Effective June 1, 2009 only a valid passport (unless otherwise noted below) or other WHTI compliant document will be accepted for entry or re-entry into the United States. For a list of all approved documents visit: https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_2223.html
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notorized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship.
Alien Registration Card (Green Card)
U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status to apply for entry to United States.
Card renewal is an important matter. ARC holders (United States permanent residents) with expired cards may be considered “out of status” and may be denied entry / reentry into the United States. If your ARC was issued over 10 years ago, you should check the expiration date printed on the front of the card. If your card is expired, or it is about to expire, you should renew your card before you sail.
If you are holding an old edition ARC WITHOUT an expiration date, you will not be detained from entering the United States but U.S. Customs and Border Protection highly suggests that you apply for a new card before you sail.
For additional information, visit: https://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/greencard_renewal.html
International Travel
A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America. For additional passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov.
INTERNATIONAL SAILINGS
Consecutive Sailings
- Guests on consecutive sailings must ensure they have the proper travel documents for their entire cruise vacation.
Passport
- A valid passport is required for travel.
- For your protection, we recommend that your passport expiration date not occur within six(6) months of the sailing termination date.
- U.S. citizens carrying an Official (maroon cover) passport must also be in possession of a valid Diplomatic or personal (blue or green cover) passport to allow ship embarkation.
Visas
- It is the guests’ responsibility to identify and to obtain the necessary visas before commencing their cruise.
- Based on nationality, many countries still require an entry visa.
- Suggestions on where to get visa information:
- U.S. citizens can visit the U.S. Department of State Foreign Entry Requirements at https://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html
- Canadian citizens can visit Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at https://voyage.gc.ca/voyager
- the Embassies (Consular Service Office) of each country on your sailing itinerary
- or the visa service of your choice, such as CIBT for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees that apply to your nationality.
CIBT
website: https://www.visacentral.com/royalcaribbean
toll free telephone: 1.800.858.8579
[email protected]
Click here for more information on Passport and Visa Requirements.
Royal Caribbean provides complimentary electronic cruise documents (eDocs) for all guests. If you’re a qualified guest for our luggage tag program, your eDoc will also provide instructions on how to request your customized, printed, self adhesive set of luggage tags that will be mailed to you complimentary via the United States Postal Service. You also have the option to request printed cruise documents for $35 per document. If you reserve your cruise vacation online, you will be given the choice to receive your cruise documents electronically at no charge or by mail for a $35 fee per document. If you choose to receive them electronically, you will receive an e-mail with downloading instructions when your documents are ready. If you choose to receive your documents by mail, they will be printed and sent to the address you provided and a $35 printed document fee will be added to your reservation. If you reserve your cruise with a travel agent or a Certified Vacation Planner, your cruise documents are sent to you (or your travel agent) 20-50 days prior to sailing, assuming your reservation is finalized and your payments have been made. Group documents and those that include air arrangements require additional steps and will be sent within 30 days of sailing. The same options of complimentary eDocs or printed documents for $35 per document are available when booking online, with a travel agent or Certified Vacation Planner. Documentation may not be provided in advance for reservations finalized the week of the sailing – guests will obtain pertinent details at the pier prior to boarding, and once onboard. If you have any questions, please contact your travel agent or Certified Vacation Planner directly.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”What is the difference between electronic and paper cruise documents?” css_class=”rcfh-toggler” opened=”closed”] Aside from delivery method, both versions of your cruise documents are identical, containing the same important information about your cruise. You may elect to download the complimentary electronic PDF or Flash version of your documents and print them at home, or, upon request, we will mail paper documents to your mailing address for a fee of $35 per document.[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”If I choose to receive electronic cruise documents, where can I download them?” css_class=”rcfh-toggler” opened=”closed”] If your cruise documents are available, you can access them through your reservation dashboard in your My Cruises Account. If your documents are not yet available, check back soon. You should also receive an e-mail with downloading instructions when your documents are ready.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”When will my cruise documents arrive and what should I expect?” css_class=”rcfh-toggler” opened=”closed”]
Guests in the same stateroom, regardless of last name, who share the same tour components, will be issued one Guest Vacation Document for all guests. You may email your complimentary electronic cruise document (eDoc) to other guests in the stateroom. A printed version of your cruise document is also available upon request at time of booking for a $35 fee per document.
If you reserve your cruise with a travel agent or a Certified Vacation Planner, your cruise documents are sent to you or your travel agent 20-50 days prior to sailing, assuming your reservation is finalized and your payments have been made. Group documents and those that include air arrangements require additional steps and will be sent within 30 days of sailing. Documentation may not be provided in advance for reservations finalized the week of the sailing – guests will obtain pertinent details at the pier prior to boarding, and once onboard. If you have any questions, please contact your travel agent or Certified Vacation Planner directly.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”What should I do if I haven’t received my cruise documents and my sailing is less than two weeks away?” css_class=”rcfh-toggler” opened=”closed”]If your scheduled departure date is less than two weeks away and:
- Your reservation has been paid in full
- Your air arrangements have been confirmed
- All pre and post-packages have been cleared from wait lists
- All names on your reservation are correct
Then you should contact your travel agent or Customer Service at (800) 398-9819.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”What should I do if I didn’t receive my transfer vouchers with my cruise documents?” css_class=”rcfh-toggler” opened=”closed”] If you did not receive your transfer vouchers with your travel documents, you will be on the manifest and greeted at your arrival airport by one of our representatives.[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Can Royal Caribbean reissue my documents?” css_class=”rcfh-toggler” opened=”closed”] Contact us if you would like us to reissue your documents. Please note, however, that a reissue fee may apply.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Can I make changes to a guest listed on my reservation?” css_class=”rcfh-toggler” opened=”closed”] Names may be changed up to 24 hours prior to sailing provided one of the original names remains on the reservations.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Does the name on my reservation need to match the name on my passport?” css_class=”rcfh-toggler” opened=”closed”] Yes. It is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. If your name has changed since your document was issued (e.g., marriage or divorce), it is required that you update the document with the new name or provide an official supporting document (e.g., a state, county or province issued marriage license, divorce decree or legal name change document) of the name change. All documents must be the original or a notarized copy. Additionally, if you are using an identification (e.g., driver’s license) and a citizenship document ( e.g., birth certificate), then BOTH documents must match the name on your reservation. Otherwise, it may result in delay or possible denial of boarding.
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