Thinking of cruising in a few weeks... Bahamas or Mexico? Will I need a passport? Crusing from Florida... US?

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Kristina L

If you are traveling before June 1, 2009, you may travel with a birth certificate and drivers license. It's better to have a passport though. Easier, and you'll need to have one anyway if you travel after June 1, 2009.

Bahamas or Mexico? For pretty beaches, head to Bahamas. For cool Pre-Columbian structures - head to Mexico. It's a matter of personal preference. Both the Mexican & Bahamas ports that cater to cruises are very very touristy. You'll have many of the same type excursions. But a few different ones. I like the Mayan Ruins, so I prefer Mexico over the Bahamas. But the Bahamas may have something special you like - such as the Atlantis resort or something.

You can make calls from the ship, many ships even have a cell tower, so you can use your cell. HOWEVER, expect to pay something like $5.00 a minute. Not sure how much the ship phones are, but I know they are expensive. Calling from port will possible require an international SIM card if you don't have an international plan, and it can be equally expensive with international charges. It might be cheaper to buy a calling card or use the internet on the ship to end emails. The internet isn't cheap either but much cheaper than calling.

First time cruiser - best advice is to bring warm clothing for the evenings, don't over pack, have good walking shoes, don't forget the sunscreen, and try as much as possible - there is so much fun to be had!

1Cheapcruise

No Passport needed until June 2009 ..good idea to get one.

If cruising from FL you'll find some nice cruise fares.
Have a great time!

Sensei Rob

You will need a passport and it may take a while to get (weeks) so start the process now. There are no towers out at sea and only some providers work in certain places. Buy a phone card just in case.
Been to Mexico and Bahams with the family a lot and had a great time.
Relax and have fun.

stepmiller2

You will not need a passport. The changes in passport requirements for sea travel to Mexico and the Caribbean has been put off (again) until June of 2009. It a good thing you don't need it because it takes 6 weeks to get one. The only problem you might have is if you have to fly back for some reason. To re-enter the US you will by air you will need a passport.What you will need is a photo ID and and original or state certified copy of your birth Certificate.(The Birth Certificate should have a raised seal, you will also need that to get passport)

A few suggestions: when you first board explore the ship. These ships are big so you will want to know where things are and not spend a lot of time searching for them later on. Important places to find, pools and buffet area, your dining area, the lounges where the entertainment will be, and all the bars, clubs and casinos. If you go to the Bahamas go to the Atlantis resort. Not only do they have a great beach and pools, including water-slides, but they have a huge aquarium called the dig. As for Mexico you will have to be a little more specific, Mexican Riviera or the Caribbean side? Fell free to email me if you would like some additional Information. stepmiller2@yahoo.com

You won't need a passport to get there, only to return home! So yes start applying for that passport Now!

Oh and yes you can use your cell, just remember your roaming charges will be up high because you are calling from out of the country!

Yes you will need a passport. Cell phones will often work when you are in port, but usually not when you are at sea. Have a nice trip.

Siver C

You can call land. For a PRICE. I always take a passport when leaving the country. It really is the ULTIMATE ID !!
Have fun

skygodess003

I think you need 3 main things.

1.passport

2.camera

3. money

ps..packing as little as possible makes it more enjoyable.
and don't forget motion sickness pills...if you need them if you have a strong stomach your lucky.someone else might need them.
if you make a little medical kit while on the cruise from borrowed items or if you ask the cruise doctor they might be nice and give you a thermometer,band aids etc..good luck either way ...I hope you have fun trip.wish I was going on a cruise or somewhere i need a trip to..chow

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