US Passport Requirements to Rock the Boat with Weezer - Expedited Passports

In America’s fame-obsessed culture, it’s probably not a surprise that theme cruises featuring rock stars and celebrities are the newest travel trend. And now, my Gen-X brethren, it’s time to dust off those old worn out flannels (you know you still have one or two in a closet somewhere), because the latest theme cruise was designed just for you: a chance to rock out with old school indie rock music from Weezer and Dinosaur Jr. (via Gadling).

The “Weezer Cruise,” brought to you by the same folks who gave you the Kid Rock cruise, sets sail from Miami on January 19th, heading to Cozumel, Mexico. Fans will get to see Weezer play outside on the ship’s Lido Deck as the boat sails away from Miami. They’ll also get to see Weezer play once more inside the ship’s auditorium.

Additionally, Weezer fans get to have photos taken with their idols plus the chance to pick Rivers Cuomo’s brain in person during a Q & A session.

Basically, the cruise ship is going to be one giant music festival, only with less mud and better food. With Weezer and Dinosaur Jr headlining, the lineup tends toward quirky 90′s alt-rock, but there are some newer indie bands as well. Here are the bands who have been announced so far: Sebadoh, Gene Ween (of Ween) and Dave Dreiwitz, Wavves, The Antlers, Yuck, Free Energy, Boom Bip, J Mascis (a solo acoustic show in addition to his performance with Dinosaur Jr), Lou Barlow, Keepaway, Ozma, The Nervous Wreckords, The Knocks, Sleeper Agent and Yacht Rock Revue. (more…)

Conflicting regulations from the US Department of Homeland Security and major cruise lines have left many travelers asking “Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?” and not getting a clear answer. According to the Palm Beach Daily News, as a result, passengers end up not only confused, but stranded as well.

Here’s the skinny: Under Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) regulations, people traveling by boat to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean need one of the following documents:

• A US passport book
• A US passport card
• An enhanced driver’s license (only available in certain states )
• A “trusted traveler” card, such as a NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card

HOWEVER, the WHTI also contains an exception for passengers on closed-loop cruises, cruises that begin and end in the same US port. These passengers are eligible to travel with a driver’s license or other state-issued photo ID and a certified birth certificate.

Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. The Palm Beach Daily News outlined a couple of different issues that frequently confuse travelers.

First, there’s the birth certificate issue. You need either the original or an official certified copy (ie, a copy you requested from the Department of Vital Records where you were born.) In order for the cruise line to accept it, it must have a raised seal. But beware! A raised seal means nothing if the birth certificate is from the hospital. Hospital birth certificates look official, but they aren’t accepted as proof of citizenship.

Another tip: your birth certificate might be rejected if it’s ripped or torn, so if it’s showing signs of wear and tear, order a fresh copy from your State Department of Vital Records.

Another issue: if you’re lucky enough to live in one of the four states that issues an enhanced driver’s license, you might think that you could get away with boarding just with the license and not have to bring your birth certificate. After all, under the WHTI, enhanced driver’s licenses are valid for land and sea travel to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean.

But not so fast! Glenn Ryerson, Celebration Cruises’ VP of sales, told the Palm Beach Daily News that “even enhanced driver’s licenses aren’t accepted by Celebration, which follows standards of other cruise lines.”

Also, be aware that even if the cruise is “closed-loop,” passport books may be required if the cruise involves an overnight stay on land at a port instead of on the ship.

Confusing, right? This is why having a passport is the best way to go. That way, you know you’re covered. Barring that, check government requirements AND check with your cruise line. If the cruise line requirements are stricter than the government’s requirements, go with the cruise lines’ requirements. If the cruise line requirements are less stringent than the government’s, something’s fishy. For example, one customer interviewed in the article claimed that the cruise line had told her she could travel with a driver’s license only. She got left at port.

If you need a passport at the last minute, RushMyPassport can help. We’ll personally deliver your documents to the Department of State for processing times as low as 24 hours with no need to make an appointment or wait in line at a passport agency office. That means you’ll spend less time worrying about your passport and more time packing for your cruise!

Apply for your US passport today!

As reported by Reuters, Disney just announced a new addition to its fleet of luxury cruise ships: The Disney Dream. The vessel is currently docked in Port Canaveral, awaiting the start of its maiden voyage on January 26.

From the Disney Cruises website, here are some of the ship’s stats:

“Boasting 14 towering decks, a ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet, the 130,000-ton vessel includes 1,250 staterooms and has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengers—along with the over 1,458 Crew Members who tend to the needs of every cruise Guest each and every day.”

Not only that, but the Disney Dream is also the only cruise ship to have an attached water ride. Disney calls the AquaDuck a “water coaster.” Basically, it’s a gigantic enclosed water slide that takes you all around and over the ship, finally dropping you off in an onboard lazy river.

If you just have to see this for yourself, there are still some slots open on the ship’s second voyage, which leaves for the Bahamas on January 30th. But will you need a passport?

Technically, since the Bahamas cruises are “closed-loop” cruises, which begin and end at the same US port, you should be able to board with just a copy of your driver’s license and a birth certificate.

However, Disney would prefer it if you had a passport, even though it’s not technically required. Here’s what they have to say about the benefits of having a passport:

“In addition to providing you and your family with valid identification, having a passport prepares you to travel wherever you desire. It also offers an extra level of security while overseas. For example, in the unlikely event that you experience a family emergency during your cruise and need to return home via air from a foreign port, you would already possess the appropriate identification needed to travel.”

Getting a passport for your Caribbean cruise is generally a smart move, even if your itinerary doesn’t require it. If you’re in a hurry, RushMyPassport can help. We’ll forward your application to the Department of State for processing times as low as 24 hours.

Apply for your passport today!

If you’re going on a cruise, you’ll have a much better time if you have everything you need with you when you get on the boat. It can be tough to remember everything you need to pack. This packing list will help you get started:

• Clothes: Mostly light, summer stuff, but also include some comfortable warmer clothes as well. Additionally, most cruise ships don’t allow jeans and T-shirts in the dining cabin for dinner, so bring appropriate clothing for that. Bring at least one (preferably 2) formal outfits for the formal dinner nights.
• Sunscreen: SPF 15 or higher
• Aloe vera or other sunburn treatment
• Sunglasses
• Personal care necessities, like your toothbrush, hairbrush and toiletries.
• Swimwear
• Medical insurance information
• Travel insurance information, if applicable
• Tickets and other documentation related to the cruise
• Airline ticket information and hotel confirmations, if applicable
• Your camera
• Basic medical stuff, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, antacids and anti-diarrheal medication
• Dramamine or other medication for motion sickness
• Insect repellant
• Money belt or pouch to keep your money protected during shore excursions
• Stuff to read and/or listen to

If you’ll be leaving the country on your cruise, there’s one item that should be on the top of your list: Your US passport. Passports are required unless you are traveling to Mexico, the Caribbean or Canada on a closed-loop cruise, one that begins and ends at the same US port. For a closed-loop cruise to one of these regions, you can get by with a driver’s license and a birth certificate (or other form of US citizenship.)

However, even for closed-loop cruises, it’s still a good idea to bring your US passport with you.  You need a passport to fly anywhere outside of the US, so having your passport with you will make it much easier to get home in a hurry if you have an emergency of some sort. Also, if you don’t make it back to the boat on time during a shore excursion, if you have your passport you can fly to the next port and catch up with it. Finally, some cruise lines may require you to bring a passport even for closed-loop cruises, so call and ask if you have any questions.

If you need a US passport in a hurry, we can help. RushMyPassport can deliver your application directly to the Department of State, for processing times as fast as 24 hours!

Apply for your US passport today!

Something old? Check.  Something new? Check. Something borrowed? Check. Valid passport? Hey,wait a minute…

These days, cruise ship weddings are replacing more expensive destination weddings as the ceremony of choice for budget-conscious couples who love to travel. The NileGuidance blog reports that the number of couples getting married on a cruise ship has risen by 60% in the past decade.  Cruise ship weddings are quite affordable, even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend-Carnival Cruise’s basic ceremony costs $1,195, and for an additional $600, you get a reception with your family and friends before the boat sails. Just make sure nobody tries to stow away in your cabin!

According to SmartMoney.com, the average wedding in the US costs between $21,000 and $24,000, making the cost of a cruise ship wedding seem downright frugal in comparison. Plus, you don’t have to worry about planning your honeymoon-just sail off into the sunset once you’ve said your vows.

If you’re sailing out of the country, one must-have cruise ship wedding accessory is a US passport. Since June of 2009, a passport has been required to cross the border into Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean by land or sea. Technically, you can get by with just a driver’s license and birth certificate if you are sailing to one of those three regions and your cruise begins and ends at the same US port.  However, passports are required for all international air travel, so you’re much better off if you have one with you just in case something comes up during the cruise and you have to fly back.

Applying for a passport usually takes approximately 6 weeks for regular service and three weeks for the government’s expedited service. You can get an expedited passport more quickly bu using a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.com.  We provide detailed, clear instructions to help you complete your expedited passport application; and then we hand-deliver it to the US Department of State.  With our service, your expedited passport could be on its way back to you in as little as 24 hours!

Apply for your expedited passport today!

Cruises have become an increasingly popular way to travel.  However, you do need to make sure that you have all the necessary travel documents for your cruise.

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise? That depends on where you are going.  If your boat only stops at US ports, then no passport is necessary.  If you are cruising outside of the Western Hemisphere, you definitely need a passport.

However, as of June 1, 2009, if you are cruising from the US to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean, US Citizens are required to present one of the following documents to re-enter the country:

• A US passport book
• A US passport card (Note: Unlike the US passport book, the US passport card is not valid for air travel)
• A NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card
• An enhanced driver’s license (only available in certain states)

There are a few exceptions for cruises in the Western Hemisphere:

• US citizens on a closed-loop cruise, one that begins and ends at the same US port, can use a driver’s license or government-issued ID card and a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship.
• Children under the age of 16 traveling by land or sea can use their birth certificates, as can children under the age of 19 if they are under adult supervision and are traveling with an organization such as a school group, church group, volunteer organization or sports team. (more…)

All Larry and Gladys Williams wanted was to go on a cruise to Alaska. However, their dream was denied when they showed up  at port in Seattle without passports, according to the Dallas Morning News, Larry Williams had assumed that passports weren’t necessary for the journey, since the cruise began in Seattle and ended in Alaska.

However, the ship wasn’t sailing straight from Seattle to Alaska-there was also a stop at a Canadian port.   The final part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a new law that went into effect on June 1, 2009, requires Americans traveling from the US to Canada (or Mexico, or the Caribbean)  to carry their passports.

Since they didn’t have the appropriate documentation, the couple was sent home.  They planned to try again this year, but the US Department of State required additional documentation when Gladys wasn’t able to present an acceptable birth certificate.  She finally has a new passport now, and they plan to set sail next year!

The moral of the story? Apply for a passport as soon as possible.  As Gladys told the Dallas Morning News, “You just never know what kind of problem you may run into. I should have done this years ago.”

If you need a new passport, an expediting company like RushMyPassport.com can assist you with the application process. You’ll work with a professional passport specialist and get detailed instructions to help you navigate the application process. Plus, we’ll forward your application by hand to the Department of State, resulting in processing times as short as 24 hours.

Apply for your new passport with RushMyPassport.com today!

According to this article in the Miami Herald, now is the time to score great deals on transatlantic cruises. In the fall, cruise lines move their ships from the soon-to-be chilly waters off the coast of Europe to the always-sunny waters off the Caribbean. That means that you can save big-the Miami Herald article says that many cruise lines are offering cabins for as low as $100 per night!

What can you expect on a transatlantic cruise? Well, the weather may not always be perfect, and you’ll spend several days in a row on the boat as the ship crosses the Atlantic Ocean. However, most cruise lines add ports of call to the beginning AND the end of the trip-so if you can’t decide between a European cruise or a Caribbean cruise, you can get the best of both worlds!

Of course, to take advantage of these great deals, you will need a passport.  Most of the cruises take place in October and November, so remember to apply well in advance of your sailing date to ensure you have your passport in hand.

Currently, if you apply directly through the passport office, you can expect to wait at least 6 weeks for your passport to arrive. If you apply for the government’s expedited service, you can expect to wait at least 3 weeks.  That doesn’t allow as much spare time as it might seem-if you haven’t crossed all your t’s and dotted all your i’s on your passport application, it could be rejected and you would have to apply again.

The best way to ensure that you have your passport on time is to apply for an express passport private passport expediting service. An expediting service will help you with the paperwork to make sure you don’t make any mistakes, greatly improving the chances that your passport application will be processed the first time.

You’ll get your passport more quickly, too. Expediting companies offer express passport processing times that can be as quick as 24 hours.

Don’t let the ship sail without you-order your express passport today!

A cruise is a wonderful way to relax…there’s lots of food, lots of drinks and a chance to stop at a variety of interesting and cool destinations while you work on a killer suntan. What could be more luxurious than that?

This summer and fall, luxury doesn’t have to cost that much. The slow tourist season has led cruise lines to slash their prices and hold some incredible sales. For example, check out these cruise deals posted on the New York Times.  A 12-day cruise from Lisbon to Miami is only $2,655, while an 11-day cruise from Costa Rica to Miami is only $2,831.  These rates are for deluxe staterooms, and you get a credit of up to $1,000 to spend onboard. Nice!

The sale ends tomorrow, though, so you’d better book quickly! Also, to make sure that you allow enough time before your cruise to apply for a passport or renew a passport if necessary. Currently, it takes at least 6 weeks to get a passport if you apply with normal processing. Even applying for expedited service directly from the government can take almost a month or more.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to get a fast passport. If you apply for your passport using a private expediting company, you’ll benefit from personal attention from trained passport professionals. They can really help make it easier to get through the application paperwork.  They also specialize in fast passport processing, delivering your application directly to the State Department so that it can be processed in as little as 24 hours!

Don’t miss the boat-apply for a fast passport today!

Do you have a wedding in your near future? Congratulations! Have you started planning your honeymoon yet? Many couples want to start their new life together by going somewhere new and exotic. However, the inevitable hassles involved in international travel can be stressful for newlyweds….or anyone else for that matter!

After all the stress involved in planning a wedding, you and your new spouse will probably want to relax. A honeymoon cruise may be just what the doctor ordered-you still get to go somewhere new and exciting, but the cruise line takes care of all the logistics for you.  Cruises are also a cheaper way to travel outside of the country, especially right now, when there are so many sales going on.

Destinations For Leisure has a post with some great recommendations for couples planning a honeymoon cruise. First, make sure to look for cruises that offer complimentary services to honeymooners. Also, if you’ve never been on a cruise before, choose a short cruise with a lot of time in port-nothing ruins a honeymoon like seasickness!

When you plan a honeymoon cruise, you also need to make arrangements for obtaining a passport if the cruise will take you outside of the US. Starting June 1st,2009, land and sea travelers to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean will need passports to reenter the US in many cases.

Obtaining a passport involves filling out the appropriate application forms, submitting proof of identification and proof of citizenship, and paying the appropriate government fees. Fees vary depending on whether you are applying for a new passport or a renewal-you can view current fees here.

Obtaining a passport does take some time-at least 2 to 3 months for the government’s regular service, and at least 3 weeks for their expedited service. To ensure your honeymoon goes smoothly, use a private passport expediting company if you are short on time. An expediting company can have your passport application processed in as little as 24 hours, depending on how fast you need it.

International cruise coming up? Visit our website and find out just how easy obtaining a passport can be!