I’m wondering what everyone thinks about the effect of the Homeland Security and cruise travel industry. Do you think cruise travel has decreased since the 9-11 threat and the new regulations were imposed by Homeland Security?

My parents are requesting that my pre-teen daughter be allowed to accompany them on a cruise to South America. While I think it would be a great experience for her, and I know my parents would really enjoy spending quality time getting to know their granddaughter, I’m wondering what is required for her to travel outside the country without one of us, her parents. Does anyone have information on what types of forms on parental consent for travel on cruise ships are required? I want to make sure everything is in order before they book to avoid any problems down the road.

With all of the new policies on passports for travel, I know proof of citizenship is important. Since passports are not yet required since they keep postponing the active date, what type of citizenship requirements are required for cruise travel to Mexico right now? I have a chance to go on a cruise with a friend who already has the trip booked; I just need to find out what type of citizenship proof I need to have so I can be ready. I’m hoping one of you other members may have already had this question and researched it and has found the answer!!

I give up – do you need to have a passport for cruise ship travel? It seems like they can’t make up their minds. You need one for any travel, you need one for air travel, but not for driving or walking across the border, I can’t keep up with all of the changes in the rules. I know I don’t need a passport if I stay in United States waters, but how about going to Mexico, or in Canadian waters? And then there are Mediterranean and European cruises, too; what about them? If I don’t need one now, is there a date set when a passport will be required?

Hey, has anyone taken a Disney cruise? If you have, you must be able to answer my next question: can I travel on a Disney cruise without a passport? I know its an easy matter to get one, but it does take a while right now since everyone is starting to require them for travel. And sometimes I see special deals advertised with low costs if you can be prepared to leave quickly. If I don’t need to have a passport, I could take off at almost no notice if the price were right! I’d like to hear from you!!

I know the rules keep changing, but does anyone know the current effective date for mandatory passports for cruise travel? I've just applied for my passport, and my cruise date to Mexico is December 12th. When I applied, they told me the passport should be back in plenty of time, but I'm nervous with all of the talk lately about 3-6 months worth of backlogs in issuing passports. And they keep pushing dates back when passports will be mandatory, so I'm not sure what to think. Is anyone else going through this same situation that can help me out with informtaion?

Hey everyone. I am looking into research on taking my first cruise. My husband and I are excited to finally be doing this.
Here's the problem. Since we have never been on a cruise before, we are not familiar with the policies as far as passports. Hubby has travelled abroad before and has a passport. Neither me nor the baby have gotten a passport yet.
We're looking at booking in August since that is the only time we can take off from work.