Do I really need a passport?

Yes. At least, the answer should be Yes. When we first started cruising the Caribbean in 2000, all that was required was a photo ID such as driver's license, and a birth certificate for US citizens. But the world changed on that awful day in Sept. 2001. It seems there minimum requirement is always in a state of change, and is a bit hard to keep up with what the latest requirement is, so you might as well just spend the money and get the passport.

There are actually two passport documents available; a passport card, which resembles a driver's license, and the traditional passport booklet. While the passport card is less expensive, and especially if you plan on cruising a few times, go for the whole enchilada - and get the passport booklet. One issue with the passport card is that it is good for cruise ships, but not necessarily good for air flights. So, if you somehow miss the boat in a foreign port or have to fly home for medical reasons or an emergency, you may be denied boarding with just the passport card. Since these rules change all the time, the only sure bet is to have the full passport booklet. While it costs around $100 per person for your first passport (if you go to the post office), its good for 10 years; so its only $10 per year. And renewal is significantly cheaper than the initial passport.

How do you obtain a passport? Passports are issued by the US Gov't Department of State, and any of their offices can process the request. However, most of us do not live near an office, so you can apply at almost any US Post Office. The Post Office does charge a fee, but its generally more convenient to do so. You can expedite the application process by going to the Department of State's website Passport Office and use their on-line Wizard to fill out form DS-11; print it out, then take it to your Post Office along with two passport photos, a certified birth certificate, a gov't issued ID card, such as driver's license, and the required amount of money.

You will have to surrender your birth certificate, but it will be returned to you along with your passport. You should allow a couple of months for processing, so don't wait the last minute to apply.