2yo need a passport for Bahamas?

[smilee1079]

We are taking a cruise that goes to the Bahamas. I have read conflicting info on whether he needs a passport at that age. Has anyone gone recently with a 2yo? Who can I call for a definitive answer?

[thejen626]

Yes, any baby needs a passport. We had to get one for DD1 when she was 5 months old.

[thejen626]

Although I'm not sure you need one if you won't be getting off the ship?

The cruise company should be able to tell you.

[spk926]

I feel like this is one of those things that I would gladly pay the $100 and just get my child a passport that will last a long time rather then getting conflicting information and potentially getting turned down at the port or worse at the actual ship when you're boarding the cruise.

[Jalapeñomel]

Get the passport for piece of mind at least

[arch01]

No, you don't need a passport for the child, and technically, you don't need one either if you're on a closed loop cruise (start/end in the US). You are only required to have passports for air travel.

www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/passportGuidelines.do

We are taking DS next year at age 4 and we're getting him a passport. I'd rather have a passport for him in case something happens while we're at a port and we have to fly home.

[waterchurch]

We're getting them for our upcoming caribbean cruise. Even if they don't need one for the cruise if something were to happen they wouldn't be able to fly home without the passport.

[sterl724]

They are good for ten years, and it's easier/quicker to update/renew once you have one.

I'd get one. Even if you don't actually need it to board the ship, if there it's an emergency and you do need to fly, you'll need one.

[cricketwife]

Jul 27, 2015 19:46:34 GMT -5 sterl724 said:

They are good for ten years, and it's easier/quicker to update/renew once you have one.

A child's passport is only valid for 5 years. And it's not easier to update /renew. Both parents must be present even to renew the chikd's (or theirs a notarized affidavit of consent if one can't be present. Frankly, passports for those under 16 are a PITA, But yes, it makes sense just to get one. 

[VillainV]

We've always needed passports for
Caribbean cruises, even if they start/end in the U.S. I don't think the age matters. Regardless, the cruise line should be pretty explicit about whether or not passports are required.

[greencrayon]

We just went (17 months) on a cruise and she needed one.

[frlcb]

Jul 27, 2015 19:46:34 GMT -5 sterl724 said:

They are good for ten years, and it's easier/quicker to update/renew once you have one.

I'd get one. Even if you don't actually need it to board the ship, if there it's an emergency and you do need to fly, you'll need one.

Yeah, no. Only once you are 16. Until then 5 years and it's like a new passport every time.

[smilee1079]

Thanks. We decided to get one, just in case we had an issue. I did find on the cruise site that we don't need one, but I know it will also make things easier. Hopefully his pic won't be him screaming like his pool pass picture .

[spk926]

Jul 27, 2015 21:21:56 GMT -5 smilee1079 said:

Thanks. We decided to get one, just in case we had an issue. I did find on the cruise site that we don't need one, but I know it will also make things easier. Hopefully his pic won't be him screaming like his pool pass picture .

I know your joking but plan accordingly when going to get his picture taken. They are very serious about what they will and won't accept. Not kidding it took my brother and SIL nearly an hour to get a proper picture for my nephew when he was 4 or 5 months old. Had to be looking AT the camera, no hand in the frame, no drool, and on and on. Easy when you're an adult but not so much with an infant.