[Travelandtourism] Another reason why passports are very imperative while cruising

[cheryl echevarria]

You may have been told in the past that if you cruise to and from the same port here in the US, that you will only need original birth certificate and photo ID. That information is true, but not very practical and actually unsafe to do.
In light of the recent issues with the Carnival Triumph and why they didn't cruise into Mexico where it was closer than to cruise back to the US, which as we all know took them 3-4 days to be towed back.
The reason was that they didn't go to Mexico, where they could either pick up another Carnival Cruise and sail back or fly home. Is basically because many people on board did not have there passports or other legal forms of ID.
If you are stuck on a cruise in these situations, you need your passports, you need to fly home in an emergency, go to the hospital or see a doctor, you need the proper paperwork.
You need a passport book or card to enter into Mexico or Canada now! Driving is one thing, but flying or going to the hospital etc is another.
That is the number 1 reason why they didn't go to Mexico during the cruise.
So remember the next time you are thinking of going cruising, please take our advice and get the passport. It lasts 10 years and with the issues with security going on they are just going to get tighter and eventually everyone will have to get one.
Cheryl Echevarria

Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 of NY State
Leading the Way in Independent Travel!SNG Certified - Accessible Travel Advocate!Cheryl Echevarria, Ownerhttp://www.echevarriatravel.com631-456-5394reservations@echevarriatravel.comhttp://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com2012 Norwegian Cruise Line University Advisory Board Member.
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