Ack I forgot...

[jnorth1007]

that I might need a passport for the cruise! Will I? I haven't ever left the country so I haven't ever needed a passport. I know I can apply at the post office. Will I still have enough time to get it before October? Do I need it? What will I need to bring with me to apply? Cripes!

[SunshineGirl]

When we talked to Gail a few months ago, she said that the law was in flux and we should not get them until they decided for sure. I would give her a call and she can tell you what ended up happening. If you DO need it, you should have plenty of time. I got mine in like 6 weeks a few years ago.

[jnorth1007]

I will add that to the list of things to do next week LOL. I am pretty sure that they have cancelled the extension on not needing it so I better get one just in case. Can't hurt right? I need to get in touch with Gail anyways so I can get some things ironed out and nailed down. Thanks!

[m 'n c]

Hey Janet-

I would go ahead and get one as they are good for 10 years and you now need them to fly or get into mexico or canada. There were a few threads on the DIS about the turn around time being really quick right now like 2 weeks for the nonexpediated ones. It was mentioned in a thread that the passport thing will totally depend on what the cruise line wants to do and the only time you may run into a problem is if you were sick or injured and needed to get back to the US by air that they might not let you in without one since that rule is into effect this year.

[m 'n c]

Oh and my parents just went through the process and you can go to the clerk of court without an appointment to turn in your application. Around Houston the US Postal Service isn't requiring appointments but I'm not sure about over there.

[bbangel]

And think of a passport as being your ticket to the world. Once you have one the possibilities are endless! Besides what if you won the trip to all the Disney Parks in the Million Dreams?

[jnorth1007]

You guys are so right! I have been dreaming too small. I am going to get the info I need and go file for it next week.

[spring]

Last I heard, passports are being processed much more quickly. You shouldn't have to do expedited processing at this point (for a lot more money.) My cruise in November to the Southern Caribbean required either a passport (preferred) or a birth certificate (with official seal) and a photo ID (like a driver's license).

As someone said, a passport is like a ticket to the world. You never know what kind of deal you might find for, say, Europe or Tahiti!

[bs4free]

I will second what others have said the time is fast my brother just got his at the end of december in about 10days (not expidited, just normal) no appointment needed at the postoffice just walked up had photo done gave paperwork and paid!

Also even if they decide to hold off on needing passports for curises, if something happes while out of the country and need to be flowen back to the states you would need a passport, at this point like others have said its your key to your world, and better to have then not have...

[fourfoxesinpa]

It's always easier to travel with a passport. You have absolutely NO problem with getting it in time for your October cruise. The backlog has been cured and, unless you want it in the next couple of weeks, regular processing will be just fine. We got ours in August - for the kids, we just needed their birth certificates with raised seals. We had expired passports, so we took them and our drivers licenses. And a checkbook... I don't think they took credit cards for some of the fees. They took our pictures right at the post office. We have a little rural post office so we did have to make an appointment. Give them a call before you go to make sure you have everything all lined up.