Can anyone give me the correct answer - Are US passports required for sea travel to the Caribbean, in 2008.?

Want to take a cruise to St Thomas, and other islands in Jan/Feb '08, but do not have a current passport, just a birth certificate, drivers license. I am a US citizen.

yes they are becuase your going to a different country.

Not until December, when it may change. We just sent my mother on a cruise to the Bahamas and she only needed her birth certificate.

Technically, you do not need a passport for sea travel to the Caribbean until Jan. However, some cruise lines do require them now, so CALL your cruise line to be sure. See 1st website below to read the WHTI ( the passport law), and the 2nd for passport information.

The state department website does not even answer this question completely. It states that for cruise travel passports MAY be required AS SOON AS Jan 2008. They've had to cut some travelers some slack as many people are missing their trips. My suggestion is to apply now because you'll never know when they will definitely require them. If you don't need it for this cruise it's good for 10 years so it'll be ready for the next. Also, for the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada they are accepting the receipt that shows that you've applied but not received your passport yet. No word on how long that policy will last. I got mine in April, while I was gone on my cruise. Oh well ( It took 10 1/2 weeks)

yes you will need a passports to enter

Yes, currently they are still required beginning January 2008. Due to all of the delays, I would suggest you apply now, to give yourself ample time.

Yes, they are. Passports are required now. One of my friends was not in formed of this, and she actually wasn't able to travel to the Caribbean. It was very sad, as we had been planning this trip for a while. I got mine right on time, I completely lucked out.

Try and apply for one right away. It takes a while to get them, but it will be worth it, getting it early, then freaking out a week before your cruise just praying that your passport will come.

Hope this helps!

absolutely,for every island