Practical Passport Advice

Get Ready for Your Next Vacation with these Travel Tips!

Problem: You’re planning a Caribbean cruise for next year but your passport is expired.

Solution: Avoid expedited fees and ensure your passport will be processed in time by renewing your passport AT LEAST six weeks before your trip. Plan ahead so that nothing will stand in your way of sipping daiquiris on the beach. Renewals can be made by mail or in person at select local post offices. Click here for more details.

Problem: You found a great deal on a last-minute flight to Paris, but your passport expires in five months.

Solution: Many countries will NOT let you through customs if your passport expires in less than six months. Your Travel Advisor can assist you with expedited passport and visa processing without the need for in-person appointments. This gets you one-step closer to saying 'bonjour'!

Problem: You’re traveling to India and don’t know if you’ll need a visa.

Solution: Visa requirements depend on country, length of travel and the reason for your visit. Most short-term visits to countries in the Caribbean and Europe do NOT require a visa; however, countries further from home, such as India, might. Have no fear when booking with Cruise Planners because we have a partnership with CIBT Visas. They can quickly determine whether or not you’ll need a visa and assist with the processing. Let the experts handle your visa, so you can focus on packing!

Problem: You’re cruising round trip from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, but you don’t have a passport.

Solution: You may be able to circumvent passport requirements when traveling on closed-loop cruises departing from/returning to the same United States city. However, Cruise Planners always recommends that travelers carry a passport when visiting international destinations for identification and emergency purposes.

Cruise Planners' Tip 1:

Save a copy of your passport on your computer. Clients can use the Passport Vault on the Cruise Planners' mobile app so you can access a virtual copy of your passport from anywhere in the world. It's also a good idea to leave a photocopy of your passport with a family member or friend back home.


Cruise Planners' Tip 2:
Remember to wear a colored shirt when you get your passport photo made. You can't wear a white shirt because it blends in with the photo background.

For more information, contact Jan McDiarmid at Cruise Planner's. Email Jan at jan@takeasuitcase.com or call 336-790-8911. Jan can plan a trip to any destination!