Questions
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Please be advised that Royal Caribbean has updated their policy on Passport Requirements as of October 17, 2007. 

The Policy
Has been:
Everyone traveling on a cruise (departing from within the United States) did not need a passport until January 2008. 

Now:
You will not need a passport until the summer of 2008 to cruise (departing from within the United States). 

There is not an exact date yet, as the policy from the U.S. Homeland Security Department is non-committal with regard to an exact date.

Recommendation
If you are a United States Citizen, and you currently DO NOT have a passport that will still be in effect when you cruise on or after January 2008:
Our recommendation is to continue your process of getting your passport if you already started.  If your cruise is scheduled to depart in April, 2008 or after, we suggest you obtain your passport for your cruise. 

All statements made by Alumni Cruises on this website are interpretations from the Royal Caribbean information below, and are suggestions and recommendations, and are not to be considered U.S. or International law, or policy of Royal Caribbean.  The information in this email may change without notice to you.  For up to date information please refer to the departments and websites listed below.
 

From Royal Caribbean
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) once fully implemented will require all travelers entering or reentering the United States to be in the possession of a valid passport.

Anticipated Implementation

• October 1, 2007 - The departments of State and Homeland Security reestablished the valid passport requirements for air travel. Valid passports are required for air travel to / from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card (Form I-551) issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status to apply for entry to the United States.

• As early as Summer 2008 - A valid passport will be required for all sea and air travel. And subject to U.S. Government amendment, U.S. and Canadian citizens 15 or younger with their parents consent may cross the U.S./Canadian border by land or sea with a certified copy of their birth certificate.

Until that time

Sea Travel Only

• For domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended.
• In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), plus laminated picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required. Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth (except for new borns) are not acceptable.
• For U.S. Naturalized citizens, in the absence of a passport, Naturalization papers (either original or notarized copy) plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required.
• A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.
• Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.

International Travel

• A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America.

For additional passport information visit U.S. Department of State. Or if you prefer, contact Passport Express  for applications and assistance

You will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If you live in the U.S., you will also need your original Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status.

Canadian Landed Immigrants

All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid passports and US visas. Also required is your original Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status.

Visas
Please contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on your sailing itinerary or the visa service of your choice for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees for your nationality.

Visa Waiver Program
Citizens from the Visa Waiver Program countries of: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom seeking to enter the United States will be required to have in their possession a machine readable passport with a digital photograph valid for the duration of the voyage.

A machine readable passport is one having an alpha-numeric code on the bottom of the picture page.
Example:
P<<UKDOE<<JOHN<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<1234567890M1234567890M1234567890<1234567890

Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after October 26, 2005 with passports issued on or after this date must present passports with a digital photograph.

Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after October 26, 2006 with passports issued on or after that date must present a biometric passport or obtain a visa for entry into the United States.

Click here for more information on Passport and Visa Requirements.