One cruise port in the Caribbean will now require that passengers carry a valid passport to get off the cruise ship.
Cruise Fever was alerted to this change when Carnival Cruise Line sent out a letter to guests who are booked on a cruise to Martinique. Carnival sent out the following email to passengers who are booked on the November 9 sailing on Carnival Pride warning them about this new requirement:
“Dear Carnival Pride Guest,
We have an important message to share regarding travel documentation requirements for Martinique.
Officials in Martinique have informed us that all cruise visitors to the island must have a valid passport in order to go ashore. This requirement will be strictly enforced by local authorities. If you do not already have a passport, we encourage you to obtain one before your voyage.
Thank you for your understanding. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard for a fun and memorable cruise.”
Passports are currently not required for Caribbean cruises that start and end in the same U.S. port. However, there is now an exception for Southern Caribbean cruises to Martinique.
Read: Do I need a Passport for a Caribbean Cruise?
Martinique is a French island that is often visited on cruises to the Southern Caribbean.
Very bad decision. Not that many people will go out to shore, and the local merchants depending on them . They waiting for every ship to come ,but I am not carrying my passport there.