Hi. I've been on 5 cruises (2 after 9/11) and have never been asked for marriage liscense as proof at customs. RCCL is telling me that technically they may ask for that since last name differenent than on birth certificate. Is there really a need? I don't even no wear mine is OOPS! Just looking for feedback on how important it really is to have. thanks

Well, if a cruise line told me I may need to show a marriage license I'd make sure I brought it with me. Do you really want to gamble on this? Better to have it and not need it than to have the opposite happen, which means you won't be allowed to board.

Within the next two years you will need a passport. If you have time before your next cruise I strongly urge you to get a passport. You should be able to get a copy of a marriage license from the state, county, city which issued the original.

quote:

Originally posted by jbrooks175:
Hi. I've been on 5 cruises (2 after 9/11) and have never been asked for marriage liscense as proof at customs. RCCL is telling me that technically they may ask for that since last name differenent than on birth certificate. Is there really a need? I don't even no wear mine is OOPS! Just looking for feedback on how important it really is to have. thanks

Technically, any cruise line, not just RCI, may ask you for a marriage license or other proof of legal name change. If just your first name is the same as what's on your birth certificate, you could be using anyone's with the same first name. With the increase in security in the last few years, government officials are getting more and more picky about folks really being who they say they are.

In less than a year, as of January 1 2007, everyone will need a passport. A birth certificate, even with proof of name change, will no longer be accepted. Since a U.S. passport is good for 10 years, I'd just bite the bullet and get a passport, and not have to worry about it.

Sandy

As Dave suggests, your best bet would be to get a passport and then you're all good.

As someone who has been married multiple times, I would have to have to bring each marriage, divorce and my birth certificate with me.

I took mine b/c I wasn't sure either. Isaid to the guy that I brought it not knowing if he needed it. He said no, not really..but glanced at it anyway. I'd take it if you have any doubts.

While disembarking from a Royal Caribbean Cruise in December 2005, the Customs/Immigration officer that was checking our documents asked for my marriage license, which I (fortunately) had brought with me. Royal Caribbean had never checked this when we checked in before boarding the ship. I agree about the passport--it makes things much easier.

Last year Carnival told me we needed it in March and again in Oct RC asked for it also. They just barely glanced at it but they did ask for it.

Just got back from AOS and was never asked for it once...I was worried after hearing that you should bring it, but the travel doc. through rccl didn't even mention a marriage certificate??