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Worried the Real ID frenzy will derail your summer travel plans? There is one glimmer of hope: You won’t need the upgraded driver’s license to go on your summer cruise.
Starting Wednesday, May 7, travelers boarding domestic flights will need to present a Real ID in lieu of the older license (or risk delays in security lines).
Consider planning for it if you’re flying to your cruise port. But once there, you won’t need the upgraded ID to board the ship.
US citizens can embark on their at-sea vacation by presenting a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license — and no, a Real ID isn’t required, Disney Cruise Line says.
All cruise companies strongly suggest travelers come prepared with a US passport instead.
Depending on the ports and destination, not all domestic voyages accept the birth certificate and driver’s license combo. (To be sure, check the required documents for your specific voyage.) Plus, according to Royal Caribbean, using a passport will likely expedite your boarding and disembarkation process compared to other forms of documentation.
So, don’t worry if you’ll be Real ID-less for your cruise vacation — just use a passport for your international air and sea travels.
The post Do you need a Real ID to go on a cruise? Here’s what to know. appeared first on Business Insider.
