How Forgetting My Passport Almost Ruined My Cruise Trip

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I’m sitting at home, after getting back from a cruise that almost didn’t happen for me. The reason behind this was my own foolishness. However, I was fortunate enough to make it to the cruise, all thanks to the driver of the airport parking shuttle. Here’s how a spiel that he says to travelers dozens of times a day just might have saved my vacation.

My Packing Style

I tend to be a last-minute packer. I’ll make sure that I have everything I need for the trip, but the actual getting things together and into the bags will happen the night before or the morning of a trip, depending on when we’re leaving the house. One reason that I still use a packing list is so I can cross things off as I put them into my suitcase or backpack.

This cruise trip was a bit unusual for me. Due to work and other scheduling conflicts, I had to do most of the packing in advance. I was fully prepared for the trip a day ahead of our departure, with the exception of some last-minute items such as my computer and some toiletries.

Leaving For The Cruise

As we were getting ready to leave the house, I gave one last look at the list to make sure I brought everything. We packed the car and headed to Orlando Int’l Airport. We were taking the Brightline train to Miami, and since this was a new experience for us, we left extra early. We also booked tickets that included access to the lounge, so we’d be able to hang out at the new station to wait for our train. As I parked at our usual off-site parking lot, we loaded on the bus to the airport. The driver gave his talk: “Check to make sure you have your keys, wallet, tickets, ID, and passport.”

Oh no. I felt this knot developing in my stomach.

I immediately realized I didn’t have my passport. Even though it’s in ALL CAPS on my packing list, complete with six exclamation marks after it.

I turned to Sharon and said, “I forgot my passport.”

At first, she thought I was joking, but she soon realized that I was serious. Virgin Voyages used to almost always require you to have a passport to cruise with them, but they changed the rules in mid-2023. Unfortunately, although I had my driver’s license with me, I didn’t have the other supporting documentation I’d need to board the ship.

What Happened Next?

Here’s where the driver saved our trip. Fortunately, we only live 20-25 minutes from the airport. Sharon stayed on the shuttle with the rest of our travel group while I drove back home. I remembered exactly where I left my passport. It was on my desk, where I put it when I took it out 2 days earlier. Some papers had fallen over and covered my passport, which is why I didn’t see it to put in my pocket before leaving the house.

It was an hour-long detour, but we had left early enough that I made it home and back to the Brightline station in plenty of time. I was even able to grab a snack in the lounge before getting on the train.

Would I have been able to cruise without my passport?

We tried to figure this out ahead of time, but since we were still in Orlando, I didn’t have to worry about it. In the worst case, if I missed the train, I could take a later one or even drive to Miami if I had to. But what if I didn’t realize it until we made it to Miami? I’m playing over in my head what if the driver didn’t have a corny speech he makes to every busload of passengers he takes to the airport.

Here are the rules for sailing on Virgin Voyages.