closed loop cruise passport requirements carnival

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Travel Documentation: U.S. Permanent Residents

Domestic Cruises In addition to required documents stated below, guests  must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements.   

• Cruises Sailing from One U.S Port to a Different U.S Port :  Guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• Cruises Sailing from One U.S Port to Same U.S Port:    Guests are required to carry a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• For cruises that include a visit to Colombia  or Greenland , g uests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• For cruises that include a visit to Bermuda , g uests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• U.S Permanent Residents may require a Canadian Visa depending on their nationality.
• Guests who are not citizens of the United States, Canada, U.K., Australia or New Zealand, may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit or transit Canada.
• Visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include travelers with a valid Canadian visa.
• If guests are required to have a visa, it must be obtained in advance regardless of whether you choose to remain onboard or go ashore. Processing times vary by citizenship and may take up to 45 days. For more information regarding travel documentation requirements, please contact your local Canadian consulate or visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp .
• Entry into Canada: Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada - for more information, click here .
• A Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) is also  known as ARC or a Green Card. 
• If a Permanent Resident Card does not have an expiration date on the front, then it is a very old version and it is recommended that the guest applies to renew it. Filing instructions and forms are available at www.uscis.gov .
• Photo I.D. Information: If the Permanent Resident Card does not include a photo I.D., a non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is required of all guests 16 years of age or older such as a Driver’s License, Driver’s Permit or government-issued identification card (city/state/federal).  A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.
• On occasion, U.S. Permanent Residents may be asked to surrender their Permanent Resident Card and/or passport at time of check-in. This document will be returned upon completion of the immigration inspection at the time of debarkation.
• Guests a re required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• For cruises visiting Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Transpacific cruises, visas and/or specific travel documentation may be required for some destinations.

Europe and Transatlantic Cruises U.S Permanent Residents must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of Immigration requirements.

• Guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• U.S Permanent Residents may require a Schengen Visa for countries listed below. 
• For itineraries that include countries which are not part of the Schengen agreement, additional visas may be required for citizens of certain countries, including U.S Permanent Residents.

Schengen Visa Requirements Under the Schengen regulations, citizens of certain countries will need a valid visa to visit or transit through any country in the Schengen area. There are currently 26 European countries that participate in the Schengen Agreement. The agreement eliminates all internal border controls between the participating countries. Once you enter a Schengen country, you may travel continuously for up to 90 days within the member countries. 

The following countries are party to the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, (including Monaco), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Visa requirements vary depending on the passport under which you are traveling and the countries being visited.  Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. We strongly suggest that guests visit www.schengenvisa.cc for additional Schengen Visa information and check with the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Be sure to provide the complete itinerary of the cruise so the embassy or consulate can provide the correct information. Guests may also contact a visa service agency for assistance.

Air Travel within the U.S. - REAL ID Homeland Security Requirements   Effective May 7, 2025 , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require every state and territory resident to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license, to go through airport security and board a flight within the U.S. If you will be flying to one of our cruise homeports within the U.S. on/after this implementation date, please ensure you have an acceptable document for your air travel. Visit www.tsa.gov/real-id  more information. This requirement applies to air travelers 18 years of age and older. 

Real ID-compliant cards will have a star on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity for air travel within the U.S.  

Names on Travel Documentation It is important that the guest’s full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest’s non-expired government-issued photo I.D. they plan to use for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest’s photo I.D. as a result of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denied boarding.

Please Note: For those about to or recently have been married, we strongly recommend that if the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, the cruise booking be made in the maiden name (do not include the married name); If the reservation was made in the married name, but the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate or marriage license. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denied boarding.

Traveling with Minors When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

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You don't have to wait for a passport to travel: What to know about closed-loop cruises

When Chanel Sims graduated college, her mom rewarded her achievement by treating her daughter to a trip with Carnival Cruise Line .

But the July 2022 sailing – shortly after her graduation in May – didn’t leave Sims much time to get a key travel document: her passport.

Sims, now 24, had never gotten one. She tried once before to study abroad but was dissuaded by long wait times , and traveling internationally for fun wasn’t on her radar.

“I was a broke college student. I wasn’t going anywhere,” said Sims, who lives in Los Angeles and works for a life insurance agency.

Luckily for her, there was an alternative: She sailed with her family from Miami to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and back with just her photo ID and birth certificate.

In many cases, travelers can sail without a passport on round-trip voyages from the U.S. Here’s what to know.

What is a closed-loop cruise?

Closed-loop cruises are those that start and end at the same U.S. port and travel within the Western Hemisphere.

U.S. citizens booked on those sailings can leave and enter the country with proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and – if 16 or older – a government-issued photo ID, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection .

They can also use an enhanced driver’s license , which denotes both proofs of identity and citizenship, though those are available only in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington for now. Travelers can reenter the country from Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico with an EDL, but the documents are valid for border crossings only by sea or land.

Travelers under 16 can show an “original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State, (DOS) and/or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),” according to Customs and Border Protection’s website.

Cruise lines may require you to have a passport anyway, however.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for example, requires passports for all voyages no matter the ports of call or countries visited, and destinations may call for them as well.

Carnival, which Sims sailed with, allows U.S. citizens to sail without a passport on qualifying cruises but "highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel," according to its website .

How do I know if I can sail without a passport?

Cruise lines typically provide guidance for travelers on the requirements of their sailing, according to Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of travel agency franchise Dream Vacations. A travel adviser can also help fill in any blanks.

Cruising without a passport can be risky, though. The State Department encourages having one "in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port," according to its website .

If travelers get stuck at a port of call, there will be “a lot of red tape you have to get through” to make it home without one, Daly said.

In those cases, they should contact the U.S. Embassy and local immigration authorities, he said. Daly also recommended taking a photo of your government IDs, which can be helpful backups when dealing with officials.

A travel adviser can hold travelers’ hands through the process, though Daly noted “it’s not something that happens a lot.”

Sims, for her part, was able to easily get off the ship at ports like Nassau with just her Sail & Sign card, she said, which acts as both a room key and means of charging items to your onboard account. After showing her birth certificate and photo ID during the initial boarding process, she kept them in a suitcase.

There are other advantages to having a passport. For instance, the document gives travelers who don't board their cruise in time more flexibility to meet the ship at its next stop. “You can’t fly to Mexico without a passport,” Daly said.

Routine processing of passports currently takes between 10 and 13 weeks, and seven to nine weeks for expedited service, according to the State Department . But most travelers who book with Dream Vacations plan their cruises at least six months out, according to Daly, which should give them plenty of time to get one: “So, we still highly encourage that.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected] .

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Must-Know Tips for a Perfect Bahamas Cruise

By Carnival Cruise Line

The Bahamas is a destination synonymous with laid-back living, and it’s no wonder why. The islands are blessed with crystalline seas, soft sand and warm, gentle breezes that caress and soothe even the most stressed-out soul. Whether you enjoy absorbing yourself into a new culture or have snorkeling and parasailing in mind, you’ll find plenty to do — and a cruise to The Bahamas maximizes your enjoyment of your vacation. When more than half the fun is getting there, your vacation starts the minute you step aboard ship.

Ready to plan your cruise? Here’s what you need to know:

Best Time for A Bahamas Cruise

The temperatures in The Bahamas are steadily warm year-round, so you can enjoy days in the 80s for most of the year, though wintertime temperatures may hover in the high 70s. You might see some rain during the summer, though most storms blow through quickly.

With good weather year-round, you’re free to take your own schedule into account when planning your trip. A summertime cruise is ideal for families with children who are on school vacation, while winter cruises are ideal for anyone looking to escape a snowy climate. If your schedule is flexible, traveling in the spring or fall can help you beat the crowds.

Pro Tip: Carnival cruise ships sail to this popular destination year-round, so the best time to go to on a cruise to The Bahamas is whenever it works for you!

Where Do You Want to Depart From?

There are many ports of departure to choose from when cruising to The Bahamas:

• Baltimore, MD
• Norfolk, VA
• Charleston, SC
• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Jacksonville, FL
• Port Canaveral/Orlando, FL

When choosing a port, you should consider the relative ease of arrival and the possibility of extending your vacation to explore the port city before or after your trip. Look for discounts on direct flights to save, and consider arriving a day early so that you won’t be stressed about getting to the ship on time.

As you plan, make sure your itinerary includes transportation to the cruise terminal and that you arrive well ahead of time for your departure. Carnival makes things easy with airport transportation , so you can just relax and enjoy the ride.

Do You Need a Passport to Cruise to the Bahamas? 

Though most foreign travel requires that you have a valid passport to come back home, cruising makes it easier to enjoy your vacation without worrying about this paperwork. If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you’ll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

Of course, if you have a valid passport, you are welcome to use it on your cruise as well.

Bahamas Port Highlights 

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with your family or with a group of friends, you’re sure to find the perfect port of call in The Bahamas:

• Half Moon Cay : If you’ve always wanted your own private island, Half Moon Cay is the destination for you. Enjoy kayaking, horseback riding and the opportunity for private island accommodations.
• Freeport : Love nightlife? Freeport is the center of the action in The Bahamas, and you’ll find plenty of music, dancing and bars to fill your evenings. Fishing, diving and Jet Ski adventures round out the daytime activities.
• Nassau : A cruise to Nassau is the classic Caribbean vacation — and one of the best ways to experience the culture of The Bahamas, from calypso music to local fish fries. Want to swim with dolphins? You can do that, too.
• Princess Cays : This is the perfect destination for families, with a BBQ pit and designated play area for little ones. This private resort has everything you need for fun in the sun, including bikes, snorkeling equipment and more.

Wondering what to do once you get to your port of call? Carnival offers a wide range of shore excursions that get you up close and personal with the scenery and culture of The Bahamas. You’ll have your choice of activities that bring you wonderful things to eat , water sports, adventures and more.

Bahamas Itineraries 

As you plan, consider how long you’d like your vacation to be. You can cruise for as short as two days or as long as a week, depending on which ports you’d like to visit. If you have limited time, you may wish to narrow your options by duration first. If you’re flexible on the timing, you have the leeway to research itineraries based on things to do and places to visit in each port of call.

What to Pack

Packing for a cruise to The Bahamas doesn’t have to be hard. The consistently warm weather means that you can leave bulky layers behind and pack for fun in the sun. We’ve compiled this Bahamas guide for packing to help you get started:

• Shorts and/or casual skirts
• Bathing suits
• T-shirts/tank tops
• Lightweight, long-sleeve shirt
• Lightweight pants
• Sun hat with a wide brim
• Formal attire for nightlife
• Insect repellent
• Favorite toiletries
• Lightweight sweater for evenings

If you forget anything, you’ll be able to replace it by hitting the shops aboard ship, so go ahead and pack lightly!

Traveling to The Bahamas is an exciting vacation that allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery and a vibrant local culture, all while getting the rest and relaxation you crave. When you follow these Bahamas cruise tips, it’s easy to plan the perfect trip.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

Related articles

Bahamas fun.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-to/bahamas-cruises.aspx

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Closed Loop Cruise: Passport Requirements & Destinations

Got a few free days and looking to go on a trip, but don’t have a passport? Don’t worry, you still have plenty of options! If you passport has expired, or you never got a passport in the first place, you are still able to visit several foreign countries as a U.S. citizen. The answer to your “problem” is a closed loop cruise.

These types of cruises allow you, as an American, to sail to amazing destinations without a passport. Below, we take a look at what closed loop cruises are and tell you exactly which places you can visit on a closed loop cruise.

What Is a Closed Loop Cruise?

First things first, though—what is a closed loop cruise? The answer is right there, in the name. Closed loop cruises have “closed” itineraries, meaning that they start and end in the same U.S. port. On the way, however you may visit some other destinations, whether within the United States or in other countries. All closed loop cruises are round-trip cruises from the same port in the United States.

Places You Can Go on a Closed Loop Cruise (Without a Passport)

Even though closed loop cruises can’t take you wherever you want to go, the destination choices may be more diverse than you’d expect. From the beaches of the Bahamas to the wilderness of Alaska, these are the greatest place you can visit on a closed loop cruise without a passport.

Explore the rugged coasts of Alaska on a closed loop cruise from cities like Seattle and San Francisco . Visit the historic coastal towns of Skagway, Sitka and Juneau, and see iconic wildlife, from orcas and whales to brown bears and bald eagles.

Cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and soak up that glorious tropical sunshine. See waterfalls and rainbows, enjoy amazing Polynesian food and hit the waves on a surfboard. Cruises to Hawaii start in most major West Coast cities, such as San Diego , Los Angeles and Seattle.

New England and Eastern Canada

Discover the rocky coasts of New England and eastern Canada on a closed loop cruise from Boston or New York City. Indulge in world-class seafood, see beautiful lighthouses, visit seaside villages and explore important historic sites.

One of the most accessible tropical islands from the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda is a popular destination for closed loop cruises. You can visit this gorgeous, historic island on round-trip cruises from Boston and other East Coast ports. Swim with dolphins , visit the Royal Navy Dockyard or scuba dive to a shipwreck.

The Bahamas

Blessed with near-perpetual sunshine and stunning beaches, the Bahamas are one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations. As a Caribbean island nation, it’s an excellent place to visit without a passport on closed loop cruises. Departure ports include Baltimore , Charleston, Jacksonville, Miami and other southeastern U.S. cities.

The Caribbean

Comprised of the Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean Island, the greater Caribbean region is home to some of the greatest beach destination on the planet. Go on a closed loop cruise from Florida and visit such stunning islands as St. Lucia, Barbados, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Martinique and Bonaire. Remember, however, that some of these island nations may require you to have a passport to enter.

Whether it’s a Baja California cruise from San Diego or L.A., or a cruise to Cozumel from the East Coast, Mexico is a great closed loop cruise destination. Discover ancient temples and architecture, sample classic Mexican cuisine, sunbathe on amazing beaches and partake in endless outdoor adventures. Check out the best time to cruise to Mexico here .

So, for example, you can board a cruise ship in Miami, Florida , stop at least one foreign port in places like Mexico, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, and return to the port of Miami afterwards. This is a closed loop cruise. As a U.S. citizen, you will not need a valid passport to leave and re-enter the United States this way.

If, however, you depart from Miami, sail through the Panama Canal , visiting a foreign port on the way, and disembark in Los Angeles, you have not been on a closed loop cruise, even though both your departure and arrival ports are in the United States. These kinds of one-way cruises require all passengers to have a valid passport.

Good to know: Maritime laws state that cruise ships not sailing under the American flag must stop in at least one port of call outside the United States. Great examples of this include a stop in Canada on Alaska cruises , a stop in Bermuda on a round-trip from Boston, or a stop in Cozumel from Fort Lauderdale.

Remember: The start and end point of your cruise must be the same U.S. port.

Do I Need a Passport on a Closed Loop Cruise?

American citizens do not need a passport to go on a closed loop cruise. They can leave and re-enter their own country without a passport. However, it is important to know that another proof of citizenship will be required instead.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Information Center , other valid proofs of citizenship you can use to go on closed loop cruises besides a passport are:

• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL);
• Government-issued birth certificate; or
• Government-issued certificate of naturalization

If you’re 16 or older, you will also need a valid government-issued driver’s license or picture ID that contains your photo, name and date of birth.

U.S. citizens younger than 16 may use an original, notarized or certified copy of their birth certificate to go on a closed loop cruise. They do not need other documents to leave and re-enter the USA.

Note, however, that this does not necessarily mean that the countries on your itinerary, especially in the Caribbean, won’t still require you to have a passport to enter. If that’s the case, your cruise line might already require you to have a passport to board the ship—even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not.

If you aren’t sure, please ask your cruise line about this in advance. A closed loop cruise refers only to U.S. immigration regulations and passport requirements for U.S. citizens. It does not reflect those of the destinations on the closed loop cruise.

How Do I Know If My Cruise Is Closed Loop?

This is pretty straightforward. As we’ve mentioned above, a closed loop cruise is a cruise that departs from and returns to the same port in the United States. It’s really that simple.

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Born and raised in Belgium, Bram is currently based in the Pacific Northwest where he spends his days blogging, hiking, indulging in freshly roasted coffee and sipping craft beers. An experienced traveler, his… More about Bram R

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The Best Cruises You Don't Need a Passport For

U.S. travelers don't need passports to take these memorable cruise itineraries—even though they make international stops. 

By Gwen Pratesi

July 17, 2024

If you’re among the 52% of Americans without a passport , you might think that taking a cruise is out of the question for you. 

But that’s not true—and we’re not only referring to sailings within U.S. waters (though, of course, passengers without passports can absolutely board cruises on U.S. rivers and coastlines as well as to Hawaii and Alaska). 

Depending on the destination and the type of cruise, there are many options for ocean journeys that don’t require a passport even though they go to international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada. 

We’ve rounded up some of your best bets for passport-free cruises at home and abroad.

How to Cruise Internationally Without a Passport: Book a "Closed-Loop" Cruise 

A “closed-loop” cruise is a round-trip voyage that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. As U.S. Customs and Border Protection explains , U.S. citizens do not need a valid passport to take a closed-loop cruise, even if the ship makes stops at foreign ports of call along the way, provided those stops are in the Western Hemisphere. 

For an example, the federal agency states that if you board a cruise ship in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and, after visiting, say, Bermuda or Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the ship returns to Fort Lauderdale, you’ve taken a closed-loop cruise. No passport required. 

“However,” the agency continues, “if you board a cruise ship in San Diego, California, sail through the Panama Canal (stopping at a foreign port during the cruise), and end the cruise in Miami, Florida, you have not taken a closed loop cruise.” Every passenger on board will need a valid passport, even though the voyage starts and ends in the United States. 

For the closed-loop option, however, a passenger needs only proof of U.S. citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver’s License or a certified copy of a government-issued birth certificate along with a photo ID, such as a state-issued valid driver’s license. Passengers under age 16 can get by with an “original, notarized or certified” birth certificate. 

Keep in mind that these are the policies of U.S. Customs and Border Protection only. It’s possible that a foreign destination on your itinerary may still require a passport to enter, even on a closed-loop cruise. Always confirm entry requirements with your cruise line and destination country before you book a trip. 

And if you do have a passport, it’s smart to bring it along on a cruise with international stops even if you won’t need to produce the document. After all, a passport will come in handy if there’s an emergency and you need to fly back into the U.S. from a foreign country.

The Best International Destinations for Closed-Loop Cruises from the U.S.

Here are a few examples of itineraries where you can sail without a passport on a closed-loop cruise. 

The Caribbean

Round-trip voyages to Caribbean destinations such as the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, and the Cayman Islands are available from many ports in the U.S., including New Orleans; Galveston, Texas; and several cities in Florida. Departing from Miami, you can reserve a stateroom on one of the larger vessels from the likes of Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and Holland America Line. 

Some Caribbean itineraries might be for just 4 or 5 days in length, but there are longer weeklong voyages, too. To hit a pretty wide range of foreign ports without a passport on a single trip, consider one of Royal Caribbean’s 7-day Western Caribbean round-trip sailings from Miami, with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Roatán, Honduras; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

If the cruise line has its own private island, like MSC’s Ocean Cay , the sailing might include a stop there as well. For example, MSC’s round-trip Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas cruise departs from Miami and stops at Ocean Cay as well as Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Other cruise lines with private islands include Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Princess, and Holland America.

Remember that since Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are part of the United States, you won’t need a passport to go there, even if your ship isn’t on a closed loop (provided the departure city and return city are both in the U.S., of course).

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises offer round-trip voyages from Los Angeles that visit popular Pacific Coast and Baja destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán. You’ll also find Baja Peninsula itineraries sailing round-trip from San Diego with Holland America .

If you prefer to sail from ports in Florida or Galveston, Texas, consider Caribbean itineraries that include destinations in Mexico, such as Royal Caribbean’s Western Caribbean voyage from Miami mentioned above. Some lines, like Carnival , also include the town of Progreso , near the Yucatán capital of Mérida, on departures from Galveston. 

The Bahamas

For cruises to the Bahamas, one appealing option is to embark in Port Canaveral, Florida, where you can book shorter 3- and 4-night cruises with several lines, including Norwegian . That company’s 4-night itineraries visit the Bahamas ports of Nassau, Freeport, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island. 

Disney fans with kids in tow can book a 6-day Bahamas voyage with Disney Cruise Line that goes from Port Canaveral to both of the company’s private islands: Castaway Cay and the new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Set sail to see Bermuda’ s famed pink sand beaches from Atlantic Coast ports including New York City; Bayonne, New Jersey; Boston; Baltimore; and Port Canaveral, Florida. Seven-day sailings from New York operated by MSC and Norwegian feature time at sea as well as 3 days moored at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda’s West End. 

With 3 days in port on an island that’s just 21 miles in length, you’ll have plenty of time to explore iconic Horseshoe Bay beach, go diving in the shipwreck capital of the Atlantic, and stroll among the pastel-colored buildings in the capital city of Hamilton.

Atlantic Canada  

In the fall, leaf peepers can depart round-trip from several East Coast ports, including New York City, Baltimore, and Boston, for cruises showing off the seasonal splendor of New England as well as Nova Scotia and other parts of Maritime Canada. Princess, MSC, Norwegian, and Carnival are among your best bets for these popular itineraries.

If you book your cruise for earlier in the season (through October), keep an eye out for several species of whales, including humpbacks and minkes, when sailing through the Bay of Fundy. No matter when you sail, you’ll have plenty of chances to sample local seafood specialties such as clam chowder, Maine lobster, and Prince Edward Island mussels. 

The Best U.S. Cruise Destinations—No Passport Required

Travelers in search of unforgettable landscapes, remote wilderness areas, abundant wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures (such as dog-sledding on a glacier), can book a cruise to Alaska from the Port of Seattle. Seven-day Inside Passage voyages are available with several lines, including Holland America, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean. If you want to go with a line that’s an expert in the region, Holland America has been sailing to Alaska for more than 75 years. Princess is a close second with 65 years of experience. 

Ports of call and scenic cruising day locations vary, depending on the line, but voyages typically include stops in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, British Columbia. For longer 10- or 11-day cruises, opt for a round-trip itinerary departing from San Francisco.

A few cruise lines, including Celebrity and Norwegian, operate round-trip itineraries from Honolulu. If you’d prefer not to fly to Hawaii , you can set sail on a longer cruise from the West Coast. 

Princess ’s 16-day voyages depart from either Los Angeles or San Francisco and include stops in four islands in Hawaii as well as the port of Ensenada, Mexico. Carnival has a similar 14-day voyage from Los Angeles. 

For the ultimate Hawaiian cruise, Holland America’s 18-day Circle Hawaii itinerary from San Diego visits five ports of call on four Hawaiian Islands, plus Ensenada, before returning to San Diego. 

U.S. Rivers and Coastal Waters

In the Lower 48, travelers have plenty of options to travel the country’s waterways aboard a small-ship river or coastal cruise. 

American Cruise Lines maintains a portfolio of more than 50 itineraries plied by a fleet of riverboats, coastal cruise ships, and classic paddlewheelers accommodating 90 to 180 guests at a time. You can sail the Lower or Upper Mississippi River, head for the Pacific Northwest’s Snake and Columbia rivers, take a fall cruise to see the foliage along the Hudson River Valley in New York State, and more. 

You can even travel between several national parks on a land-and-sea adventure that includes visits to Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton national parks. For a coastal cruise, the line features itineraries in New England, the Southeast, Florida, Alaska, along the Chesapeake Bay, and in Washington State’s Puget Sound to visit the San Juan Islands. None of the voyages from American Cruise Lines requires a passport. 

Viking has 10 river cruise options along the Mississippi, ranging from 8 to 22 days in length and running from New Orleans to the Midwest. And UnCruise Adventures offers passport-free voyages that sail exclusively within the U.S., too, with itineraries in Hawaii as well as Alaska voyages that do not sail into Canadian waters.

Related : Can I Cruise with Just a Driver's License?

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What Documents Do I Need To Cruise On Carnival?

When planning a cruise on Carnival, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to make your trip as smooth as possible. These documents will vary depending on your destination, age, and citizenship status.

For U.S. citizens, a valid passport is the most important document needed for a Carnival cruise. It is recommended that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your cruise.

However, if you are taking a closed-loop cruise (starting and ending in the same U.S. port), you may be able to use a government-issued ID and an original birth certificate instead of a passport.

Non-U.S. citizens will need to bring their passport and any necessary visas or other travel documents.

It is important to check with your embassy or consulate to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork for your specific situation.

Additionally, minors traveling without both parents will need to bring a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians.

Table of Contents

Passports and Visas

One of the most important things you need to consider before taking a cruise on Carnival is the documentation required for travel. Here’s what you need to know about passports and visas:

Passport Requirements

All passengers, including children, must have a valid passport to travel on a Carnival cruise. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of the cruise. Passports must be in good condition and not damaged in any way, or they may not be accepted.

If you do not have a passport, you can still travel on a closed-loop cruise (a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port) with a government-issued photo ID and a certified copy of your actual birth certificate. However, it is highly recommended that you obtain a passport for international travel, as it is the most widely accepted form of identification.

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements vary depending on the countries you will be visiting on your Carnival cruise. Some countries may require a visa for entry, while others may not. It is your responsibility to research the visa requirements for each country you will be visiting and obtain the necessary visas before your cruise.

Carnival may provide assistance with obtaining visas for certain countries, but it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for travel.

Proof of Citizenship

Carnival requires all passengers to provide proof of citizenship before boarding the ship. This is to ensure compliance with international travel regulations and to prevent any issues that may arise during the cruise.

For US citizens, the following documents are acceptable as proof of citizenship:

• Original or certified copy of a government issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Naturalization Certificate
• Passport (valid or expired)

It’s important to note that photocopies of these documents are not acceptable. Passengers must bring the original or a certified copy of the document.

For non-US citizens, a passport and visa (if required) are necessary to board the ship. Passengers should check with their country’s embassy or consulate to determine if a visa is needed for the countries they will be visiting during the cruise.

It’s recommended that passengers bring multiple copies of their proof of citizenship documents, as they may be required to present them multiple times throughout the cruise.

Identification

When cruising on Carnival, it is important to bring the appropriate identification documents. This section will cover the accepted forms of identification, the name on the reservation, and the importance of having proper identification.

Accepted Forms of Identification

Carnival requires that all guests have a valid government-issued photo ID. This can be a passport, driver’s license, state ID, or military ID. For international itineraries, a passport is required. It is important to note that some itineraries may require additional documentation, such as a visa or proof of vaccination.

Guests under the age of 16 may use a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship in place of a photo ID. However, it is recommended that all guests have a photo ID for ease of travel.

Name On Reservation and Identification

It is important that the name on the reservation matches the name on the guest’s identification documents. If the names do not match, the guest may be denied boarding. It is also important to ensure that the identification documents are not expired and are in good condition.

If a guest has recently changed their name due to marriage or other reasons, they should bring legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order, to prove the name change.

Having proper identification not only ensures that the guest will be able to board the ship, but it also helps with re-entry into the United States or other countries. It is recommended that guests keep their identification documents in a safe and secure location while on board.

Carnival Cruise Line welcomes guests of all ages, including minors. However, there are specific requirements and documents that minors need to have to cruise on Carnival.

Traveling with Minors

If a minor is traveling with their parent or legal guardian, the parent or legal guardian must provide the following documents:

• Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or valid passport
• Photo identification, such as a driver’s license or valid passport
• Any necessary visas or travel documents for the destination

If the minor is traveling with only one parent or legal guardian, the parent or legal guardian must provide a notarized letter from the absent parent or legal guardian stating that the minor has permission to travel. The letter should include the name of the absent parent or legal guardian, their relationship to the minor, and the dates of the trip.

Unaccompanied Minors

If a minor is traveling without their parent or legal guardian, they are considered an unaccompanied minor. Carnival requires additional documentation and fees for unaccompanied minors.

The parent or legal guardian must provide the following documents:

• A notarized letter stating that the minor has permission to travel

In addition to the above documents, the parent or legal guardian must complete the Unaccompanied Minor Authorization Form and pay the applicable fees. The form must include the name and contact information of the person who will be meeting the minor at the destination port.

It is important to note that Carnival does not provide supervision for unaccompanied minors. The minor must be able to navigate the ship and follow all safety procedures on their own.

What Do I Need To Cruise If I Don’t Have A Passport?

If you don’t have a valid passport and you plan to cruise, you can still take a vacation, but you will need to make sure you have the proper identification and travel documents before you embark.

The requirements vary depending on your itinerary and the ports of call, but here are some general guidelines:

• Birth Certificate and Government-issued Photo ID: If you are a US citizen and you are taking a closed-loop cruise (meaning your itinerary starts and ends at the same US port), you can use your government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) and an original or certified copy of your birth certificate as proof of citizenship.
• Trusted Traveler Program: If you are a member of a trusted traveler program such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, you can use your membership card as proof of identity and citizenship.
• Enhanced Driver’s License: If you live in a state that offers enhanced driver’s licenses, you can use this as an alternative to a passport for land and sea travel to certain destinations, such as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
• Visa: Depending on your destination, you may need to obtain a visa even if you don’t have a valid passport. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for more information.

It’s important to note that while these alternatives to a passport may be acceptable for certain itineraries, having a valid passport is still the best option for international travel.

A valid passport is a globally recognized form of identification that makes it easier to enter and exit countries, and it’s required for all air travel outside the US.

Does My Birth Certificate Have To Be Notarized Or Certified To Cruise?

All documents presented must be either the original or a notarized copy. It’s not acceptable to bring photocopies or scanned copies of your identification documents.

This is because the cruise line needs to verify the authenticity of your identification and citizenship before allowing you to board the ship.

If you plan on using your driver’s license and birth certificate as proof of identity and citizenship, it’s crucial that both documents match the name on your reservation.

This means that if your name has changed due to marriage or other reasons, you will need to bring along legal documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order to prove the name change.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in delay or even possible denial of boarding.

Summary: What Documents Do I Need To Cruise On Carnival?

Traveling on a Carnival cruise ship can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary documents before you embark on your journey.

The specific documents required may vary depending on your destination and other factors, so it’s always a good idea to check with Carnival or your travel agent before you set sail.

Some of the most common documents you’ll need include a valid passport or other acceptable proof of citizenship, a government-issued ID, and any necessary visas or travel permits.

It’s also important to make sure your documents are up to date and won’t expire before your trip is over.

By taking the time to gather all the necessary documents and double-checking everything before you leave, you can help ensure a smooth and stress-free vacation on a Carnival cruise ship.

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8 Cruise Destinations That Don’t Require a Passport

No passport? No problem — here are cruises you can take without a passport.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruising is back after a few years of rough seas, figuratively speaking. Cruise lines worked behind the scenes during the pandemic, planning for their return to the world’s waterways. New ships , creative amenities, engaging shore excursions, a wide range of itineraries, and meticulous health protocols are now attracting first-time cruisers as well as long-time cruise fans. From mega-ships to smaller expedition vessels, there’s a voyage for every type of traveler. 

If you’ve been thinking about a cruise — perhaps you received an invitation from a friend to join an upcoming trip, or you noticed a last-minute cruise bargain — you’ll want to make sure you have all of your travel documents ready to go. If your passport has been gathering dust for the last two years, it may be expired. Does that mean you won’t be able to take the cruise? Not necessarily — here’s what you need to know about taking a cruise without a passport. 

You can cruise to quite a few destinations without a passport, as long as you have proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID. A variety of documents are accepted as proof of citizenship, including a state-certified U.S. birth certificate. A complete list is provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and their recent publication also explains the requirements for taking a cruise without a passport. Note that enhanced driver’s licenses are issued in very few states at this time, so it’s important not to assume that yours qualifies as identification and proof of citizenship.

The cruises must be “closed-loop,” meaning they begin and end at the same U.S. port. A one-way cruise that boards in a U.S. port and disembarks in a different U.S. port does not qualify. While you may leave and enter the United States on a closed-loop cruise with the required identification and proof of citizenship, you should be aware that some countries on your itinerary may require a passport. (Your cruise line should provide that information when you book your trip.) It’s still a good idea to bring your passport on a cruise if it’s up to date, but if it’s not, we’ve got you covered. Here are eight destinations that you can cruise to without a passport (and don’t forget to renew your passport so you’ll always be ready to travel).  

Places to Cruise Without a Passport

The good news is that you can cruise to quite a few popular destinations without a passport, including Alaska, the Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, Hawaii, the Caribbean , Canada, and New England. Just be sure that your cruise begins and ends in the same U.S. port, and double check your identification and proof of citizenship documents.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The majority of closed-loop cruises to Alaska originate and return to Seattle. However, American Cruise Lines ’ Southeast Alaska cruise boards in Juneau and returns to the same port after visiting Glacier Bay and several Alaskan towns.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a seven-day cruise from Seattle aboard Norwegian Bliss with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, and Victoria before returning to Seattle. Holland America Line ’s seven-day Alaskan Explorer departs from Seattle and cruises the Puget Sound and Stephens Passage.

Courtesy of Disney

Florida’s ports of Miami, Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale), and Port Canaveral (about an hour east of Orlando) offer the majority of closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas. In addition to those departure ports, Carnival Cruise Line sails to the Bahamas from Florida ports in Jacksonville and Tampa, while Royal Caribbean has departures from Tampa, Baltimore, Cape Liberty, New Jersey, and Galveston, Texas.

Disney Cruise Line offers a three-night Bahamian cruise from Port Canaveral aboard the spectacular Disney Wish with a day in Nassau and a day at Disney Castaway Cay before returning to Port Canaveral.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Closed-loop cruises to Mexico depart from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Galveston. From East Coast ports, cruise ships visit the Yucatan Peninsula’s Costa Maya and the island of Cozumel in the Caribbean Sea. From West Coast ports, destinations along the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez include Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Manzanillo, Loreto, La Paz, Guaymas, and Topolobampo.

Celebrity Cruises ’ 12-night New Orleans & the Caribbean cruise departs from and returns to Tampa after stops in New Orleans, Key West, and Honduras as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel. Princess Cruises offers a seven-day Mexican Riviera with La Paz voyage that includes Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, and La Paz.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Located 570 miles east of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is a convenient cruise destination from the East Coast ports of New York City, Baltimore, Charleston, Boston, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Norfolk, Virginia. 

Carnival ’s six-day Bermuda from Norfolk cruise spends two days at sea and three days in Bermuda. Bermuda Bliss, a seven-day Oceana cruise from New York City, visits Hamilton and St. George in Bermuda and includes two days at sea.

The Hawaiian islands are about 3,700 miles from the West Coast, so cruises from the mainland to Hawaii and back involve four or five days at sea in each direction. Closed-loop cruises depart from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego. There are also cruises that originate in Honolulu and tour the other islands. 

Princess Cruises' 16-day Hawaiian Islands voyage from San Francisco visits Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui before five days at sea and a stop in Ensenada on the return to San Francisco. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a seven-day Hawaii inter-island cruise that boards in Honolulu and visits Maui, Hilo and Kona on the Big Island, and Kauai before returning to Honolulu.

The Caribbean

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Departure ports for closed-loop Caribbean cruises include Tampa, Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Baltimore, New Orleans, and New York City. Cruises also depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Regent Seven Seas features the Wonders in the Caribbean cruise that departs from Miami with stops in the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Key West. Royal Caribbean ’s seven-night Southern Caribbean Holiday cruise embarks in San Juan and visits Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, St. Vincent, and St. Maarten.

Canada and New England

Canada and New England are typically grouped together on itineraries that originate in Boston, New York City, and Cape Liberty, New Jersey. 

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a seven-day Canada & New England cruise from New York City with visits to Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine, before a day at sea and a return to New York City. 

Related Articles

Where Can I Cruise Without A Passport? The Best Closed-Loop Sailings From US Ports.

By: Author Elaine Warren

Posted on Last updated: October 14, 2023

Categories CRUISE PLANNING , Travel Documents

Cruising with a passport will usually be the best option, if you have one. But, sometimes you can’t quite pull it off. Perhaps there is no time to get a new or renewed passport (or perhaps you forgot to bring them at all !). Or, perhaps there are other obstacles to timely acquisition of a passport . You may ask yourself, “Where can I cruise without a passport?” There’s no need to panic! You still have many options for a fabulous vacation! Read on for where you can cruise without doling out money for new passports.

Why You Don’t Need A Passport To Cruise To Some Countries

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) agreement entitles all US citizens to travel on closed-loop cruises to a limited amount of international destinations.

A closed-loop cruise is one that departs and returns to the same port U.S. port. So, for instance, all of those round-trip cruises out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are closed-loop cruises. All closed-loop cruises embark accept any of the following WHTI-permitted forms of US identification: a passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License, Trusted Traveler Program ID (FAST, SENRI, and Nexus), or an I-872 American Indian ID in place of a passport book.

WHTI passport cards are convenient and affordable because you don’t have to travel with your birth certificate and ID. 

However, a passport card is only a valid form of identification for a closed-loop cruise. It may not be used for flights to foreign destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, or Canada. So, if your vacation plans include flying to any of those destinations, you would need a valid US passport book.

Should you travel with your kids under 16 , they will only need an original or a copy of their birth certificate (preferably certified). Or other forms of identification like a Naturalization Document or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad document.

If you are planning on using any WHTI-approved forms of identification like a birth certificate and driver’s license. Please ensure that the full name on your cruise reservation is the same as your forms of identification. It could delay your boarding process if the variable names don’t correspond.

Most importantly, closed-loop cruise port entry requirements are not set in stone. So, review your travel itinerary in detail. Some Caribbean destinations like Guadeloupe and Martinique require valid US passport books or cards.

The Best Family Cruise Destinations Without A Passport

Now that you know how to conveniently travel to international destinations without the hassle of applying for passports, let’s look at the top travel destinations that are open to you.

Tropical Caribbean Cruises

With its sun-drenched platinum sandy beaches, aqua-hued balmy waters, fun water sports, and educational activities, the Caribbean is a prime family cruise destination.

There are numerous Caribbean cruise packages to choose from for 3-15 nights from several ports in Florida, Galveston (Texas), New Orleans (Louisiana), Charleston (South Carolina), and New York City, to name but a few.

Carnival cruises are ideal as they cater to families with budget-friendly rates. Although, should you be willing to spend a little bit more for better amenities and fun activities, consider booking a cruise on the Royal Caribbean or a Disney cruise. 

While you can use WHTI identification for cruising to most Caribbean nations, especially US islands like Puerto Rico, St Croix, St. Johns, and the St. Thomas islands, it is still advisable to check your itinerary’s port entry requirements. Some Caribbean islands such as St. Martin, Haiti, Guadeloupe and Barbados still have rules that require that visitors carry passports. Also, different rules apply to non-U.S. citizens, including green-card holders and lawful permanent residents.

Cruise To Mexico 

With its spectacular tropical beaches, delicious food, and abundance of cultural excursions to ancient Mayan ruins, our southern neighbor, Mexico, is an ideal family cruise destination.

Several 3-15 day closed-loop cruises depart from ports like Miami and Galveston to Mexico’s stunning Pacific and Caribbean coastal regions like Progresso and Cozumel. 

Many major cruise line operators like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, offer Mexican Riviera cruises departing from Los Angeles ports all year round.

There are also seasonal Mexico cruises on the Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, Disney, and Holland America cruise lines that depart from the West Coast.

Cruise To Stunning Hawaii

Many of you may be wondering why we would include Hawaii in this post. Although it is exotic, it is one of the fifty United States and no passport should be required. A cruise that sails exclusively among the individual islands of Hawaii will not require a passport. But, the analysis changes if your ship stops at any non-U.S. ports.

With its outstanding natural beauty, pristine tropical islands, and laid-back coastal living, exquisite Hawaii offers visitors a plethora of fun and cultural family excursions. 

So, if Hawaii sounds like the perfect destination, you can choose between two closed-loop cruising options that vary in length.

If you have a limited time, you can fly to Honolulu and embark on a 7–10-night cruise on  Norwegian’s Pride of America cruise liner. 

A longer, 14-18-night Hawaiian cruise, is offered by Princess, Holland America, and Carnival cruise lines. They depart from ports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. These cruises are longer as they need time to cross the Pacifica Ocean from California.

Although, if you are planning on traveling with WHTI documents, tread with caution regarding 20-night closed-loop cruises to Hawaii with the likes of Viking, Princess, and Holland America. 

While they depart and return to the West Coast, their itineraries include South Pacific Island stopovers in locations like French Polynesia that require passports. 

Balmy Bahamas Cruises

With its all-year-round sunny tropical climate, friendly locals, and fantastic beaches, the Bahamas are the perfect destination for scuba diving adventures and brightly colored cocktails.

Due to the Bahamas’ proximity to the US East Coast and its popularity, several cruise liners travel from Florida’s eastern ports in Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale.

There are numerous 2-15 night closed-loop cruises to choose from. In addition, if you reside in Florida, you may get significant discounts or benefit from other promotional packages.

Most of the more extended Bahamas cruise options stop there on the way to the Caribbean. They depart from ports in Manhattan, Bayonne, Charleston, Baltimore, Galveston, New Orleans, and Tampa. 

You can shop around for Bahamas cruises at all the major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Disney. In addition, Holland America, Celebrity, and MSC Cruise offer closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas as well.

Canada and New England Cruises

North America’s breathtaking East Coast cruises are steeped in history with panoramic views from Nova Scotia’s rugged cliffs and drenched in Quebec’s fabulously French culture.

Most 7-night closed-loop cruises along the US and Canadian coastline depart from ports in New York City, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Boston, Bayonne, and Baltimore, and infrequently from Norfolk, mainly during the fall, albeit some 8–10-night cruises operate during other times of the year.

There are also several cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Holland America, and Princess cruises, that also offer East Coast routes, so you can compare their rates to get a great deal. 

Why Cruising With A Passport Is Still A Good Idea

Even though you can legally cruise to several prime destinations without a passport, it’s essential in emergency medical evacuations or when your cruise ship is forced to stop over unexpectedly in a port that does not recognize the international WHTI agreement.

Another benefit of having a passport is if you miss your cruise embarkation, you can fly from the US to the ship’s first scheduled port stopover.

And in case of a family or business emergency, you will be permitted to disembark the ship earlier than expected and fly back to the US if you have a valid passport.

In stark contrast, should you not have a passport, you may be stuck in a foreign port and need to apply for a temporary passport to fly back home.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, now that you know the benefits and risks of traveling without a passport, the following information will address any lingering questions you might still have.

Do You Need A Passport For An Alaska Cruise?

Like all the previously mentioned travel destinations, you only need WHTI-certified forms of identification for close-looped cruises to Alaska from San Francisco and Seattle, including ports in Long Beach and Los Angeles, in southern California.

Although, should you travel without a passport, and book shore excursions between Alaska and Canada, like the Yukon Route and White Pass train rides, they will be limited to only 3 hours.

Do You Need A Passport To Go On A Disney Cruise?

Fortunately, you don’t need a passport book to travel to the previously mentioned international destinations on Disney cruises.

While you will need the WHTI-approved identity documents, reviewing your itinerary’s port entry requirements before departure is essential.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Bermuda On A Cruise?

If you are cruising to Bermuda , you don’t necessarily need a US passport. Instead, you can use the following documents: a US passport card, a Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST card), or an enhanced driver’s license.

Do I Need A Passport For A Cruise To Cozumel?

Cozumel is one of the most accessible cruise destinations for US citizens. You don’t need a passport to embark on any round-trip cruise, and you can step on board with any government-issued proof of identity document. It’s as easy as that!

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Jamaica On A Cruise?

Even though a US passport is not required to take a cruise to Jamaica. The US embassy advises against traveling without one as it may delay your disembarking process upon your return.

Closing Thoughts

It turns out there are quite a few options for where you can cruise without a passport. Book a closed-loop cruise, and you can cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico, to name a few. Of course, we always recommend confirming any travel plans and documents required with your chosen cruise line.

Elaine Warren

Founder & Crew Chief

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Here's When You Need (and Don't Need) a Passport to Cruise

T o determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

On These Cruises, You Don’t Need a Passport

There are plenty of wonderful sailings you can take that don’t require a passport, including to foreign countries..

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Sail to Bermuda on a closed-loop cruise from the East Coast and a passport isn’t mandatory.

Courtesy of Unsplash

If you get the urge to cruise and your passport has expired , or you have made a last-minute decision to take the kids and they don’t have passports , you may be wondering, do I need a passport to go on a cruise? In select destinations, you do not need a passport to go on a cruise. Whether you should cruise without a passport is another matter (there are some risks that we’ll get into below).

To cruise without a passport, you need to stay in the Western Hemisphere and sail from the United States on a “closed-loop” itinerary , which means you leave from and come back to the same U.S. port. The rules for sea travel were established under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative . Cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Canada, New England, Mexico, Bermuda, and Hawai‘i all fit these criteria.

Keep in mind the “closed-loop” bit. If your ship is not returning to the same port—for instance, if you are eyeing a one-way Panama Canal sailing from Los Angeles to Miami—you do need a passport. You will also be limited on some Caribbean itineraries, as select islands such as St. Bart’s and Martinique do require a passport, which means your cruise line will require a passport before you board the ship.

If there is a passport requirement, each person needs to have one, including infants and toddlers.

All cruises everywhere else in the world that sail in destinations outside the United States require a passport.

What I.D. you’ll need instead of a passport

If you are on a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends in the U.S. and visits Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, all you need to do is prove you are a U.S. citizen , and this applies to everyone in your party. Options here, in lieu of a passport, include an Enhanced Driver’s License , which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of U.S. citizenship (currently available only to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington); a government-issued birth certificate; or an official Certificate of Naturalization . Note that the birth certificate can’t be the cute one with the baby’s footprints issued by the hospital; it needs to be issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the child was born.

If you are age 16 and up, and without a passport, you will also need to present a photo I.D. such as a state-issued I.D. or driver’s license. The photo I.D. must include your photo, name, and date of birth.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides a detailed description of the requirements . If you have any questions, check with your travel agent or cruise line. You don’t want to be turned away at the pier for lack of proper identification.

The risks of not bringing a passport on an international sailing

Even on closed-loop sailings in North America, cruise lines typically strongly recommend that you have a passport. The reason: While you’re in a Caribbean country, Canada, or Mexico, you could encounter issues if for any reason you need to cut your trip short and fly home. Passports are required to fly back to the U.S.

This point should be top-of-mind especially because of COVID-19 and any other medical emergency that would require the trip to be altered or a medical evacuation. You’ll also be glad you have a passport if you encounter other unforeseen circumstances such as a family emergency or a sailing cut short due to bad weather or technical issues.

If you don’t have a passport, you will also run into problems should you miss boarding your ship at the correct time and need to fly home or to the next port of call.

Passport cards, a form of government I.D. that is cheaper than a passport book, can get you on the ship but are valid for entering the USA by land and sea only. They don’t work for air travel.

Where you can cruise without a passport

You can cruise Alaska either on closed-loop sailings from Seattle that stop in Canada along the way, or fly to Alaska and take a cruise that remains within the state.

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

See a glacier calve, spot whales, and explore wilderness towns on “closed-loop” sailings from Seattle on lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , and Princess . The sailings visit Canada for a day, but no passport is required.

For small-ship fans, other options include sailings that do not leave Alaska, such as those of UnCruise Adventures , Lindblad Expeditions , and Alaska Native–owned Alaskan Dream Cruises .

Kick back on the beach at Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Photo by Peter Hansen/Unsplash

Quick three- to five-day hops to the Bahamas bring you to white-sand beaches and cruise lines’ private islands at an affordable price, with no passport required. If you are on a longer cruise that visits other Caribbean islands, you’ll want to check with your cruise line about any passport requirements.

Among the many options are Disney Cruise Line sailings from Port Canaveral (near Orlando) that visit Disney’s private island Castaway Cay and Royal Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami that head to the extravagant waterpark at the line’s private island CocoCay. Virgin Voyages’ ships are limited to age 18 and up and bring you to Virgin’s classy Beach Club at Bimini. For a fancy small ship, check out sailings on the 298-passenger Evrima , the first yacht from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, sailing to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale.

Closed-loop cruises from New York City, Boston, Baltimore, and Port Canaveral from lines such as MSC Cruises , Norwegian , Celebrity , and Royal Caribbean head to the famous pink-sand beaches and golf courses of Bermuda. In October, Disney does sailings from New York that add the bonus of Halloween activities with special spooky movies and “ghoulish treats” for passengers of all ages. Other lines sailing to Bermuda on closed-loop itineraries include the foodie-focused upscale brand Oceania Cruises , also from New York.

Caribbean cruises to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico are a safe bet for those who don’t have a passport.

Photo by Ethan Jameson/Unsplash

Year-round Caribbean cruises are ideal vacations for sun-seekers looking for blue skies, powdery sand, and time spent relaxing under swaying palm trees. Round-trip itineraries that don’t require a passport embark from ports that include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa in Florida; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Galveston, Texas, on all the big ship lines, including Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships , the largest in the world.

You won’t run into any passport requirements on tried-and-true routes from U.S. ports such as those that visit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John—which are all part of the United States. You can also fly in to embark on cruises from these destinations.

However, when looking at small ships and larger ships on more expansive routes, keep in mind some islands—including Martinique, Guadeloupe, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Bart’s—do require a passport.

Head up the Eastern seaboard for dramatic shoreline views.

Photo by Julie Haider/Unsplash

New England and Canada

If your calling card is lobsters, rugged coastline, whale-spotting, colonial history, or fall colors, all are accessible on itineraries that sail round-trip from Boston, New York, and Bayonne, New Jersey, on lines that include Celebrity , Norwegian , and Royal Caribbean .

On one-way sailings, such as between Montreal and Boston on Holland America Line , you will need a passport to fly to or from Canada.

Get a view of Kaua‘i’s stunning landscapes from the vantage point of the sea on any number of Hawai‘i cruises.

Photo by Braden Jarvis/Unsplash

There are two ways to cruise to the volcanoes, tropical forests, whales, and surfing beaches of Hawai‘i without a passport. One is on a cruise where you fly in and spend your entire vacation in and around the islands. The other is a long slog, closed-loop sailing from a California port or Seattle, with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, and several days at sea getting to and from Hawai‘i.

The only big ship line with the fly-in option is Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,186-passenger Pride of America , which is U.S.-flagged, a requirement for operating to and from a U.S. port without stopping in another country. (Foreign-flagged lines are not allowed to sail between U.S. ports without visiting another country under the Jones Act.) You can do a week on the ship from Honolulu and visit five Hawaiian Islands.

For a one-week small ship experience, book UnCruise Adventures , from Moloka‘i to the Big Island, stopping on the island of Lāna‘i and Maui. If cruising from California, with most sailings 14 nights or longer, your choices expand to such lines as Holland America , Celebrity , Viking Cruises , and Seabourn .

Sail down to Cabo from California.

Photo by Victor Hughes/Unsplash

No passport is required on western Caribbean closed-loop itineraries from the United States, offered by all the major cruise lines from Florida ports, New Orleans, Galveston, and elsewhere to places such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progresso. Belize and Honduras, which are sometimes included on these itineraries, also waive their passport requirements for cruise ship passengers.

You can also cruise to the Mexican Riviera—destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán—without a passport. These round-trip sailings typically embark from Los Angles, Long Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco. If your cruise also visits other countries, you may be required to have a passport on hand—usually the cruise lines will ask to see it but you likely won’t need it on shore. Lines doing the sailings include Princess , Holland America , Disney , Norwegian , Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean .

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Closed-Loop Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: April 30th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Have you ever found yourself with a few days to spare and an overwhelming desire to escape to the balmy Caribbean, or on an Alaskan adventure, then realized that you don’t have a passport, or your passport has expired? As a U.S. citizen, you can take advantage of the convenience of what’s called a closed-loop cruise—with no passport required.

What is a closed-loop cruise?

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs and ends in the same U.S. port; for example, Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale, or round-trip to Alaska from Seattle .

These cruises have to meet certain criteria to qualify. Every voyage on a ship that’s not U.S. flagged, departing from and returning to a U.S. port must, according to maritime law, visit one foreign port of call. This is why you’ll find Alaska cruises stopping in Vancouver, or Western Caribbean cruises calling in at Cancun.

To qualify as closed-loop cruises, the places these itineraries can include must be contiguous territories of the United States. That includes Mexico and Canada, because both share land borders with the U.S., and several of the islands of the Caribbean .

Do I need a passport for a closed-loop cruise?

Key West, Florida

In most cases, you don’t need a passport for a closed-loop cruise. This is one of the reasons why these itineraries are so popular. You can, of course, use your passport or passport card as an ID if you have one. But in the case of closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens are allowed to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship.

According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth.

The Enhanced Driver’s License allows you to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico , and the Caribbean and is valid at land and sea border crossings but not airports.

Different documentation is acceptable for minors under 16, including an original, notarized, or certified copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Voter registration cards and Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship.

Falmouth, Jamaica

There are different rules if you’re a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the U.S. While the U.S. government does not require you to have a passport, destinations on the itinerary may have different rules, so it’s always advisable to check.

If you are an LPR, you’ll need your I-551, or Green Card, to re-enter the U.S. And if you’re not a U.S. citizen or a U.S. LPR, you’ll need a passport regardless of whether you’re on a closed-loop cruise or not.

If you do choose to take advantage of this opportunity to travel without a passport, there are a couple of warnings to bear in mind. Say, for example, something goes wrong and you have to return to the U.S. by air. In this case, you’d need a passport to board a flight.

Also, if you miss the ship in one of the ports, you’ll have to make your own way home or to catch up with the cruise, which could be difficult without a passport. If you book an excursion through Celebrity Cruises, that won’t happen, since the ship is guaranteed to wait for you.

What are some of the best closed-loop cruise itineraries?

Fort lauderdale to perfect day at cococay.

CocoCay, Bahamas

Sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to the sunny Bahamas on a getaway that includes the award-winning private island of CocoCay. Depending on the itinerary, you’ll also have time in either Nassau, Bimini, or Key West.

Historic Nassau combines fascinating colonial-era architecture, like the limestone-carved Queen’s Staircase and the candy-pink Parliament Building, with dreamy beaches and a thriving culinary scene.

Join a rum tasting at John Watling’s Distillery, shop for locally made trinkets in the Straw Market, and relax on the long, sandy sweep of Cable Beach.

S.S. Sapona shipwreck in Bimini, Bahamas

Tiny Bimini is surrounded by the clearest seas imaginable. Join a tour to swim among reef sharks, or go snorkeling over the wreck of the S.S. Sapona, now colonized by marine life and thriving as a colorful reef.

CocoCay is for many the highlight of a cruise to the Bahamas. Fly down Devil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America, or kick back on the adults-only Hideaway Beach, where a DJ spins tunes all day and the cocktails flow.

Elevate your experience with a private overwater cabana with a slide to propel you straight into the crystal-clear water.

Boston to Maine & Canada

Fort Williams Park, Maine

Sail round-trip from Boston in the late summer and early fall, just as the trees are beginning to take on their brilliant autumn colors.

You’ll cruise the coast of Maine, calling at pretty Rockland, its rugged coast inviting exploration on foot or on two wheels. As this is the self-styled “lobster capital of the world”, you don’t want to miss the chance to enjoy a lobster roll here.

Across the border in Canada , you’ll visit Halifax, famed for its maritime history and iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, as well as Sydney on rugged Cape Breton Island.

Québec City, Canada

Our cruises to Maine and Canada also spend a night in beautiful Québec City on the St. Lawrence River. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the cobblestone streets and restaurants of the Old Town, established 400 years ago.

Don’t miss the outstanding Musée de la Civilisation and the famous Château Frontenac. While you’re here, remember to try poutine, the local specialty, which is French fries drenched in gravy and cheese curds.

Seattle to Alaska, the Inside Passage, and Dawes Glacier

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Spend seven nights exploring the wild beauty of Alaska on the innovative Celebrity Edge. It’s the perfect ship for such dazzling scenery, with its abundance of outside space and the thrilling Magic Carpet, offering uninterrupted views of Alaska’s forested shores and jagged mountains.

You’ll visit pretty Ketchikan, from where you could join a bear-spotting tour, try kayaking, join an expedition to fish for king crab, or just explore the colorful town.

Next, there’s a full day slowly cruising the 30-mile Endicott Arm Fjord, past tumbling waterfalls and chunks of floating ice that have broken off the magnificent Dawes Glacier, a 600-foot tall wall of blue-white ice. The spectacle of this vast river of ice meeting the sea is a highlight of the day.

Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska

You’ll also visit Juneau , the perfect spot for whale-watching, hiking, and thrilling flightseeing trips over snow-covered mountains. In Skagway, you’ll have the chance to ride the spectacular White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, heading high over rugged passes, following the trail of hardy prospectors from the Gold Rush days.

As the ship heads back to Seattle, there’s a day on board to relax as the ship threads its way through the narrow channels of the Inside Passage , between forested islands and rock-strewn beaches, with great opportunities for spotting whales and bears from your vantage point on deck.

There’s also a call at historic Victoria on Canada’s Vancouver Island, where you can experience a pleasing blend of elegant, British colonial architecture, cool shops, and craft breweries before you return to Seattle.

Browse Alaska Cruises on Celebrity Edge

Fort Lauderdale to the Eastern Caribbean

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

You’ll find a wide choice of itineraries and ships sailing from Fort Lauderdale to the islands of the Eastern Caribbean on itineraries ranging from seven to 10 nights.

Islands you could visit include pretty St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands , fringed by exquisite beaches. Across the water is Tortola, the epicenter of the British Virgin Islands, famed as a paradise for sailing and watersports.

Grand Case, St. Maarten

St. Maarten , shared by France and The Netherlands, gives you a taste of two cultures, although the beaches are exceptional whichever side of the island you favor. Head to pretty Grand Case for fine French-Caribbean dining, or browse the duty-free shops of Philipsburg on the Dutch side.

At Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, the culture bears Spanish influences in the language and architecture. Venture into the island’s interior to explore the rainforest in a 4×4, or to visit a coffee plantation to learn how coffee is produced.

Bridgetown is decidedly British in influence, with fine Georgian architecture and one of the Caribbean’s most famous cricket grounds, The Oval. In Barbados , go sailing, snorkeling, or even surfing on the island’s wilder Atlantic coast, or head to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve to observe green monkeys.

You’ll find fascinating history on St. Kitts, too, if you can tear yourself away from its gorgeous beaches. One of the best day trips here is a ride on the vintage St. Kitts Scenic Railway, which snakes around the coast and acrossthe lush countryside, following the route once used to transport sugar cane to Basseterre, the capital.

Beach in Antigua

Everywhere in the Caribbean has spectacular beaches, but perhaps nowhere more so than Antigua , which boasts 365, so you’ll have plenty of choice. Dickenson Bay is one of the liveliest, with soft golden sand, while dreamy Ffryes Beach is the archetypal Caribbean paradise, with sugary sand and coconut palms.

If your itinerary includes St. Lucia , meanwhile, one of the best ways to admire the mountainous coastline, dominated by the twin peaks of the Pitons, is by boat. Join a sailing trip from Rodney Bay and take in spectacular views, the breeze in your face and an iced rum punch in hand.

Cape Liberty to Bermuda

Jobson’s Cove Beach, Bermuda

Charge your champagne glass and raise a toast to Lady Liberty on this seven-night voyage from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to chic Bermuda and back.

As your ship, Celebrity Eclipse or Celebrity Silhouette edges out of port, you’ll have magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline as you sail right past the Statue of Liberty and then out under the iconic Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, setting a course southeast to balmy Bermuda .

Here, on this enchanted island where the sand is pink and the policemen wear knee-length shorts, you’ll have two and a half days to explore, which means two overnight stays .

Railway Trail, Bermuda

There’s plenty to do, from snorkeling to golf, exploring the shops and galleries in Hamilton, the pastel-hued capital, and visiting the island’s forts. Hike the historic Railway Trail, consisting of 18 miles of scenic pathway following the course of an old railroad line.

Set sail on a catamaran trip at sunset, or join a pub crawl of Hamilton’s bars after dark. One of the most unique things to do in Bermuda is to sample a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, the powerful local specialty made of dark rum with ginger beer and a slice of lime.

Browse Bermuda Cruise Itineraries

Fort Lauderdale to Southern Caribbean

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Sail to the sun-drenched Southern Caribbean on a round-trip cruise from Fort Lauderdale of 8, 10, or 11 nights. You’ll sail either on Celebrity Eclipse, perfect for this setting with its lush Lawn Club, or the new Celebrity Ascent, with magnificent outdoor spaces in which to soak up the sunshine.

Ports of call, depending on your itinerary, include vibrant Puerto Rico, where an afternoon and evening in port mean you’ll see two faces of charismatic San Juan .

Explore the chunky fortress, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and the brightly colored streets of Old San Juan, or visit the Bacardi distillery to learn about and sample the famous rum.

Mount Liamuiga, St. Kitts

You’ll find plenty of military history at St. Kitts , like the rugged Brimstone Hill Fortress, a massive compound built by the British in 1690. This tiny island packs a real punch, with an enormous variety of things to do.

Some of the best things to do in St. Kitts include trundling through the sugarcane fields on a scenic train journey, or hiking Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano at the island’s center.

Learn how to make your own gourmet truffles at a chocolate workshop. Visit neighboring Nevis to see the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the U.S.

In St. Thomas , you’ll find it impossible to resist exploring the crystal-clear water via snorkeling, kayaking, or sailboat. For an afternoon basking on the gorgeous Honeymoon Beach, the lush, low-key island of St. John is an easy hop across the water.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Some itineraries include Tortola in the British Virgin Islands . Take a boat trip to sleepy Virgin Gorda and splash around at The Baths, where giant tumbled boulders conceal shady caves and shallow lagoons.

In Barbados, bask on the beautiful beaches of the Platinum Coast, where you can swim among wild sea turtles. Or explore Bridgetown, which is packed with high-end shops and art galleries.

Antigua, too, is famed for its beaches, like the wide sweep of Dickenson Bay. For history buffs, visit Nelson’s Dockyard, built in the early 18th century and beautifully preserved.

If your cruise takes you to St. Lucia, prepare to be awed by the twin peaks of the Pitons, ancient volcanic plugs draped in lush rainforest. From Soufriere, you can explore bubbling sulfur springs and wallow in a natural mud pool with healing properties.

Adventure lovers should pick an itinerary that includes Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Here, you can swim in natural rock pools at the 27 Waterfalls, or fly over the forest on a zipline. For a more serene activity, join a kayaking trip through a manatee reserve, looking out for these gentle mammals.

Browse Southern Caribbean itineraries

Celebrity Apex

Start planning your closed-loop cruise today and browse cruise itineraries on our website.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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Passports for Closed Loop Cruise

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

Question: If we are leaving Miami on a cruise to Belize and Honduras then returning back to Miami, do we need a passport?

Answer: A cruise that originates and terminates in the same U.S. city is referred to as a closed-loop cruise.

Questions concerning the need to obtain a passport for such a cruise are answered as follows.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection states,

"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents."

Therefore, it is not necessary for U.S. citizens who take a closed-loop cruise to present a passport upon their return. The question remains as to whether cruise passengers need a passport to travel to Belize or Honduras .

An article in the Houston Chronicle states,

"According to law in Belize and Honduras, all Americans must have a passport to enter either country. The State Department's Consular Information Sheets for Belize and Honduras also specify that a passport is required. But Belize and Honduras are currently waiving the requirement for cruise passengers unless those passengers start or end their voyage there.

While a passport is neither required to visit these two destinations nor to enter the U.S., it is highly recommended by both the U.S. Department of State and Carnival Cruise lines.

From Carnival's Web Site:

"Carnival Cruise Lines strongly recommends all of our guests travel with a valid passport. However, as of June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise that both originates and terminates at the same U.S. port are not required to have a passport, but will need proof of citizenship such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a passport card, an enhanced driver's license (EDL) as well as Carnival Cruise Lines strongly recommends all of our guests travel with a valid passport."

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Carnival Open Loop Cruises - Passport Confusion

By dwjoe , March 18, 2014 in Ask a Cruise Question

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Does this make sense to anyone? Carnival is telling people that they can cruise with just a birth certificate on "open loop" cruises, i.e. one that starts and ends in different US ports. This is contrary to WHTI (the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) which requires a WHTI-compliant document such as a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license to enter the US by land or sea. There is an exception to this for closed-loop cruises, i.e. one that begins and ends in the same US port, but not open loop cruises.

In this CCL roll call thread for the 11/16/2013 San Juan to Miami cruise it is discussed at length. One poster cites an internal CCL document that states a Birth Certificate is an acceptable proof of citizenship on an open loop cruise.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=39411645&postcount=1528

https://www.goccl.com/~/media/files/irman/bookccl/sections/traveldocs.ashx

The internal CCL document cited states explicitly that BCs are acceptable for specific open loop sailings, including one on 8/7/14 that transits the Panama Canal. Excerpt below.

Cruises that begin and end in a different U.S ports

For these cruises that begin and end in a different U.S port, ALL guests are required to carry proof of citizenship AND proof of identification .

• Carnival Dream 4/05/14 cruise: Port Canaveral/New Orleans
• Carnival Sunshine 4/06/14 cruise: Tampa/Port Canaveral
• Carnival Legend 8/17/14 cruise: Tampa/Long Beach
• Carnival Splendor cruises (10/24/14): New York/San Juan
• Carnival Splendor cruise (11/01/14): San Juan/Miami
• Carnival Pride cruise (3/15/15): Tampa/Baltimore

Proof of Citizenship: A birth certificate or any of the WHTI-Compliant Documents listed below are acceptable.

Proof of Identification (I.D): A non-expired government-issued photo I.D is required of all guests 16 years of age and older.

Also, CCL's web site says something similar (emphasis added):

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows U.S. citizens (including children) sailing on cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port to travel with one of the WHTI compliant documents, listed below. Additionally, the same document requirements apply when taking a cruise that begins and ends in a different U.S. port .

• Original or suitable quality copy of a Birth Certificate (Issued by a government agency: state/county/city) and a government issued photo ID if 16 years of age and older.

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have they done these before? If so CBP may have told them its ok even though their(CBP) website says something else.

Maybe it works because it begins & ends in A US port ..maybe it does not need to be the same US port ???

We need passports so it is not a problem for us

Maybe it works because it begins & ends in A US port ..maybe it does not need to be the same US port ???   We need passports so it is not a problem for us

The problem is the difference between a closed-loop cruise (begins and ends in the same US port) and an open-jaw cruise (begins in one US port and ends in a different US port).

According to the Customs and Border Protection website:

U.S. Citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country on the cruise with proof of citizenship, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) and, if 16 or older, a government issued photo ID. If the child is a newborn and the actual birth certificate has not arrived from the Vital Records Department, we will accept a Hospital issued birth certificate. The United States does not require you to have a passport. (A Consular report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State or a Certificate of Naturalization is also acceptable.)

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1139/kw/closed%20loop

and according to the US State Department website:

U.S. citizens and nonimmigrant aliens from Canada entering the United States by land or sea are required to present a valid WHTI-compliant document, which include:

•U.S. Passport Cards

•Enhanced Driver's Licenses

•Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST)

•Military Identification Cards (for members of the U.S. armed forces on official orders)

•U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (for U.S. citizens on official maritime business)

•Enhanced Tribal Card (where available)

"Closed Loop" Cruises: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization).

http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/whti-program-background/docs-land-sea

Which leads me to believe that Carnival is playing a dangerous game by telling passengers on those cruises that start in San Juan and end in a US port that all they need is a birth certificate and photo IDs (for those over 16).

I'm not saying that it's not been allowed, I just can't find anywhere that says that it is acceptable.

No...the US government rules rule specifically state that birth certificates are only acceptable as proof of citizenship on closed loop cruises.

This is really odd, and if anything some cruise lines won't even allow a passport card or EDL for US open jaw cruises and require a passport.

I have read the rules in the past for the WHTI perhaps they are being more flexible with the cruise lines now

It was just a thought

We always travel out of Canada with a passport so we are covered with any rules that may apply

I know U.S, Citizens have more relaxed rules in some cases

Now it's not just stated in an internal Carnival document, but also in their public website FAQs:

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows U.S. citizens (including children) sailing on cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port to travel with one of the WHTI compliant documents, listed below. Additionally, the same document requirements apply when taking a cruise that begins and ends in a different U.S. port.

• Valid U.S. Passport

• Passport Card

• Original Certificate of Naturalization

• Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card, e.g., Nexus Card, Sentri Card or Fast Card

• Enhanced Tribal Card

• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad

• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) - only acceptable at land and sea ports of entry. Cannot be used for air travel outside the U.S. Please check if your state issues EDLs.

I just did a quick search of NCL, Royal Caribbean and Princess FAQs and was unable to find any published changes in requirements similar to Carnival's. Those cruise lines continue to state that birth certificates are only permissible on closed loop cruises.

I also did a search of CBP's website as well as the Federal Register and found no evidence of a change to the published regulation, which can be found at 22 CFR 53.2 . Of course DHS could make an unpublished discretionary change without making a formal change to the regulation. Perhaps they granted Carnival an exception after the Carnival Triumph fire.

Since the regs have not changed, that leaves us two possibilities: either CCL is wrong, or they have some kind of special exemption. The Carnival Triumph incident resulted in the Triumph arriving at a different US port than the port of departure, thus changing a closed loop cruise into an open loop cruise. Presumably there were many cruisers traveling with just a birth certificate. The ship was cleared by CBP. Not sure if that has anything to do with the apparently blanket acceptance of BCs on open loop cruises that CCL has posted.

As in, the situation may repeat itself that a Carnival ship will have to disembark passengers at a different port than the embarkation port? So they are just allowing for problems that may cause this to happen?

I think they may just be tired of dealing with Carnival. ;)

There was the ship that got towed back to California, the fire on the Triumph, and the ship where passengers had to disembark in St. Maarten and fly back to the US. This saves them the trouble of having to grant exceptions on the next one.

I would travel with a passport anyway. What happens if you are in St Martin for instance and something happens and you can't get back on the ship. Your passport would definitely be needed. Any cruise I have ever been on says that not only do we need a passport but it is HIGHLY recommended that you take it with you at the ports. You never know what could happen!!

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• 2 weeks later...

I am going on sunshine repositioning cruise. My friend wants to go last second. (we leave in 5 days) carnival tells me no passport is needed. He obviously doesn't have time to get one. Should he go? What's the deal with carnival?????

What's the itinerary on the cruise?

Nola...Jamaica...... Aruba..... Carauco.... St Thomas.....port Canaveral

Sent from my C6916 using Forums mobile app

Nola...Jamaica...... Aruba..... Carauco.... St Thomas.....port Canaveral   Sent from my C6916 using Forums mobile app

That cruise would require a passport. Not sure who at Carnival is saying "no passport" but they're not right.

There website and I called and.asked twice

The problem is the difference between a closed-loop cruise (begins and ends in the same US port) and an open-jaw cruise (begins in one US port and ends in a different US port).  

Where did you get the wrong idea that a Closed Loop Cruise cannot begin in one USA port and end in another?

Where is your proof?

Where did you get the wrong idea that a Closed Loop Cruise cannot begin in one USA port and end in another?   Where is your proof?

A cruise that originates and terminates in the same U.S. city is referred to as a closed-loop cruise.

http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/passports-for-closed-loop-cruise.html

*"Closed Loop" Cruises: If you are a U.S. citizen and you board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship , you may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/information/do-i-need.html

Hence the term " closed loop" meaning a circular trip with no opening. A cruise from New Orleans to Port Canaveral is not closed loop.

The definition of closed loop requires beginning and ending in the same port. The regulation can be found at 22 CFR 53.2 (CFR means "code of federal regulations).

Here's the relevant portion of the regulation, which spells out exceptions to the requirements to carry a passport. In particular note the part highlighted in red , and the words "same United States port or place from where he or she originally departed ."

(b) A U.S. citizen is not required to bear a valid U.S. passport to enter or depart the United States:

(1) When traveling as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty and when he or she is in the uniform of, or bears documents identifying him or her as a member of, such Armed Forces, when under official orders or permit of such Armed Forces, and when carrying a military identification card; or

(2) When traveling entirely within the Western Hemisphere on a cruise ship, and when the U.S. citizen boards the cruise ship at a port or place within the United States and returns on the return voyage of the same cruise ship to the same United States port or place from where he or she originally departed. That U.S. citizen may present a government-issued photo identification document in combination with either an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department, or a Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before entering the United States; if the U.S. citizen is under the age of 16, he or she may present either an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department, or a Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; or

Carnival is saying that it's the same port OR different port in.the USA. I have called 3 times now

Carnival is saying that it's the same port OR different port in.the USA. I have called 3 times now   Sent from my C6916 using Forums mobile app

I will just point out that Carnival isn't the final word on this. The State Department is. And according to them, this type of cruise requires a passport.

Have you asked Carnival for a cite of where you can find that it's not required to have a passport for a cruise that begins and ends in DIFFERENT US ports. Or call the State Department yourself for confirmation.

I will just point out that Carnival isn't the final word on this. The State Department is. And according to them, this type of cruise requires a passport.   Have you asked Carnival for a cite of where you can find that it's not required to have a passport for a cruise that begins and ends in DIFFERENT US ports. Or call the State Department yourself for confirmation.

actually its customs border protection(cbp) part of Homeland Security that has the final word. State only issues passport, it doesn't decide who gets admitted.

Look at this way...it is a very small percentage that cruise, actually read any type of message boards. So that means a very large percentage have probably been told the same thing by Carnival reps.

Your friend can take the chance and go. Just be prepared if they don't allow boarding. But, then again, the same thing might happen to a lot of people.

I would have Carnival fax you a letter that this cruise is acceptable without a passport, and take it along. Your choice.

No worries. In light of the troubles he's just not going. I wish getting a passport was easier and faster without having to fork over lots of money. Oh well thanks for the replies

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