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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To 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

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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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Ever Heard of a Closed-Loop Cruise? Here’s What to Know About These Unique Sailings

A lesser-known rule allows u.s. travelers to sail to some international destinations without a passport as long as they are on what is known as a “closed-loop cruise.”.

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You don’t need a passport to sail through Canadian ports en route to Alaska as long as you start and end your cruise at the same U.S. port.

Photo by Heather Shevlin/Unsplash

A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs from and returns to the same U.S. port and remains in the Western Hemisphere. As such, it does not require the passengers to have a U.S. passport—even if the itinerary visits some international ports along the way.

According to U.S. Customs and Borders Protection (CBP), rules established by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative require that U.S. citizens who are traveling abroad hold a valid passport—unless they are on a closed-loop cruise. Those sailing on a closed-loop cruise can enter or leave the country with an alternative proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued driver’s license or birth certificate.

If your sailing does not end at the same port where you began—for instance, if you are thinking of booking a one-way Panama Canal itinerary from San Diego, California, to Miami, Florida—you will need a passport. And be aware that some Caribbean islands (more on this in the Caribbean listing below) do require a passport, which means your cruise line will require a passport before you board the ship if you are sailing to a destination that independently requires it.

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

Kids do not need a passport if they are sailing on a closed-loop cruise. If there is a passport requirement, each person in your party needs to have a passport, including infants and toddlers. All cruises throughout the world that sail in destinations outside the United States and that are not closed-loop cruises require a passport.

What form of I.D. do you need for a closed-loop cruise?

If you are on a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends at the same port in the United States and visits Canada, Mexico, or much of the Caribbean, you do not need a valid passport. According to CBP, all you need is documentation proving you are a U.S. citizen. In lieu of a passport, you can present these alternative documents on a closed-loop cruise:

• 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)
• Government-issued driver’s license
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Official certificate of naturalization

Where do closed-loop cruises sail?

Closed-loop cruise itineraries that do not require a passport include:

• Alaska: Cruise to Alaska on closed-loop sailings that typically start and end on the West Coast, stopping in Canada along the way.
• Bahamas: There are numerous closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas from ports up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
• Bermuda: Sail to Bermuda on closed-loop cruises from East Coast ports, including Baltimore, Boston, New York City, and Port Canaveral, Florida.
• Canada: You can sail round-trip to Canada on a closed-loop cruise from Boston, New York, and New Jersey.
• Caribbean: Start and end your Caribbean sailing in ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa in Florida; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; or Galveston, Texas. Keep in mind that some islands—including Martinique, Guadeloupe, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Bart’s—do require a passport.
• Mexico: Sail down to Mexico on a closed-loop western Caribbean cruise from Florida ports, New Orleans, or Galveston, or to the Pacific side of Mexico to destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán from California ports—without a passport. Belize and Honduras, which are sometimes included on these itineraries, also waive their passport requirements for cruise ship passengers.

The risks of not bringing a passport on a closed-loop cruise

Even though a passport is not required on a closed-loop cruise, there’s a reason why cruise lines often strongly encourage passengers to bring a passport. While you are in a foreign port, if you run into any problems and need to cut your trip short and fly home, you will need a passport to fly back into the United States—passports are required for international air travel. It can also be an issue if you miss your embarkation due to a flight cancellation or delay and need to fly to an international port of call to catch up with your cruise.

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Closed-Loop Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: April 30th, 2024

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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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Can you go on a cruise with a green card? What US permanent residents need to know about travel documents

Taking a cruise is relaxing, but making sure all your documents are in order for your sailing can be challenging, even more so for United States permanent residents who have a green card. The good news is that if you are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., you are allowed to travel outside the country and can go on a cruise with your green card.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection , "If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States, the U.S. government does not require you to have a passport for any travel, including air, land, or sea travel, however, you are even more likely to be required by your destination country to have one."

If you're a lawful permanent resident, you're cleared for foreign travel, but the documents you need for a cruise vacation might vary based on your departure port and destinations visited.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are the key points you need to know about travel documents if you'd like to go on a cruise as a green-card holder or other non-citizen resident of the U.S.

Does a green card count as a passport?

A green card and a passport are not the same. While both documents are proof of identity, a passport is evidence of your citizenship while a green card shows that you are legally permitted to live and work in the U.S. as a foreign national.

Can I cruise from the US with just a green card?

As a lawful permanent resident going on a cruise from and back to U.S. home ports, you will need your green card to prove your identity and citizenship status so you can reenter the U.S. at the end of your sailing. You'll have to show the card during the boarding process and again when you reenter the U.S. at the end of your sailing.

Whether you also need a passport from your home country depends on your exact itinerary and the cruise line you're sailing.

"A green card holder can sail on closed-loop sailings without a passport," a representative from Carnival Cruise Line explained, referencing round-trip cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. city that only visit nearby countries in the Western Hemisphere (e.g., the Bahamas and Caribbean islands).

However, there are exceptions. For example, permanent residents must bring their home country passport if their cruises stop in Canada, Colombia, Bermuda or Greenland. A closed-loop cruise visiting ports in Mexico might require a passport, another cruise line representative told us, so double-check if you're cruising to Puerto Vallarta or Cozumel.

Transatlantic and transpacific cruises and sailings that start in one U.S. city and end in another one (such as full Panama Canal transits) also require green-card holders to carry a passport.

Additionally, some cruise lines might require permanent residents to carry a passport regardless of itinerary, so make sure you check the policy of the line you intend to sail. It's generally a good idea, especially if something goes wrong on your vacation and you have to disembark early and fly home.

You might also need a tourist visa to enter the port depending on that country's rules for travel for citizens of your home country. If you need a visa, you typically will need to carry your home country passport as well.

To determine which ports require visas or passports to enter, you can enquire with your travel adviser or head to the government website or embassy of each country your cruise visits to research visa requirements, forms, information and fees for your nationality.

Related: What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

Can I cruise internationally with a green card?

Lawful permanent residents are not limited to cruises from U.S. ports; they can book sailings in Europe, Asia, South America and other international destinations.

To enter another country by air, you will need a passport from your country of citizenship and potentially some travel visas. You'll need your green card to return to the U.S.

For example, if you're taking an Alaska cruise that departs from Vancouver, British Columbia, you will need a home country passport and a green card to go through international customs at the airport. If you're taking a cruise through Europe, you will need your green card, home passport and a visa.

All green-card users should contact the embassy or consulate of the countries on the itinerary to learn about the travel documents that are required. Depending on the ports of call, you might also need a Schengen visa , which allows entry and transit through 26 countries in Europe that are part of the Schengen Agreement. These countries include popular cruise destinations like France, Greece, Italy, Norway and Spain.

Related: Do I need a passport for a cruise?

What if I don't have a green card but want to travel under the Visa Waiver Program?

For those who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, taking a cruise is still possible. If you are traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, you can use the immigration stamp (I-94W) that you were given when you first entered the U.S. to reenter the country at the end of a cruise. Just be sure that your cruise ends before the 90-day admission period that you were originally given with the stamp.

Additionally, if you're using an immigration stamp to reenter the U.S., you will need to be sure that your cruise isn't too far away, is only visiting nearby islands or the contiguous country, and that the trip does not take you outside the U.S. for more than 30 days.

If your cruise goes beyond the 90-day admission time, you will need to apply for a new admission period. You will also have to talk to the Customs and Border Protection officer about how you were not using the cruise to get around the time limit for Visa Waiver Program travelers.

How do I reenter the US with a green card?

Reentering the U.S. with a green card is simple. You will need your current, unexpired permanent resident card or green card to give to the Customs and Border Protection officer. Additionally, if you have any other documents that prove your identity, such as a U.S. driver's license, a foreign national ID card or a passport, give those to the officer as well. The officer will use the documents to verify your identity and immigration status.

Does cruise travel outside the US affect permanent resident status?

If you are a permanent resident, you can travel outside the country for brief travel and it usually does not impact your status. This can change if you travel outside the U.S. for more than a year, but you're likely not cruising for that long.

Bottom line

If you're ready to book a cruise but only have your green card as a lawful permanent resident, you don't need to worry because you can set sail on the high seas without a U.S. passport. However, you often need a passport from your home country and possibly visas to enter ports of call. You will also need to prove your identity upon returning to the U.S. with your green card and a second form of identification, such as a home country passport.

A select few closed-loop, round-trip cruises sailing from a U.S. port only require you to sail with your green card and not a home country passport, but you must make sure your itinerary qualifies otherwise you can get turned away for having missing documentation. It's always safer to travel with your home country passport, even if it's not required.

Even if you don't have a green card and you only have an immigration stamp under the Visa Waiver Program, you can still take a cruise as long as it's within the 90-day admission period. For either an immigration stamp or green card, it's important to note the length of the cruise and where it goes. You don't want to get held at Customs and Border Protection upon reentering the U.S. for going outside the travel parameters of the type of citizen identification you have.

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Welcome to Consumer Rescue

Fiascos and Fixes

We had our Real ID! Why couldn’t we board our Carnival Cruise?

Michelle Couch-Friedman

Consumer reporter and ombudsman

July 30, 2023

Although a Real ID and an Enhanced ID look nearly identical, there are critical differences between the two identifications. Diane Dipalma recently received a rapid and painful education on the topic while attempting to board Carnival Cruise Line’s Legend . 

She and her new husband believed they could use their Real ID driver’s licenses to take the cruise. But the Carnival Cruise Line staff quickly clarified that they couldn’t, and the shocked newlyweds missed their honeymoon. 

Here’s their story and what you need to know about the differences between a Real ID and an Enhanced ID.

A honeymoon gift: A Carnival cruise 

Dipalma and her fiance were thrilled when her sister gifted the couple a Carnival Cruise to celebrate their honeymoon . The closed-loop cruise aboard Carnival’s Legend would take the newlyweds from Baltimore to The Bahamas and back.

Note: A closed-loop cruise is one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. 

After confirming their cruise, Dipalma next went to the Carnival Cruise Line website. She wanted to find out what kind of identification they would need for their honeymoon.

That’s where the confusion about Real ID that would eventually lead them to miss their Carnival cruise began.

“I saw that we needed a passport or a special driver’s license,” Dipalma recalled. “Pennsylvania offers a Real ID and we both have one. So we assumed we were good to go.”

Unfortunately, they were not “good to go” with their Real ID driver’s licenses – in fact, they wouldn’t end up going anywhere on Carnival’s Legend . But they wouldn’t find out until the day of embarkation.

Carnival: “You can’t cruise with just a Real ID.”

On the day their honeymoon cruise was embarking, the couple drove three hours from their home in Pennsylvania to Baltimore. During the drive, the first-time cruisers happily chatted about all of their plans for the next seven days. 

Arriving at the port, they parked the car, grabbed their suitcases and headed to the check-in area. 

That’s when all of their honeymoon plans came to a screeching halt. 

Fact: A Real ID alone is not sufficient documentation to board any closed-loop cruise (One that begins and ends at the same U.S. port. and remains in the Western Hemisphere).

We handed over our Real ID driver’s licenses and the Carnival crew member asked us for our birth certificates. I said we don’t have our birth certificates, but I showed the employee that our Pennsylvania driver’s licenses are Real IDs. She said to take the cruise, we needed an Enhanced ID or passport or a Real ID plus a birth certificate. Diane Dipalma

Stunned and not sure what to do next, the couple frantically called home to ask family members to search for their birth certificates. However, time was running out and they soon realized there would be no way to get the documents there before Legend sailed away.

“We were going to miss our Carnival cruise.”

As the couple sadly accepted their fate, they gathered their belongings and headed back to the car. It was a somber ride home. During the drive, Dipalma had plenty of time to think. She soon was convinced that Carnival bore responsibility for their missed cruise. 

“Carnival didn’t make it clear anywhere that our Real ID driver’s licenses weren’t sufficient for taking the cruise,” Dipalma says. “In fact, there were many people on the pier that day who were also denied boarding the ship.”

And as a result of her newfound opinion of where the fault landed for their honeymoon fiasco, Dipalma started calling and emailing Carnival Cruise Line, asking for a do-over. 

Not surprisingly, Carnival rejected Dipalma’s request  – repeatedly. 

Carnival: “It is the guest’s sole responsibility…”

As many travelers before Dipalma have discovered, cruise lines do not refund passengers who show up at the dock without the correct identification to sail. It is always the passenger’s responsibility to know exactly what they need, both to board the ship and to visit every destination on the itinerary.

• This is how to get removed from your cruise – no refund included

Unfortunately, not knowing what documents you need to cruise is not an excuse that will lead a cruise line to provide a future travel credit. 

In fact, every cruise line – including Carnival – has specific language in their contract of carriage that excludes any responsibility when a passenger without proper documentation to travel is denied boarding.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION AND GUEST OBLIGATIONS a) It is the Guest’s sole responsibility to ensure his/her legal eligibility to travel and to bring and have available at all times all required travel documents . Guests are advised to check with their travel agent and with the appropriate government authorities to determine the necessary documents and travel eligibility requirements for their particular cruise destinations, including the port of embarkation. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising Guest of what travel documents are required for the requested itinerary and it is recommended that Guest travel with a valid government issued passport at all times. Carnival Cruise Line Contract of Carriage

The bottom line here is that passengers should never expect their cruise line to advise them about the documents they need to travel. 

But being a first-time cruiser, Dipalma wasn’t aware of this fact.  So when she found my article about another Carnival Cruise line customer who was denied boarding, she hoped we might be able to help her too.  

Asking Consumer Rescue for help

When I read through Dipalma’s experience,  I felt terrible, of course. The couple had missed their much-anticipated Carnival Cruise meant to celebrate their honeymoon. Instead of enjoying a lovely meal aboard the Legend on the night of embarkation, they were taking a long and tedious drive back to Pennsylvania.

But I knew as soon as Dipalma told me why they had been denied boarding that Consumer Rescue would not be able to successfully resolve this case. 

Unless a Carnival cruise consultant had booked the honeymoon for the couple and somehow given them misleading information, there was no foundation for our team to take her request to the cruise line. 

As I explained to Dipalma, the executive resolution teams that we work with trust that we only bring cases to mediation where something has gone wrong on the company’s side based on the terms and conditions of that business. We can’t mediate goodwill gestures when a consumer has made an error. We receive far too many of these types of requests. If we brought them all to mediation, the power of our advocacy team would soon become diluted.

This missed honeymoon was a disappointing and expensive lesson for the couple. However, it was ultimately their responsibility to make certain they had everything they needed to board their Carnival cruise. I’m sorry we were unable to help in this case. But hopefully, their story can serve as a cautionary tale so that others can avoid a similar experience.

How to avoid missing your cruise with the wrong ID

• Travel with a passport: The gold standard for travel documentation for a closed-loop cruise is a passport. With a passport, you won’t need to worry about any extra identification for this type of cruise. For a multitude of reasons, all cruise lines highly recommend passengers travel with a passport even when one is not required. Don’t have a passport? Here’s how to get a U.S. passport — fast . 
•  Read your cruise contract carefully: Dipalma misunderstood the information that she read on the Carnival website. She assumed an Enhanced ID is the same thing as a Real ID. It isn’t. Travelers should always read their cruise contracts and make sure that they understand the terms that are being used. If you don’t quite understand something, don’t assume. The U.S. Department of State has a page dedicated to cruising , which can provide travelers with all the information needed to successfully navigate a cruise.
• Use Timatic : The professional version of Timatic is what most airlines use to confirm passengers have all the required documentation for travel. Passengers can use the free version of Timatic provided by the International Air Transport Association. It’s simple to use: You enter your personal details into the program (Passport information, intended destinations, length and purpose of your trip) and you will receive reliable information about the documentation you personally need to successfully navigate your itinerary. 

Here are the differences between a Real ID and an Enhanced ID

Many travelers often express confusion about the differences between a Real ID and an Enhanced ID. Here’s a breakdown of each one.

Starting in May 2025, passengers on domestic flights in the United States will be required to minimally provide a Real ID-compliant form of identification in order to travel. After that date, a regular driver’s license will no longer be a valid form of identification to fly domestically. As a result, every state in the U.S. is currently rolling out Real ID driver’s licenses.

Here are some quick stats about a Real ID driver’s license:

• It has a star in the upper right-hand corner.
• You can use it as an official identification to enter Federal buildings.
• You can use a Real ID to fly domestically, but NEVER internationally.
• Real ID proves your identity but not your U.S. citizenship. Therefore if you use it as photo identification to take a closed-loop cruise, you will still need a birth certificate to prove your citizenship. 
• It isn’t possible to cross land borders with a Real ID alone. 

Enhanced ID

An Enhanced ID functions much like a passport card – it proves both your identity AND your U.S. citizenship. At this time, in the United States, only five states issue Enhanced IDs. Those states are all located on our Northern borders, where people may frequently pass between the U.S. and Canada. 

Here are some quick facts about an Enhanced ID:

• Enhanced ID driver’s licenses are only issued by Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington and New York. At this time, no other state can issue Enhanced IDs, so if you don’t live in one of those states, you can be sure you don’t have an Enhanced ID. 
• The word Enhanced appears at the top of the card.
• There will be a colorful U.S. flag somewhere on the card. 
• An Enhanced ID can be used to cross land borders (Canada and Mexico).
• You can use an Enhanced ID to take a closed-loop cruise without any additional identification.
• It is not possible to fly internationally with an Enhanced ID, although you can use it to fly domestically. 
• Like a passport card, the Enhanced ID does prove your citizenship. It contains an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip that allows immigration officers to read your personal details.

The bottom line

Any time that you’re leaving the United States, whether on a closed-loop cruise or via land, it’s always best to carry a passport. A passport proves your identity, citizenship AND will allow you to fly internationally. Should you find that you need to get back home quickly from a foreign destination, you will be relieved that you have the ability to travel by air with your passport.

An Enhanced ID or Passport Card are your next best forms of identification to carry if you intend to take a closed-loop cruise or cross over our land borders. But remember, you can never fly internationally with either of these forms of identification. So should you find yourself in an emergency and need to return home by air, you will encounter some difficult hurdles. 

Finally, if you choose to leave the boundaries of the United States on a cruise or by land with just a Real ID, you must also have an official birth certificate with you to prove your citizenship. If you don’t have both, you won’t be going anywhere but back home – and that’s an unpleasant fate that’s completely avoidable.  ( Michelle Couch-Friedman , Consumer Rescue)

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Travel Documentation: Non-U.S. Citizens

Carnival requires guests to provide proper travel documentation in order to travel. The documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise and is the responsibility of the guest. Our policy states that any guest traveling without proper documentation will be denied boarding the ship and will be under full penalty, and therefore, will not be offered a refund or a replacement cruise. Guests 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.

On occasion, Non-U.S. Citizens may be asked to surrender their passport at time of check-in. It will be returned upon completion of the immigration inspection at the time of debarkation.

Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel unless otherwise noted differently.

Domestic Cruises

• Non-U.S. Citizens are required to carry a valid, unexpired passport and a Multiple Entry Visa, if applicable. In addition , guests 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.
• Visa Waiver Program (VWP) : Non-U.S. citizens that are eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program must have a valid, unexpired machine readable passport that includes specified security features (biometric identifiers). In addition , travelers are required to have an electronic travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Details on this program as well as the participating VWP countries can be found below. 
• Mexican citizens who are traveling with a Border Crossing Card must also present a valid, unexpired Mexican passport.  Please click  here for more details.

Cruises that Visit Canada or Transit in Canada 

• Non-U.S. Citizens must carry a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of their visit to Canada, from their country of citizenship.
• Non-U.S. Citizens 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.
• As of March 16, 2016, 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 they 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 .

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from certain countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

All Visa Waiver Program countries are required to issue passports that include specified security features (biometric identifiers) in order to enter the United States. A biometric identifier is an electronic scan of a physical feature, such as an eye, hand, fingerprint, or face. It allows an immigration inspector to know for certain that the person appearing before them is the same person to whom a passport or visa was issued.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications may be submitted any time prior to travel. However, it is recommended that guests apply when they begin preparing their travel plans. We suggest that guests visit  www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta for additional information regarding ESTA. 

Guests will need to print and carry their Electronic System for Travel Authorization as it will need to be presented at cruise check-in along with their passport. An ESTA needs to be completed for each family member traveling on the cruise.

Citizens of the following countries (excluding U.S. Permanent Residents) that participate in the Visa Waiver Program must possess an ESTA for entry into the United States:  Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and United Kingdom *

* United Kingdom - only British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent residence in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are eligible to enter the United States with ESTA.

Note: Citizens of Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten (from the former Netherland Antilles) are not eligible to travel to the United States under the Visas Waiver Program, if they are applying for admission with passports from these countries.

Europe and Transatlantic Cruises Non-U.S. Citizens 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.

• Non-U.S. Citizens must carry a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of their visit to a Schengen country (see list of countries below).
• Non-U.S. Citizens may require a Schengen Visa.
• For itineraries that include countries (such as Turkey and Croatia) which are not part of the Schengen agreement, additional visas may be required for citizens of certain countries.

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. 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 denial of 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 denial of 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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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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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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Table of Contents

1. Alaska-Canada

2. the bahamas, 4. u.s. northeast-canada, 5. other caribbean islands, book smart: get travel insurance, can you cruise without a passport.

If you thought you needed a passport to head overseas on every single trip, think again. Those long waits for passport applications or renewals , even if you finally secured an in-person appointment , aren't needed for some cruise vacations. 

The secret: closed-loop cruises. These are cruises that depart from a U.S. port, visit other countries, then return to a U.S. port of entry.

Instead of a passport, passengers will need to carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization should suffice). Here are six cruises that don’t require a passport.

Wait a minute, you’re thinking. Alaska is a U.S. state. True, but Alaskan cruises can sometimes make stops in parts of British Columbia, like Victoria. If so, you can still visit as long as the cruise you take begins and ends in the U.S. 

Alaska is a popular vacation destination for its majestic scenery, glacier-filled landscape and outdoor adventures from dog-sledding to helicopter rides over the mountains. Seeing this part of the country by ship is one of the most convenient and beautiful ways to get around.

You can also find Alaskan cruises that start and end in Vancouver, British Columbia, which don't technically qualify as passportless cruises unless you cross the border from the U.S. into Canada by land using two pieces of approved government identification: an enhanced driver’s license (currently available to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington state only) and a U.S. birth certificate.

With those two approved documents and traveling overland into Canada, it is possible to do a one-way cruise starting or ending in Vancouver as an American without a passport. Note that flying across the border would require a passport, however.

Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas, for example, departs from Vancouver and disembarks in Seward, Alaska.

The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. Because of its proximity to the U.S., there are often shorter three-night cruises from Florida that make it easy to snag a good deal on a whim. Plus, it qualifies as an option for cruises without passports.

For many people without or in between passport applications, it can be disappointing to have to ignore last-minute deals . That’s no longer the case when you take advantage of cruises you can go on without a passport.

There's excellent shopping, dining and water sports activities in many ports like Nassau and Freeport. Another popular option is buying a day pass to mega resorts like Baha Mar and Atlantis , both of which welcome cruise visitors for the day.

Three-day cruises aboard Carnival Conquest depart Miami for the Bahamas, but return back to Miami. This means U.S. passengers don't need a passport for this closed-loop sailing.

Cruises to Bermuda are almost always closed-loop sailings from a U.S. port, save for a few transatlantic trips. This means you can visit the British territory without the worry of having a valid passport.

Bermuda has beautiful golf courses, historic forts and excellent dining. Many cruises overnight here to give passengers time to get out and explore. 

There are sailings aboard Celebrity Cruise Line's Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Eclipse that don't require passports as they depart a U.S. port, travel to Bermuda for a few nights, then return to a U.S. port.

If you’re looking for culture and history in the northeast, cruises that depart New England for parts of Canada are a great option.

Closed-loop cruises that depart and end in the U.S. negate the need for a passport (despite stops in Canadian ports), and like Alaskan cruises, one-way sailings remain an option if you choose to drive across the U.S.-Canada border and hold an enhanced driver’s license to cross.

From urban destinations like Boston and Halifax to picturesque destinations like Bar Harbor, Maine, and Saint John, New Brunswick, cruises like these trade palm trees and sunscreen for evergreens and rain jackets. This itinerary on Celebrity's Celebrity Summit ship doesn't require a passport because of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

» Learn more: Your guide to the U.S.-Canada border crossing

There are a lot of options when it comes to visiting Caribbean islands.

U.S. cruise ports line the coastline including places like:

Fort Lauderdale.

Port Canaveral.

Galveston, Texas.

Mobile, Alabama. 

New Orleans.

As long as your cruise departs and returns to a U.S. port, you won’t need to bring a passport.

Various cruises that depart locations like these visit several islands in the region, including:

Grand Cayman.

St. Maarten.

Aside from water sports and outdoor adventure, you can visit markets, explore historic sites, meander through the town center on some islands and discover what makes the Caribbean a diverse region.

If you are wary about taking advantage of this benefit (perhaps some people in your party have a passport and others don’t), consider a cruise to U.S. island territories instead. These include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John). Traveling by plane or ship to these island paradise destinations is considered a domestic trip. 

Carnival offers many Caribbean cruise options including sailings that depart and return to U.S. ports like Baltimore, Norfolk and New Orleans. These don't require a passport as they are closed-loop sailings.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

You can find cruises from either U.S. coast to Mexico with its glittering beaches, historic landmarks and incredible cuisine.

As long as the ship you are taking departs and returns to a U.S. port, these are some of the cruises that don’t require a passport. Passport-free, you can visit ports like:

Cabo San Lucas.

Puerto Vallarta. 

This four-night departure aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas makes a visit to Cozumel before returning back to Texas.

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Before you embark on any sort of trip, consider travel insurance, which can protect your nonrefundable deposit in case something derails your plans. Purchasing cruise travel insurance or booking your trip with a credit card that includes coverage can also mitigate the risks of travel emergencies.

Some travel cards also offer cruise benefits, so it can be a smart money move to book your trip with a card that offers these perks along with travel insurance. Here are some cards that offer cruise and travel insurance perks:

on Chase's website

on Bank of America's website

on American Express' website

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

• Get 25% more value out of your points when you book cruises through Chase.

• Book with your card to get automatic travel protections for your cruise.

• Redeem miles as a statement credit to cover spending on cruises.

• Book with your card to get automatic travel insurance coverage for your cruise.

• Earn 2x points on travel spending, including cruises and some ship excursions.

• Book with your card to get trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation coverage and other travel assistance services.

• Get American Express Cruise Privileges Program benefits when you book at least five nights with eligible cruise lines.

• Cruise program benefits include $300 credit redeemable toward dining and spa services plus amenities like wine, chocolates and champagne.

Terms apply.

There are many more credit cards that offer travel insurance so if you're thinking about relying on a card to protect your cruise, it can be a good step to get familiarized with your options so the your trip is covered.

You can also purchase a standalone travel insurance policy if you feel that the protections provided by the card aren't sufficient. Either way, being aware of your options can bring some peace of mind, and not having to bring a passport to one of these destinations can make going on the trip even simpler.

Yes, there are several cruises without passport requirements that you can book. This is welcome news for those whose passports may have expired, for families who want to opt out of buying short-term passports for children , or haven't had a chance to renew their passport. 

However, it is preferable to have a passport with you (in the event you need medical care and have to stay in the country, for example). Being aware of your travel insurance options can also be a smart money move. Also check if the credit card you already have offers travel insurance or consider getting a card that includes this coverage for free.

A cruise is an easy way to visit many new places without having to unpack and pack again. When you discover a place you want to return to, you can plan another trip, perhaps with a new passport in hand.

AMERICAN EXPRESS DISCLAIMERS

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

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10 Questions and Answers to Using a Birth Certificate to Cruise

Can I use a birth certificate to cruise? Do I have to get a passport?

Frankly, the rules around the documents you need to set sail can get confusing. We are here to lay them all out in plain English.

First things first, if you are leaving the United States on a cruise, be prepared. Traveling abroad means you need some sort of identification — not only for getting into a foreign country, but also for getting back into the United States. These documents aren’t just to tell who you are, it’s also to prove your citizenship.

For many people, this identification is a passport. Getting a passport is by far the simplest way to have the needed citizenship identification to travel to and from the United States . That’s why we recommend everyone cruise with one (as do Customs and Border Patrol agents we’ve spoken with) .

However, if you are on a tight schedule, a passport may not be feasible. Routine processing for a new passport is currently 6-8 weeks . If you pay to expedite the process, it can be 2-3 weeks.

Then there is the expense. A first-time passport holder can expect to spend a minimum of $165 to get a passport. The costs can rise when you include photos and expediting the process should you need a new passport quickly.

The good news? You don’t have to hold a passport to go on most cruises from the United States if you’re an American citizen. Instead, your birth certificate and government-issued identification is all that’s needed.

Closed-Loop Cruises Usually Don’t Require Passports

Most cruises operate as “closed-loop” cruises . Put simply, closed-loop cruises are those that begin and end at the same port. So if your trip departs Miami, sails the Caribbean (including stopping at a foreign port) and returns to Miami at the end of the trip, it’s considered a closed loop.

With closed-loop cruises that head to The Bahamas and Caribbean, you aren’t usually required to have a passport to return to the United States. Instead, you can return with just a birth certificate and a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license. (Just to be sure, it’s a good idea to confirm your trip is suitable for a birth certificate with your cruise line well in advance.)

If, however, your cruise doesn’t begin and end at the same port (e.g. sails from New York, stops at a foreign port, and then ends in Miami), then you’ll have to use a passport.

While it might seem simple at first blush, there are actually some good questions that come up when talking about using your birth certificate for a cruise.

For example, does the document have to be notarized ? Or can you use a copy of your birth certificate instead of the original ? 

We answer these questions and more below…

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

As mentioned above, U.S. citizens taking a closed loop-cruise can usually travel using a birth certificate and a non-expired government-issued ID with photo, name, and date of birth (if 16 years old or older). This is usually a driver’s license or government-issued ID card.

There are some exceptions, however.

You might have heard about Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) . This is a special type of driver’s license that has a proof of citizenship component. Currently it’s only available from a handful of states (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington).

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, if you have one of these, it can act as your proof of citizenship/ID for a cruise, and you don’t need your birth certificate.

Keep in mind that the Enhanced Driver’s License is different from a REAL ID that all states are switching to due to federal rules. Driver’s licenses that comply with REAL ID rules can’t be used for proof of citizenship.

If you aren’t sure if you have an Enhanced Driver’s License or a REAL ID, then just pack your birth certificate to be safe.

Does My Birth Certificate Have To Be An Original?

No. The birth certificate can be an original or an official copy. However, for copies we would recommend you have a copy issued by the local health and vital statistics department. In other words, you don’t want to just make a photocopy of your actual birth certificate and use that to board the cruise (although some lines do allow that).

If you no longer have your birth certificate, you can get in touch with the city or county you were born to get a certified official copy to use on your cruise. There’s usually a small fee and waiting period, but it’s faster than getting a passport.

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

It depends on the cruise line . For instance, Carnival states that a copy of the birth certificate doesn’t need to be notarized or certified while Royal Caribbean says that “it must be a state-certified birth certificate issued by the government.”

For cruising purposes, we recommend your birth certificate be a notarized copy with some sort of official seal . This can help ensure there are no issues getting back into the country.

If your birth certificate looks like something that a person could make at a local copy shop, then it could raise questions on its validity.

Will The Hospital Birth Certificate Work For A Cruise?

No. The birth certificate must be one issued by a local or state government. If you have a hospital birth certificate (so-called “baby feet” certificate), it will not work. Remember — you want something that’s officially issued by the city, county, or state as this will be used to prove your citizenship.

What If My Name Has Changed From My Birth Certificate?

If you’ve had a name change (for example, you changed your name once married) to where it doesn’t match your birth certificate, then you will need to also bring along some proof of the name change.

This can be a marriage license (again, the original or a notarized copy is best) or if you’ve had a name change unrelated to marriage, your documents that prove the change. Carnival says plainly on their website “failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.”

What If I Don’t Know Where My Birth Certificate Is?

Lost your birth certificate? Don’t worry, it’s common. You can contact the city or county of your birth and follow procedures to get a new one. There’s usually a small fee, but it’s considerably cheaper and faster than getting a passport.

What we actually suggest if you have the time and money, is to get your birth certificate and then turn around and use that to get your passport. That way you’ll have the passport for your upcoming cruise.

Do I Need Identification In Addition To The Birth Certificate?

Yes, as mentioned above, you must have a government-issued ID with your name, photo, and date of birth. It must not be expired. This is only required of passengers 16 years or older. The best idea is just to use your driver’s license. Kids don’t need photo ID.

You can see more about the requirements on the USCBP website here .

What About Kids? Do They Need Birth Certificates?

Yes. If you are sailing with kids (even babies), then they will need a birth certificate to leave and re-enter the country.

One thing to know is that kids under 16 don’t have to show any identification. The ID requirement only applies to those 16 years or older.

Do I Show My Birth Certificate When I Get On And Off The Ship in Port?

No. The only time you’ll need to show your birth certificate is during the boarding check-in process and when you leave the ship as you arrive back home. Apart from that, you should keep it secure in your cabin safe.

When you get off and on the ship in ports of call, you’ll just need to have your ID and your cabin keycard. The cruise ship takes care of the immigration process for passengers arriving in a foreign port. You just get to come and go as you please.

Why Is Having A Passport Better Than Cruising With a Birth Certificate?

The rules around identification and birth certificates for a cruise can get complicated depending on the cruise and where it goes. It’s far easier just to have a passport, which serves as the only citizenship document you need.

As well, having a birth certificate is only valid for closed-loop cruises. If you have a different route, then you need a passport. Plus, if something happens and you have to fly home during your cruise unexpectedly, then you’ll need a passport; birth certificates aren’t valid proof of citizenship for air travel.

Finally, most ports have moved toward faster screening of passengers with passports. Today, those with passports simply take an “exit” photo as they leave the cruise terminal and are on their way out of the building immediately.

Those with birth certificates have to wait in a line to have their documents checked by an agent before being allowed to leave. So not only is a passport more flexible, it could get you off the ship and back home faster.

Note: If you have specific questions about your documents or situation, it’s best to contact your cruise line.

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I have a closed loop from Orlando to Bahamas, my birth certificate has one letter off at the end of it. In the name it should be a “W” but instead it has an “R”. My FL license has my name correct, but Birth certificate doesn’t, will it be an issue?

We aren’t the authorities, so can’t tell you for sure. That said, having one letter off but everything else matches seems minor in our opinion. If you’re worried, you can call the cruise line and ask.

my wife has a State of California Certified Court Order Delay Registration of Birth It shows the Court Order Number from Los Angeles Superior Court dated May 14, 1981 She was born in Mexico in 1965 but due to death of parents she was raised by relatives in United States who are US citizens. Is this document acceptable for a closed loop cruise?

I don’t know that one. You’ll want to contact the cruise line.

No ID but i have birth certificate what can I go

I will be going on a closed loop cruise in March 2024. I went and got a copy of my birth certificate and noticed that my mother’s madian name is not spelled correctly. Will I be able to board the cruise like it is? Everything else is correct on my birth certificate.

It should be fine since the birth certificate is to prove your citizenship, so that’s the real important information.

But if you’re worried, you can contact the cruise line.

We booked a cruise with Royal Caribbean in October. I do not have time to get even an expedited passport but was told since it is closed loop cruise birth certificate and drivers license is all I need. My question is, my birth certificate and drivers license have different last names due to marriage. I’ve been married twice so my current marriage license has my first husband’s last name (not my maiden name). If I bring my marriage license from my first marriage (that has my maiden name), divorce decree, and then marriage license for my current marriage will that suffice to bridge the gap from maiden name, to first married name, to current married name?

Sounds like it should do it. There just needs to be proof to show you are a citizen (birth certificate) and then that the person on the birth certificate is who you are (photo ID). Those documents to walk through the name change will allow them to see that path. I’d highly recommend calling the cruise line to confirm, however.

My birth certificate is very old but has a stamp. It’s really small too, compared to the other birth certificates.. Will this work?

My boyfriends birth certificate says “Jr” on it but his drivers license doesn’t. Will this be ok to cruise to the Bahamas?

I’d think it would be fine, but you might call the cruise line just to be sure.

Ok, new idea. What if we disembarked in Vancouver, rented a car and drove to Seattle, and flew home from there? It seems that we can cross the Canada border by land or sea with an enhanced drivers license (for the 18 year old) and a birth certificate (for the 15 year old).

Great info! My wife and I have passports, but we have an 18 year old and a 15 year old that do not possess passports. We are booking an Alaska cruise this summer that departs in Alaska and disembarks in Vancouver Canada. The cruise line has told me that they only need government issued ID’s and birth certificates, but I am skeptical and want to preempt any issues at the Vancouver airport.

Oh, I’d definitely want a passport for everyone in that case. I’ve only heard of the birth certificate being good on closed-loop cruises. It may be ok, but I wouldn’t want to risk it.

Great article with lots of info. I’m curious about one part though. You quoted the Carnival website about denial of boarding for failure to account for a name bridge. However, the first part of that section indicates that they’re talking about situations where the name in the ID doesn’t match the name on the cruise ticket/reservation. There’s no mention of a birth certificate at all in that section. Can you review that part? I’ve copied for your reference.

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 denial of boarding.

Sorry, but not sure what you’re asking here. If your documents don’t match the name for the cruise ticket or your birth certificate doesn’t match the ID name, then you’ll want to have something that shows the name change. That passage may not directly talk about the birth certificate, but you definitely want those to match. If not, you want to show evidence of the change so that officials know you are who you say you are.

If I bring a 16 yr old on the cruise what does the letter need to look like from the parent for them to be able to get on the cruise?

I’d refer you to the cruise line. I’d think something basic with the name of each parent and the child, along with details of the specific sailing and something definitive stating they give their approval to travel with the other parent. However, the cruise line will be able to give you the best details for what they require.

my passport wont be here on time for my cruise in 4 days. I ordered a new certified copy of my birth certificate to take with me as identification. Years back, I legally changed my last name. My birth certificate now has my old last name with a strike through it and the new name written in. There is also a note written by the courts stating that it is amended, and the probate judge changed the name. Is this fine to take or will I still need proof of name change from the courts as well to cruise on Royal Caribbean?

I would take everything you have to prove your name change. If you’re not sure, the cruise line is the best resource to call!

My son is 10, his mom and I are not together and I was not there to sign his birth certificate. We have joint custody 50/50. Will it be an issue that my name is not on his birth certificate. We do share the same last name.

Here is what Carnival says about the situation (not sure your cruise line):

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.

We only have a copy (not certified) of my son’s birth certificate. The passport agency still has his original and has been in processing for 10 weeks now. We are going on closed loop with Carnival. Do you think we can still get on?

Carnival says the following is acceptable, so it looks like you’d be good to go. You can call the cruise line to confirm.

– “A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified.”

https://www.carnival.com/help?topicid=3409

I don’t have my birth certificate but my son have my name in information on his certificate will that work

No, that definitely wouldn’t work.

We are going on an Alaskan cruise in mid July. Starting and ending in Seattle. My moms birth certificate has a different middle name than her drivers license , ss card , marriage license and all other legal documents. Never been an issue before. Should we be concerned and try to have the birth certificate changed? She wasn’t able to get a real ID because of the discrepancy.

We are driving to depart on cruise and have three children under 12. Have copies of all three birth certificates , digital copies of all three but just realized only two originals. Is this going to be problem

You’ll have to ask the cruise line. They normally ask for the original copies with seal.

Hi I have a question! So I’m wanting to go on a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas from Florida, in May. I recently got married and I already changed my license to my new name, so my name on my birth certificate will be different. I heard that I would have to bring a copy of my marriage license to prove that my name was changed, but the kicker is, I also just applied for a new passport for my new name, but I had to send my marriage license with my old passport, so I don’t have my marriage license to prove my name! I’m not sure if the passport will be back in time, so what do I do?!

If it’s already sent, there is a good chance the passport should be in by then. If not, can you go to the county office and get a registered copy of the marriage license?

My son is a 10 years old US Citizen. We’ll be cruising on a closed-loop cruise from Seattle to Alaska|Victoria and back to Seattle with Norwegian Cruise Line. My son’s US Passport book has not arrived yet, only the US Passport card we have in possession. Will his birth certificate and US Passport card be sufficient?

Yes, the birth certificate would be enough for a closed-loop cruise. Having the passport card will be even easier.

My friend had his dad last name added to his he has the sealed court ordered document he had the name added to his Id but not his birth certificate do you think that would be ok if he brings the court ordered document

My daughter is 18 and has a AZ Graduated Instruction Permit. Which has her picture DOB and everything else a DL has. Would this work when combined with a certified BC for a closed loop cruise out of LA?

My Husband has his birth certificate from the Caribbean. He has his citizenship and a Drivers License. Will that be ok on a closed loop Cruise? Hi Passport expired last year and we won’t get a renewal in 3 weeks. Should we take the expired one along with birth certificate and DL?

My birth certificate and drivers license have different last names due to marriage. I’ve been married twice so my current marriage license has my first marriage name. Is that a problem? What kind of paper trail do I need?

I was born in Germany. Military Kid. My Birth Certificate says “Certification of Birth Abroad of a citizen of the United States” The signature has a stamp that says Vice Consul of the United States. I do not have a passport and I don’t have time to get one but my upcoming cruise is close loop. Departing and arriving back in Galveston. Going to Honduras, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Will I be okay? We forgot my birth certificate last year and I wasn’t able to board the Carnival Cruise ship for my honeymoon so I am nervous. It’s the original B.C. not a copy and we are sailing with Royal Caribbean

That should be fine. It’s an official birth certificate document that shows citizenship. If you’re nervous, you can call the cruise line ahead of time.

I have the same question.. what happened with your cruise?

I have a closed loop cruise out of Miami, going to Aruba, Bonaire, La Romana and amber cove. I DO have my certified birth certificate issued from the local state department with a seal. However, my birth certificate only has my maiden last name on it. I do not have a first name on my birth certificate, only my last. (It has alway been this way.) I also have a certified marriage certificate, my social security card with my full name, first and last maiden name. Along with my current DL (married last name). Will it be an issue that my certified B.C does not have my first name on it? With having all my other documents will that pass? Will there be an issue boarding or going to ports and re-boarding? Thank you in advance!

I think you should be good, but why risk it? If you’re worried about it, I’d suggest calling the cruise line to be sure.

Is a passport not an option? It would be much, much easier than having to carry all those different documents.

A passport is not an option at the moment. The passport agency said that my full name needs to be on my B.C. I have mailed my addendum to Sacramento to add my full name, but it will not be corrected before my trip.

Hello my birth certificate has some lines cross has the birth certificate since i was bored will that be okay to aboard the cruise

I have a cruise for Royal Caribbean in 2 weeks

Got my Birth certificate today and noticed I have an added middle name that isn’t on my ID.

Will this be a problem boarding ?

That shouldn’t be an issue I wouldn’t think assuming the rest of the name/birthdate matches.

I don’t have a birth certificate. I have a certificate of “US citizen born abroad” from the military. Will that be acceptable to cruise?

You’ll want to call the cruise line, but that sounds like it proves citizenship so I would think it would be acceptable with photo ID.

Hi. We’re cruising tomorrow from Florida to the Bahamas. It’s a closed loop trip. My wife does not have her birth certificate, but has our marriage certificate, Social Security Card and Drivers License. Will we be able to sail?

You’ll want to contact the cruise line, but typically it’s passport or birth certificate as those show proof of citizenship.

I have a drivers license and I’m a US citizen but I’m adopted. My birth certificate is from the Caribbean. Will that serve as a second form of identification?

You’ll want to contact the cruise line, but if you are a U.S. citizen, then some sort of proof of citizenship will likely be required.

Im taking a cruise from Florida to the bahamas can i use a copy of my birth certificate or does it have to be the original.

Typically a photocopy isn’t a good idea. Something official from an issuing authority is what you want.

Wife lost her drivers licence sometime between checkin in terminal and ship. Wondering what going to need to get off ship. Checked with guest services no luck on it beingfound.

Yes, ports require some sort of ID to get back to the ship (not just the keycard). Not sure what to do in that case, but Guest Services should have been able to explain your options.

I have my original birth certificate and my marriage license, my marriage license does not have my married name on it, just my maiden name will that be a problem? I am cruising to the Bahamas. I also have my social security cards maiden name and married name and a copy of my passport. I sent my passport in to renew and haven’t received it back yet and not sure if I will get it back before this last minute cruise.

I’d suggest calling the cruise line, but with all those documents, I wouldn’t think it would be an issue.

Hi my husband won’t get his passport in time we plan on taking his birth certificate however it’s not a certified copy it’s a general photo copy carnival stated that will do but we worry about his return back home. Will it cause any issues?

The cruise line is the best source for this. If they say it’s ok, then it should be fine.

I cant get my birth certificate. I am a US citizen. It is a closed loop cruise going from Seattle to Seattle. I have a SS card voters card ID and other items to prove that i live in the US. Would that be enough.

I do not believe so.

My cruise will sail on 12 12 21 to san quan Puerto. Passport are behind not sure it will be back in time. I am a us citizen. May I use my birth certificate and driver’s license if passport do not arrive.

We’d suggest a call to the cruise line to ask. Normally “closed loop” cruises allow you to use a birth certificate and driver’s license, but it’s always a good idea to make sure.

My sister’s birth certificate has her name spelled incorrectly. It has her first name spelled “LaDrick” and it should be “LaDrich”. Our mother’s h’s look like k’s, and the person who typed the name typed it wrong. It was never changed, and my sister was able to get her driver’s license, SS card and passport with the correct spelling without any problems. She renewed her passport unfortunately but won’t get it back in time to have it for our cruise so she will have to use her birth certificate and ID card. Is this going to be a problem for her getting on the ship.

I can’t say for sure, but if it were me, I wouldn’t be too worried. If you have a couple of pieces of ID with the correct name, it should help if there is any question.

We are doing a closed loop Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruise the first week of June (leaving and returning to Seattle). My husband’s birth certificate has his birthdate listed incorrectly as September 16, 1947. It was never corrected to his actual birthdate of September 17, 1947. He is 72 years old and has used his real (09-17-47) birthdate his entire life and that date is on all of his official records, including driver’s license, military documentation, law enforcement certifications and ID’s, and his social security information. No one ever told him to change the date on the birth certificate. We went on a Carnival cruise out of Galveston 6 years ago and were able to board the ship even with the date discrepancy between birth certificate and his driver’s license, although it was questioned. There is not enough time to get the date changed on the birth certificate before our Alaskan cruise in June as we would be required by the State of Texas to get a court order to change it and the processing itself is a long process. Do you think Royal Caribbean would have a problem with the date difference? The name on the birth certificate and driver’s license is exactly the same and he could bring other documents with his name listed as the same if needed. I know this is confusing, but would appreciate your opinion. Thank you.

Thanks for writing. Sounds like a doozy. Our opinion is that it’s likely not a big deal given that the dates are so close, but then again, we aren’t government officials, nor do we work for the cruise line.

We think the best thing to do would be to get it fixed so you don’t have to worry about it. Short of that, your idea of bringing other documents to verify identity seems like a good one.

My husbands birth cert is old ripped worn and raggedy but still readable should we just request another one before our cruise?

We actually suggest people always travel with a passport if at all possible. If you’re going to request a document, get a passport. Otherwise, yes it would be a good idea to get a new birth certificate. It’s something that will be good to have anyway.

What if birt cert days Jr. and ID does not, is that a problem?

My sons birth certificate is a delayed birth certificate. Can he use this for a close looped cruise ID?

Not sure what a delayed birth certificate is. If it’s the official birth certificate (such that they would use for any other identification purposes), then it should be fine… but call the cruise line to be sure of their policy.

My cruise starts Aug. 25 .My Birth certificate is 1952 issued from hospital in Phoenix Ariz. With seal and states to use for future use to prove citizenship and to obtain a passport . Can I use for my trip Sat in Galveston to cozemel and yuk.?

Should be just fine. However, if you’re worried about it then give the cruise line a call.

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My sisters & I are sailing out of Galveston on the Breeze in March. One sister does not have a passport. Am i correct that she only needs her birth certificate & drivers license for this closed loop sailing? My other sister has a passport that will expire 2 months after we sail. Will she be able to use that? We will visit Cozumel & one other Mexican port. Thanks for any info & input.

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I would call Carnival and inquire. Carnival usually indicates that you should not travel with a passport that expires within 6 months. I do not know the reason. Safest bet is call Carnival and not rely on this website. It will carry no weight at the Carnival cruise terminal.

Yes birth certificate and DL good.  As for passport it is supposed to be good for 6 months after the cruise but we used ours 

From Carnival's website:

For cruises that begin and end in a U.S port, the following WHTI-Compliant Documents are acceptable for cruise travel. These standard forms of documentation will enable the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. If a picture I.D. is not affixed to the WHTI-compliant document, a picture I.D. is required (a valid, unexpired government-issued photo I.D. for all guests 16 years of age or older). If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required.

• U.S. Passport
• Passport Card
• State Enhanced Driver's License
• Certificate of U.S. Naturalization
• Native American Indians

For cruises that visit Martinique, guests going ashore are required to carry a valid, unexpired passport. .  

Also acceptable for cruise travel (for cruises that begin and end in a U.S port), U.S. citizens can show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate  issued by a government agency and accompanied by government-issued photo identification. If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required. Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada - for more information,   click here .

So.... if you have an enhanced drivers license (gold or black start) you don't need anything else.  If you live in a state like mine that's behind the times you'll need a birth certificate in addition to your drivers license, or a good old fashioned passport.

42 minutes ago, dbrucern said: Yes birth certificate and DL good.  As for passport it is supposed to be good for 6 months after the cruise but we used ours   

That is only a recommendation, it is not a requirement. 

Be mindful that if there are any hiccups along the way, you will have trouble flying home without a passport.

The reason Carnival suggest passports be 6 months from expiration is because that is a requirement in a lot of countries visited by carnival. So if you would have to fly home know the rules of the county you will visit. 

8 hours ago, Babr said: Be mindful that if there are any hiccups along the way, you will have trouble flying home without a passport.

Trouble would be an understatement in some situations. You might not be a able to fly home. Best case scenario would be a lengthy, major hassle.

13 hours ago, Bases5 said: The reason Carnival suggest passports be 6 months from expiration is because that is a requirement in a lot of countries visited by carnival. So if you would have to fly home know the rules of the county you will visit. 

None of the countries visited on a closed loop cruise fall into that category and worldwide I think there might be 30 countries that require 6 months remaining on a passport for US citizens. And it should be noted that the 6 month requirement is from the end of your trip, not the beginning, so if you were going to spend 2 months in such a country you would need 8 months of validity remaining on your passport. 

11 hours ago, mexicobob said: Trouble would be an understatement in some situations. You might not be a able to fly home. Best case scenario would be a lengthy, major hassle.

No, in most cases that is likely not the case. There are provisions in the regulations to waive the passport requirement for an emergency or for humanitarian reasons. There will be a delay as the cruise line has to work with CBP to make the arrangements but no one in the equation (the cruise line, our government, the government of the country you are in) wants to delay you any more than necessary. 

  "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are:   I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help . ".

-President Reagan

If you have a problem in any country abroad, things will not go well without a passport. Don't leave the country without one. 

ProgRockCruiser

Aha, I see we are back to the old "passports vs DL+BC" discussion!

Things are indeed returning to normal...

52 minutes ago, Moviela said:   "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are:   I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help . ".   -President Reagan   If you have a problem in any country abroad, things will not go well without a passport. Don't leave the country without one. 

I can leave the country by turning left out of my driveway and driving 8 miles so your statement is much too broad, many folks in my community routinely cross that border using something other than a passport. If you don't believe that the government will help you if you have an issue abroad you probably shouldn't even think about travel. But for the rest of us we know that is one of their functions. 

13 hours ago, Moviela said:   "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are:   I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help . ".   -President Reagan   If you have a problem in any country abroad, things will not go well without a passport. Don't leave the country without one. 

Might be the best words ever spoken on these boards. Unfortunately, some people have to learn the hard way. I speak from experience.

Really good we are back having this discussion though. Might get stuck somewhere but at least we may be going somewhere.

SNJCruisers

On 6/22/2021 at 6:41 PM, mexicobob said: Trouble would be an understatement in some situations. You might not be a able to fly home. Best case scenario would be a lengthy, major hassle.

20 hours ago, sparks1093 said: No, in most cases that is likely not the case. There are provisions in the regulations to waive the passport requirement for an emergency or for humanitarian reasons. There will be a delay as the cruise line has to work with CBP to make the arrangements but no one in the equation (the cruise line, our government, the government of the country you are in) wants to delay you any more than necessary. 

Bob is talking about Mexico, while Sparks1093 is talking about Canada.  Does this need to be discussed any further? 😉

On 6/22/2021 at 9:36 AM, groundloop said: So.... if you have an enhanced drivers license (gold or black start) you don't need anything else.  If you live in a state like mine that's behind the times you'll need a birth certificate in addition to your drivers license, or a good old fashioned passport.

This is not correct.  While you are correct that an  enhanced  driver's license is sufficient on it's own, a license with a "gold or black star" is only a  "REAL ID"  compliant driver's license, not an enhanced license.  Enhanced licenses have a  US flag  on them, not the star.  Enhanced licenses are not being mandated, unlike "Real ID" licenses, and only 5 states to date have issued them:  Michigan, Vermont, Washington, New York, and Minnesota, due to the frequency of state residents casually crossing the border with Canada.  I'm not aware of any other states planning on issuing  enhanced licenses.

3 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:   Bob is talking about Mexico, while Sparks1093 is talking about Canada.  Does this need to be discussed any further? 😉

I did talk about Canada in response to a broad "no one should leave the country without a passport", but overall I am talking about closed loop cruises (but the regulations do allow something other than a passport for both land and sea border crossings).

18 minutes ago, chengkp75 said: This is not correct.  While you are correct that an  enhanced  driver's license is sufficient on it's own, a license with a "gold or black star" is only a  "REAL ID"  compliant driver's license, not an enhanced license.  Enhanced licenses have a  US flag  on them, not the star.  Enhanced licenses are not being mandated, unlike "Real ID" licenses, and only 5 states to date have issued them:  Michigan, Vermont, Washington, New York, and Minnesota, due to the frequency of state residents casually crossing the border with Canada.  I'm not aware of any other states planning on issuing  enhanced licenses.

Excellent catch. My EDL has a US flag on it and the star.

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Posen carnival shut down early after 'large fight' leads to multiple arrests, police say

POSEN, Ill. (WLS) -- A carnival was shut down early in the south suburbs Sunday evening after a "large fight" broke out.

Posen Park Fest 2024 was closed due to safety concerns from the altercation, police said.

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Police made multiple arrests in connection to the fight, officials said.

Posen's mayor told ABC7 that "civil unrest" broke out around 6 p.m. and the unrest continued for almost two hours.

The carnival was originally supposed to be open until 10 p.m.

"We regret to inform you that due to a large fight at the carnival this evening, we have made the difficult decision to shut it down for the safety of all attendees," Posen police said in a statement to residents.

Residents were asked to avoid the area near the carnival grounds at 147th and Sacramento.

Cell phone video captured large crowds with some people running into the street.

Officer continued to work to clear the area and "disperse the crowd and restore order" after the carnival was shut down.

No further information about the large fight or if there were any injuries was immediately available.

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P&O Cruises to retire its brand in Australia, fold operations into Carnival Cruise Line

P&O Cruises Australia has announced its fleet will soon be sailing to its final berth, ceasing its operations in 2025 after more than 90 years on the water.

The Australian travel brand will fold its operations into parent company Carnival Cruise Line from March 2025.

P&O's Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships and workforce will be rebranded and transferred to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, while the Pacific Explorer, previously known as the Dawn Princess, will be retired.

Passengers set to cruise in 2024 will not be affected, while customers who had cruises booked on the Pacific Explorer after March 2, 2025 will have the option of a refund or credit for Carnival with extra onboard spending money.

It is the end of an era for the popular brand, which first sailed from Sydney on December 23, 1932, on a seven-day itinerary calling at Brisbane and Norfolk Island.

The company's first permanent ship in Australia, the Fairstar — heavily promoted as "the fun ship" — was part of the fleet for nine years until 1997.

P&O Cruises Australia issued its surprise notice to customers on Tuesday.

"As a result, all itineraries on Pacific Explorer scheduled to sail after 2nd March 2025 are being cancelled," it said.

"If you are booked on one of these itineraries you will be contacted by guest services in the coming days with refund details.

"We are all immensely proud of P&O Cruises Australia's 90-year heritage of dedicated operations in the region, and Carnival Cruise Line are honoured to carry forward its storied legacy and continue to deliver the same onboard experiences and itineraries."

Crews on the Pacific Explorer were expected to be redeployed to other ships, but a small number of workers in the P&O Australia head office would lose their jobs, a spokeswoman said.

Acting P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia lead Peter Little will be retained under the new title of country manager.

Carnival Cruise chief executive Josh Weinstein hailed P&O Cruises as a storied brand with an amazing team and lauded its accomplishments in Australia and the broader region.

"However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach," he said.

The Carnival brand will see its fleet boosted by eight ships after also acquiring vessels from sister line Costa Cruises and ordering new ships to come into operation in 2027 and 2028.

Under the changes, Carnival will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships, representing almost 60 per cent of the market.

The P&O ships will have technology upgrades, including an ordering app and loyalty program, but will retain the "familiar feel and much of the same experiences" for Australian guests, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said.

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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

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