weekend cruises no passport needed

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Places to Cruise Without a Passport

By Carnival Cruise Line

The Bahamas

New England and Canada

• The Caribbean

Baja, Mexico

As luck would have it, you’ve suddenly got a few open days in your schedule and a yearning to travel somewhere exotic. Don’t let your lack of a passport stop you. Consider a cruise . If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport.

For “closed-loop” cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide:

• A boarding pass
• A government photo I.D. if 16 years of age or older
• And a certified birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization

Starting and ending in Seattle or San Francisco, an Alaskan cruise takes you to charming waterfront cities and villages like Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. In Alaska, also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, you can see spectacular, icy glaciers by boat or seaplane, watch for whales and try your hand at dog sledding.

A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown. When you arrive back in Seattle or San Francisco, take time to explore those cities for even more vacation fun.

You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. Located just southeast of Miami in the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas offers an ideal island getaway. With soft-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and pastel-colored British colonial architecture , the Bahamian capital of Nassau makes a popular port of call for cruisers. In Freeport , you can shop till you drop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace or kayak through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest.

If you’re looking for cruises that don’t require a passport, take a round trip sail to Bermuda from New York City , Baltimore , Charleston or one of two Florida ports of call. As Britain’s oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. Pink-sand beaches, beautiful blue waters and colorful coral reefs deliver the perfect recipe for sunning, swimming, sailing and snorkeling. Cap off a day of adventure in Bermuda with a sunset rum-tasting cruise .

If you’re looking for a different kind of cruise, explore parts of New England and Canada with New York City as an exciting starting and ending point. Spend a day soaking up history in Boston, Massachusetts, and tour the Charles River aboard an amphibious duck vehicle. Experience lighthouses, lobster bakes and craggy sea cliffs in Portland, Maine, and enjoy a trip to Saint John, a beautiful city on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. A stop in the charming fishing village of Halifax, Nova Scotia offers beautiful gardens, more delicious seafood and double-decker bus tours . After you pull into port in the Big Apple, make sure to see a Broadway show, visit the Empire State Building and take a stroll through Central Park.

The Caribbean  

The Caribbean makes a popular destination for travelers considering a tropical cruise. For an easy round trip, you can begin and end in a number of U.S. cities including New York City, Galveston , Mobile , New Orleans and Tampa .

Western Caribbean locales in Mexico like Yucatán and Cozumel deliver exciting attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to flamingo lagoons, and activities like swimming with dolphins, dune buggy rides, sailing, snorkeling, diving and zip lining.

In the Eastern Caribbean, find dream destinations like Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. In Amber Cove, you can tour the Dominican outback, soak up the sun on Coconut Cove Beach, or ride the Waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua . On Grand Turk, enjoy swimming with stingrays, riding horses along the coast, or touring the island by ATV. The opportunities for adventure on a Caribbean cruise are endless.

When it comes to domestic cruises, nothing beats a trip to Hawaii . Explore beautiful spots spread across Maui , Kauai and the Big Island, and drink in the natural beauty only Hawaii delivers. On this exciting trip, you can deep sea fish for marlin, explore forest caves and waterfalls, soak up the sun on a black-sand beach and attend a traditional luau. U.S. departure ports for enjoyable Hawaiian cruises include San Francisco , San Diego , Long Beach and Honolulu .

Depart from the Californian cities of San Francisco, San Diego or Long Beach for a quick but memorable cruise to the Baja Peninsula in northern Mexico . Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment . Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. In Ensenada , the “Cinderella of the Pacific,” you can ride horses along mountain trails, tour the wine country, shop for souvenirs and taste the local tequila.

When traveling outside of the U.S. a passport is always recommended, but cruises are the exception to the rule. As long as you book a closed loop cruise, you can travel to certain destinations without a passport. Because international cruises in Europe and Asia require air travel, these vacations also demand a passport. When embarking on adventures by sea that don’t require a passport, make sure you have the proper cruise documentation.

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

Related articles

Plan for fun.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx

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6 Places to Cruise Without a Passport

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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.

75,000 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℠.

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 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.

3-Day Cruises Without a Passport: Best Itineraries, Cruise Lines & More!

There’s nothing quite like the allure of the open sea, especially when it promises a hassle-free escape. But what if you don’t have a passport or simply don’t want to use it?

Enter the 3-day, no-passport cruise—a quick vacationer’s dream. This guide will debunk myths and introduce you to sun-kissed destinations just a short journey away.

The Basics of No-Passport Cruises

So, you’re eager to hop on a 3-day cruise without a passport and embark on an adventure. Before we dive into the ins and outs, let’s clarify some essential points.

Closed-Loop Cruises: The Golden Ticket

The heart of the no-passport cruise magic lies in closed-loop cruises. These are cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port. So, if you’re starting in Miami and returning to the same spot, that’s a closed-loop cruise!

Because of this unique structure, U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can travel with just a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

Remember, though, while a 3-day cruise with no passport sounds delightful, always check with your cruise line to confirm documentation requirements.

The Legal Backdrop: Cruising with Confidence

But why is this even a thing? Well, U.S. government regulations have made it easier for travelers eager to explore nearby destinations without the usual passport hustle.

It’s a nod to the convenience of short-term vacationers, ensuring that they can enjoy their 3-day cruise with no passport without any legal qualms.

Essential Documentation: Travel Light but Right

While you won’t need a passport, it’s imperative to ensure your other documents are in order.

Carry an original or a certified copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID, like a driver’s license. Remember, for children under 16, the birth certificate alone will do.

Always pack your documentation in a water-resistant holder. You’re on a cruise, after all, and it’s best to play it safe with your essential papers!

By understanding the basics of a 3-day cruise with no passport, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth sailing experience. Now, let’s delve deeper into why these short getaways are becoming the go-to for many travelers.

Benefits of a 3-Day Cruise Without a Passport

When the idea of a short vacation comes to mind, many envision sandy beaches, exotic locales, and, inevitably, the challenge of passports and visa requirements.

But with this no passport 3-day cruise, you’re in for some surprising perks. Let’s chart out these benefits and get you even more excited for your next adventure!

Hassle-Free Planning: Keep It Simple, Sailor!

One of the most significant advantages of a 3-day cruise passport-free is the simplicity in planning. Forget the stress of applying for or renewing a passport, waiting for visa approvals, or handling foreign currencies.

With your birth certificate and photo ID in tow, you’re all set. Simplified planning means more time to daydream about sunsets on the deck!

Affordability: Your Wallet Will Thank You

Shorter cruises tend to be lighter on the pocket. Combine that with the money you save by not getting a passport, and you’ve got yourself a budget-friendly vacation.

Plus, many cruise lines offer special deals and promotions for these brief getaways, making them an attractive option for both budget travelers and those looking for luxury at a bargain.

A Refreshing Break: Just Enough to Recharge

Three days might sound short, but it’s the perfect duration for a quick reset.

You get to disconnect from the daily grind, enjoy the open sea, indulge in onboard entertainment, and explore new destinations—all in a compact time frame. It’s like a mini-retreat for your soul!

Dive Into Diverse Cultures: No Passport, No Problem!

With a 3-day cruise with no passport, you aren’t limited to mundane destinations. You can still dip your toes in the Caribbean waters, savor the flavors of Mexico, or bask in the vibrant culture of the Bahamas.

It’s incredible how much cultural immersion you can experience in just three days.

Even on a short cruise, make sure to check out the ship’s itinerary and plan ahead. Whether it’s booking a spa session, reserving a spot for a special show, or choosing an offshore excursion, a little foresight ensures you make the most of every moment.

In the grand tapestry of travel experiences, a 3-day cruise holds its unique charm. Whether you’re a serial traveler or someone looking for an occasional escape, the benefits of these cruises make them an enticing choice.

Next up, let’s set our compass to some must-visit destinations that you can explore on your passport-free journey!

Top Destinations for 3-Day No-Passport Cruises

A 3-day cruise without a passport doesn’t mean you’re short on options when it comes to dazzling destinations.

From tranquil beaches to bustling markets, there’s a plethora of choices to ensure you have an unforgettable trip. Let’s set sail and discover some of the most sought-after spots you can visit.

The Bahamas: A Slice of Paradise

Nassau , the vibrant capital, often tops the list of ports for many cruise lines. With its stunning beaches, the renowned Atlantis Resort, and a lively Straw Market, there’s a lot packed into this beautiful island.

• Activities : Dive into the azure waters with snorkeling trips, test your luck at the Atlantis Casino, or simply indulge in the local flavors with a Bahamian culinary tour.
• Don’t Miss : The Queen’s Staircase, a historic monument carved out of solid limestone, offers panoramic views of the island from its summit.

Mexico’s Baja Peninsula: A Fiesta for the Senses

Ensenada , located on the Baja California Peninsula, offers travelers a delightful mix of Mexican culture, adventure, and relaxation.

• Activities : Visit La Bufadora, one of the largest marine geysers in the world, or tour the local vineyards to taste some exquisite Mexican wines.
• Don’t Miss : A culinary stroll through the Mercado Negro, Ensenada’s fish market, where you can savor the freshest seafood tacos.

Key West, Florida: America’s Tropical Retreat

Anchoring the end of the Florida Keys, Key West is a blend of relaxation, history, and quirky charm.

• Activities : Explore the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, dive into the vibrant underwater world with a snorkeling trip, or take a sunset sail to end your day in style.
• Don’t Miss : The Southernmost Point Buoy, marking the lowest latitude land of contiguous North American states. It’s the perfect photo op!

Cozumel, Mexico: A Diver’s Dream

Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Cozumel is a must-visit for those looking to experience the best of the Caribbean.

• Activities : Delve into the underwater world with a scuba diving or snorkeling adventure, explore the ancient Mayan ruins at San Gervasio, or simply relax at one of the many pristine beaches.
• Don’t Miss : The island’s west coast offers a plethora of beach clubs and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine while watching a mesmerizing sunset.

While the allure of the destination is undeniable, always ensure to check the onboard schedule for the ship’s departure time from each port. You wouldn’t want to miss the boat, literally!

Whether it’s the allure of tropical beaches, the rich history, or the thrill of new adventures, each destination offers something unique for every traveler on a 3-day cruise with no passport.

As we navigate further, let’s help you pick the perfect cruise line to ensure your journey is nothing short of extraordinary!

Picking the Right Cruise Line for Your 3-Day Adventure

So, you’re sold on the idea of a 3-day cruise without your passport, and you’ve even shortlisted some dreamy destinations. But wait, there’s one crucial decision left to make—the cruise line.

The right cruise line can elevate your trip from good to exceptional, ensuring you get the most out of your short escape. Let’s delve into some of the industry’s heavy hitters and what they offer to help you make an informed choice.

Carnival Cruise Line: The Fun Ship

Often termed as “The Fun Ship”, Carnival Cruise Line caters primarily to those seeking a lively and energetic atmosphere.

• Amenities : From water slides to comedy clubs, karaoke to casinos, there’s never a dull moment.
• For Whom : Perfect for families, young couples, and groups looking to have non-stop entertainment.
• 3-Day Highlight : Their weekend cruises often feature themed nights, so don’t forget to pack that 80s outfit or pirate gear!

Royal Caribbean: A Royal Retreat

Royal Caribbean is known for its massive ships and equally vast array of onboard amenities.

• Amenities : Think rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and Broadway-style shows. Their ships are practically floating cities.
• For Whom : Ideal for those wanting a mix of adventure and luxury. Their wide range of activities caters to both young travelers and the young-at-heart.
• 3-Day Highlight : Their private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is a must-visit, offering everything from a massive waterpark to serene overwater cabanas.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Freestyle Cruising

With Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) , it’s all about flexibility. Their “Freestyle Cruising” concept ensures you’re the boss of your vacation.

• Amenities : Multiple dining options without set times, vast entertainment choices, and a relaxed dress code make for a tailored cruising experience.
• For Whom : Great for travelers who dislike strict schedules and want to customize their days as they go.
• 3-Day Highlight : The top-deck beach club, available on some ships, offers a luxury retreat with stunning ocean views.

Disney Cruise Line: A Magical Journey

For those traveling with little ones or simply the young at heart, Disney Cruise Line brings the magic of Disney to the high seas.

• Amenities : Character meet-and-greets, themed dining experiences, and Disney musicals ensure a magical experience.
• For Whom : Families with kids, Disney enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a wholesome, enchanted cruise experience.
• 3-Day Highlight : Their fireworks at sea, a spectacular display, is a unique feature that shouldn’t be missed.

When choosing a cruise line for your 3-day cruise with no passport requirements, consider what’s inclusive in the fare. Some might offer all-inclusive dining, while others might charge for specialty restaurants. Ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Picking the right cruise line is akin to choosing the perfect companion for a journey. Your choice will shape your experiences, memories, and overall satisfaction. As we journey forth in this guide, get ready to equip yourself with some practical tips to ensure smooth sailing ahead!

Preparation Tips for Your 3-Day Cruise

So, you’ve got your destination and cruise line sorted, but as any seasoned traveler will tell you, the key to a flawless vacation often lies in the preparation.

Setting off on a 3-day cruise might seem straightforward, but a few thoughtful considerations can make a world of difference. Here are some pro-tips to ensure you embark with ease and grace.

Documentation: Dotting the I’s and Crossing the T’s

Even though you’re bypassing the passport, having your other documents in order is crucial.

• Birth Certificate : Ensure you have an original or certified copy. If you’ve had any recent name changes, bring documentation for that too.
• Photo ID : Usually, a driver’s license will suffice. Double-check its validity before departure.

Packing Essentials: Less is More

Remember, it’s just three days, so packing light is the way to go.

• Clothing : Pack versatile outfits that can transition from day to night. Consider the cruise’s theme nights or formal dinners.
• Essentials : Sunscreen, medications, and any personal care items are a must.
• Tech : Don’t forget your chargers and consider a power strip (if allowed by the cruise line) as cabin outlets can sometimes be limited.

Budgeting: Set Sail Without Sinking Your Wallet

Short cruises can be budget-friendly, but unplanned expenses can add up.

• Onboard Expenses : From specialty dining to spa treatments, set a daily budget.
• Port Stops : Allocate funds for excursions, shopping, and local meals.

Health and Safety: Travel With Peace of Mind

No one wants to fall ill on vacation. A bit of caution can keep health woes at bay.

• Vaccinations : Check if any vaccinations are recommended for your destinations.
• Travel Insurance : Always a good idea, especially if it covers medical emergencies or unexpected cancellations.
• Hygiene : Pack hand sanitizers and wipes. Frequent hand washing is your best defense against onboard illnesses.

Get Acquainted with the Ship: Know Before You Go

A little research can enhance your experience tenfold.

• Deck Plans : Familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout—where’s the pool, the main dining area, the entertainment venues, etc.
• Activities Schedule : Most cruise lines will provide a daily itinerary. Look it up and bookmark what interests you.

Reach out to your cruise line ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions or special requirements. They’re usually accommodating and will ensure you have a comfortable experience.

With these preparation tips, you’re not just gearing up for a 3-day cruise vacation , but ensuring it’s three days of sheer bliss. As the anticipation builds, our next section will give you a glimpse into the life onboard.

Ready to dive into the cruise experience? Let’s set sail!

Onboard Experience: Riding the Waves in Style

Stepping onto a cruise ship is like entering a different world—a floating city brimming with entertainment, relaxation, and discovery.

Your cruise might be short, but the moments you’ll create onboard can last a lifetime. Here’s a glimpse into what awaits you once you’re aboard.

Day 1: Embarkation and Exploration

Setting Sail in Style

• Embarkation : The excitement begins! After a streamlined check-in process, it’s time to explore. Familiarize yourself with the ship, maybe even take a guided tour if offered.

First Night Festivities

• Dinner : Your first onboard meal! Whether it’s a buffet or a sit-down affair, indulge in an array of global cuisines.
• Entertainment : From Broadway-style shows to live music, see what the night holds. Don’t forget the welcome parties—they’re a blast!

Day 2: Dive into Onboard Activities

Morning Bliss

• Spa Sessions : Consider booking a massage or facial—perfect for those sea days.
• Fitness : For the active traveler, most ships boast state-of-the-art gyms, and some even offer sunrise yoga sessions.

Afternoon Adventures

• Classes and Workshops : From cooking demonstrations to dance classes, there’s always something new to learn.
• Pool Time : Grab that book you’ve been meaning to read and lounge by the pool, cocktail in hand.

Evening Extravaganza

• Themed Nights : Many cruises host themed nights. So, whether it’s a white party, 80s night, or masquerade ball, get ready to dance the night away!

Day 3: Savoring the Last Moments

Relax and Reflect

• Quiet Corners : Find that serene spot on the ship, maybe a library or a sun deck, and take in the ocean views.
• Shopping : Don’t forget to check out onboard shops for souvenirs or duty-free deals.

Farewell Festivities

• Last Supper : Relish that final onboard meal. Consider splurging on a specialty restaurant if available.
• Final Show : Cruise lines often save the best for last. Attend the grand finale show or concert.

Engage with the crew and staff—they have a wealth of knowledge and often share hidden gems about the ship or even the ports you’re visiting. Plus, their stories add a layer of depth to your voyage.

Every second on a 3-day cruise offers a chance to create memories, whether it’s laughing over a shared joke, witnessing a mesmerizing sunset, or simply feeling the gentle sway of the ship as you drift to sleep.

As our journey in this guide continues, let’s prepare you for the shores that beckon, ensuring your port stops are as enchanting as your time onboard.

Making the Most of Your Port Stops: Adventure Awaits Ashore!

The ship itself is an experience, but the real magic often happens when it docks. Those few hours in cruise ports can be a whirlwind of exploration, culture, and adventure.

With a 3-day cruise with no passport, your stops are precious, and every minute counts. Here’s how to ensure you make the most of them.

Guided Tours vs. Independent Exploration: What’s Your Style?

Organized Excursions

• Pros : Hassle-free and often comprehensive. You’ll be taken to key sights, and there’s little risk of missing the ship’s departure.
• Cons : Can be pricier and might lack the authentic, local touch.

DIY Exploration

• Pros : Freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and interact more with locals.
• Cons : Requires thorough research and planning to ensure you don’t miss out—or miss your ship!

Top Attractions: Make a Hit List

While it’s tempting to see everything, time is of the essence.

• Research Beforehand : Identify the top 2 or 3 must-see spots in each port. Prioritize them.
• Local Insights : Once docked, chat with locals or vendors. They often recommend places that aren’t on the typical tourist trail.

Souvenirs & Local Delicacies: Take a Piece of the Port With You

Every destination has its unique products and flavors.

• Shop Local : Hunt for handcrafted souvenirs that represent the essence of the place.
• Taste the Locale : Savor local dishes or street food. It’s an experience for the taste buds!

Safety First: Enjoy With Caution

While exploring, it’s essential to be aware and safe.

• Stay Informed : Know the areas to avoid. Research common scams in the area so you can steer clear.
• Keep Valuables Secure : Use a money belt or hidden pouch. Leave non-essentials on the ship.
• Stay Connected : Ensure you have a way to contact your ship or local authorities. Consider purchasing a temporary local SIM card or renting a Wi-Fi device.

Always be aware of the ship’s departure time and factor in how far you are from the port. It’s better to return a bit early and enjoy some onboard amenities than to race against time.

Your port stops during a 3-day cruise with no passport are golden opportunities to immerse yourself in new cultures, landscapes, and experiences.

With a mix of planning and spontaneity, you can ensure your time ashore is as memorable as the journey itself. Ready for the next leg of our guide? We’re diving into some common queries and concerns to ensure you’re equipped for anything!

Scoring 3-Day Cruise Deals: Set Sail on a Budget

A 3-day cruise   is already a budget-friendly vacation choice. But who doesn’t love an even sweeter deal?

With a little savvy, you can score discounts and special offers, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck. Ready to navigate the waters of cruise deals? Anchors away!

Timing is Everything: When to Book

Last-Minute Deals

• Pros : Cruise lines often drop prices significantly as the departure date nears to fill any remaining cabins.
• Cons : Limited choice of cabin types and locations. Not ideal if you need to plan far in advance.

Wave Season

• Every January to March is the cruise industry’s “Wave Season.” During these months, cruise lines roll out their best deals, including discounted fares, cabin upgrades, and onboard credit.

Be Flexible: Play Around with Dates

If you’re not bound by specific dates, this can be a goldmine for deals.

• Off-Peak Seasons : Consider cruising during the start or end of a season. Prices are usually lower, and ports are less crowded.
• Mid-Week Departures : Cruises that depart on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often have more competitive rates.

Use Technology: Deal Alerts & Newsletters

Cruise Deal Websites & Apps

• Platforms like Cruise Critic , Vacations To Go , or Cruise Deals can help you track price drops and special offers.
• Set up alerts for specific routes or cruise lines to get notified of deals.

Newsletter Sign-Ups

• By subscribing to cruise line newsletters or those of travel agencies, you get first dibs on promotions, exclusive deals, and limited-time offers.

Loyalty Pays: Join Cruise Line Reward Programs

If you’ve cruised before or plan to do so frequently:

• Reward Points : Many cruise lines have loyalty programs where you earn points for every cruise. These can be redeemed for discounts, upgrades, or even free cruises.
• Exclusive Deals : Loyalty members often get access to special promotions not available to the general public.

Travel Agents: Old School but Effective

While the digital age has made DIY booking easy, don’t underestimate the value of a good travel agent.

• Exclusive Packages : They often have access to exclusive packages or deals not available to the general public.
• Personalized Service : They can tailor your cruise experience, ensuring you get the best value for your preferences and budget.

Always factor in additional costs when considering a deal. A super cheap fare might be tempting, but if it comes with added expenses like port fees, gratuities, or restrictive terms, it might not be the bargain it seems.

Common Questions & Concerns: Navigating Your 3-Day Cruise Queries

Embarking on 3-day cruises without passports might sound straightforward, but it’s natural to have some questions or concerns.

From logistical doubts to onboard what-ifs, let’s tackle some of the most commonly asked questions to ensure you set sail with confidence.

What if I decide to stay longer and miss the cruise return?

Answer : It’s crucial to always be aware of your ship’s departure time from each port. If you miss the boat, you’ll be responsible for your transportation to the next port or back home. It’s also a good idea to have travel insurance that covers missed departures.

How flexible are the departure and return times?

Answer : Cruise schedules are generally fixed. Departure and return times are set to ensure the ship maintains its itinerary. Always double-check the times provided by the cruise line, especially for port stops, and ensure you’re back well before the departure time.

Can I bring back duty-free items?

Answer : Yes, you can purchase duty-free items during your cruise, especially in ports. However, there are limits to the amount of duty-free goods you can bring back into the U.S. Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines for specifics.

What happens in case of a medical emergency?

Answer : All cruise ships are equipped with medical facilities and staff to handle emergencies. If the situation is severe, they might divert to the nearest port or arrange a medical evacuation. It’s wise to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Do I need to tip onboard?

Answer : Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account, which covers tipping for staff. However, if you experience exceptional service or want to give an additional tip, it’s always appreciated.

Will my cell phone work?

Answer : While at sea, regular cell service usually won’t work unless your carrier has a roaming agreement with the ship’s satellite service. However, many ships offer Wi-Fi packages. When in port, you might be able to connect to local networks, but be cautious of roaming charges.

Is seasickness common? How can I prevent it?

Answer : While modern cruise ships are designed to minimize motion, seasickness can still happen, especially if the sea is rough. Over-the-counter medications, wristbands, or even certain foods like ginger can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. If prone to motion sickness, consider booking a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck, where motion is typically felt the least.

For any concerns not addressed in this section or by your cruise documentation, don’t hesitate to contact the cruise line directly. They’ll be more than happy to assist and ensure you have a smooth sailing experience.

Conclusion: Ready to Embrace the Waves?

Setting off on a 3-day cruise with no passport is like unlocking a hidden world of convenience and wonder.

From the intoxicating allure of the open sea to the vibrant tapestry of cultures awaiting at each port, it’s a journey that promises memories, rejuvenation, and tales worth sharing.

With this guide at your helm, you’re equipped not just to sail, but to thrive on your voyage.

So, anchor up, let the horizon beckon, and embark on your next adventure with enthusiasm and confidence. The sea is calling—will you answer?

FAQs on 3-Day Cruise Without a Passport: Quick Answers to Common Queries

1. do i really not need a passport for a 3-day cruise.

Answer : For closed-loop cruises (those that start and end in the same U.S. port), U.S. citizens can typically use a government-issued photo ID and an original or certified copy of their birth certificate instead of a passport. However, it’s always wise to check with your specific cruise line for their documentation requirements.

2. Can children go on a 3-day cruise without a passport?

Answer : Yes, for closed-loop cruises, children under 16 years of age can usually travel with just their original or certified birth certificate.

3. What happens if there’s an unplanned stop in a foreign country?

Answer : In the rare event that there’s an unplanned stop, passengers without a passport might be required to stay onboard. It’s always beneficial to carry a passport if possible, as it provides more flexibility.

4. Are there any other advantages to bringing a passport?

Answer : Absolutely! While not necessary for closed-loop cruises, having a passport makes the disembarkation process faster in some ports. It’s also essential if you plan to fly from a foreign country to the U.S. for any reason, including emergencies.

5. What’s the difference between an original and a certified copy of a birth certificate?

Answer : An original birth certificate is the document issued at birth. A certified copy is a duplicate of the original, issued by the relevant government agency, and usually comes with an official seal or stamp.

6. Is a photocopy of the birth certificate sufficient?

Answer : No. Cruise lines and customs officials will require an original or a certified copy of the birth certificate. Photocopies are not typically accepted.

7. Are there any cruises where a passport is mandatory?

Answer : Yes. If your cruise starts and ends in different U.S. ports or begins/ends in a foreign port, a passport is generally required. It’s also needed for certain destinations, so always check with your cruise line before booking.

8. If my cruise doesn’t require a passport, should I leave mine at home?

Answer : It’s a personal choice. Some travelers prefer to bring their passports for added security and flexibility, storing them in the ship’s safe during the voyage. Others choose to leave them at home to minimize the risk of loss or theft.

9. How do I ensure my birth certificate and ID stay safe during the cruise?

Answer : It’s advisable to bring a water-resistant pouch or holder for your documents. While onboard, utilize the safe available in your cabin for added security.

10. Can I extend my stay in a port and catch up with the cruise at the next stop?

Answer : While it’s technically possible, it’s fraught with complications. You’d need the necessary travel documents, including a passport, to move between countries independently. Plus, there’s the risk of unforeseen delays. Always communicate with your cruise line if considering such a move.

11. What kind of activities can I expect at the ports?

Answer : Depending on the destination, activities can range from beach visits, historical site tours, water sports, local shopping, culinary experiences, and more. Most cruise lines offer organized excursions, or you can plan your own adventure.

12. Do I need local currency at each port stop?

Answer : It’s helpful but not always necessary. Many tourist-focused businesses in popular ports accept U.S. dollars. However, for smaller purchases or off-the-beaten-path explorations, having some local currency can be advantageous. ATMs are generally available at ports, and cruise ships might offer currency exchange services.

13. What if there’s bad weather forecasted during our port day?

Answer : Cruise lines prioritize passenger safety. In the event of extreme weather, a port stop might be modified or skipped entirely. Alternative arrangements, like visiting a different port or extra onboard activities, are usually made.

14. Can I drink tap water in the ports?

Answer : It varies by destination. In some places, tap water is safe for consumption, while in others, it’s advisable to drink bottled water. Research your port stops ahead of time or consult with your cruise line for guidance.

15. Is travel insurance really necessary for such a short cruise?

Answer : While not mandatory, travel insurance is always a good idea. It can cover unexpected issues like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage. For a short trip, the cost is relatively low compared to the potential benefits.

16. Are there dress codes for visiting certain ports?

Answer : Some destinations, especially religious sites or conservative cultures, might have specific dress codes or norms. It’s respectful to adhere to these. Research ahead or consult onboard excursion teams for advice.

17. If a friend or family member is joining midway through the cruise, do they need a passport?

Answer : Joining a cruise midway usually requires crossing international borders independently, so a passport would typically be necessary. Always check with the cruise line for specifics.

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Top Places to Cruise Without a Passport

Did you know it's possible to cruise without a passport? Many people don't know that as a U.S. Citizen, you can take advantage of the benefits of no-passport cruises for itineraries that begin and end at a U.S. Port.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Although you do not need a passport to visit these destinations as a U.S. citizen, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for their cruise vacation.

Vacation planners are always wondering if you need a passport for a cruise. When sailing from and back to the same US port, there are a surprising number of cruise destinations you can visit with Norwegian. Our top places to cruise without a passport include:

Sporting one of the youngest fleets to sail along the spectacular coastline of British Columbia, Norwegian will take you in style as you cruise from Seattle to ports of call such as Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria.

Think: whale spotting, dog-sledding or thrill riding on a jet-powered catamaran. Or maybe unprecedented photo ops, wildlife viewing, and glacier watching are more your thing. Whatever you're looking to do, Alaska is definitely nature at its best.

You’ll be living on island time in no time with the Bahamas' close proximity to the US mainland! You can sail from Port Canaveral or Miami on a 3-, 4- or 7-day cruise on board the newly refurbished Norwegian Sky .

You can visit Norwegian's pristine private island, Great Stirrup Cay , or destinations like Nassau. If you've got some extra time to spare, be sure to take advantage of available Florida pre- and post-cruise stays, because, after all, you're on vacation! So, why not make the most of it?

When you get to spend 3 full days on the beautiful, oh-so-British (and pink!) island of Bermuda , it's no wonder Norwegian was voted as having the Best Bermuda Itinerary !

You can cruise without a passport from Boston on board Norwegian Dawn , or from New York on Norwegian Escape or Norwegian Breakaway , to Bermuda where those gorgeous pink sands await you. And with 3 days to explore , you can cover the island at your leisure while visiting shops, restaurants and even golf courses ‘til your heart's content.

4. Canada & New England

See Mother Nature at her best when the autumn months turn seemingly ordinary trees into a striking array of crimson and gold. As an added bonus, a cruise to Canada & New England is a history lover's delight!

You can embark from Boston on board Norwegian Dawn or from New York on Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Escape , where highlights can include visiting the historical destinations of Quebec City, Halifax, and Charlottetown, along with Portland and Bar Harbour.

5. The Caribbean

With so many picture-perfect islands, a wide variety of ships to choose from, and multiple convenient departure points including Boston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Port Canaveral, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Tampa, it's not surprising Norwegian has retained its title as the Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line for the past 10 years!

RELATED CRUISES: 10-Day Caribbean Cruise: Bahamas & Bermuda on Norwegian Joy 9-Day Alaska Cruise: Skagway & Juneau on Norwegian Sun 12-Day Hawaii Cruise: Kauau, Maui & Moorea on Norwegian Spirit

With so many choices, you'll be grooving to those alluring Caribbean island rhythms in no time! And of course, we can't forget the fantastic array of duty-free shopping and the delicious Caribbean cuisine . Oh, and the colorful tropical fish you'll see when snorkeling and scuba diving. And…okay. You get the idea.

6. Mexican Riviera

See more of Mexico and all it has to offer on a Mexico Cruise. Norwegian will take you from Los Angeles to a variety of ports that will offer you a combination of adventure and relaxation that you could not get anywhere else. Sail aboard some of our newest ships, including Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy .

Ports of call can include Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, where you'll find that charming Mexican vibe, along with water sport and adventures galore.

Voted to be the Best Hawaii Cruise Itinerary, the Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu while offering 4 islands during her 7-day cruise, including 2 overnight stays, which means you'll be able to maximize your island time in port while visiting the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. Your tropical Hawaiian paradise experience awaits! And if you want even more from your vacation, consider adding a 4-day Land Tour in Oahu . Because why? That's right, you're on vacation!

Required Documents in Leau of No Passport

Even though you'll be sailing on a no-passport-required cruise, you're still required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification :

Proof of Citizenship (as outlined below) AND Government-issued photo ID

• State certified U.S. birth certificate
• (Baptismal paper, hospital certificates of birth, and Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to 7/1/10 are not acceptable.)
• Original certificate of U.S. naturalisation
• Original certificate of U.S. citizenship
• U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad

WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative)-compliant documents (click here to for more information.)

*A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID.

Although you do not need a passport to visit these destinations as a U.S. citizen, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for their cruise vacation for the following reasons:

• If you miss your ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet your ship.
• You unexpectedly need to depart the ship from a foreign port prior to the end of sailing, a passport would be required to leave or re-enter the U.S. by air.
• If you need to obtain a passport quickly, please contact VisaCentral at 844-834-5702 and reference account 75006 for discounted VisaCentral service fees. VisaCentral can obtain a passport in as little as 48 hours.

For more on required travel documents, visit our Cruise Travel Documents page .

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on November 15, 2017. It has been updated to show related content and itineraries.

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The Vacationer • Cruises • Cruise Guides

Cruises Without a Passport: Here’s Everywhere You Can Cruise Without a Passport in 2024

When you think about cruises, you probably think of international travel. After all, most cruises departing from a U.S. port are headed into international waters, whether you’re sailing from Florida into the Caribbean or from Boston up into Canada. And when we think of international travel, we often think of one key requirement: a passport. 

However, despite this, you don’t actually need a passport to go on every cruise. No, that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck on New England small ship sailings or taking a river cruise down the Mississippi. You can take a wonderfully warm, tropical Caribbean cruise away from the States without the hassle of acquiring or renewing a passport .

Here’s how it works.

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Table of Contents

Cruises That Do Not Require a Passport

Certain cruises do not require cruisers to present a passport when boarding which is good news for the many Americans suffering from long passport processing times .

These include cruises that fall under the guidelines of an international agreement referred to as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and which start and end at the same U.S. port (known as a closed-loop itinerary). The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative dictates where you can and cannot sail without a passport, but most Western Hemisphere destinations are approved. 

A note on closed-loop itineraries 

Understand that when the government says “closed-loop itinerary” — they mean it! If you plan to take a cruise that visits foreign locales, it must start and end at the exact same U.S. port. 

If you leave Miami, you have to return to Miami. You cannot leave Miami, visit a few Caribbean islands, go through the Panama Canal and Mexico, and then hop off the ship in California. While, yes, you would have started and ended your journey in the United States, that’s still not good enough. You have to start and end at the exact same destination.

Examples of Cruise Destinations That Do Not Require a Passport

Photo: pixabay

The Caribbean

Of course, there are places in the Caribbean that you can go without any sort of special documentation whatsoever beyond what you would typically use to fly within the mainland United States. These destinations include:

• Puerto Rico

However, thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, you can travel to many other islands throughout the Caribbean via a cruise. There’s no passport required. You will have to book a closed-loop sailing. However, that’s easy enough, as that’s the primary option you’ll find when booking most cruises anyway. 

Caribbean islands that you can visit during a closed-loop sailing without a passport include: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• The British Virgin Islands
• The Cayman Islands
• The Dominican Republic
• The Netherlands Antilles
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Turks & Caicos

Click Here to See Commonly Booked Caribbean Cruises

Caribbean islands that you cannot visit during a closed-loop sailing without a passport include:

• St. Martin 
• Trinidad & Tobago 

Before booking your Caribbean cruise, thoroughly review the itinerary. You want to ensure that the ship will not stop at any of these islands. 

Otherwise, as you can see from the list above, most popular Caribbean destinations are fair game. Just ensure that you have the requisite documents in place of your passport, including a government-issued photo ID and an original or copy of your birth certificate. 

Whether you want to cruise along Mexico’s Caribbean side or the Pacific coast, you can do so without a passport, so long as your cruise starts and ends in the same port city in the United States. On these closed-loop itineraries, you only need to present a government ID and birth certificate (or a passport card).  

Click Here to See Commonly Booked Mexican Riviera Cruises

You won’t need a passport if you want to cruise up either side of Canada. This includes cruise itineraries that go to Alaska and that make stops in Canada along the way. 

This is also the one example of where you can take a cruise without a passport and without adhering to the closed-loop itinerary rule. You can technically take a cruise to Canada and not return to the same U.S. port, just as long as you don’t try to fly anywhere. The amicable relationship between Canada and the U.S. means you can cross Canada-U.S. borders via sea or land (not air) without a passport, if you have other valid identification, such as a NEXUS card or FAST card. 

That said, to be honest, gathering up other valid types of identification might be more troublesome than just getting a passport. For the most convenience possible, consider getting a passport if you don’t want to book a closed-loop itinerary cruise to Canada. 

Otherwise, on closed-loop itineraries that travel to Canada, you only need to present a government ID and birth certificate (or a passport card).  

Click Here to See Commonly Booked Canada & New England Cruises

Don’t forget about Hawaii! When most travelers think of cruises in sunny, sandy locales, they think of the Caribbean or South Pacific. However, Hawaii is right there, and since it’s a U.S. state, there’s no worry about passports.

You can choose to either fly out to Hawaii and take an inter-island cruise, or you can take a cruise all the way from California to Hawaii and back.

Click Here to See Commonly Booked Hawaii Cruises

Before cruising, read our Guide to Bringing Food, Alcohol, Water, & Snacks on a Cruise Ship as well as our guide on the Best Credit Cards for Cruises .

What Documentation Do You Need for a Cruise if You Don’t Have a Passport? 

According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, when traveling on a closed-loop cruise without a passport, other valid documentation that you can present during cruise ship boarding includes:

• A government-issued photo ID (for everyone over the age of 16)
• PLUS an original or copy of your birth certificate from the Vital Records Department 
• OR a consular report of birth abroad
• OR a certificate of naturalization 

Note that the government-issued photo ID must show your photo, name, and date of birth. A driver’s license is valid; however, a social security card is not. 

Additionally, the birth certificate must be from the Vital Records Department, not the hospital, with the only exception being if the individual in question is so young that the Vital Records Department has not issued a birth certificate yet (so, basically a newborn). 

You can also get a passport card , which is like a lower-cost, limited version of a passport book (which is what a traditional passport is). This will work as valid identification for sea and land travel. However, it will not be accepted as a valid form of ID for air travel unless you’re flying domestically. 

Some U.S. citizens may also be able to use an “EDL” or an Enhanced Driver’s License, which can be used in place of a passport when re-entering the United States after traveling from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. However, at this time, EDLs are only available to citizens in certain states. 

Likewise, another potential option that’s valid on some cruises and in some destinations (though not all) is a Trusted Travel card. Trusted Traveler cards include Nexus, SENTRI, and FAST cards.

Still looking to get a passport? Learn How to Take Your Own Passport Photo at Home .

What happens if I don’t have the right documentation? 

Don’t have the right documentation to cruise, according to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection? Then don’t even bother trying to board the ship. You’ll be turned away at the cruise port.

Is it Worth Trying to Cruise Without a Passport? 

Let’s remember that just because you can do something doesn’t always mean that you should. For some travelers, trying to cruise without a passport just isn’t worth it.

For example, if you don’t have a copy of your birth certificate or any of the other accepted forms of documentation that you’ll need to cruise without a passport, you’ll still have to do a fair amount of paperwork and waiting to get that documentation. At that point, you could just get a passport.

Additionally, if you choose to go the passport card route, you’ll find it quite limiting. If you have any future plans of traveling internationally, paying the extra cost for a passport book is worth your time. 

There are also accidents and unforeseen emergencies to consider. While not common, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility for a cruise ship to need to make a sudden, unplanned stop at the nearest port. If that place happens to be somewhere that requires a passport, you may find yourself in a bad spot. 

Or, what if you’re in an accident or there’s an emergency at home? If you had a passport, you could just leave the cruise during its next stop and hop on a flight from the nearest airport. However, you always need a passport to fly internationally, so if you don’t have one, you’d be out of luck.

The same thing could happen if you accidentally don’t make it back to your ship in time for departure, following a day out at one of the itinerary’s destinations. While normally, you could meet back up with the ship on the next island over, if you had a passport, again, if you don’t, you can’t. 

All that said, though, if you don’t plan on traveling internationally at any other point, and you already have a copy of your birth certificate handy, then go ahead and book that cruise — just realize that there are some associated risks. 

Have a Passport? You Might Not Necessarily Be in the Clear

If you’ve given it some thought and plan to use your passport for an upcoming cruise, don’t just assume your trip will be all smooth sailing from here. 

Most destinations require that your passport be valid for six months after your departure date, and the same is true for most cruise lines. Before you book your cruise, ensure your current passport will still be valid six months from the cruise’s end date.

If you do have a passport, read our guide to the Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines . Explore options for ocean and river cruises across the world.

You Should Always Check with Your Cruise Line

All of the above considered, you should always check with your cruise line regarding what documents you may need for an upcoming cruise. The cruise line will be able to inform you of its policies, as well as requirements that will apply to your specific itinerary. Most cruise lines, however, do greatly encourage travelers to bring a passport as their primary form of ID.

If your cruise begins and ends at the same port in the United States, stays within the Western Hemisphere, and does not visit certain Caribbean countries, then you can travel using other accepted documents.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection: “U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license, picture ID, denoting photo, name, and date of birth.”

If your cruise itinerary does not necessitate a passport, you must show other valid documentation. If your cruise itinerary does require a passport, and you don’t have one, you will be turned away from the ship and not allowed to board.

Caribbean countries that you cannot cruise to unless you have a passport include Barbados, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, St. Barts, and Trinidad & Tobago.

No, in most cases, you will not need to go through customs every time you leave a cruise ship. The cruise line will record your information upon boarding and then will provide that information to the destinations you visit on your behalf, so you don’t have to spend hours standing in long customs lines every time you want to disembark for a shore excursion.

Editorial Disclosure:   Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.  

By Holly Riddle

Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes, and Bloomberg. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago and New Orleans.

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Where can I cruise without a passport?

Editor's Note

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

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

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

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Home » Vacations

Cruises Without a Passport: 10 Dreamy Destinations to Get Away

All aboard! You don’t need a plane ticket or a passport to explore amazing destinations outside US borders. Instead, consider setting sail and cruising the high seas to discover some truly incredible and beautiful places right here in our own backyard—figuratively speaking, of course. From the calm seas of the Caribbean to the eclectic shores of the Pacific and beyond, dine on delicious food, dance to exciting beats, and take in breathtaking sights, and that’s all before you even step foot off the boat! If you’re ready to discover your new favorite place, we’ll take you through the ten best cruises you can enjoy without a passport.

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You can travel on a cruise without a passport, but it does depend on the type of cruise. Anything that requires an international flight, for example, is out—yes, unfortunately, that does mean no European cruising. But if you’re going on a closed-loop cruise, you can absolutely travel without a passport.

A closed-loop cruise is one that sails within the western hemisphere and starts and ends in the same port. For example, an itinerary that begins in Miami, stops in the Bahamas, and returns to Miami is a closed loop. On a roundtrip cruise like this, travelers don’t need a passport. 

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection , US citizens can travel on a closed-loop cruise so long as they have one of the following documents:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Enhanced Drivers License (EDL)
• U.S. Passport
• Passport Card
• Birth Certificate 

But, while that’s all that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires, that’s not to say you’re in the clear just yet. Some cruise lines may need a passport even if you’re traveling on a closed-loop cruise. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one such cruise line requiring passports on all voyages , regardless of destination. In contrast, Carnival allows US citizens to travel without a passport on closed-loop cruises, leaving you free and clear to explore some incredible destinations.

Maybe you’ve been invited on a last-minute trip and don’t have time to get your passport. Maybe you’ve already applied, but your passport won’t arrive in time. For whatever reason, you may not be able to obtain a passport before your departure. Fear not. You can still travel and enjoy an amazing cruise experience.

But it is worth knowing that Carnival, and other cruise lines like it, recommend citizens travel with a passport, even if the cruise line doesn’t require it. 

Specific ports of call will require a passport to disembark, so you’ll have to stay onboard if you don’t have yours. Of course, with near-endless entertainment available, this won’t be too much of a drag. But it is something to consider if you want to explore all the destinations along your cruise route. Additionally, if you miss your scheduled departure, you can fly to a foreign port to catch the remainder of your cruise or disembark and fly back to the US in an emergency. Without a passport, that’s pretty much impossible.

So, while you can travel without a passport, you should absolutely bring it along with you if you have it lying around at home!

The Best Places to Cruise Without a Passport 

You don’t need your passport to sail to these stunning destinations—just an adventurous spirit and a boarding pass. Here are ten fun and breathtaking cruises you can take without a passport for an unforgettable experience.

Looking for a tropical getaway? Travelers are spoiled for choice, whether looking for quick weekend getaways to paradise or trips long enough to set their work status to Away.

The Bahamas

Sink your toes into pink sand beaches, dive into vibrant coral reefs, and enjoy a picture-perfect island getaway with a cruise to the Bahamas. While many might think this island destination is off-limits without a passport, you actually don’t need one to disembark from your cruise. That means you can explore every bit of the Bahamas, from fun sports out on the water to island shopping in Nassau and kicking back on the unspoiled beaches of Princess Cays or Half Moon Cay.

Located close to the US, this beautiful cluster of islands makes for a quick and easy getaway from many of the ports dotting the Florida coast. 

The southern neighbor of the United States has two gorgeous coasts to its name, promising double the fun for cruises without a passport. The eastern coast of Mexico, bordering the Caribbean Sea, is doubtless the more well-known and well-traveled, offering a dazzling array of natural wonders, least of all its white sand beaches. But, of course, there’s plenty more where that comes from. Mexico’s eastern coastline bursts with ancient Mayan Ruins, mouthwatering cuisine, and a list of land and water activities a mile long, from ziplining over the jungle to horseback riding on the sand.

While the east coast is most accessible from Florida ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Port Canaveral, travelers can also hop aboard cruises heading out from Galveston, New Orleans, and the Port of Mobile in Alabama for some passport-free fun on Mexico’s Caribbean shores.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the best places to travel without a passport . Period. So it’s no surprise that it also makes for one of the best cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Colorful colonial buildings line cobblestone streets, waterfalls dot the lush jungles, and bioluminescent bays make the coastline quite literally shine.

What makes Puerto Rico special is that you’re not just relegated to cruises departing from Florida or other mainland ports. Even without a passport, you can fly to Puerto Rico to set sail on a Caribbean holiday right from the Caribbean. 

But, of course, even if you start your journey from the US mainland, plenty of Caribbean cruises offer a stop at San Juan. And because you don’t need a passport to travel here, this is one stop where exploring your destination is guaranteed.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Since pirates sailed the seas, the U.S. Virgin Islands have been a coveted destination for many travelers. Luckily for tourists, it’s another rare gem in the glittering Caribbean Sea that US citizens can either cruise or fly to, thanks to its status as a US territory. And a good thing, too, because this destination is not to be missed. The pristine beaches and turquoise waters are considered some of the best in the world . From the coconut-dotted shores of Magens Bay to the turquoise waters and colorful marine life of Trunks Bay, a tropical paradise awaits.

Of course, it’s not all about the beaches on the U.S. Virgin Islands. Wander colonial towns rife with history, shop till you drop with double the duty-free limit of other islands, and discover colorful worlds beneath the ocean’s surface.

Plenty of Eastern Caribbean cruises stop at the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with Puerto Rico, so you can fully enjoy both ports worry-free, even without a passport.

Other Caribbean Islands

While the Caribbean has its fair share of sought-after destinations, plenty of other amazing stops along the way don’t require a passport for your Caribbean cruises. Swim with stingrays at Grand Cayman, take in the lush, rolling hills of St. Kitts, and chase waterfalls on Dominica.

And for those stops requiring a passport, those days will be the perfect opportunity to kick back and enjoy the ship’s many amenities while the crowds have their fun on land. And something you never need a passport for is enjoying the incredible views from the deck of your Caribbean cruises. 

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From the glacial landscapes of Alaska to the tropical shores of Hawaii, the Pacific showcases gem after gem of incredible destinations and unfathomable beauty. Prepare to set off from the West Coast and sail into adventure with these spectacular cruise destinations.

Home to incredible wildlife, stunning glaciers, and charming towns, Alaska bursts with must-see sights. And short of a helicopter tour over the majestic landscapes,  the best way to see it all is on an Alaskan cruise. Visit waterfront cities like Juneau and Skagway, dog-sled over snowy landscapes, and watch for the tell-tale tail slaps and breaches of playful whales out on the water.

Now, you might think that Alaska is an obvious choice for cruises without a passport. After all, it’s a US state, and you don’t need a passport to visit. But, many Alaskan cruises combine stops in Alaska with a stop or two in British Columbia. And trust us; you’ll be glad they do. In Victoria, enchantment awaits among the ancient Victorian architecture whether you’re riding in horse-drawn carriages or atop a double-decker bus, while Vancouver promises as much beautiful scenery as it does lively entertainment.

Alaskan cruises commonly depart from Anchorage, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver. While in most cases, you would need a passport to travel into Canada, you can get around this by crossing the land border and providing an Enhanced Drivers License (currently only available to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington) and a birth certificate. With these documents, you can hop on a one-way cruise from Canada to Alaska or vice versa. Just remember, if you’re planning to fly into or out of Canada, you’ll need a passport.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful or enchanting domestic cruise than one sailing around the dramatic islands of Hawaii. Delight in black sand beaches on the Big Island, gushing waterfalls along Maui’s eastern coast, and the lush, verdant mountains of Kauai.

Cruises to Hawaii from the mainland depart from San Francisco, San Diego, and Long Beach. Another way to experience the islands via cruise is with an inter-island cruise beginning in Hawaii. If you want a quick tour around the islands without planning your own island-hopping itinerary , then a cruise is the way to go. And, of course, for these cruises, you don’t need a passport ; you just need to book a flight to Honolulu. There, Norwegian Cruise Lines sets sail to take travelers on an unforgettable tour of the beautiful Aloha State.

Mexican Riviera

If the name alone doesn’t have you packing your bags, we don’t know what will. One of the few rivieras travelers can enjoy without a passport, cruises to the west coast of Mexico include memorable stops at destinations like Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. Ride through the desert on camelback in Cabo San Lucas, or kick back on over 17 miles of beach bordered by the charming colonial town of Mazatlán. Delight in the relaxing wine country of Ensenada or dive into the breathtaking adventures of Puerto Vallarta’s lush mountains.

Unlike cruises to the Mexican Caribbean, If you’re heading out on a cruise of the Mexican Riviera, you’ll be departing from the opposite coast. San Francisco, San Diego, and Long Beach are the best cities for closed-loop cruises of these spectacular coasts. 

The East Coast isn’t lacking in its own incredible cruises you can enjoy without a passport. And the itineraries offer some fairly unlikely but inarguably breathtaking destinations, too.

This British colony likely isn’t among the top spots you’d imagine you could cruise to without a passport. But, thanks to a particular caveat specifically for US citizens traveling via closed-loop cruises, that’s exactly the case.

As Britain’s oldest colony and an island close to the US, Bermuda is a fascinating blend of cultures. The shows are American, the driving is British, and the music is African. But the island itself, well, that’s distinctly one-of-a-kind. The cities sport colorful island architecture with a British twist, while some fortifications still dot the landscape. Tour history in St. George or get out of the city to dive into Bermuda’s true treasures. Pink sand beaches dot the coast, caves hide enchanting pools and stalactite ceilings, and verdant hills offer stunning views of the tiny island.

Lying just over 640 miles off North Carolina’s coast, travelers can sail to Bermuda from several East Coast cities, including Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston, Manhattan, Norfolk, and Charleston.

New England and Canada

Combine the glitz and glamor of New York’s skyscrapers with the charm of lakes and lighthouses in Bar Harbor or Gilded Age Mansions in Newport, and you have a cruise that looks unlike any other on this list. Add in stops in Canada to explore the historic downtown of Halifax or take in the majestic fjord of Saguenay, and it becomes an incomparable East Coast cruise experience.

Though travelers can access one-way cruises from Canada if they have an EDL and birth certificate, the most common way to experience these cruise itineraries is with a closed-loop cruise from the US. The best places to set sail are from Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Norfolk. And, of course, because these cruises don’t require a passport, travelers can delight in experiencing everything their destinations have to offer, whether the stops are US favorites like Maine and Rhode Island or Canadian beauties like Nova Scotia and charmers like Quebec City.

While the world is your oyster with a passport, you aren’t stuck at home if you don’t have one, and these amazing cruises prove it. From the glittering seas and sandy shores of the Caribbean to the diverse destinations of the Pacific and one-of-a-kind cruises in the Atlantic, a pretty big part of the world awaits discovery. And you can experience it all with Next Vacay.

Next Vacay takes the stress and worry out of finding incredible flights to the destinations you love, which means you can focus on the important things, like whether to zip off to the Florida Coast for a trip around the Caribbean or book a ticket to the bustling West Coast for a tropical getaway or an arctic escape. Make flying the skies as effortless as cruising without a passport, and get ready to set sail with Next Vacay .

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The 8 Cruise Destinations That Don’t Require a Passport

Embarking on a cruise adventure can be a thrilling experience, and the great news is, you don’t always need a passport for this journey. The idea of setting sail into the horizon, with the promise of new experiences, can be enticing and liberating, especially when it’s hassle-free.

Imagine the ease of traveling without the need to go through the lengthy process of passport renewal or application. This possibility opens up a world of travel opportunities, inviting you to explore and indulge in the wonders of cruising.

Cruises that don’t require a passport offer the perfect blend of convenience and exploration. These trips often begin and end in the same port within the United States, termed as ‘closed-loop’ cruises.

Such cruises are a boon for those looking to take a break from the ordinary, offering a getaway that’s both accessible and extraordinary. The key lies in the simplicity of the process – less paperwork, and more enjoyment.

With just a few basic travel documents, including a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, you can embark on these unique cruises. This simplified documentation process makes these cruises especially appealing to those who prefer not to or cannot use a passport.

Cruise Destinations That Don’t Require a Passport

The caribbean.

The Caribbean is a treasure trove of sun, sea, and diverse cultures. With options for closed-loop itineraries from numerous U.S. cities, including Miami, New York, and New Orleans, the Caribbean offers a wide array of experiences.

From the historic and adventure-packed Eastern Caribbean to the vibrant and nature-rich Southern Caribbean, and the culturally diverse Western Caribbean, there’s a slice of paradise for every traveler. Engage in activities like ziplining, waterfall swimming, and quad bike riding, or relax on pristine beaches.

Not just a destination for leisure, the Caribbean offers a journey through history and culture, with opportunities to explore ancient ruins, rainforests, and engage in wildlife encounters. This destination caters to a broad spectrum of interests, making it a perfect choice for a passport-free tropical getaway.

Cruising along the West Coast of the United States offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of California, Washington, and Oregon without needing a passport.

These cruises typically meander along California’s stunning coastline, allowing you to experience the iconic beauty of places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Up north, Seattle, Washington, and Astoria, Oregon serve as scenic ports, each with its own charm.

Seattle, known for its coffee culture and markets, and Astoria, with its adventure-rich history, provide distinct experiences. West Coast cruises are ideal for those looking for a quick getaway or for first-time cruisers wanting a taste of the Californian lifestyle and the broader West Coast.

Whether it’s for a short break or a longer voyage, these cruises offer a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and sightseeing along America’s stunning Pacific coastline.

Set sail to the Bahamas, a dreamy destination for a passport-free adventure! Embrace the joy of tropical escapades right from various U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. Here, the sparkling waters and sun-kissed beaches of Nassau invite you to dive into its vibrant coral reefs and explore pastel-colored British colonial architecture.

Freeport offers a unique blend of local culture and natural beauty, with opportunities to kayak through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park or indulge in some serious shopping at Port Lucaya Marketplace. For an exclusive resort experience, head to Princess Cays at the southern end of Eleuthera.

Each of these Bahamian gems is accessible through a variety of closed-loop cruises, ranging from short weekend getaways to more extended voyages from ports like New York, providing a plethora of options to suit every traveler’s schedule and preference​.

Bermuda, a slice of paradise for those seeking a blend of British charm and island ease, offers a unique escape. Depart from East Coast ports like New York City, Baltimore, or Charleston and immerse yourself in this idyllic destination known for its pink-sand beaches and crystalline waters.

Here, you can engage in a variety of activities, from snorkeling to sunset rum-tasting cruises. Its size allows for ample exploration within a short timeframe, and several itineraries offer overnight stays, letting you experience both the serene days and lively nightlife of Bermuda.

With historical sites like St. Peter’s Church and the National Museum of Bermuda, you can delve deep into the island’s rich past while enjoying its present-day beauty and cultural offerings. When cruising to Bermuda, you’re not just visiting an island; you’re stepping into a blend of history, luxury, and natural splendor.

Mexico, a vibrant land of rich culture and stunning natural beauty, is another splendid destination for a passport-free cruise. Depart from Californian cities like San Francisco, San Diego, or Long Beach and set course for the Baja Peninsula.

Along the way, you might stop at Catalina Island, where outdoor activities like kayaking, zip-lining, and parasailing await. Once in Mexico, be ready to explore attractions from the flamingo lagoons of Yucatán to the historical allure of Cozumel.

These Western Caribbean locales offer an array of activities such as swimming with dolphins, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, and thrilling zip-line adventures. Whether you’re in the mood for cultural exploration or seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, Mexican Riviera voyages from the West Coast provide an eclectic mix of experiences.

Panama Canal

A cruise to the Panama Canal is a journey through one of the modern world’s most impressive engineering feats. For travelers without a passport, there’s an option to embark on a round-trip cruise from Florida that avoids making port in Colombia, adhering to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

This route allows you to experience the awe-inspiring Panama Canal without needing a passport. As you navigate through this engineering marvel, you’re surrounded by lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Panama Canal is not just a passage between oceans; it’s a gateway to a myriad of natural wonders and historical significance. This cruise is an adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with the marvels of modern ingenuity, making it a must-see destination for travelers.

Alaska cruises are a feast for the eyes and soul, perfect for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Embark from Seattle or San Francisco and journey to the mesmerizing ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’.

Your Alaskan adventure includes visits to quaint waterfront towns like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Experience the grandeur of icy glaciers, either by boat or seaplane, and keep an eye out for majestic whales.

Activities like dog sledding add to the excitement. Plus, a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, adds an international flair to your journey, offering a mix of historical and modern attractions, from castles to trolley rides and lush gardens. This cruise guarantees a vacation filled with remarkable memories and breathtaking sights.

Hawaii, an American gem, promises an exotic and exhilarating experience. This tropical haven is known for its black-sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Hawaiian cruises offer diverse activities, from surfing and snorkeling to sampling the local cuisine and experiencing traditional hula dancing.

The state’s allure isn’t just in its beaches and volcanoes; its culinary scene and cultural experiences are equally enchanting. With Hawaii’s welcoming atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, your vacation there is bound to be unforgettable.

This destination proves that you don’t have to leave the U.S. to find a paradise that feels worlds away. A Hawaiian cruise is an ideal choice for those seeking a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Final Thoughts

Exploring the world by sea is a thrilling experience, and the great news is, you don’t always need a passport for these adventures. From the rugged beauty of Alaska to the sun-kissed shores of the West Coast, the options are diverse and exciting.

Each destination offers its unique blend of culture, scenery, and experiences, proving that incredible journeys await just a cruise away, even without a passport. These destinations not only cater to diverse interests but also make cruising more accessible, inviting everyone to indulge in the joys of travel​.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a closed-loop cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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14 tropical places you can visit without a passport.

You might think you have to travel far and wide to find white sand beaches, turquoise ocean waters, and year-round pleasant weather… but did you know there are tropical places you can visit without a passport as an American citizen ?  From mainland US options like Miami, to far-flung destinations like American Samoa, here are the top 14 tropical places you can visit without a passport!

Best Tropical Destinations You Can Visit Without a Passport

This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Tropical Places You Can Visit Without a Passport: Carribean

1. st. thomas, us virgin islands.

Have the Caribbean vacation of your dreams on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands! Because the USVI are an unincorporated island territory of the United States, no passport is required to visit this tropical destination.

St. Thomas  is great for shopping, dining, and hitting the beaches for some sun.

Where to Stay:  click here for amazing rentals ! Or stay at a resort in one of these incredible condos .

2. St. John, US Virgin Islands

St. John , another US Virgin Island, is home to (and mostly comprised of) the Virgin Islands National Park . Swim along beaches rimmed with stunning coral reefs, and you might even see sea turtles if you’re lucky!

Alternatively, trek along jungle hiking paths and keep an eye out for tropical birds and gorgeous flora.

Where to Stay: St. John Hotels

Need a new swimsuit? Check out some of my faves on Amazon that are super affordable!

3. St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

St. Croix is another great USVI destination if you’re looking for places that don’t require a passport!  Stroll through town for a view of the historically quaint Danish architecture.

For an outdoorsy adventure, head to Salt River Bay National Park to see impressive archeological sites, mangroves, and coral reefs.

Where to Stay: Saint Croix Hotels or Resort Condos

You Might Also Like:   18 Gorgeous Places to Visit in the Caribbean

4. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, no passport is needed to visit this tropical destination!  San Juan ,  the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, is  filled with great food, colorful architecture, and rich culture.

Check out the fortress of El Moro for sweeping ocean views, or head to El Escambrón beach for some fun in the sun. 

5. Culebra, Puerto Rico

Located off the east coast of Puerto Rico’s main island, Culebra is a tiny island surrounded by beautiful cays. Don’t miss   Flamenco Beach , which is known for its tropical white sand beaches and refreshing turquoise waters.  

As the sun goes down, head to the southwest side of Culebra to P unta Melones. This beach known for its incredible sunset views!

Tropical Places in the USA

6. key west, florida.

Only 90 miles north of Cuba, traveling to Key West will make you feel like you’ve left the US and truly entered the Caribbean. Renowned for its funky pastel-hued architecture and wild nightlife, Key West is a great option for partying travelers.

Key West is home to the only living barrier reef in the entire continental US, so it’s a popular choice among snorkelers and SCUBA fanatics too! See some of the awesome rentals available in Key West HERE .

Don’t forget a cute beach bag :

7. Miami, Florida

As the third most populated city along the east coast of the US, Miami is a great choice for travelers who want the convenience of city life alongside their tropical vacation.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chelsea | Travel Blogger (@onechelofanadventure)

Whether you’re after incredible Cuban food, want to soak up the kitschy art deco architecture, or simply can’t wait to experience the lively nightlife , Miami has something for everyone .

Where to Stay: Miami’s Top Hotels

8. Anna Maria Island, Florida

If you’re looking for a tropical beach vacation that’s a little more laidback than Key West or Miami, try Anna Maria Island . A small barrier island on Florida’s gulf coast, Anna Maria has a laid back resort vibe.

Enjoy a swim at the relaxed Manatee Beach Park or do some shopping along the quaint Pine Avenue while you’re here! The island has some beautiful rental properties, check them out here . 

9. Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island is the ideal destination if you’re looking for tropical places you can visit without a passport on the west coast. Just southwest of LA, Catalina Island is known both for its incredible dive sites and upscale resort feel.

Whether you’re hiking to the top of Mt. Orizaba or grabbing brunch in the resort town of Two Harbors , Catalina Island makes it easy to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation even though you’re only an hour away from mainland California. 

10. Oahu, Hawaii

While only the third largest island of Hawaii, Oahu is known for having the best nightlife in the state. Home to the state capital of Honolulu , Pearl Harbor , and the world-famous Waikiki Beach , you don’t want to miss all Oahu has to offer.

This island is one of the best tropical places you can visit without a passport! Filled with luxury shopping options, incredible upscale dining, and all sorts of outdoor activities, you’ll never be bored on Oahu .

See Oahu’s Top resorts HERE .

You Might Also Like:   What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation – packing checklist

11. Kauai, Hawaii

The Hawaiian island of Kauai   is home to everything from outrageously beautiful mountain views and sea cliffs to incredible snorkeling and diving locations along coral reefs and sandy beaches.  

You can hike to a waterfall one day, ATV through the jungle the next, and follow that all up with a zip-lining tour . Stay at one of Kauai’s stunning resorts . 

You May Also Like: Best Big Group House Rentals in Kauai

12. Maui, Hawaii

Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and world-renowned as one of the best tropical destinations for honeymooners. That should come as no surprise — this island is filled with decadent resorts , stunning white-sand beaches , and magnificent sunrises and sunsets from the Haleakala volcano .

Maui’s Kaanapali Beach is a great spot to swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Where to Stay: Maui’s Best Resorts

Other Tropical Places You Can Visit Without a Passport:

This tiny island nation is one of the farthest places you can travel to that doesn’t require a passport. Located in the south of the Mariana Islands, Guam is beloved by off-the-beaten-path travelers for its crystal clear ocean waters and relatively empty beaches.

If you’re looking for tropical dive locations that aren’t overrun by other divers or exotic beaches, then consider adding Guam to your list!

Cute and affordable beach hats :

14. American Samoa

UPDATE: Americans now do need a passport to travel to American Samoa.

Located below the equator, American Samoa is the southernmost American territory. This island nation is known for its pristine beaches, volcanic peaks, and lush rainforests.

Located almost halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand , much of the island remains completely untouched by touristic development, making it best for intrepid and adventurous travelers.

Be sure to check out my tropical vacay packing list – it includes a link to a customizable + printable check list: What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation

Have you been to any of these fabulous tropical locales? Have I left any of your faves off this list? Leave me a comment below or DM me on Instagram !

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All places are very beautiful. We all should visit these places once in a life and as we know that passport is not required so it will be easy to visit there.

Thanks for giving the information.

Regards, Siddharth.

You should go as soon as posible! you can visit Puerto Rico around by cab as it is a small island. Here you have some information. TAXIS

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Do You Need A Passport For A Cruise - A Detailed Guide

• For cruises that stay in U.S. waters (closed-loop) and for U.S. citizens, you might not need a passport. But there are exceptions.
• Open loop cruises that start in one place and end in another (different ports) or visit any foreign countries legally require you to carry a passport.
• It's advisable to bring your passport anyway. It's the safest option and prevents any last-minute surprises.
• Protect your self with cruise travel insurance from unexpected events (like lost passports) that may disrupt your cruise.

Ever wondered if you need a passport for a cruise? It's a common question, and the answer can be confusing. Some people say you never need one, while others tell stories about trouble they had without a passport. So, what's the real deal?

The truth is, it depends on the kind of cruise you're taking and where it goes. U.S. citizens might not need a passport for certain cruises, but it's always best to bring it anyway. Any time you're leaving the country, a passport is a good idea.

Maybe you forgot to renew your passport, or maybe you don't have one at all. Or maybe you're already on your way to the cruise and just realized your passport is at home. If you're wondering if you can just wing it without a passport and how, keep reading.

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE  

When a Passport Is Required

Open-loop cruises are the ones that start at one U.S. port but end at a different one, or they may depart from a foreign port itself. So, if your cruise itinerary takes you beyond the familiar shores of the U.S., a valid passport becomes your essential travel companion.

Immigration officials often come onboard cruise ships to stamp your passport upon embarkation (departure) and disembarkation (arrival) to verify your identity and ensure you have permission to be in the country.

In fact, some cruise lines might hold your passport for safekeeping during the voyage, or specific segments, to streamline the immigration process when visiting multiple countries. While not the standard procedure, it's a common practice to be aware of.

Shore Excursions & Connecting Flights: Beyond the ship, many ports of call on open-loop cruises might require passport checks for shore excursions. Additionally, when departing from outside the U.S., you might need to take a connecting flight to reach your embarkation port. Air travel itself necessitates a passport for international travelers, making it a crucial document for such cruises.

When a Passport Might Not Be Required (U.S. Citizens Only)

A closed-loop cruise is one that departs from and returns to the same U.S. port, even if it makes stops at foreign ports along the way. This is possible because of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) , which allows U.S. citizens to travel between the United States and some select countries by sea with alternative identification.

Here are some popular closed-loop cruise destinations for U.S. citizens where you might be allowed to travel without a passport:

• Canada & New England (some ports)
• Caribbean (except a few islands)
• Mexican Riviera
• Hawaii (Closed loop from Honolulu)

Alternatives to a Passport

Here are some WHTI-approved alternatives you can use for identification in place of a passport.

Passport Card : This credit card-sized document serves as a more cost-effective alternative to a traditional passport. It is specifically designed for land and sea travel and is perfect for those who don't frequently travel internationally by air.

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) : Many states have rolled out EDLs; these are like upgraded driver's licenses with enhanced security features. If your state issues EDLs and your cruise line accepts them, they can be a convenient option for your domestic cruise journey.

Native American Indian Card : Alternatively, Native American Tribes can use the Form I-872 American Indian Card or Enhanced Tribal Card. These cards are similar in form to a U.S. passport card to verify the enrollment and U.S. citizenship status of the card holder.

Birth certificate or naturalization certificate : Some cruise lines may accept these documents along with a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license), especially for closed-loop cruises. It is important to note here that the birth certificate must be issued by a government authority and include the full name, date of birth, and place of birth of the traveler.

However, packing your passport is still the safest option. It's the most secure form of identification and simplifies re-entry into the U.S. in case of unexpected situations.  

Why a Passport is Still Recommended (Even for Closed-Loop Cruises)

While WHTI alternatives offer convenience for closed-loop cruises, there are compelling reasons why having a valid passport remains the most intelligent choice:

Cruise Line Policy Variations

Some closed-loop cruises may allow alternatives to a passport for U.S. citizens, while others may have stricter policies. Many closed-loop cruises require their passengers to present a passport for embarkation regardless of the itinerary. It is advised to check directly with your cruise line for any such specific policies.

Port of Call Requirements

Even if technically a closed-loop cruise, the itinerary that stops at some Caribbean islands like Barbados, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, St. Barts, and Trinidad & Tobago might require a passport for disembarkation at these destinations. These islands have their own immigration policies and consider themselves an independent destination. Ensure you have the necessary documentation for each port of call.

Unexpected Situations Where a Passport Could Be Crucial

Here are some unforeseen circumstances where having a passport proves invaluable:

It could happen that while you are walking on a beautiful beach on a port of call, you lose track of time and miss your ship. You may need to fly to the next port of call. A passport is a universally accepted form of travel document. It’s your safety net for smoother re-entry into the U.S. or obtaining necessary travel documents if needed.

If you are a spontaneous type and want to ditch your current closed-loop cruise for a last-minute incredible international cruise opportunity along the way, having a valid passport may come in handy.

While hopefully unlikely, a medical situation arises that requires you to be rushed to a hospital in a foreign port, like Grenada. The attending physician advises returning to the U.S. for further treatment, but... you left your passport behind. Without your passport, you might face delays or complications in arranging your flight back home.

For the most up-to-date answer to “do you need a passport for a cruise?”, please visit the U.S. Department of State website or check with your cruise line.

Lost Your Passport on a Cruise? Here's What to Do

Losing your passport on a cruise can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to reduce the disruption. Here's what to do if your passport goes missing:

1. Report to Ship Security : The first step must be to immediately contact the security or guest services desk on the cruise ship to report the loss. The cruise line can help you contact the local authorities and attempt to locate your passport.

2. Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate : Since you're likely outside the United States, locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the port your ship is scheduled to dock next. Carry relevant documents like a copy of your passport, a state-issued ID, or your birth certificate, along with a couple of passport-size photos to facilitate the processing.

3. Apply for a Replacement Passport : Explain your situation to the U.S. embassy or consulate. They can usually issue you a replacement passport or an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).

Pro Tip: Consider cruise travel insurance with baggage loss and delay coverage . This can be helpful if your passport is inside a lost carry-on. Travel interruption or missed connection coverage can also be valuable if a lost passport keeps you stuck at the airport. Specific coverage, like CFAR (cancel for any reason), can be even more helpful.

Disclosure: Always read the terms and conditions to understand what is covered and what is not covered by your travel insurance policy. This will help you make an informed decision that best suits your travel needs.

Important Reminders

Your passport is your ticket to adventure. Here are some key tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly:

• Validity: Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends. Make sure you have enough blank pages left for entry stamps at each port.
• Renewal : Check how long it takes to renew your passport well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. Don't forget to factor in processing time.
• Non-U.S. Citizens & Minors : If you're not a U.S. citizen or traveling with a minor, there might be different passport requirements. Be sure to check with your cruise line or the embassy/consulate of the places you're visiting to find out what documents you'll need.

Now, pack your bags, grab your passport (and maybe a photocopy for safekeeping), and get ready to set sail for an unforgettable adventure.

1. Do I need a passport for a cruise if I am a permanent resident of the United States but not a citizen?

U.S. citizens might be able to use a passport card or even an enhanced driver's license for some cruises. However, green card holders usually need a regular passport for any international travel, including cruises.

2. Do you need a passport for a cruise to the Bahamas?

Not necessarily for a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends at the same U.S. port) if you're a U.S. citizen. You might be able to use other documents like a passport card, but check with your cruise line first. But here’s a thing: it's highly advised to have a passport anyway. If an unexpected situation arises and you need to fly back from the Bahamas, a passport would be essential.

3. Can I use a passport from a different country for a cruise departing from the United States?

You can definitely use your passport from another country for a cruise leaving from the U.S.. As long as the passport itself is valid, that part's good to go. The bigger thing is whether you have visas for any countries your cruise visits. Also, it's always a good idea to double-check with the cruise line itself to see if they have any special requirements for travel documents.

4. At what age do you need a passport for a cruise?

For cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop cruises), kids under 16 usually don't need a passport. They can just bring their birth certificate (original or copy). But for anyone 16 or older, including adults, a birth certificate and a government photo ID are both required.

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Do You Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico?

Here's everything you need to know about traveling to and from this sunny Caribbean island.

Melanie Lieberman is the senior travel editor at The Points Guy and was an editor at Travel + Leisure.

Getty Images / iStockphoto

Travelers seeking a vibrant Caribbean getaway can easily find it in Puerto Rico, approximately 1,000 miles off the coast of Florida. The island boasts a burgeoning contemporary arts scene, a delectable local cuisine (think: green banana escabeche , yucca fritters with blue crab), and boutique hotels that make it an appealing weekend escape. Although most people are aware that Puerto Rico is part of the United States, some travelers are unsure about the passport or visa requirements for American citizens.

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory, so in addition to passport-free travel, you won't need to exchange currency. The island uses the U.S. dollar, and your phone service will continue to work, too.

Consider it the equivalent of boarding a flight to Hawaii. The 50th state may be on island time, but Americans can go there without special documentation. As with any standard domestic flight, you'll only need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or a permanent resident card.

Who does need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico?

Only non-U. S. citizens and U.S. citizens entering Puerto Rico from a foreign country are required to present a passport. If you're visiting other islands — such as the British Virgin Islands or Caribbean nations like Dominica or Jamaica — you'll need to present your passport upon arrival and reentry into the United States.

Similarly, only non-U.S. citizens or visitors arriving on the island from another destination have to pass through customs and immigration. So if you've established that a passport is not required for your visit to Puerto Rico, you don't need to worry about going through customs and immigration either.

Passport requirements vary between U.S. territories and associated states.

Several other territories are passport-free destinations for American citizens, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it easy to reach St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix . Passports are not necessary to visit Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands either.

Freely associated states to the U.S. do, however, require a passport from American travelers. These destinations include the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The Compacts of Free Association are international agreements, signed in 1982 and 1983, that allow citizens of these nations to easily travel, live, study, and work in the U.S. Similarly, Americans are afforded the same opportunities in these Pacific Island nations.

What is the Real ID Act?

Following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. government took precautions to tighten homeland security. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was one new security measure to be added to flights, Congress also passed the Real ID Act. Though it was voted on in 2005, the enforcement date begins May 7, 2025 .

For people traveling without a passport, this means your driver's license or identification card must be a Real ID. Fortunately, there's an easy way to check if your ID is compliant. Simply look for a yellow star, a black star, a yellow or black circle with a white star inside, or a yellow bear with a white star on its back. If your ID is missing one of these symbols at the top, you can have a new one issued. All states and U.S. territories are currently issuing compliant cards and licenses.

So, what sets Real ID apart from older means of identification? These cards and licenses require legal documentation to prove your key identifying information: full name, birthday, Social Security number, two documents with your primary address, and lawful status.

With this verified document in hand, you can easily travel to Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories without a passport. Learn more about Real ID by visiting the Department of Homeland Security .

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Greatest hits radio escape with ambassador cruise line, we’ve lined up entertainment greatest hits radio presenters - ken bruce, martin kemp, jenny powell and kate thornton..

Cruise Code: A12419

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Greatest Hits Radio Escape

Ambassador, Ken and the Greatest Hits Radio crew are taking to the seas for the cruise of a lifetime – and we want you to join the party. Taking in two iconic cities of Hamburg and Amsterdam with their many museums and the iconic canals. You will also get to Enjoy Yourself onboard with Ken Bruce Pop Master Special, Martin Kemp, Jenny Powell and Kate Thornton.

Join the Greatest Hits favourite presenters for the following:

Welcome Q&A with all the Greatest Hits Radio Presenters

Ken Bruce Pop Master Special

Martin Kemp DJ set in the Observatory

Kate Thornton & Jenny Powell co-hosted DJ set in the Observatory

Q&A’s with Martin Kemp, Jenny Powell and Kate Thornton

Buy One Get One Half Price

2nd Guest sails for Half Price £50pp Low Deposit

• Sails from (and returns to) London Tilbury
• 4 Ports of call
• 4 Countries

Full itinerary:

Day 1 - 27 October 2024

London Tilbury

Day 2 - 28 October 2024

Day 3 - 29 October 2024

Hamburg, cruise River Elbe

Day 4 - 30 October 2024

Day 5 - 31 October 2024

Day 6 - 1 November 2024

Cabins & Fares

Included in all bookings.

• All port taxes, fees and charges - read more
• Porterage of luggage between the port and cabin. - read more
• Spa access - read more
• Use of gym, swimming pool and hot tubs - read more
• Range of fitness, dance and wellness classes - read more
• Amazing entertainment - read more
• Informative guest speakers* - read more
• Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade* - read more
• Comfortable accommodation in chosen cabin category - read more
• Flexible cancellation policies† - read more
• Captain’s cocktail party* - read more
• Exceptional full board cuisine - read more

Speakers & Acts

Kate Thornton

You may recognise Kate Thornton from her hosting of The X-Factor, Loose Women and This Morning – but now she’s in the Greatest Hits Radio house every weekend. Born in 1973 Kate was the first  female and youngest ever editor of pop magazine [*Smash Hits*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash_Hits) at age 22, producing her first issue in February 1996 covering the breakup of boy-band [Take That](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_That) Saturday nights are all about the best 70s, 80s & 90s pop soundtrack, bringing the weekend Good Times. You can also join Kate for ‘The Smash Hits Years’ every Sunday afternoon – spend a couple of hours in two different musical years – with the Greatest Hits and memories to bring it all flooding back.

Jenny Powell

Jenny Powell kick starts your weekend with the biggest songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s.  Join Jenny for Greatest Hits Radio breakfast, Saturday and Sunday from 6-10am. Originally from London, Jenny has settled in leafy Cheshire with her family.  Jenny has a wealth of experience in television and radio.  You may remember Jenny from Wheel of Fortune,  Love 2 Shop and has even been a presenter on Top of The Pops! 

Martin Kemp

You had posters of him on your wall growing up, admit it. Join our resident pop star Martin Kemp Friday’s 19:00 – 22:00 for The Mix Tape as he handpicks three hours of essential weekend songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s\* to get you in the mood and dancing round the kitchen. \*and probably some Spandau Ballet. Born in 1961best known as the bassist in the [new wave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_wave_music) band [Spandau Ballet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spandau_Ballet) and for his role as [Steve Owen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Owen\_(EastEnders)) in [EastEnders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EastEnders), he took part in [Celebrity Big Brother](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebrity_Big_Brother\_(British_TV_series)) and appeared in the British film [The Krays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Krays\_(film)) Married to [Shirlie Kemp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirlie_Kemp) of [Pepsi & Shirlie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepsi\_%26_Shirlie),  the couple have a daughter Harley Moon, born 1989 and a son, [Roman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Kemp), born January 1993.

The legendary Ken Bruce takes to Greatest Hits Radio, weekday mornings from 10:00 – 13:00. Bringing you the biggest songs of the 70’s, 80’s & 90s – Including PopMaster™!  Play the UK’s biggest music quiz every morning at 10:30. You know his rich Scottish tones (being born in Glasgow) but did you know he used to be an accountant?  Luckily for us, he was a pretty rubbish one and chose a career in radio instead – which he’s been doing for over 45 years – wow – impressive! You’ll often find him playing the drums in his band, spending time with his family or in the pub after his show.

Where Legends Live On The Biggest Songs of the 70s, 80s & 90s, played by Ken Bruce, Simon Mayo, Jackie Brambles, Martin Kemp, Kate Thornton, Jenny Powell and more. Since its launch in 2019, the Greatest Hits Radio network has become a modern radio phenomenon, growing through a series of acquisitions, world class talent and with consistent marketing support. Positioned as ‘The Good Times Sound Like This’, Greatest Hits Radio is now the go-to radio station for millions of listeners each week. A modern radio phenomenon growing at an astonishing rate The go-to radio station for millions of people.

Home to an amazing array of the UK’s best-known presenters Offering advertisers national scale and local connections Reaching a valuable, under-served audience with a wide range of commercial opportunities.

The Ship - Ambience

Here she is, our flagship of the fleet, our first lady of the sea: Ambience. Derived from the French ... Read More

Here she is, our flagship of the fleet, our first lady of the sea: Ambience. Derived from the French word for ‘surrounding’, our ambition at Ambassador is to create the optimum atmosphere onboard; one that brings out the best in each of us. The perfect ambience.

With an average 1,400-guest capacity and careful configuration, she offers both a feeling of spaciousness and freedom, whilst retaining that sense of intimacy and camaraderie we each crave; it’s whatever makes you comfortable.

Entertainment-wise, she really will spoil you for choice. Let your hair down at the Observatory and bring out your finest ensembles for The Palladium. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, she has numerous bars to whet your whistle, including Raffles Bar, Botanical Lounge, SW19 and The Purple Turtle Pub.

Dining options are plentiful at our Buckingham restaurant or the Borough Market, with plentiful cuisine options, and for those wanting to soak in nature’s glory, we have our glorious Alfresco Grill. Wining and dining are more than fine at Saffron*, Sea & Grass* or our deluxe Chef’s Table*, where we offer a speciality gastronomic experience that’s not to be missed.

Put your best cards forward at Aces & Eights bridge and card room and the Ambassador Casino, or revive and renew at the gym and Wellness Centre. Other facilities include Kapoor’s, our onboard crafting studio, Brontë’s library, the shopping galleria, not to mention a swimming pool, two hot tubs and a large screen for outdoor movies. Sound good?

*Supplementary charges apply

What’s on board

Journeying to new lands to explore their landscape, culture and cuisine, on board a stylish, environmentally friendly ship.

Out on deck

There are spacious deck areas from which you can enjoy the panoramic views. And, when the weather is fine, there are two swimming pools, four hot tubs and a large screen for outdoor movies and sporting events.

Green Sea Spa

Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and strives continually to exceed guest expectations. With our guests in mind, we have created an all-encompassing spa experience that relaxes, refreshes and renews in a serene, comfortable and welcoming environment. From facial treatments to massages and hair care to healing treatments; there is something for everyone.

The Palladium

entertainment

It's showtime! Our multi-tiered onboard theatre The Palladium hosts a variety of hand-picked performances just as diverse as the destinations we visit. Waiting in the wings are our onboard entertainment team, the Ambassador Theatre Company. They can't wait to entertain you as you enjoy an afternoon or evening of world-class storytelling.

Raffles Bar

lounges-bars

Raffles Bar will take you back to the halcyon days of the roaring twenties, with decor to make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Raffles is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink in style. With exclusive drinks including the Mint Berry Delight cocktail and Botanical Fusion cocktail, you'll be spoilt for choice. Our expert bar team are always on hand to help mix a drink just to your taste.

Buckingham Restaurant

Buckingham Restaurant is Ambience's main restaurant. Serving an exceptionally handcrafted breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, our restaurant team will be delighted for you to join them throughout your day on board. On gala formal nights Buckingham Restaurant and her hardworking team really come out to shine, pulling out all the stops with exceptional service paired with authentic flavours. There is even the traditional Baked Alaska Parade, which is a sight not to be missed.

Borough Market

Looking for a more casual way to dine? Borough Market is the place to head. With stunning views and a variety of food stalls to tempt your tastebuds, why not join us for a bite? #### Discover our food stations **Points East** - A taste of Asian fusion cuisines **Sugar Bun** - Enjoy a sweet treat at our dessert bar **The Oven** - Missing your Sunday Roast? Our galley team are ready with all the trimmings **Grave 'n' Grains** - Our dedicated vegetarian stall, where you can enjoy freshly made salads and more **Crouton** - Enjoy a warming bowl of soup and a fresh bread roll at Crouton **Salt and Vinegar** - Another taste of the UK with our dedicate fish and chip station, you can enjoy this Friday night treat any day **Borough Market Bar** - Let our Borough Market team bring you the perfect drink to match whatever food takes your fancy!

Your on board Experience

Don't just take our word for it, hear what guests say about their time on board.

More about the ship

Average Customer Rating:

Independent Service Rating based on 2165 verified reviews. View All

Very clear, well informed advice from a most efficient customer service representative.

Trusted Customer

VERY EFFICIENT

DAVID LANGLEY

“Extremely helpful”

Our favourite cruise line. Always friendly and extremely helpful. Nothing is too much trouble.

Thomas Morgan

“Seamless professional”

Once the young lady had understood that I had won the trip from H4H the service was seamless, she was very informative and took into account my wife's disability, very helpful.

“Booking made easy”

Booked on line direct with Ambassador. Very easy and clear process

Paul Taylor

“Easy process”

Excellent service from the operative when changing a previous booking to a new cruise in Western Mediterranean .

Friendly and efficient

Derek Holness

“Lousy, greedy service”

Booked in error for 2025, wanted 2024. Replied @ once to confirming message. Got "undeliverable." Phoned (1 hour queue) Told cancel would entail loss of deposit. !!!! Adm cost of cancel of c £700. Avoid this outfit!

Frank Johnston

“Easy to book online”

I cant say if I would book with Ambassador again as I still have to do the cruise and haven't experience their customer experience onboard yet!

Excellent service and help by the staff on board ship.

Polite Friendly and very helpful

Christopher Harris

“Great experience so far”

Wonderful expeience so far, lets hope the cruise is as good as the booking experience

Paul Monaghan

“Great company”

They are timely with all the information we need for the trip and the very kindly upgraded our cabin for us.

christine mcdermott

The online portal doesn't work.

Alexander Blackburn

yes would book again, already have 3 times

“Prompt Actions Taken”

Acted quickly and helpfully to my request for an alteration.

Diane Phillips

“Helpful staff”

Helpful and informative

David Williams

“Excellent customer experience”

Always some to speak to when you call

Anne harmer

Very helpful and pleasant to deal with .Need to experience cruise before further comment

“Fantastic”

Fantastic helpful and friendly service but long waiting time of over an hour to get through

Stephen Scott

Copyright 2024 Ambassador Cruise Line is a trading name of Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited.

Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365

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Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii? It depends on who you are

Besides its beloved beauty, Hawaii also offers some confusion related to travelling regulations. One of the most common questions is, Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?

For that reason, we think it would be a good idea to have an article dedicated to this topic. Hopefully, you can use it not only to answer your questions but also other people’s.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii?

In general, US citizens do not require a passport for domestic travel, including trips to Hawaii. Hawaii is a state in the United States. And citizens of the United States can enter and depart the state using their state-issued driver's licence or identity card.

Important : From May 7, 2025, Real ID , a new policy regarding issuing sources of identification, such as driver's licences will be applied. Then, to be able to board domestic flights and some types of federal facilities, a traveller must be REAL compliant.

Look for that golden star in the up-right corner. Photo taken from dhs.gov

If you are non-us citizens, you need a passport to get into Hawaii. The only exception to this rule is permanent residents. Plus, you also may need a visa depending on your country of citizenship (We’ll talk about this in detail later).

Children, including infants and minors, are required to have their own passports for international travel to Hawaii if they are not U.S. citizens. However, if they are U.S. citizens, they can travel to Hawaii with appropriate identification, such as a birth certificate or a passport.

Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Your way to Hawaii is wide open. Photo by Valerii Honcharuk - stock.adobe.com

Just in case you are not familiar, the United States passport system is an essential component of foreign travel for Americans. A passport contains personal information: holder's name, date of birth, picture, and unique passport number.

The United States Department of State is in charge of granting and renewing passports, and applicants can apply in person at approved passport acceptance centres or by mail.

Note: There are several processes in granting a passport, so make sure to apply for one long before the departure date of your trip.

Accepted identification documents for domestic flights

A valid picture identification card issued by the government is the most often acceptable form of identification for domestic flights to Hawaii.

In addition, a driver's license issued by a US state or territory, a US passport card, a trusted traveller card such as Global Entry or NEXUS, or a US military ID is all acceptable.

It is essential to remember that the identity document must be current and valid by the time of inspection. The name on the identification must match the name on the flight reservation.

If your name has changed due to marriage or other circumstances, legal evidence (a marriage certificate or court order, etc.) is recommended.

As mentioned above, U.S. travellers must apply for REAL ID to be able to fly to domestic destinations. To acquire a REAL ID , there are some steps you need to take:

• Step 1: Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website
• Step 2: Fill in the required information, such as:

1) Full Legal Name

2) Date of Birth

3) Social Security Number

4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence

5) Lawful Status

• Step 3 : Follow their instructions and bring the required documents to the DMV offices.

Sometimes the state will ask for some additional information, so prepare for that. You also may have to pay a small fee (about $10 or so). If you have any questions or problems, we suggest you visit the office for assistance.

In normal circumstances

If everything goes as normal, a U.S. citizen only needs a driver’s license to catch a domestic flight to Hawaii. However, if your flight has a layover in another country outside the U.S., you must present your passport to get into Hawaii (did you know you could also leave the airport during this time?).

Although a passport is not obligatory for entry into Hawaii, it holds value as a valid form of identification and can prove beneficial in a lot of circumstances. 

For instance, if a traveller misplaces or has their driver's license or identity card stolen while on the journey, having a passport readily available can work as an additional way of identification. In such cases, with the possession of a passport, you can still access services in Hawaii, like procuring a rental vehicle or engaging in designated tours.

Special occasions

As mentioned previously, you might not need a passport in most cases; but you will in some. Understanding these circumstances will aid you in meeting the requisite passport criteria.

Cruising is a popular way to get to Hawaii. Photo by Renato Marzan on Unsplash.

Travelling to Hawaii by Cruise Ship

A passport may be necessary if you want to visit Hawaii as part of a cruise itinerary that includes stops in foreign ports such as Mexico or Canada.

This is because the cruise company may seek a valid passport as evidence of citizenship and identification upon returning to the United States from a foreign port. It is critical to confirm the specific cruise line's passport requirements for your specific route.

Inter-Island Air Travel Within Hawaii

A passport is not necessary for domestic flights, just like any travel to the US state. However, an airline may request further identification beyond a driver's license or identity card in unusual circumstances, notably for inter-island flights. 

Passport Requirements for International Travelers

Non-U.S. citizens visiting Hawaii, on the other hand, should be aware of many crucial requirements.

Expiration date

To begin, they must have a valid passport issued by their respective governments. The passport should have an expiration date that is longer than the length of their intended stay in the United States.

International tourists should thoroughly verify the validity of their passports well in advance of their journey and, if required, consider renewing them.

Our recommendation is to have a buffer time of around 6 months to allow for any unanticipated delays or modifications to the trip schedule.

Fun fact: There are more than 50 countries that require your passport to have at least 6 months until the expiration dates: Austria, Belgium, Russia, Netherlands, Italy, etc.

• Require a valid passport or a NEXUS card
• Require either a valid passport, a Visa and Border Crossing Card, or a Border Crossing Card
• United Kingdom
• Require a valid passport ( the 6-month rule is not applied to citizens from the United Kingdom)
• Require a valid passport or an electronic authorisation (ESTA)
• Require a valid passport
• South Korea

Be aware of the regulations, it depends. Photo by uaPieceofCake - stock.adobe.com

Next, a non-U.S. citizen may be required a visa to enter the United States in addition to a valid passport, depending on their country of citizenship.

Checking with the nearest US embassy or consulate, or visiting the US Department of State's official website, can offer accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Citizens from 40 designated countries can enjoy a visa-free visit (up to 90 days) to the United States for tourism or business purposes through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This allows them to explore the beautiful islands of Hawaii and indulge in its attractions without the additional hassle of applying for a visa.

Since 2016, you need an e-passport to be able to use VWP.  An e-passport looks just like any passport. The only difference is the international biometric symbol printed on the front cover (at the bottom).

To benefit from the Visa Waiver Program, there are certain requirements you need to satisfy, as well as get an authorised Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before your trip.

The ESTA is a simple online application that verifies whether you are eligible to enter the United States under the VWP. It includes submitting personal information, travel information and responding to security-related questions.

The ESTA is valid for two years after it is authorised or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first. Learn how to apply for the VWP and ESTA here .

You need to have an e-passport (passport with that square symbol) to be eligible. Photo by Ethan Wilkinson on Unsplash

Other requirements

In certain cases, non-U.S. individuals preparing for a journey to Hawaii may encounter additional prerequisites. These conditions are implemented to guarantee the safety and adherence of visitors during their time in Hawaii and the United States.

One of these requirements is the provision of evidence of return or onward travel . Immigration authorities may request non-U.S. citizens to present documentation such as a return ticket or a ticket for continuing their travel to their next destination.

This requirement is in place to verify that visitors have a planned departure from the United States and will not exceed the duration of their authorised stay.

Non-U.S. individuals may also need to present evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover their spending during their visit to Hawaii. This can involve presenting bank statements, credit card records, or any other documentation that can showcase the financial power of the visitors.

This is not only to ensure the comfort of visitors but also to avoid over-reliance on public resources.

Furthermore, immigration officials may enquire about a person's criminal record. People who are not from the U.S. and have a certain criminal history may be ruled inadmissible to the US, affecting their ability to visit Hawaii.

If you have travelled to the U.S. after the spread of COVID-19, you might be familiar with Title 19 regarding medical conditions. However, after May 12, 2023, the requirements have been lifted. Now, for passengers coming to the U.S. via land ports or ferry terminals, no fully vaccinated against Covid-19 is required. 

Where Do All The Confusions Come From?

On the surface, this might sound like a strange question. Due to Hawaii's status as a U.S. state, there is a common misconception that a passport is unnecessary for domestic travel.

Although Hawaii falls under domestic territory for U.S. citizens, meaning a passport is typically unnecessary for entry, there are certain exceptions and specific situations where carrying a passport may be necessary. These exceptions can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions, especially for inexperienced travellers.

This heavenly place is waiting for you! Photo by Lyle Wilkinson on Unsplash

1. Do I Need To Carry My Passport With Me At All Times While In Hawaii?

It is generally recommended to keep your passport in a safe place, such as a hotel safe when exploring Hawaii. However, it is advisable to carry a copy of your passport or a government-issued photo ID with you for identification purposes.

2. Where Can I Find Official And Up-To-Date Information On Passport And Identification Requirements For Travelling To Hawaii? 

Official and up-to-date information can be obtained from trusted sources such as the U.S. Department of State's official website , the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website , and the official website of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for the Visa Waiver Program.

3. Do you need a Covid test to fly between Hawaiian Islands?

Generally speaking, no. From March 26, 2022, Covid-prevention activities such as quarantines or pre-travel tests have no longer been required . Even wearing masks also becomes optional right now. Still,  we highly recommend you wear a mask to protect your health during your trip.

Final words

So, do you need a passport to go to Hawaii? Only you can answer that question. Even though it might be ambiguous in the first place, we believe it is not a difficult problem anymore now.

However, remember that the policies might change over time, and it is very important to stay updated. Sources like government websites or travel advisories are valuable in such cases.

It would take some effort but believe us, Hawaii is worth all of it. It is a magnificent island that you have to visit once in your life.

Bui Hoang Hai

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Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age

A couple of times a year, I get a panicked message from a friend or reader who is about to take an airplane flight with their kids. Suddenly they’ve realized that they have no idea what kind of identification they need for their children to fly, if any. After a decade and a half of flying on hundreds of flights and dozens of airlines with my kids to destinations all around the world, I know this question can certainly be confusing!

In the United States, there are multiple entities that set the official legal rules and regulations governing air travel identification and documentation. Those can include Customs and Border Protection, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and each specific airline.

So exactly what documentation is required to board an airplane with kids? As you might imagine, it depends! Here is all the information you need to make sure you have the right identification to travel aboard both domestic and international flights with kids.

Short on Time? Quick Answers in a Nutshell

Children under the age of 18 typically do not need ID to fly on domestic flights within the United States when accompanied by an adult. Airlines may require identification, however, in more unusual circumstances such as with very young infants, lap children, unaccompanied minors, or older teens flying solo. Identification – specifically a passport book but sometimes more – is always required for kids of any age to travel on international flights.

Identification Required for Kids for International Travel

Most travelers usually expect strict identification rules when it comes to international travel. If you are traveling internationally by air the answer to the question of whether kids need ID to fly is pretty simple. Yes! They do!

Not just any ID will suffice. Just as with adults, a passport book is required to fly with kids internationally no matter how young. If you have kids who are United States citizens, getting an official passport can be time-consuming and expensive. In addition, it requires some logistical steps that parents can mess up.

How to Get Passports in the US for Kids

Specifically, the consent of both parents is required for kids under age 16. That usually means both parents need to appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (like many post offices, local government offices, etc.). Alternatively, one parent can appear in person with a notarized statement of consent from the other parent. I got a notarized letter from my husband the last time we applied for our kids because his work schedule made it difficult for him to be available during the limited business hours passport acceptance facilities in our area were open.

Note also that you can’t just easily renew children’s passports by mail like you can for adults. The same in-person application process with both parents present is required. Plus kids under age 16 must renew passports every 5 years, instead of every 10 years for adults.

For that reason, I highly recommend starting the process of obtaining passports for your kids many months in advance of any international travel. After the paperwork is submitted, the process can take 2-3 months for a passport to arrive. Plus, it can often take many weeks before you can get an appointment to even submit the paperwork.

This obviously makes international travel with very young infants especially challenging, as it takes time to first get a birth certificate for the child and then apply for a passport.

Hopefully you are landing on this article in plenty of time to get your paperwork in order for your specific situation. But if not, there may be ways you can get what you need more urgently. You can pay a $60 extra fee to expedite a passport, which can cut several weeks off of standard processing times. And in more urgent situations, there is an even more expedited option available by applying at a passport agency (which can be done if a trip is within 14 days or less).

Special Note about International Land Crossings and Cruises

One reason some travelers misunderstand the air travel rules for kid identification is because the rules for kids crossing land borders and on some cruises can be different. For example, minors who are US citizens can cross into Canada by land with only a birth certificate.

On some closed loop cruises starting and ending in the United States going to destinations like Mexico, Canada, or many Caribbean countries, there are times when both kids and adults can technically travel without a passport using a birth certificate or passport card.

But none of these exceptions apply to international air travel. Don’t mix these rules up!

Child Travel Consent Form

Although a passport book is necessary to travel with kids on international flights, it isn’t necessarily fully sufficient. There are some times that other travel documents may be required – such as a visa for certain countries.

What is even more likely to trip up international travelers is the situation in which a child is traveling with only one parent or is traveling with another adult who isn’t a parent. In many of these circumstances, proof that both parents consent to the specific trip can be required. In these cases, the best practice is to carry a notarized letter of consent for the child to travel.

Some countries have very specific forms or formats that you need to follow. Mexico is one such example and historically has tended to be quite strict. My husband will likely be traveling solo with one of our kids to Mexico for a family wedding in a few months, and we are already planning to get the a letter of consent completed as an extra precaution.

Many countries don’t have clear cut rules that are easy to research. For example, I flew last summer to Italy (first entering the Schengen Area in Frankfurt, Germany) with both of my kids without my husband. I wasn’t able to get completely definitive information as to whether consent was required. As a result, we went ahead and had my husband complete a notarized letter of consent that I kept with me along with a copy of his passport. We weren’t asked to show it, but I breathed easier knowing I had it!

Unfortunately, profiling can and does occur depending on where you are traveling. So parents who don’t share the same last name as their children or who may appear to be another race or ethnicity may find they face extra scrutiny. The best way to avoid any surprises – just or not – is to err on the side of having this document even when it’s not necessarily required.

Identification Required for Kids for Domestic Travel

If you are traveling domestically, the answer to the ID question is a little more complicated but thankfully usually much easier. In most standard circumstances, identification is not required for minors for domestic travel within the USA. There are specific unique situations, however, where it can be.

What Identification is Needed at TSA Checkpoints?

For domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not require you to have an ID for children under age 18 at the security checkpoint.

That said, TSA agents may well talk to your child to confirm their identity and to screen for cases of child abduction. Agents have asked my kids over the years for their names. In some circumstances, they’ve pointed to my husband or me and asked our children who we are. If you have kids who are shy or who take warnings of stranger danger to heart, let them know in advance of your trip that it’s ok for them to speak to these agents and to answer truthfully.

Related: Strategies for Speeding Through TSA Checkpoints with Kids

Special Situations Where Kids May Need ID for Domestic Travel

While the TSA won’t require identification for kids under age 18, many airlines have policies in specific circumstances where some form of ID will be required. It’s vital to know about these outlier circumstances so you don’t come to the airport unprepared.

Young Infants

A number of airlines have rules that prohibit or limit newborns from flying. Airline rules differ, with some airlines like Delta prohibiting newborns under 7 days old from flying on any flights. Others set limits only on international travel, including Southwest which limits infants 14 days old or younger from flying on international flights. Most airlines allow young infants under their age limits, however, to fly with a letter of permission from a physician.

Related: Essential Tips for Your Baby’s First Flight

If you are traveling with a newborn, it’s highly advised to bring a document like a birth certificate for proof of age. And if you are looking for an exception to an age minimum of any sort, a physician’s letter is essential.

Lap Children

When you are flying with a child who will be sitting in your lap (permitted for kids under age 2), having identification to prove age may be required. Some airlines will allow younger infants to board with no ID, as it’s normally obvious that very small babies are not yet near the maximum age cutoff. Families with older babies toddling and speaking always should carry proof of age no matter what the airline. Airline employees can ask at any time for proof to make sure the child is young enough to travel as a lap child.

Related: What to Consider before Flying with a Lap Child

If you are flying Southwest Airlines, however, do not leave ID at home no matter what the age of your lap child. Southwest is the only US carrier that absolutely requires identification of any and every lap child regardless of how old they appear. You’ll need to show it at the ticket counter to obtain a boarding verification document (that works like a boarding pass) for the lap child.

Are there some instances where passengers haven’t had to show documentation for their children on Southwest? For sure. But I’ve flown with a lap child on Southwest more than a dozen times, and I can assure you that every time I had to show proof of age, even with a kiddo as young as 4 months! You don’t want to chance this.

Related: Complete Guide to Flying Southwest with Kids

What kind of identification works for lap children? A simple copy of a birth certificate will usually suffice. No need to rush to the DMV to get your tot a state-issued ID card.

Birth certificates can, however, can take awhile to obtain after a child is born. If you need to fly with a young infant domestically, most airlines will also accept hospital discharge documentation or vaccination records from a pediatrician’s office. The key is that the document have the child’s date of birth on it. When in doubt, if you cannot obtain a birth certificate, call the airline you are flying beforehand to confirm alternatives.

Unaccompanied Minors & Minors Traveling Solo

Another circumstance in which identification may be required for a child is in the case of children flying alone. Again, each airline’s policy is different.

In this situation, age really matters. All US airlines permit older teens (usually ages 15+ but sometimes younger) to fly solo just like adults. And most of them also allow younger kids (often ages 5-14) to fly as unaccompanied minors by paying a fee for limited supervision by airline employees. Depending on the child’s age and circumstances, different documentation can be required.

For older teens under age 18 flying truly solo and not with an unaccompanied minor program, ID is almost always required. Since many kids in this age range won’t have a driver’s license or official government photo ID yet, some airlines (like United) will accept other forms of identification like a birth certificates or student IDs. Other airlines (like Delta), however, require that 15-17 year olds flying solo have the same kind of photo ID that is required of adults. So if your child doesn’t have a driver’s permit or license yet, you’ll likely need to pack a passport.

Younger kids flying as an unaccompanied minor may need some identification as well. This also varies based on the airline and the circumstance. For example, when my son flew earlier this year as an unaccompanied minor on Southwest, I had to show ID as his parent, but I was not asked to show identification for him. Officially, however, Southwest’s policy is that parents may need to show proof of age for the minor. We probably weren’t asked because I booked under my son’s Rapid Rewards account that includes his date of birth (and he clearly appears to be within the age range of the program).

Most other US airlines won’t ask for ID for unaccompanied minors in straightforward situations, but the important thing to note is that they can . So the safest course of action is to at least carry a birth certificate. I put a birth certificate in my son’s backpack anyway, so we were prepared!

Here are links to the relevant age and ID policies that may apply to minors flying solo or as unaccompanied minors on each major US airline:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Additional Identification Air Travel Tips

• When in doubt, bring it : I know from lots of digging around fine print on the internet that it’s sometimes impossible to get a definitive answer about identification. When in doubt, I highly recommend you err on the side of packing more than you need rather than less. A passport book is the gold standard. For domestic travel an original birth certificate (with the raised seal) can be helpful in many circumstances too.
• Keep extra copies on the cloud : Back in the pre-internet old days of travel, most of us traveled with extra passport copies in a separate bag in case we lost the original. In the digital age, having backups is easier than ever. I keep a copy on the cloud of passports and birth certificates for everyone in the family. That way, I can easily access everything on my phone in cases of emergency.
• Take extra precautions in case of child custody disputes and divorce : It’s crucial in situations of divorce or shared custody that parents have all of their legal ducks in a row before boarding a plane with their child, even for a simple hop across state lines. As a former attorney myself, I strongly suggest you consult your own legal counsel. Always make sure travel is permitted and that you know what additional documentation you need to bring to avoid any potential issues.

The post Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age appeared first on Trips With Tykes .

This Otherworldy South American Desert is Home to Flamingos, Lunar Landscapes, and Geysers

This region in chile is home to outdoor adventure galore..

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Visiting the Valle de la Luna is one of the best things to do in the Atacama Desert.

Photo by LouieLea/Shutterstock

Chile is a land of dramatic terrain: The thin country stretches for 2,700 miles along South America’s left side and encompasses some of the earth’s most breathtaking mountain peaks and deserts. The Atacama Desert, in the country’s northern half, covers around 40,000 square miles, even stretching into the neighboring countries of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina . It’s an awe-inspiring place and also one of the driest regions in the world, only receiving rainfall between two and four times in a century .

From Santiago, it’s about a two-hour flight to the desert city of Calama and then another 90 minutes by car to San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro is a gateway town that’s the usual base for travelers as they explore, with an abundance of luxury places to stay, such as Our Habitas .

Now’s the hard part: figuring out what to do. Here are seven suggestions to make your trip to the Atacama Desert worthwhile.

While in Salar de Tara, be on the lookout for Monjes de Pacana, giant vertical rocks that look like the silhouette of monks.

Photo by Nataliya Hora/Shutterstock

1. View wildlife at the Salar de Tara

At more than 13,000 feet above sea level, the Salar de Tara high plateau is about a 60-mile drive east of San Pedro de Atacama , near the border point between Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. The drive is almost as beautiful as the destination, with massive rock structures that could easily be mistaken for Rapa Nui’s moai. Wildlife ranging from flamingos and vicuñas to foxes are abundant in the area. Pack a picnic and relish the scenery, which includes sights of bird life, salt lakes, and the Licancabur, a stratovolcano that sits on the border between Bolivia and Chile and dominates the landscape.

Use the Licancabur volcano to frame the night sky.

Photo by Fotografo de los Andes/Shutterstock

2. Photograph the Milky Way at night

The desert, the world’s highest elevation-wise, has almost no light pollution and gets more than 300 clear nights per year, making it very likely that travelers can have an unobstructed view of the Milky Way and plenty of other stars. Get a better image of the night skies with San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations , an agency that offers access to its large-diameter telescopes on its tours.

The El Tatio geysers are located about 50 miles from San Pedro de Atacama.

Photo by Carlos D Pavletic/Shutterstock

3. Watch a sunrise at the El Tatio geysers

Though temperatures drop below freezing at the El Tatio geyser field, the view is well worth the chill. Get an early-morning start to see steam erupt from the geysers at their most active time of day (usually between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. ) As sunrise breaks through the clouds, the billowing steam creates a beautiful contrast against the sandy surroundings.

—Michaela Trimble

The landscape of Valle de la Luna feels like it’s from another world.

4. Feel like you’re on another world at Valle de la Luna

The deep red rocks and massive sand dunes of Valle de la Luna (which means “Moon Valley”) create an otherworldly scene. Peer closely at many of the geological features here, and you will notice deep veins of salt. Stand close (and be quiet) to hear the rhythmic crackling of the salt because of the pressure in the rocks. The valley itself is 22 million years old, and scientists believe the salt was left behind from when an ocean covered this part of Chile. Just a 10-minute drive outside of San Pedro de Atacama, Valle de la Luna is an incredible place to hike, bike, and take in a sunset.

The Church of San Pedro de Atacama is a relic of the Spanish colonial period,

Photo by Pablo Rasero/Shutterstock

5. Explore the colonial-style church of San Pedro de Atacama

The Iglesia de San Pedro de Atacama is a whitewashed adobe church in the center of town. The parish dates back to the 1600s, although the current building was constructed in 1745 and is now considered a national monument. On any given day, you will find individuals stopping for a moment to pray inside. Take a moment to admire the wood detailing on the walls, roof, and the entrance door, as well as the Catholic figures at the front of the altar.

There are plenty of cacti to see in Guatín.

Photo by Andreas Muth-Hegener/Shutterstock

6. Trek along a rapid river canyon in the desert

There’s a confluence of two rivers in Guatín, about a 25-minute drive north of San Pedro de Atacama. One river is warm and flows from the thermal springs of Puritama; the other, the Purifica, is made up of cold, clear snowmelt from the Andes. Trek alongside this water body and you’ll walk alongside waterfalls, switching back and forth over large rocks. Be on the lookout for different cacti, some of which can grow to more than 20 feet high.

You can find plenty of bird species at the Altiplanic lagoons.

Photo by pauloalberto82/Shutterstock

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: We hope nuclear drills 'knock sense' into West, Moscow says after jets pledge

Russia's foreign minister has called plans to send Ukraine F-16 fighter jets a "signal action" and touted its nuclear drills in response. He says Moscow hopes it will "knock some sense into our opponents by reminding them about the catastrophic consequences of further nuclear escalation".

Thursday 30 May 2024 10:05, UK

• Russia hopes nuclear drills will 'knock sense' into West over fighter jet plans
• Italy says no to Ukraine using Western weapons to strike Russia
• Putin names ex-bodyguard for senior role - fuelling succession rumours
• Siobhan Robbins eyewitness:  NATO's biggest drill since the Cold War is a warning for Putin to stay away
• The big picture : What you need to know about the war right now
• Live reporting by Dylan Donnelly

Russia should consider a "demonstrative" nuclear blast to stop the West allowing Ukraine to use weapons inside its territory, a Putin-backed thinktank has suggested.

The suggestion came from Dmitry Suslov,a senior member of the Moscow-based Council for Foreign and Defence Policy, yesterday.

Writing in business magazine Profil, he said: "To confirm the seriousness of Russia's intentions and to convince our opponents of Moscow's readiness to escalate, it is worth considering a demonstrative nuclear explosion.

"The political and psychological effect of a nuclear mushroom cloud, which will be shown live on all TV channels around the world, will hopefully remind Western politicians of the one thing that has prevented wars between the great powers since 1945 and that they have now largely lost - fear of nuclear war."

Vladimir Putin has previously praised the Council for Foreign and Defence Policy and has taken part in policy discussions run by the thinktank. 

Germany has finished its biggest military drill in eastern Europe since the end of the Cold War.

Exercise Grand Quadriga 2024 - a large-scale joint training event with German, Lithuanian and Dutch armies, as well as the Franco-German Brigade - ended yesterday.

It was held in Lithuania, which shares a border with Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast. 

General Valdemaras Rupsys said: "This is the first time since the end of the Cold War that Germany has run such a large-scale, division-level, deployment into NATO's eastern flank, including Lithuania, operation."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said yesterday Ukraine should be allowed to use Western weapons to strike inside Russian territory.

Italy's foreign minister has said weapons it sends to Ukraine should not be used in Russian territory.

In a break from France and Germany - which said yesterday that Kyiv should be allowed to strike inside Russia with weapons supplied by the West in certain circumstances - Antonio Tajani also said Italy will never send troops to Ukraine.

"All the weapons leaving from Italy should be used within Ukraine," he told the Italian broadcaster RAI today.

For context: Italy supports Ukraine but has so far refused to support Kyiv using Western-supplied weapons to strike into Russia.

On Monday, Italy's deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini fiercely rejected calls from Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's secretary general, to lift restrictions on weapons.

Matteo Salvini said at the time: "NATO cannot force us to kill in Russia, nor can anyone compel us to send Italian soldiers to fight or die in Ukraine.

"If they want to go and fight in Ukraine, let Stoltenberg, Emmanuel Macron and all the bombers who want war go there."

By  Siobhan Robbins , Europe correspondent

In a dusty clearing in Lithuania, NATO is rolling out the big guns.

Leopard 2 tanks fire their rounds with a deafening thud, while Puma fighting vehicles add to the eerie chorus, accompanied by the buzz of helicopter blades.

The firepower on display is the crescendo of the alliance's biggest military training exercise since the Cold War, led by the Germans and taking place a few miles from the Lithuanian border with Belarus.

The aim is to show how NATO can defend Europe's eastern flank from invasion, offer reassurance to allies and a warning to President Putin.

"Today's exercise sends a clear message - a message of deterrence to Russia," said General Carsten Breuer, Germany's chief of defence.

Read the rest of Siobhan's eyewitness account  here...

Russia says it hopes nuclear deterrence will "knock some sense" into the West over plans to send fighter jets to Ukraine.

Speaking to the RIA state news agency today, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia regards Belgium's pledge to send US-made F-16 warplanes to Kyiv as a "signal action".

He adds: "They are trying to tell us that the United States and NATO would stop at nothing in Ukraine.

"Nevertheless, we hope that the Russian-Belarusian drills on the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons that are under way now will knock some sense into our opponents by reminding them about the catastrophic consequences of further nuclear escalation."

Russia has been carrying out nuclear exercises throughout May, and are currently conducting joint air force and air defence ministry drills with Belarus.

For context:  Earlier this week, Belgium agreed to send Ukraine 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028. 

It marked part of a security pact Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Alexander De Croo, the Belgian prime minister, signed in Brussels on Tuesday.

As part of the agreement, Belgium will also provide Ukraine with at least €977m (£832m) in military aid.

After securing more NATO support, Mr Zelenskyy again demanded the West lift restrictions on the use of supplied weaponry to hit targets in Russia, saying it was "unfair" that Ukraine could not strike back.

Ukraine says it shot down seven Russian missiles and 32 drones over Kharkiv overnight.

Kyiv's air force commander said on Telegram that Russian forces attacked "military facilities and critical infrastructure in Ukraine" with 51 missiles and drones - but did not provide additional details.

Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov added in a separate statement that four people were injured in the attack.

It comes four days after a Russian strike on a hardware store in the city killed at least 16 people and injured more than 40.

Welcome back to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine, as tensions mount over the use of Western weapons to attack military targets on Russian soil.

The Kremlin has been sabre-rattling over the issue, making thinly veiled threats to the West, while Ukraine's allies remain divided.

Before we resume our live updates and analysis, here is a recap of the key moments that occurred over the last 24 hours.

• Vladimir Putin appointed Alexei Dyumin, his former bodyguard, as secretary of the advisory State Council, fuelling speculation about his presidential potential;
• France and Germany's leaders said Ukraine should be allowed to hit military sites inside Russia from which missiles were being fired at Ukrainian territory, but not other targets;
• Police searched the office of a European Parliament employee in Brussels over suspected Russian interference;
• Prisoner of war exchanges between Russia and Ukraine have been suspended for several months, Russia's human rights commissioner said.

We're pausing our live coverage of the conflict for the day, but if you're just joining us, here is a recap of the key moments.

A Russian airstrike has hit more than 100 houses in an eastern Ukrainian village, local authorities say.

The high-explosive aerial bomb wounded seven people in the Donetsk region, according to the Ukrainian National Police.

The attack took place seven miles from Kramatorsk, a key Ukrainian-held city. 

A four-year-old child was among those injured.

Vladimir Putin has appointed Alexei Dyumin, his former bodyguard, as secretary of the advisory State Council, fuelling speculation about his presidential potential.

The president has brought Mr Dyumin, 51, closer to the centre of power since his re-election in March, having made him an aide overseeing the defence industry this month.

The details of his new role are unknown.

"Russia's elite is abuzz with the appointment of Dyumin," Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser and Putin supporter, said on Telegram.

"This is seen as confirmation that Dyumin is the future president of Russia, Putin's choice," Mr Markov said, adding that this was something that had long been rumoured.

There is no public debate or reliable information about who might eventually succeed Putin, who is 71 and is expected to rule for years, but his appointments are scrutinised for signs of whether he is lining up a potential candidate to one day take over from him.

Being publicly identified as a potential successor carries certain risks attached to being seen as a challenger.

Asked about Dyumin's appointment, the Kremlin said it was part of a rotation - he is taking over the role from Igor Levitin, 72 - and said he would look at how the State Council would function.

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Cruise vacations: Things and tips you should know before you set sail

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD / Created : May 29, 2024, 21:41 IST

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Cruises offer a unique vacation experience with all-inclusive amenities, diverse activities, and luxurious accommodations. Different cruise lines cater to various preferences, from family-friendly options to upscale experiences.

Cruises offer a unique vacation experience with all-inclusive amenities, diverse activities, and luxurious accommodations. Different cruise lines cater to various preferences, from family-friendly options to upscale experiences. Read less

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