cruise to alaska no passport

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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.

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Answered: Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

One of the biggest questions we hear is whether or not you need a passport to cruise. It seems like a simple question, especially if your cruise is going to Alaska. After all, you are likely leaving from the United States, visiting the United States, and returning back to the U.S.

Alas, not everything is cut and dry. We’ll cover the details, but the bottom line is that it’s much easier to cruise to Alaska with a passport .

If you don’t have one, then yes, you can still cruise to Alaska in most cases if you are an American passenger . You will need at least an official birth certificate and photo ID (if 16 years or older) as almost all Alaskan cruises also make a stop in Canada.

Full details are below…

Are Passports for American Citizens on an Alaskan Cruise?

The rules surrounding identification and border crossings can be hairy. Fortunately, for American citizens traveling on a cruise, there is a loophole designed to make it easier for people to travel without a passport.

It’s called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and the rule has a section for “closed-loop cruises.” These are cruises that begin and end at the same port. So if you sail from Seattle, head to Alaska and Canada, and then return to Seattle, you are on a closed-loop cruise.

U.S. citizens traveling on these cruises only have to show government-issued ID (typically a driver’s license) and a birth certificate to re-enter the country.

Here’s what the Customs and Border Protection says on the topic :

“As a reminder, since June 1, 2009, all U.S. and Canadian citizens 18 years and older, who enter the United States at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere need to present either a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, or a valid passport or other acceptable document for WHTI compliance. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID . U.S. and Canadian citizen children ages 16 and under are able to enter with only proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Verbal claims of citizenship alone are not sufficient to establish citizenship for entry into the United States. CBP.gov

There are a couple of important points on this. First, if you look at any Alaskan cruise, you’ll notice that there is always a stop in Canada.

That’s because laws state that foreign-flagged ships (which almost all cruise ships are) can’t usually take passengers from one U.S. port to another without making a stop somewhere along the way in another country.

Since you will be stopping in a foreign country, you need some sort of citizenship documents, like an official birth certificate or passport. A driver’s license or other photo ID alone won’t cut it (except in a few specific cased with the new “ Enhanced ID “).

Secondly, each cruise line has their own specific rules regarding documentation needed to travel. This makes it dependent on the cruise line itself if you have to bring a passport or not.

To be clear, every cruise line recommends you travel with a passport even if you are on an Alaskan cruise. This is because should anything happen and you have to get off the ship in another country (medical emergency, ship breakdown, etc.), it’s much easier to get home with a valid passport. Even the U.S. State Department recommends you travel with one .

But if you don’t have a passport already, most of the time you can sail to Alaska with only a birth certificate and photo ID.

Permanent U.S. Residents, Canadian Departures, Foreign Citizens on Alaska Cruises

What if you aren’t an American citizen sailing from the United States and returning on a closed-loop cruise? In that case, you will almost always need a passport .

For instance, say instead of cruising from Seattle you are sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia. That means you’ll be flying, driving, or taking a train into Canada to get to the cruise port. This will require a passport. 

What about permanent residents of the U.S.? Customs and Border Protection says they do not require you to have a passport, but that it will likely be required by other countries that you visit.

And of course, if you are a foreign citizen traveling to or from the United States then you’re required to have a passport.

For more on official requirements, you can read these articles:

• CBP: Do I need a passport for a cruise?
• CBP reminds Seattle cruise ship passengers of ID requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to cruise to Alaska? In most cases, no a passport isn’t required, but it is a good idea. If you are an American citizen and your cruise begins and ends in Seattle, then the trip likely falls under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). These rules allow you to sail on “closed-loop” cruises with only an official birth certificate and a photo ID.

That said, your cruise line or your specific itinerary could require a passport. 

What about kids? Do they need a passport or ID? If you are taking your Alaskan cruise with kids, they will either need a passport or a birth certificate (if on a closed-loop cruise) as well. Kids under 16 years old aren’t required to have a photo ID.

How much does a passport cost? How long does it take to get? These days you can expect to pay about $160 to get a passport that’s valid for 10 years. The regular processing times are 6-8 weeks, but you can get it expedited and get it faster.

More on Taking an Alaskan Cruise

• Complete Guide to Taking an Alaskan Cruise
• How Alaskan Cruises Differ From Caribbean Cruises (And It’s NOT Just Colder)

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Passport requirements for alaskan cruises: what you need to know.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• American citizens on closed-loop cruises do not need a passport, but they need government-issued ID and birth certificate.
• Permanent U.S. residents may not require a passport for an Alaskan cruise, but other countries may require it.
• Canadian departures and foreign citizens traveling to or from the U.S. on an Alaskan cruise require a passport.
• Having a passport for an Alaskan cruise is recommended by every cruise line and the U.S. State Department, as it simplifies the process of getting home and provides additional identification and documentation.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (Whti) for American Citizens

Closed-Loop Cruises for U.S. Citizens

Proof of citizenship for u.s. and canadian citizen children.

Passport Requirements for Permanent U.S. Residents

Passport requirements for canadian departures, passport requirements for foreign citizens, importance of having a passport for an alaskan cruise, passport requirements for children on a cruise, cost and processing time for obtaining a passport, frequently asked questions, are there any exceptions to the western hemisphere travel initiative (whti) for american citizens on an alaskan cruise, can u.s. citizens on closed-loop cruises use a driver’s license as a government-issued id, do u.s. and canadian citizen children under 16 need a passport for closed-loop cruises, are permanent u.s. residents always required to have a passport for an alaskan cruise, are there any specific requirements for foreign citizens traveling on an alaskan cruise.

Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team.

From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

Queen Latifah and Spike TV’s Lip Sync Battle: Elevating Carnival Horizon’s Entertainment

Star-Studded Performances on Carnival Cruise Line

Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team. From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

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What is a folio number carnival cruise.

• A folio number on a Carnival cruise is used to manage and track expenses incurred during the cruise.
• It is different from a booking number, which is used to reserve and confirm a cabin on the cruise.
• Reviewing and understanding the folio statement is important to ensure accuracy of charges and to avoid any unexpected expenses.
• The folio number can be used to dispute incorrect charges and seek resolution for any billing discrepancies.

Definition of a Folio Number

Importance of a Folio Number on a Carnival Cruise

How to obtain your folio number.

• Visit the Carnival website and log into your account.
• Navigate to the ‘Manage My Booking’ section.
• Locate your booking details and find your folio number.

Linking Your Onboard Expenses to Your Folio Number

Tracking your spending with your folio number, settling your account with your folio number, benefits of having a folio number, tips for managing your folio number, common questions about folio numbers answered, final thoughts on the significance of a folio number on a carnival cruise, can i use my folio number for purchases made off the ship, what happens if i lose my folio number during the cruise, is it possible to change my folio number once it has been assigned, are there any fees associated with using a folio number on a carnival cruise, can i link multiple credit cards to my folio number for payment, what is the difference between a folio number carnival cruise and an ultra cruise on carnival.

Claire, a creative soul with an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, is an integral part of the Voyager Info team. As a dedicated writer, she weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to enchanting cruise destinations and beyond.

Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

What Is Included On A Carnival Cruise

• Carnival Cruise Line offers a wide range of dining options, including casual buffets, elegant sit-down restaurants, and specialty dining experiences with exquisite dishes.
• The entertainment and activities on Carnival cruises are diverse and exciting, with Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, live music performances, water parks with thrilling slides, and sports facilities for friendly games.
• The accommodations on Carnival cruises are cozy and luxurious, with soft beds, elegant decor, and breathtaking ocean views. There is a range of accommodation types to choose from, all equipped with amenities for comfort.
• Carnival cruises offer a variety of onboard amenities, such as spa and fitness centers for ultimate relaxation, casino and gaming areas for luck and thrill, and shops and boutiques for retail therapy. The spa and fitness center offer rejuvenating treatments, soothing massages, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, and fitness classes led by experienced instructors. The casino and gaming areas provide a wide variety of exciting games and gambling options, including classic table games and slot machines.

Dining Options

Entertainment and activities, broadway-style shows, comedy clubs and live music, water park and sports facilities, accommodations, onboard amenities, spa and fitness center, casino and gaming areas, shops and boutiques, kids and family programs, excursions and ports of call, onboard activities, nightlife and bars, nightclubs and themed bars, live music and dj performances, spa and wellness, customer service and support, what are the safety protocols and measures in place on a carnival cruise, can i bring my own alcohol on board, are there any age restrictions for the different activities and amenities on the cruise, are there any special dining options available for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies, can i bring my pet onboard a carnival cruise, what are the main differences in what is included on a disney cruise compared to a carnival cruise, what is the average age of passengers by cruise line.

Setting out on an exploration across the immense sea of data, my objective is to reveal the age groups that favor cruising as their choice of holiday. This endeavor highlights the varied experiences provided by different cruise lines.

Like a tapestry woven with different threads, each line attracts a unique blend of passengers, creating a vibrant mosaic of age groups.

Carnival Cruise Line, with its playful spirit and lively atmosphere, appeals to a younger crowd, while Holland America Line exudes elegance and sophistication, drawing in a more mature clientele.

Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises cater to a wide range of ages, offering activities and entertainment for both the young and the young at heart.

Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, on the other hand, strike a balance between relaxation and adventure, attracting passengers from various age brackets.

Join me on this enchanting journey as we explore the average age of passengers across these renowned cruise lines, uncovering the hidden patterns within the data.

• The average age of passengers on Norwegian Cruise Line is around 45 years old, indicating a focus on attracting a younger crowd.
• Princess Cruises caters to a diverse range of travelers of all ages, offering family-friendly experiences and a romantic atmosphere for couples.
• Both cruise lines provide exceptional onboard entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and art classes.
• The onboard amenities of both cruise lines include luxurious spas, swimming pools, fitness centers, and facilities for passenger pampering, catering to the enjoyment and relaxation of all passengers.

Carnival Cruise Line

The average age of passengers on Carnival Cruise Line is typically lower than other cruise lines.

Carnival Cruise Line is known for its vibrant onboard entertainment and family-friendly activities, attracting a wide range of age groups.

With a focus on creating a fun and energetic atmosphere, Carnival offers a variety of entertainment options such as live shows, comedy clubs, and themed parties.

Families can enjoy activities like water parks, mini-golf, and age-specific kids’ clubs.

These offerings appeal to younger travelers, contributing to the lower average age on Carnival Cruise Line.

As we transition into the subsequent section about Holland America Line, it is important to note that while Carnival attracts a younger demographic, Holland America Line tends to appeal to a more mature audience.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line offers a sophisticated atmosphere and elegant dining experience that caters to guests seeking a refined cruise experience. With a focus on gourmet cuisine and top-notch service, passengers can indulge in a luxurious dining experience throughout their voyage.

Additionally, Holland America Line offers a wide range of enrichment programs and cultural activities, allowing guests to expand their knowledge and immerse themselves in the destinations they visit. From lectures by experts to cooking demonstrations and art classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Lastly, Holland America Line boasts relaxing spa and wellness facilities that provide the perfect retreat for guests looking to unwind and rejuvenate. With a variety of treatments and therapies available, passengers can pamper themselves and enhance their overall well-being while cruising.

Sophisticated Atmosphere and Elegant Dining

Indulge yourself in the sophisticated atmosphere and elegant dining of Holland America Line, where you’ll discover a world of refined cuisine and exquisite ambiance. This cruise line is renowned for its sophisticated ambiance, immersing passengers in a luxurious environment that exudes elegance. The fine dining options offered onboard are nothing short of exceptional, with a diverse selection of gourmet dishes prepared by talented chefs. From delectable seafood to succulent steaks, every meal is a culinary delight. To add a touch of sophistication to this description, let me present a table that showcases the variety of dining options available:

Now, let’s move on to the next section, where we will explore the enrichment programs and cultural activities offered by Holland America Line.

Enrichment Programs and Cultural Activities

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of cultural activities and enrichment programs that will captivate and inspire you throughout your Holland America Line experience. Here are four incredible offerings that showcase the line’s commitment to providing a diverse range of experiences:

By offering such a wide array of enrichment programs and cultural activities, Holland America Line caters to a diverse age demographic, ensuring that passengers of all ages can engage in activities that interest them.

Transitioning into the subsequent section about relaxing spa and wellness facilities, you’ll find an oasis of tranquility where you can rejuvenate and unwind.

Relaxing Spa and Wellness Facilities

Immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and rejuvenation with Holland America Line’s relaxing spa and wellness facilities.

With a wide array of spa treatments and wellness programs, Holland America Line ensures that passengers can unwind and revitalize their mind, body, and soul.

From luxurious massages to invigorating facials, their spa treatments are designed to pamper and provide ultimate relaxation.

In addition, meditation classes are offered to help passengers find inner peace and harmony amidst the hectic pace of cruising.

By incorporating these wellness facilities and programs, Holland America Line caters to passengers who seek a holistic experience during their cruise vacation.

Transitioning into the subsequent section about ‘Royal Caribbean International’, let’s explore another aspect of the cruise experience that focuses on entertainment and recreational activities.

Royal Caribbean International

Passengers on Royal Caribbean International cruises tend to be of a certain age, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall atmosphere. With a focus on providing a diverse range of experiences, Royal Caribbean attracts passengers from all walks of life, but the average age of their passengers tends to be slightly higher compared to other cruise lines.

This can be attributed to the cruise line’s reputation for offering a wide array of activities and amenities that cater to a more mature audience. From the luxurious spa and wellness facilities to the refined dining options and entertainment choices, Royal Caribbean ensures that its passengers have a sophisticated and enjoyable experience.

As we transition into the next section about Celebrity Cruises, it is interesting to note that this cruise line also appeals to a similar demographic, but with its own unique offerings.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere that transports you to a world of luxury and refinement. With its dedication to providing exceptional service and unparalleled experiences, Celebrity Cruises attracts a diverse range of passengers.

When it comes to the average age of passengers, Celebrity Cruises appeals to a slightly older demographic compared to other cruise lines. The average age of passengers on Celebrity Cruises is around 55 years old, reflecting the brand’s focus on providing a more refined and upscale experience. This age range aligns with the cruise line’s emphasis on cultural enrichment, gourmet dining, and world-class entertainment.

Celebrity Cruises caters to sophisticated travelers who appreciate the finer things in life.

Moving forward to the subsequent section about Norwegian Cruise Line, we delve into a cruise line that offers a different experience for passengers.

Norwegian Cruise Line

As you step aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, you are transported to a world of boundless freedom and exhilarating adventures, where every moment is a thrilling journey waiting to unfold. When it comes to the average age of passengers on Norwegian Cruise Line, the company caters to a diverse demographic. With a wide range of itineraries and activities, Norwegian Cruise Line attracts passengers of all ages, from families with children to older adults seeking relaxation and exploration. However, the cruise line is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, appealing to a younger crowd. According to industry data, the average age of passengers on Norwegian Cruise Line is around 45 years old. This aligns with the cruise line’s focus on providing a dynamic and youthful experience for its guests. Moving on to the next cruise line, Princess Cruises offers a unique and captivating journey.

Princess Cruises

Embark on a majestic voyage with Princess Cruises and immerse yourself in a world of enchantment and discovery.

When it comes to the average age of passengers, Princess Cruises attracts a diverse range of travelers.

With a focus on providing exceptional onboard entertainment and amenities, Princess Cruises caters to passengers of all ages. From Broadway-style shows and live music performances to cooking demonstrations and art classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The onboard amenities are equally impressive, with luxurious spas, swimming pools, and fitness centers to keep passengers pampered and active during their voyage.

So whether you’re looking for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Princess Cruises offers an unforgettable experience for passengers of all ages.

Can children and teenagers travel on these cruise lines?

Children and teenagers can travel on most cruise lines, but there are age restrictions and youth programs available. The industry recognizes the importance of catering to all age groups, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Are there any age restrictions or requirements for passengers on these cruise lines?

There are age restrictions and minimum age requirements for passengers on cruise lines. Each cruise line has its own policies, but typically children must be at least 6 months old to sail.

Are there any specific cruise itineraries or ships that cater to older passengers?

There are several cruise itineraries and ships that cater to older passengers. These ships offer specific onboard activities and amenities tailored to their needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the older demographic.

Is there any information available about the average age of crew members on these cruise lines?

The average age of crew members varies across cruise lines, and it can have an impact on the passenger experience. Younger crew members may bring a more energetic vibe, while older crew members may offer a more experienced and refined service.

Are there any specific onboard activities or amenities that are popular among passengers of a certain age group?

Popular onboard activities and amenities vary by age group. Younger passengers tend to prefer high-energy activities like rock climbing and water slides, while older passengers often enjoy more relaxed options such as spa treatments and wine tastings.

After analyzing the data on the average age of passengers by cruise line, it is evident that each company caters to a distinct demographic.

Carnival Cruise Line, with its vibrant atmosphere and exciting activities, attracts a younger crowd, while Holland America Line appeals to a more mature audience seeking a refined and elegant experience.

Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises strike a balance between youth and sophistication, targeting a broad range of age groups.

Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises cater to individuals seeking relaxation and tranquility.

The cruise industry truly offers something for everyone, ensuring a delightful voyage for every traveler.

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8 Cruise Destinations That Don’t Require a Passport

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

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

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

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

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

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

Places to Cruise Without a Passport

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

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

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

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

Courtesy of Disney

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

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

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

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

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

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

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

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

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

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

The Caribbean

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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

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

Canada and New England

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

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

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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 our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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.

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Alaska Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go to Alaska?

Kate H. Knapp

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Alaska passport requirements often cause confusion for U.S. travelers. You might assume that a passport isn’t required to enter Alaska since it is considered domestic travel within the U.S., but that’s not always true. While Alaska passport requirements state that a passport isn’t required for arrival by plane, a passport is generally necessary when visiting via car, and you may also need one when visiting by cruise ship.

Alaska Passport Requirements

There is a difference in which documents are needed for Alaska passport requirements based on the type of travel to the state. For instance, when arriving by plane, you generally do not need to have a valid passport. There’s one exception: Starting on October 1, 2020, everyone will need a REAL ID for air travel, and not all states currently issue driver’s licenses that comply with these requirements. If yours doesn’t, you may need to carry a passport instead. For more information, see Everything Travelers Need to Know About the REAL ID Act .

If you are traveling by car, and therefore have to cross into Canada to reach Alaska, you’ll need a valid passport book, a passport card, or an enhanced driver’s license to get through border security.

Do you need a passport for an Alaska cruise? The answer is maybe. If you’re taking a closed-loop cruise that departs from and returns to the same U.S. port (such as Seattle), you do not need a passport, even if your itinerary includes calls in Canada; instead, an enhanced driver’s license or a birth certificate and regular driver’s license will suffice. If your cruise departs from and ends in two different cities, then you’ll need a passport.

Keep in mind that you might want to bring a passport even on a closed-loop Alaska cruise in case an emergency strikes and you need to fly home from a Canadian city; driver’s licenses and birth certificates are not accepted for international air travel.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?

How to Get a Passport for Travel to Alaska

Apply for a passport as soon as your travel is confirmed. The cost will be greater if applying for a passport within two weeks of travel time (in which case you will need an expedited application ). You can learn more about passport requirements and documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport here .

Other Alaska Travel Requirements

Vaccinations: No

So, Do I Need a Passport to Visit Alaska?

In summary: It depends on how you get there. Alaska passport requirements state that you don’t need a passport when traveling from the mainland to Alaska by air since it is considered domestic travel (unless you don’t have a REAL ID driver’s license), but a passport may be required when arriving by car or cruise ship.

Protect Your Passport

We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection. 

On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once you arrive at your destination, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the hotel or vacation rental but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock .

More from SmarterTravel:

• Cruise Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?
• How to Take Your Own Passport Photo
• 5 Exotic Places Where You Don’t Need a Passport

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Do You Need a Passport for an Alaska Cruise

You’re finally going to plan that long-awaited Alaska cruise. One question I’m often asked is, “do I need a passport  for an Alaska cruise?” The answer is easy: yes. And no.

Alaska cruises are different. Your destination is America’s 49th state. Why would you need a passport for an Alaska cruise? Let’s break it down to the different cruises and itineraries. 

Do I Need a Passport for an Alaska Cruise?

On a “closed-loop cruise” – one that begins and ends in a US port – technically you don’t need a passport book. For example, an Alaska cruise roundtrip from Seattle or a Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Miami. 

All you need for this type of cruise is a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate with a raised seal. But is that a smart decision? IMO, no. Here’s why…

If your ship breaks down in a foreign port or if you have a medical emergency, to fly home to the USA asap, you need a passport book for re-entry. Plain and simple. 

Without a passport, you’d have to get in contact with the local US embassy or consulate and apply for an emergency passport. This can take days, especially if it happens over a weekend.

Cruises to Alaska from Seattle or San Francisco 

As I mentioned above, you may not need a passport for an Alaskan cruise. For example, on a round-trip closed-loop cruise to Alaska from Seattle or San Francisco, you may not need a passport. A government issued photo ID and a birth certificate are accepted. 

Either north or southbound, unless the laws change, your ship will stop somewhere for a service call in Canada before returning to Seattle or San Francisco. Still, you don’t need a passport.

But it’s always best to have an up-to-date passport that doesn’t expire within 6 months of your trip return. However, it isn’t mandatory to have a U.S. passport on this type of closed-loop cruise from the Lower 48 to Alaska and back.

Remember though, if an emergency should happen and you need to fly back to the U.S. from Canada, unless there’s some kind of work-around, you will need a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.

Also, cruise lines could require that you have a passport, even for a closed-loop Alaska cruise from the Lower 48. Be sure to follow your cruise line’s requirements and that you allow enough time to get a valid passport if needed.

When a cruise ship cruises the Inside Passage to Alaska departs from a US port, the ship must…MUST stop in a foreign-flagged port before returning to the US. Why?

First of all, almost every large cruise ship that departs from a US port was built and flagged in a foreign country. Cruise lines erroneously site the reason for stopping in for example, Vancouver or Ensenada, as the Jones Act of 1920. 

This Act states that only vessels built, crewed and flagged in the US may carry cargo between US ports. It was a protectionist Act aimed at preventing foreign-flagged ships from moving their goods between US ports. But that’s not actually the reason.

RELATED:  Take the Alaska Marine Highway Instead of a Cruise Ship

Why Must Cruise Ships Stop in a Foreign Country?

The   Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886   (46 U.S.C. 289) states that “No foreign vessels shall transport passengers between ports or places in the United States, either directly or by way of a foreign port.” Done. Archaic? I’d say yes.

Since most of the cruise ships departing from U.S. ports are foreign-built, flagged and crewed, they have to include a foreign port call in all itineraries. That’s why even round-trip Hawai’i cruises leaving from Los Angeles or San Diego stop at Ensenada (Mexico) on their way back from the islands.

Cruises to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada

If your Alaska cruise  begins or ends in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, think about how you arrive and depart from Canada. Unlike me, nearly everyone else flies into Vancouver. 

If, like I do, you take Amtrak from Seattle, you will still need to show your passport book to the immigration police at the Canadian border.

RELATED:  How to Take an Amtrak Train from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada

Entering Canada by Land or Sea

Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. As of this writing, a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship.

Leaving Canada by Air or Sea Back to the U.S.

When traveling by air from Canada back into the United States, U.S. citizens are required by U.S. law to present a U.S. passport book. There are a few exceptions to this rule.

A full list of documents that can be used at land and sea borders are provided on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.

When You Don’t Need a Passport for an Alaska Cruise

You can use a passport card or passport book to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason (again, emergency evacuation or ship breaks down), you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States from those countries.

Also, if you don’t care about being able to go home to the United States, you can enter Canada with an official birth certificate and photo ID.

Small Ship Alaska Cruises Could be an Exception

Let’s say you are planning a small ship cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Your flight is non-stop from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska where you’ll board your expedition ship. 

Same for the return, say from Sitka to Seattle. Technically, on a cruise exactly like this, you don’t need a U.S. passport.

But, if your cruise has a shore excursion planned that includes a motor coach ride into the Yukon, British Columbia, then once again, you will need a passport book to re-enter the United States. If your expedition cruise includes this excursion, don’t pass up this trip. 

Bottom line

Remember the Eagles song, “ Hotel California “? “You can check out any time you like, But you can never leave!” To paraphrase, without a passport book, you cannot re-enter the United States from Canada, unless you are on a closed-loop Alaska cruise from Seattle, San Francisco or anywhere in the Lower 48 and your cruise line and intended shore excursions into Canada do not require a passport.

What are you waiting for? Get your passport book and start to plan your Alaska cruise. Especially if Skagway is on the itinerary and you plan to ride aboard the White Pass & Yukon Railroad into Canada for the afternoon!

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Hi Kathleen, Thank you for reading my article and taking the time to ask your question. On my past experience aboard Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver BC and back, I’ve had to present my passport to the official who boards the train to check passports. On what is called a “closed loop cruise” ex. roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska and back to Seattle, you would still need a government issued photo ID (driver’s license) and a birth certificate with a raised seal. I’m a little concerned about the advice you received from Holland America. If you have a current passport (that doesn’t expire before 6 months of your return, I would bring it.

From what I understand from this article: https://www.dhs.gov/enhanced-drivers-licenses-what-are-they an Enhanced Driver’s License will get you back into the U.S. but the article doesn’t say if it will allow U.S. citizens to enter Canada. If you fly from the U.S. to Canada, you need a passport to enter Canada.

If I were you, I would double check about entering Canada with an EDL. You could even call Amtrak as they might know too.

Either way, thank you again for writing and have a fun Amtrak ride (sit on the left side of the train if possible) and a wonderful cruise to Alaska.

I have only a Washington state Enhanced Driver License and was told by Holland America that it is acceptable for cruising round trip from Vancouver, BC, Canada. I live in Seattle and will take the train to Vancouver on the day of departure. Please confirm, once again, that this info is correct. Thank you!

Hi Carie, Thank you for reading my article. For a short while several years ago, I worked at cruise line check-in at a port just so I could better understand the rules. It is very possible that if your birth certificate with a raised seal and government-issued photo ID names do not match, you could be asked to show additional proof, as you mentioned. I am going to assume that your Alaska cruise is from Seattle, not Vancouver.

And yes, a passport is always recommended, even on a closed-loop cruise, in case of accident or some reason to need to fly home from a non-U.S. port.

I’m glad you’re taking the extra step to be sure and not have your mom denied boarding at the departure port! And good idea to get a passport for her!

Have a wonderful cruise to Alaska! Thank you again for taking the time to write your comment. Much appreciated.

I just read that if your name on your BC and ID don’t match, you also have to have your marriage license or divorce decree to show the reason for the names not matching. We had to order a marriage license for my mom to cruise to Alaska. When we get back we are applying for her passport!

Thank you for your comment. An Enhanced Driver’s License alone is NOT sufficient. I suggest that your friend read this information from Princess Cruises’ website: https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/

This information from Princess clearly defines when a birth certificate with a raised seal + a government-issued photo ID IS accepted; certain closed-loop cruises that begin and end in the U.S. There are exceptions when a passport is required (ex. an Alaska cruise/tour that extends into Canada).

I always recommend a current passport book even on a closed-loop cruise, in case of an emergency return to the U.S. (ex. Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale).

Thank you for taking the time to send your comment.

You should revise this information because Princess Cruise line will not allow a birth certificate + state license/id for travel. You must have a US Passport or Enhanced Driver License. I quoted this information to a friend and it turned out to be wrong.

Thank you for reading my article and pointing out this sentence. I’ve re-worded the paragraph so that it reads easier with less confusion about needing or not needing a U.S. passport on a closed-loop cruise to Alaska from the Lower 48.

The following statement you made in your post is not true for closed loop Alaskan cruises:

“To paraphrase, without a passport book, you cannot re-enter the United States from Canada.”

You can enter the US with a birth certificate and photo ID is the cruise begins and ends in the same port.

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

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

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to cruise without a passport

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

• The Bahamas

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

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

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

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

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

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

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

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

U.S. citizens 16 and older

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

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

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

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

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

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

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

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

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

Unacceptable forms of ID

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

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

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

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

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Traveling To Alaska Without A Passport

Published: December 16, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Leann Rosado

• Plan Your Trip
• Sustainability
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Alaska, the land of breathtaking landscapes, rugged wilderness, and abundant wildlife, is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. From towering mountain ranges to stunning glaciers, Alaska offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors.

However, for many travelers, the thought of traveling to Alaska without a passport may seem daunting. After all, passports are typically required when traveling to destinations outside of the United States. But did you know that as an American citizen, you can explore the wonders of Alaska without the need for a passport?

In this article, we will explore why Alaska should be on your travel bucket list, understand the passport requirements for visiting Alaska, learn about the various modes of transportation available, discover the incredible sights and attractions that await you, delve into the rich culture of Alaska, and provide you with some helpful tips for a hassle-free trip to the beautiful Last Frontier.

So, get ready to embark on a virtual journey to Alaska, where nature’s wonders await you at every turn.

Why travel to Alaska?

Alaska is a destination like no other, offering a unique blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider traveling to Alaska:

• Natural wonders: Alaska is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. From the towering peaks of the Alaska Range to the majestic glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park, the beauty of this state is simply unparalleled.
• Abundant wildlife: Alaska is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. You can witness grizzly bears fishing for salmon, spot bald eagles soaring through the sky, and marvel at humpback whales breaching in the pristine waters. The state’s national parks and wildlife refuges provide ample opportunities to see these incredible creatures up close.
• Outdoor adventures: If you’re an adventure seeker, Alaska is the ultimate playground. You can go hiking in Denali National Park, kayak through crystal-clear waters, or take a thrilling dog sledding tour. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, there’s an adventure waiting for you in Alaska.
• Cultural heritage: Alaska is rich in Native American culture and heritage. Throughout the state, you can learn about the traditions, history, and art of Alaska Native tribes. From visiting traditional villages to experiencing indigenous dances and art exhibits, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity of Alaska.
• Majestic Northern Lights: Alaska is one of the best places on Earth to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. From September to April, on clear nights, you can marvel at the dancing lights in the night sky. It’s a truly magical experience that will leave you in awe.

These are just a few reasons why traveling to Alaska should be on your bucket list. Whether you’re seeking adventure, natural beauty, or cultural immersion, Alaska offers a world of exploration and discovery. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime in the Last Frontier.

Understanding the passport requirements

When it comes to traveling to Alaska, it’s important to understand the passport requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. As a part of the United States, Alaska has unique considerations when it comes to travel documentation. Here’s what you need to know:

Passport requirement for U.S. citizens: As an American citizen, you do not need a passport when traveling directly between the continental United States and Alaska. This means that if you are flying from a state within the U.S. to Alaska, you can use your valid driver’s license or state-issued identification card as proof of identity.

Passport requirement for international travelers: If you are an international traveler visiting Alaska, you will need to have a valid passport and any required visas to enter the United States. This applies to countries outside the U.S. and includes international flights that may have layovers in other countries before reaching Alaska.

Passport requirement for cruise ship passengers: If you are planning to explore Alaska’s stunning coastline on a cruise, the passport requirements may vary. It is highly recommended that you have a valid passport, even if you are not required to have one. This is because unforeseen circumstances or emergency situations may arise that require you to disembark the ship in a foreign port or return to the U.S. by air.

Identification for domestic flights: While a passport is not required for domestic flights to Alaska, it is still advisable to carry a government-issued ID with you. This is primarily to comply with airline regulations and ensure a smoother check-in process.

It’s important to note that passport requirements can change, so it’s best to check with the relevant authorities, such as the U.S. Department of State or your travel agent, for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip to Alaska.

Understanding the passport requirements will help you plan your trip to Alaska with ease and peace of mind. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or an international traveler, knowing what documentation is required will ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable journey to the Last Frontier.

Traveling within the United States to Alaska

Traveling from within the United States to Alaska is a seamless process, offering various options to reach the beautiful Last Frontier. Here are the different modes of transportation you can choose from:

By air: The most convenient and quickest way to travel from the contiguous United States to Alaska is by air. Major airlines operate regular flights from cities like Seattle, Anchorage, and Fairbanks, connecting you to various airports throughout Alaska. Direct flights are available from major hubs, making it easy to reach your destination in the state.

By road: Another popular option for traveling to Alaska is embarking on a road trip. If you’re up for an adventure, you can drive the Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, which starts at the Canadian border in British Columbia and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. The highway offers breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to explore charming towns and attractions along the way.

By train: The Alaska Railroad provides a scenic and leisurely way to reach Alaska. The train offers routes from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Seward, and Whittier, allowing you to experience the stunning landscapes of Alaska from the comfort of your seat. The railroad also offers dome cars for panoramic viewing, giving you the chance to spot wildlife and marvel at the untouched wilderness.

By ferry: If you prefer a maritime adventure, you can opt for a ferry ride to Alaska. The Alaska Marine Highway System operates a network of ferries that connect various ports in Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington State. Traveling by ferry allows you to witness the coastal beauty and experience the unique charm of Alaska’s coastal communities.

When planning your trip, consider the time and budget you have, as well as the level of adventure you seek. Each mode of transportation offers a different experience, allowing you to tailor your journey to suit your preferences.

It’s important to keep in mind that Alaska is vast, and travel distances can be significant, especially if you’re driving or taking the train. Plan your itinerary accordingly, allowing for enough time to fully appreciate the sights and attractions along the way.

Whether you choose to fly, drive, take the train, or hop on a ferry, traveling within the United States to Alaska promises an adventure filled with stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences.

Modes of transportation to Alaska

When it comes to traveling to Alaska, there are several modes of transportation available to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are the most common modes of transportation to consider when planning your trip:

By air: Flying is the most popular and convenient way to reach Alaska. Major airlines offer direct flights to cities such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau from various locations in the United States, making it easy to access the state. Additionally, smaller regional airlines provide flights to more remote areas of Alaska, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

By road: For those looking for an adventurous journey, driving to Alaska is an option. The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, stretches from the Canadian border in British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and wildlife. It’s important to note that the highway can be rugged and remote, so proper preparation and a reliable vehicle are essential.

By ferry: The Alaska Marine Highway System operates a network of ferries that connect various ports in Alaska, as well as ports in British Columbia and Washington State. This mode of transportation allows you to enjoy the beauty of Alaska’s coastline, visit remote islands, and experience the charm of coastal communities. Ferries accommodate both passengers and vehicles, providing flexibility for exploration.

By train: The Alaska Railroad offers a scenic and leisurely way to travel through the state. The train operates routes from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Seward, and Whittier, allowing you to witness the stunning landscapes of Alaska. The railroad offers comfortable seating, panoramic viewing cars, and onboard narration to enhance your journey.

By cruise ship: Cruising is a popular option for exploring Alaska’s vast coastal region. Numerous cruise lines offer itineraries that take you along the Inside Passage, showcasing stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. Cruises provide the opportunity to visit multiple Alaskan ports and participate in various shore excursions, ensuring a comprehensive Alaska experience.

Each mode of transportation to Alaska has its advantages and charm. Consider factors such as time, budget, desired level of adventure, and the specific destinations you wish to visit when choosing your mode of transportation. Some travelers may opt for the convenience of flying for shorter trips, while others may prefer the scenic routes and flexibility of driving, taking a ferry, or cruising.

Regardless of which mode of transportation you choose, traveling to Alaska promises to be an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning and remote landscapes in the world.

Exploring the sights and attractions in Alaska

Alaska is a treasure trove of natural wonders and captivating attractions that promise to leave visitors in awe. Here are some of the must-see sights and experiences that await you in the Last Frontier:

Denali National Park: Home to the highest peak in North America, Denali National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore hiking trails, spot wildlife such as grizzly bears and moose, and take in breathtaking views of the rugged wilderness.

Kenai Fjords National Park: Witness the majestic beauty of glaciers up close in Kenai Fjords National Park. Take a boat tour to marvel at the shimmering ice formations, spot whales and sea lions, and explore picturesque coastal landscapes.

Mendenhall Glacier: Located near Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is a stunning natural wonder accessible by hiking trails and guided tours. Marvel at the massive ice flows, witness the mesmerizing blue hues, and explore the surrounding Tongass National Forest.

Glacier Bay National Park: Embark on a cruise to Glacier Bay National Park and be awe-struck by the vast icy landscapes, towering glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Inside Passage: Explore the remarkable Inside Passage, a labyrinth of fjords, islands, and stunning coastal landscapes. Cruise through this scenic route that stretches from southeastern Alaska to British Columbia, witnessing breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters.

Nome: Discover the rich gold rush history of Alaska in the town of Nome. Visit the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, experience traditional Native Alaskan culture, and try your hand at gold panning.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: Immerse yourself in the history of the Klondike Gold Rush in Skagway. Explore the preserved buildings and learn about the hardships faced by prospectors seeking fortune in the late 1800s.

Alaska Native Heritage Center: Gain insight into the rich cultural heritage of Alaska’s indigenous communities at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Experience traditional dances, art, storytelling, and exhibits showcasing the diverse Native Alaskan cultures.

Pioneer Peak: Hike or take a scenic drive to Pioneer Peak near Palmer for sweeping views of the Matanuska Valley. This iconic peak offers breathtaking vistas of glaciers, rivers, and mountains.

Northern Lights: Alaska is renowned for its spectacular Northern Lights displays. Head to remote locations away from city lights, such as Fairbanks or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, for the best chance to witness this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

These are just a few of the incredible sights and attractions that Alaska has to offer. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or eager to experience indigenous cultures, Alaska will captivate you with its untouched beauty and rich heritage.

Plan your itinerary well in advance to ensure you make the most of your time in Alaska and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Immersing in the culture of Alaska

Alaska is not just a place of breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, but also a destination rich in cultural heritage. Immersing yourself in the diverse cultures of Alaska allows you to gain a deeper appreciation for the state and its people. Here are some ways to experience the vibrant culture of Alaska:

Visit Native Alaskan communities: Alaska is home to a diverse range of indigenous cultures, each with its distinct traditions, languages, and art forms. Take the opportunity to visit Native Alaskan villages, such as the Inupiaq community in Barrow or the Tlingit village of Klukwan, to learn about their way of life, customs, and history.

Attend cultural events and festivals: Throughout the year, Alaska hosts numerous cultural events and festivals that celebrate the state’s diverse heritage. From the Alaska Native Heritage Month in November to the Alaska Folk Festival in Juneau, there are plenty of opportunities to experience traditional music, dance, storytelling, and artwork of Alaska’s indigenous peoples.

Explore museums and cultural centers: Visit museums and cultural centers such as the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska State Museum in Juneau to delve into the history and traditions of Alaska. These institutions showcase artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that provide insights into the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Participate in traditional activities: Engage in traditional activities such as dog sledding, fishing for salmon, or learning traditional crafts like basket weaving or carving. Many communities offer hands-on experiences and workshops where you can learn ancient skills from local artisans and craftsmen.

Experience indigenous performances: Attend cultural performances featuring traditional dances, songs, and storytelling by Native Alaskan groups. These performances often showcase beautifully crafted regalia, intricate dance routines, and powerful narratives that highlight the connections between people, land, and spirit.

Taste indigenous cuisine: Indulge in the flavors of Alaska by trying traditional indigenous cuisine. Sample dishes such as smoked salmon, reindeer sausage, or akutaq (Eskimo ice cream), which are integral to Alaska’s culinary heritage.

Respect local customs and traditions: When interacting with the people of Alaska, it’s important to respect their customs and traditions. Learn about cultural protocols and etiquettes, such as asking for permission before taking photographs or participating in ceremonial activities, to show appreciation for the local culture.

Immersing yourself in the culture of Alaska not only educates and enriches your travel experience but also fosters a deeper understanding and respect for the people who call this remarkable state their home.

Remember, cultural experiences are best approached with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Embrace the opportunity to connect with the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make Alaska such a unique and captivating destination.

Tips for a hassle-free trip to Alaska without a passport

Traveling to Alaska without a passport can still be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re an American citizen or an international traveler exploring Alaska’s domestic destinations, here are some tips to ensure a hassle-free trip:

• Carry proper identification: While a passport may not be required, it’s crucial to carry a valid government-issued identification such as a driver’s license or state-issued identification card. These will be necessary for activities such as checking into accommodations, renting vehicles, or participating in certain tours.
• Check travel identification requirements: Although a passport may not be mandatory within the United States, it’s advisable to check the identification requirements of transportation providers such as airlines, rental car companies, and cruise lines. Some may have specific policies or recommendations regarding acceptable forms of identification.
• Secure necessary travel documents: If you’re an international traveler visiting Alaska’s domestic destinations, ensure you have your valid passport and any required visas for entry into the United States. Even though you may not need a passport for travel within Alaska, it may be required for other parts of your journey.
• Research transportation options: Explore the various modes of transportation to Alaska and choose the option that best suits your preferences and needs. Consider factors such as time, budget, and the level of adventure you desire. Whether you opt for air travel, a road trip, a ferry ride, or a train journey, plan ahead and make necessary reservations to secure your preferred mode of transportation.
• Pack appropriate clothing and gear: Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack clothing suitable for layering. Be prepared for both warm and cool temperatures, and don’t forget to bring appropriate outdoor gear such as sturdy hiking shoes, rain jackets, and insect repellent depending on the season and activities you plan to partake in.
• Expect limited connectivity: In some remote areas of Alaska, particularly in national parks or wilderness regions, internet and cell phone service may be limited. Plan accordingly to stay connected with loved ones and access important information by informing them of potential communication gaps.
• Respect the environment and wildlife: Alaska’s pristine wilderness is home to a diverse range of wildlife. When exploring the outdoors, maintain a safe distance from animals, avoid feeding them, and dispose of waste responsibly to minimize impact on the ecosystem.
• Be prepared for unique experiences: Alaska offers incredible opportunities for adventure and awe-inspiring experiences. Embrace the ruggedness of the state, be open to unexpected encounters with wildlife, and savor the untouched beauty of the landscapes. Keep in mind that flexibility is key when embracing the wild nature of Alaska.

By following these tips, you can ensure a hassle-free trip to Alaska without a passport. Embrace the adventures that await you, immerse yourself in Alaska’s natural beauty, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Visiting Alaska without a passport is an exceptional opportunity to explore the wonders of America’s Last Frontier. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and abundance of wildlife, Alaska offers an unforgettable experience for travelers near and far. Understanding the passport requirements, choosing the right mode of transportation, and immersing yourself in the captivating sights and attractions are key to ensuring a remarkable journey.

From the towering peaks of Denali National Park to the magnificent glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska’s natural wonders will leave you in awe. The cultural heritage of Alaska’s indigenous communities adds another layer of depth to your trip, allowing you to appreciate the rich traditions and history of this extraordinary state.

Whether you’re flying into Alaska, embarking on a road trip, or cruising along the coastline, each mode of transportation offers its own unique adventure. Take advantage of the opportunities to explore native communities, attend cultural festivals, and engage in activities that will deepen your connection to the people and land of Alaska.

Remember to carry the necessary identification, pack appropriately for the weather, and respect the environment and wildlife. Additionally, be prepared for limited connectivity in certain areas, allowing yourself to disconnect from the modern world and fully embrace the untamed beauty of Alaska.

In conclusion, Alaska is a destination like no other. By traveling without a passport, you can discover the wonders of this remarkable state within the United States. Whether you’re seeking awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural immersion, or thrilling outdoor adventures, Alaska will exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, pack your bags, prepare for an unforgettable journey, and get ready to experience the magic and beauty of the Last Frontier—Alaska awaits your discovery.

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Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Do you need a passport for a cruise? The answer is both yes and no.

Whether you need a passport depends on numerous factors, including where you embark and disembark the ship, where you're sailing to and which line you're cruising with. There's no definitive answer -- and it can be confusing.

If you're planning a cruise and have questions about where you can travel without a passport, here's everything you need to know before you go.

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

Where can I cruise without a passport?

If you're a U.S. citizen and don't have a passport, you actually have quite a few cruise options.

You may be surprised to learn that U.S. citizens don't need a passport to sail on "closed-loop" cruises with lines like Celebrity Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line , Carnival Cruise Line , Princess Cruises and others.

These voyages sail round trip from U.S. ports to destinations in North America such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico, Central America, Alaska and Hawaii. They depart from such home ports as Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, Galveston, Texas and New York City.

Related: Eastern vs. Western Caribbean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

The rules also apply to Caribbean islands that are U.S. territories. For instance, you won't need a passport to fly to and cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico , or St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

However, if you embark in one U.S. port and disembark in another, it's not the same as a closed-loop sailing. For example, a Panama Canal cruise that begins in Miami and ends in San Diego will require a passport. Longer cruises, like grand voyages, that sail round trip from the U.S. but visit countries outside North and Central America, will also require a passport.

Any cruises where you need to fly to or from a foreign country, including Canada, will necessitate a passport.

Are there exceptions for needing a passport on a closed-loop cruise?

Yes. Even if you're on a closed-loop sailing, certain islands in the Caribbean – Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barts, Barbados and others -- require a passport for entry. It's your responsibility (not your cruise line's) to learn the requirements of each of the destinations you're visiting before you go.

If you don't have a passport and your ship stops at one of these islands, you'll have to stay on board. If you want to cruise without a passport, choose itineraries where you know you can get off the ship and enjoy your day in port.

To make things even more confusing, you can get off the ship in port in Vancouver, British Columbia during an Alaska cruise without a passport, but to cross over into the Canadian province by rail, you'll need one. You can visit Alaska on a round-trip Seattle cruise without a passport. But if you wish to book a rail journey excursion on the White Pass & Yukon Route, which takes you from Alaska into Canada, choose the shorter White Pass Summit tour; you'll need a passport for the longer trips.

There are also exceptions when you're traveling with children. Princess Cruises and Holland America require that at least one parent carry a passport, even if you're on a closed-loop sailing. Some lines always require a passport for all travelers, no matter the itinerary, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara , Windstar Cruises , Silversea Cruises , Oceania Cruises and Seabourn .

What type of ID do you need to carry for a closed-loop cruise if you don't have a passport?

The U.S. Customs & Border Protection agency states that if you're cruising without a passport, you'll need proof of identity and U.S. citizenship in the form of a state-issued birth certificate. It also requires a government-issued driver's license or a photo ID with your name and date of birth.

Another option is a passport card , which is a photo ID issued by the government that proves your citizenship and permits border crossings by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. (This card cannot be used for international air travel and therefore costs less than the traditional passport book.)

An enhanced driver's license is another alternative that you can use for land and sea port crossings, but not for international flights.

If you don't have a passport, these documents may also be sufficient to show customs officials in some Caribbean islands. For example, if you disembark in St. Maarten (on the Dutch side) and then take a boat over to Anguilla on an excursion, you will need a passport, a certified birth certificate and photo ID, a passport card or an enhanced driver's license. St. Maarten doesn't require the documents, but Anguilla does.

It's best to check the requirements not just for each island that you'll be sailing to, but also to additional destinations you may visit on a port call. They may require different documentation for entry.

If you are cruising with kids under age 16 on a closed-loop cruise, you'll need to bring a certified copy of their original birth certificate for identification. They do not need a photo ID.

No matter which documents you bring, it's a smart idea to take copies of them (either paper ones or photos on your phone) when you leave the ship, in case something happens while you're ashore. Always carry some type of photo identification, like a driver's license, when you head into port.

What happens in case of an emergency if I don't have a passport?

If you had an emergency and were forced to disembark due to illness or other reason in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, the Bahamas, Bermuda or Canada you would need a passport to return home by plane. On the rare occasion of a ship evacuation or a diversion to another country to disembark, a passport would also be essential for getting home.

Related: 7 ways to prepare for any kind of travel disaster

If you find yourself without a passport but in need of one, you would need to contact and locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and request an emergency limited validity passport in order to fly home. The process requires explaining your urgent situation, completing an application, and showing your travel documents, photo identification and proof of citizenship.

You will also need to have a passport size photo taken and pay the required fees. While this type of passport can be issued within as little as a day, it could take up to a week to receive it.

Bottom line

Cruise lines recommend that every passenger have a passport when traveling, even on closed-loop cruises when one isn't strictly necessary. It's the best way to prove your identification and citizenship and is an essential item if you unexpectedly get stranded abroad. It's also less cumbersome than carrying the required documents and papers with you wherever you go.

There's no better time to apply for a passport than now. It can take eight to 11 weeks (expedited wait times are five to seven weeks) for a routine passport to be issued, so you always want to plan ahead.

The cost for a first-time passport holder is $165, plus the photo fee; the steep fee alone is why many Americans choose to go without one. The good news is that an adult passport is valid for 10 years – and you can travel to most places in the world with just a passport and no visa.

While it is possible to cruise without a passport, it's worth the peace of mind to know that you can get off the ship and do what you want to do while on vacation and then be able to get home again should anything unexpected happen. However, if you don't have a passport, or don't wish to get one, you can still cruise — you're just limited to North American cruises sailing round trip from U.S. departure ports.

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Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of the U.S. and Canada, who enter or re-enter the U.S. by air, land or sea .

There are a few notable exceptions pertaining to land and sea border crossings:

• U.S. citizens on cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port and travel to destinations in Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean (except the French West Indies for certain cruise lines), the Bahamas or Bermuda are able to re-enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship other than a passport or passport card. Acceptable proof of citizenship includes a U.S. state-issued original or certified copy of their birth certificate (hospital certificates are not acceptable) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization and a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license). Passports are required for cruises that begin in one U.S. port and end in another.  
• Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean cruises that visit islands in the French West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin and Saint Barts) require a valid passport regardless of departure port.  
• Children under the age of 16 who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada are exempt from the passport requirement for land and sea border crossings. In lieu of a passport, children are able to use a U.S. state-issued original or certified copy of their birth certificate (hospital certificates are not acceptable) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization as proof of citizenship for entry into the U.S. by land or by sea. Children entering or re-entering the U.S. by air are required to have a valid passport.  
• When minors are traveling with only one adult, Holland America and Princess require that all passengers have a valid passport.  
• A new, lower-cost alternative to the passport, called a passport card, is acceptable for entries into the U.S. by land or sea. The passport card is not acceptable for air travel.  
• The following cruise lines require a passport for all sailings, regardless of destination or port of departure: Azamara, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Oceania, P&O, Paul Gauguin, Regent, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, Star Clippers and Windstar.

Photocopies of required documentation are not acceptable in any circumstance.

Even though passports are not required at this time for U.S. citizens who sail on cruises to the above destinations that begin and end in the same U.S. port, we strongly recommend that all cruise passengers travel with a valid passport anyway. This is because guests who need to fly to or from the U.S. unexpectedly during their cruise will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the U.S. if they do not have a valid passport with them. For example, a passenger missing a cruise departure due to a late inbound flight to Miami would need a passport to fly to meet the ship at the next port. Similarly, guests needing to fly to or through the U.S. before their cruise ends because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship's departure from a port of call, or a mechanical problem of some sort with the ship, would need a passport. Of course, situations like these are rare, but they can happen.

Passports are not required for U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from Hawaii or a U.S. territory, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Passports are required for cruise travel to all International destinations not mentioned above, and for cruises that involve air travel that begins or ends outside of the U.S. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the last day of travel.

Vacations To Go has partnered with CIBT, the largest and most well-established travel visa and passport company in the world, to offer you a fast, easy and reliable way to obtain a passport or other document for travel anywhere in the world. For information about obtaining a passport or passport card for the first time, or about renewing a passport or passport card, click here to visit the CIBT Web site.

Legal U.S. Residents (Non-Citizens)

Legal permanent residents of the U.S. must have a valid passport from their country of citizenship and a valid Alien Registration Card (Green Card) to enter or re-enter the U.S.

Non-U.S., Non-Canada Citizens

The following countries participate in a visa waiver program with the U.S., and citizens of these countries must have a machine-readable passport for entry into the U.S.:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

Citizens of the countries listed above who do not possess machine-readable passports, and citizens of countries not listed above must present a valid passport and a valid United States visa upon entry into the U.S. For those whose travel plans include multiple entries into the U.S., such as a cruise that begins and ends in a U.S. port, a multiple-entry visa is required.

All travelers, including U.S. and Canada citizens , are responsible for verifying visa requirements with consular officials, and obtaining visas where required, for every country visited during their trip, including countries visited via connecting flights.

Always check with your Vacations To Go cruise counselor at the time of booking to verify the documentation requirements for your vacation.

Alaska cruise vacations that begin and end in the United States (Closed Loop Itineraries)

If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins and ends in the same US port (Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles) you are not currently required to travel with a passport to Alaska. All cruise lines and Alaska Cruises and Land Tours highly recommend you carry a valid passport. U.S. Citizens who do not have a valid passport must provide the following proof of citizenship: Naturalization certificate or an original certified birth certificate from the state/province of their birth (a hospital certificate will not suffice) together with a current and valid government issued photo identification, such as a driver's license. U.S. citizens may also present a U.S. Passport Card. Neither oral nor written declarations of citizenship will be accepted.

Although recommended, photo identification is not required for those 16 years and younger at the time of this printing.

Even if your cruise does not involve air travel outside the U.S., should you be required to unexpectedly depart a vessel in a foreign port prior to the end of the sailing, a passport would be required to re-enter the U.S. by air. As such, all cruise lines and WMPH Vacations continue to strongly recommend that all passengers are in possession of a passport.

Alaska cruise vacations that begin or end in Canada or another Foreign Port:

If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins or ends in Canada or another foreign port, you are required to carry a valid passport. If you fly into or from Canada for your Alaska Cruise, you will be required to present a passport when departing from or returning to the U.S. by air.

click here to apply for a US Passport

There are 191 countries in the world and each one has different visa arrangements with travel to USA & Alaska, Canada and the other 190 countries. Additionally, since security conditions are always changing, neither the cruise line nor Alaska Cruises and Land Toursis able to provide complete information on current visa requirements for all nationalities for travel to the United States, Canada or other countries. If you are not a U.S. citizen and wish to travel to Alaska and Canada, we highly recommend you contact your embassy or consulate for more information and to learn the entry requirements of the countries on your itinerary. You may also contact Zier visa Service ( http://www.zvs.com ) Again, All travelers are responsible to learn of the documentation requirements for your vacations.

U.S. Resident Aliens are required to present, in addition to a valid passport, a current and valid Alien Resident Card.

Canadian Visa for Travel to Alaska - Non-US Citizens

The Canadian government requires foreign citizens from most countries other than the U.S. to obtain a visa for entry into Canada. This law affects all cruises that make a port of call in Canada including most cruises to and from Alaska and the Pacific Coast. Failure to present the required visa will result in denied boarding with no refund. To learn if Canada requires a visa for citizens of your country, we highly recommend you contact with your embassy or consulate for more information and to learn the entry requirements of the countries on your itinerary. You may also contact Zier visa Service ( http://www.zvs.com ) Again, All travelers are responsible to learn of the documentation requirements for your vacations.

Find an Alaska Cruise  - Alaska Cruises - Alaska Cruisetours  Cruise from Seattle  Cruise from Vancouver BC  Inside Passage cruises  Gulf of Alaska cruises 

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Find Out if You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise

Last updated: February 28th, 2022

• Find a Cruise

Figuring out if you need a passport to go on a cruise isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think. The answer largely depends on the destination of your cruise, which port you’re embarking and disembarking from, and which forms of ID you already have.

We always recommend you bring a U.S. passport onboard, regardless of your cruise itinerary. Traveling with a passport will always make your trip easier, especially if you encounter any unforeseen circumstances during your vacation, such as an unexpected stop at an unscheduled international port due to bad weather or a family emergency that would require you  to book a last-minute plane ticket home.

That being said, if you’re a U.S. citizen and want to know if you need a passport to go on your upcoming cruise, we’ve compiled some useful information to help you figure out which specific destinations and cruise itineraries require you to bring a passport and which ones don’t.

Do you need a passport if you fly to an international cruise departure port?

If you’re doing any international air travel to get to your cruise, then you are required to bring a valid U.S. passport book in order to board the plane.

A U.S. passport book is a government-issued document that allows U.S. citizens to travel internationally by air, land, and sea.

A valid U.S. passport book is mandatory even if you’re flying to or from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean from the United States.

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to the Bahamas?

If you are cruising to the Bahamas from the U.S., the following documents are acceptable: passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.

If you are traveling to the Bahamas on a closed-loop cruise, which is a cruise that starts and ends at the same U.S. port, you may travel with a state-issued ID (such as a driver’s license) and an original U.S. birth certificate.

Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. Children under 19 can use these same documents only if they are traveling with a school, church group, sports team, or other organization with adult supervision.

Do you need a passport for a cruise to Mexico?

If you are planning a cruise to Mexico , make sure you bring one of the following documents: U.S. passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.

If you are cruising to Mexico on a closed-loop cruise, (a journey that starts and ends at the same U.S. port), you can enter without a passport and show a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate instead.

Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

If you are cruising to the Caribbean , you will need to enter with either your U.S. passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.

If you are aboard a Caribbean closed-loop cruise, (a cruise that departs and ends at the same U.S. port), you can travel with a state-issued ID (for example: your driver’s license) and an original birth certificate. You must have both of these documents in order to be able to travel without a passport.

The following Caribbean countries require the above documentation: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks and Caicos.

Read: Best Beaches in Antigua

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to Alaska?

Even though Alaska is part of the United States, most cruise itineraries will require you to travel with a U.S. passport.

If you’re on a cruise to Alaska that begins or ends in Canada, you are required to carry a passport book or passport card. (If you are traveling by plane to get to your departure port in Canada, you must travel with a U.S. passport book.)

If you’re traveling on a closed-loop cruise to Alaska that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, you can travel with a passport card or a state-issued ID (such as a driver’s license) and an original birth certificate.

Do you need a passport for a cruise to Hawaii?

Even though Hawaii is a U.S. state, all of our cruise itineraries require you to travel with a U.S. passport book or card.

Our Hawaii cruise itineraries either depart or end in Canada, so U.S. citizens are required to bring a passport book or passport card. (If you are traveling by plane to get to your departure port in Canada or are flying back into the United States, you must travel with a U.S. passport book.)

Do you need a passport for a cruise to Bermuda?

If you are cruising to Bermuda , then you don’t necessarily need a U.S. passport book, but can use any of the following documents instead: U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST card), or an enhanced driver’s license.

If you take a closed-loop cruise to Bermuda, you can leave your passport at home and travel instead with a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate.

Regardless, we always recommend traveling with a U.S. passport book, in case there are any inconveniences during your trip.

What’s a passport card and should you get one?

If you’re traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, you can bring a U.S. passport card instead of a passport book. However, a passport card does not work for air travel into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean.

There are some advantages to traveling with a passport card rather than a passport book, mainly cost and portability. Currently, a passport card costs only $65 to issue, while issuing a passport book is $145. For adults, both are valid for 10 years before you need to renew them. For children under 16, both are valid for 5 years.

Another benefit of a passport card is its smaller size. A passport book is 5” x 3.5” when closed and contains several pages, while a passport card can easily fit into a wallet, money belt, or pocket. (Just make sure it’s a secure pocket with a zipper so it doesn’t fall out.)

That being said, we always recommend bringing a valid passport book on your cruise. If you don’t make it back to your cruise ship on time after visiting a port, or if a family emergency requires you to fly back home from one of your cruise destinations, a passport card won’t allow you to travel on a plane. In case there are any unforeseen inconveniences, a passport book will always work as a valid travel document via air, land, and sea.

Do kids need a passport for cruises?

If children under the age of 16 are traveling internationally by air, they will need a valid U.S. passport.

If they are traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by sea on a cruise, they can travel with a U.S. passport, passport card, trusted traveler card, or an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. Children under 19 can use these same documents only if they are traveling with a school, church group, or other organization with adult supervision.

In addition, be sure to review other requirements for children, such as a signed and notarized letter from a missing parent if the child isn’t traveling with both parents, or a written letter of consent if the child is traveling as part of a group without an adult that is 21 or older.

When do you need a passport book to cruise?

You will always need a passport book if you are starting and ending your cruise in different ports. Even if your cruise starts and ends in U.S. cities, you will still be required to have a valid U.S. passport book in order to board.

You will also always need a passport book if you are traveling on a cruise that requires you to take an international flight to get to your departure port, such as those cruises departing from Europe, South America, or Asia. You won’t be able to board an international flight without a passport book.

If you are cruising to a destination not located within Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, you need to bring a U.S. passport book; a passport card will not be allowed as a valid travel document.

Even if you are traveling on a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends in the same port) to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, it is always recommended that you bring a passport book in case of an emergency or unforeseen situation that might require air travel. 

Do you always need a passport card or passport booklet to cruise?

We always recommend carrying a passport book or a passport card while vacationing on a cruise. That being said, there are certain types of cruises where you’ll be able to board with other types of documentation if you do not have either a passport book or passport card.

U.S. citizens traveling on closed-loop cruises to either Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean can travel with the following documentation:

• U.S. passport book or card
• Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, FAST)
• Enhanced Driver’s License
• An original copy of your government-issued birth certificate or naturalization certificate and a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license)

Should you bring a passport on closed-loop cruises?

While some cruises don’t require you to travel with a U.S. passport book, we always recommend you bring one on your trip, even on a closed-loop cruise . If you need to fly back to the United States during your cruise, you’ll only be able to board a plane with a passport book.

If you happen to miss the ship’s departure time during an international excursion, it will be much harder to meet your ship in the next port without a passport book on you. (Keep in mind that a shore excursion booked through Celebrity Cruises will always guarantee you’ll make it back to your ship on time.)

Also some ports of call may require a passport to enter even if you don’t need one to board your cruise. It’s always wise to research your itinerary and find out what kind of documentation each country requires of U.S. citizens in order to enter.

What else should you know about cruising with a passport?

Having a passport doesn’t mean your vacation is a go yet. You’ll also want to double check when your passport expires, as many countries require a passport to be valid for six months after the date of your planned departure. If you’re on a cruise, this means making sure your passport is still valid for another six months following the last day of the cruise.

Another thing you’ll want to check is the amount of blank pages in your passport. You should have at least one blank page for each country you’re visiting. If you don’t have enough pages left for stamps, you’ll need to renew your passport before your trip.

One major advantage of traveling on a cruise is that international customs are mostly handled for you. Before boarding, you’ll provide your passport number and other applicable information to the cruise line, which then provides this information to customs authorities in the international ports of call you’ll visit. Once this is arranged, you’ll simply get off the ship and enjoy your destination without having to go through customs each time. However, you should always double check what the passport protocol is for the cruise ports you’re visiting.

It is also your responsibility to obtain any necessary visas you may need during your cruise. Be sure to research the visa requirements for each country you’ll be visiting during your itinerary. You’ll also be in charge of any fees relating to the visa.

Note: For some itineraries, the cruise line may hold onto your passport during the duration of your trip in order to expedite the clearance formalities at each port of call. In those cases, we recommend making color photocopies of your passport to carry with you during visits to international ports.

How do you keep your passport safe on a cruise?

The most popular way to keep your passport safe while on a cruise is to store it inside a money belt or passport necklace. A money belt is a soft pouch with a zipper that can fit your passport, some cash, and a couple of credit cards. The pouch is connected to a belt that sits comfortably around your waist.

A passport necklace is similar, but is worn around your neck and inside your shirt instead. It’s not usually as discreet as a money belt, but is often more convenient and allows for easier access to your travel documents and money.

Traveling with a passport cover is also wise since it helps to keep your passport in pristine condition. Some countries won’t accept a damaged passport in customs.

What if you lose your passport during a cruise?

If you lose your passport while on a cruise, the first thing you need to do is notify the nearest U.S. consulate in order to get a replacement passport issued. Also, contact the guest relations department on your cruise ship so they can provide guidance on how to handle the rest of your cruise before you get your replacement passport.

If you lose your passport on the ship, you should fill out a lost property report with the guest relations department on board.

To help eliminate any chance of losing your passport while on the ship, we recommend keeping it in your stateroom or suite. The in-room safes are easy to use and will keep your passport in a secure place at all times. When you’re on your cruise, there is no need to carry a passport on you since you’ll use your Sea Pass card for all transactions.

Grab That Passport and Book Your Cruise!

Do you have all the right documentation in place for your preferred cruise itinerary? Then you’re all set to book your cruise and start a wonderful vacation. Browse our cruise itineraries or call one of our vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086 to get started.

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Are Passports Required to Travel to Alaska?

Alaska travel regulations and policies.

Although Alaska is the 49th state, travelers still wonder, " do I need a passport to cruise to Alaska? ". Travel regulations and policies are subject to change without notice, in the sake of national security. It is important to know what documentation is needed when cruising to Alaska.

Do You Need a Passport When Cruising to Alaska?

For those taking a trans-pacific cruise, or trans-ocean cruise be sure to bring your passport! It is better to be on the safer side when traveling, so we strongly suggest that you travel with your passport and a picture ID on hand. Please be sure to review the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) list of compliant documents.

U.S. citizens traveling directly to Alaska and returning directly from Alaska are not required to show their passports, although it may expedite the process of gaining clearance on return. Non-U.S. Citizens and U.S. permanent residents must ensure that they have the necessary travel documentation by contacting the appropriate authorities such as the U.S. Embassy, or U.S. Immigration office. U.S. permanent residents are required to travel with a valid Permanent Resident Card. Take advantage of Alaska Cruise Deals , and travel to Alaska for your next vacation.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Compliant Documents

When traveling to Alaska you will need to bring one of the below documents with you. U.S. citizens traveling to and from U.S. ports are required to travel with at least one Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document.

• Valid U.S. Passport
• Passport Card
• Original or suitable quality copy of a Birth Certificate (Issued by a government agency: state/county/city)  and a government issued photo ID if 16 years of age and older.
• Original Certificate of Naturalization
• Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card,  e.g., Nexus Card, Sentri Card or Fast Card
• Enhanced Tribal Card
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) - only acceptable at land and sea ports of entry.  It cannot be used for air travel outside the U.S.  The word 'Enhanced' must appear on the driver's license. The following five states currently issue an EDL:     Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.

Copies of U.S. passports and naturalization papers, hospital and baptismal certificates are not WHTI compliant documents, therefore, are NOT acceptable.

Travel Agents for Cruises to Alaska

For additional questions on traveling to Alaska, please use our cost saving travel agent services . Our travel agents can assist you in planning and booking your next vacation. Not only can our travel agents provide you with great cruise specials, they can also provide you with valuable reviews and feedback that will make your travels to Alaska enjoyable! C ontact a travel agent directly by calling 1-800-683-0206.

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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.

Where can I cruise without a passport?

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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Visit Seattle’s new Perks Pass digital savings passport is ideal for cruise clients

Post date: May 16 2024

Date: May 16 2024

By: Travelweek

SEATTLE — Visit Seattle has launched a digital Perks Pass for Alaska-bound cruise passengers, a new offering available via Bandwango.

The free platform highlights local attractions, retail outlets, and restaurants that offer discounts to convention and cruise visitors, inspiring them to experience more of what the Emerald City has to offer during their stay.

Seattle Art Museum (photo credit Rachael Jones)

Seattle’s MoPOP (photo credit Jie Liu)

Current discounted offerings include some of Seattle’s most popular destinations such as Seattle Art Museum, Kenmore Air, Smith Tower, the Seattle Symphony, and more.

In addition to those big-name attractions, there are plenty of smaller local gems taking part too, including Bite Society, Aerlume, FRS Clipper, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Theo Chocolate, Underground Donut Tour and Atrium Kitchen.

More information about Perks Pass partners can be found at https://visitseattle.org/things-to-do/cruise-information/perks-pass/

Before or during their trip to Seattle, visitors can access the digital savings passport by providing their name, e-mail address, and phone number. Bandwango will then send a passport link to the user’s phone, providing convenient access to local deals and discounts during their trip. Once a visitor is ready to redeem the pass, they show their savings passport to the vendor to claim their discount.

Following a record-breaking Seattle cruise season in 2023, the introduction of this program seeks to stimulate cruise passenger spending before and after their trip.

With two centrally located cruise terminals and easy access to the airport, Seattle is one of the West Coast’s premier points of departure for Alaska, West Coast, or Pacific Northwest cruises. Pier 66 is in the heart of the downtown core, while Pier 91 is just a 5-8 minute Uber ride from the downtown core.

Pike Place Market (photo credit David Newman)

The Port of Seattle has 277 sailings to Alaska from Seattle on seven different cruise lines in 2024. The season kicked off April 6 and closes Oct. 28, during which time an estimated 1.7 million passengers will sail out of Seattle.

Cruise passengers can easily explore Seattle’s major attractions before or after their sailing. Whether they have two hours or two days in town, there’s plenty to see and do just steps from their cruise ship. With the downtown core spanning just a compact and walkable mile and a half, visitors are never too far from the piers or easy transit to the airport, and it’s easy to pack a lot of adventure into a couple of hours in Seattle.

Views from the Space Needle (photo credit @ppoppo2)

Visit Seattle’s Perks Pass is available now. For more information see https://visitseattle.org/things-to-do/cruise-information/ . And for pre- and post-cruise sightseeing ideas, check out https://visitseattle.org/things-to-do/cruise-information/pre-post-cruise-activities/ .

Tags: Lead Story, Seattle

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Ketchikan residents protest imitation totem poles carved by convicted murderer

Several dozen people gathered in the rain last week across the street from a coned-off Ketchikan property. They held signs saying “No Fake Totem Poles” and “Protect Indigenous Artists.” They faced a small construction vehicle sitting atop a pile of rubble spilling onto two carved, wooden poles.

Leaders from a number of Native groups turned out for the May 5 protest, including Rob Sanderson, 3rd Vice President of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.

“The bottom line is that our people have come too far, too long to get to where we’re at,” Sanderson said to the crowd, gesturing over to the poles lying on the ground. “When I look at these poles, that’s a slap to the face of our local artists here in Ketchikan and abroad.” 

At first glance, the poles resemble the art forms carved by Northwest Coast Indigenous artists for thousands of years. But in an interview with the  Ketchikan Daily News , owner Joseph Machini said that he bought the poles from a non-Native Minnesota man named Carl Muggli in 2008. 

In a bizarre twist, Muggli was later  charged with murdering his wife  with one of the 700-pound poles they crafted as part of their business. He eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder in that case.

Machini acknowledged that unfortunate history to the Daily News, and explained that he had sought poles from out-of-state suppliers because he wanted something done quickly, and “the Indians here were very busy.” Machini plans to have the imitation poles adorn five small kiosk shops where he will sell local arts and crafts.

Back at the protest, Willard Jackson, a Teiḵweidí Brown Bear spiritual leader, shared a story about respect before leading a song.

“This man doesn’t got any respect! Doesn’t have any at all,” Jackson said, referring to Machini. “It’s time we stand up and move forward as Native people! This is our land. It lives in our heart!” 

Machini’s property sits directly across from one of Ketchikan’s cruise ship docks, and a number of disembarking tourists stopped to watch the protest. Ketchikan Indian Community President Norm Skan said that demonstration was just the beginning.

“Because really, as I always say, somebody from Iowa getting off one of these cruise ships is not going to know the difference,” Skan said. “But we know.”

Skan said he appreciates the business idea of creating spaces to sell local goods, but the imported poles are a different story.

“We don’t want these fake poles here made by a non-native person in Minnesota brought to our community and put up in Tlingit land,” Skan said. “And I’m surprised that our local politicians would put up with that, it just don’t make sense to me.”

In fact, one local politician did raise the issue at a Ketchikan City Council meeting days before the protest. Vice-Mayor Janalee Gage addressed her fellow council members during the citizen comment section.

“If we allow these poles to be raised, we will be no better than the individual who thought bringing those poles here that were carved by a non-native from Minnesota was okay,” Gage said. “This is appropriation at its finest.”

Gage cited the  1990 Indian Arts and Crafts Act , which prohibits the sale of products that are falsely marketed as being produced by Native artists.

“The owner may not be selling these poles, but he is selling an idea to those unsuspecting visitors, and our locals, that get off the ships,” Gage said. “They will think these are real, Native art.”

Gage requested a future agenda item to discuss what can be done. 

City Manager Delilah Walsh has been looking into what potential regulation might look like to share with the Council. In a phone interview, she said the city works closely with Native organizations to promote authentic Alaska Native art. 

“And we very much want to not only preserve, but to support not only that historic aspect of our local culture, but to respect what those items reflect,” Walsh said.

Walsh said that was the purpose behind the creation of the Totem Heritage Center, and its Native Art Studies program. 

“It’s absolutely not acceptable for culturally appropriated poles to be surrounded with debris and treated as such,” Walsh said.

When it comes to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act though, Walsh said the law is really only aimed at fake items that are displayed for sale, whereas the Minnesotan poles are simply decorative.

Some residents are also concerned that the property owner has been drilling into the hillside to make room for the kiosk buildings. A busy, one-lane tunnel runs through that same hillside, and critics say the excavation endangers both the tunnel and the homes directly above it.

Walsh said Machini’s original building permit did not include permission to excavate, but once he was granted that, he obtained the services of an engineering firm which has been monitoring for seismic activity from the drilling. Walsh said thus far, the operation is structurally sound.

As far as what city management can do to intervene, Walsh said their authority is limited to building codes. 

The city actually filed a  lawsuit against Machini in 2015  for failing to remove the burned down structure of a building he owned on the same tunnel-adjacent property. But Walsh said that didn’t come into play when approving his current building permit.

“Simply because, building code does not talk about prior performance,” Walsh said. “So code doesn’t say ‘if you had a bad relationship or interaction with the city in the past.’ That’s not something that would be considered.” 

The City Council will discuss its regulatory authority over the imitation totem poles at its next meeting on Thursday. Walsh said the Council could try to enact new regulations, but that may be difficult due to the First Amendment rights of private property owners.

Michael Fanelli, KRBD - Ketchikan

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