Cruises make traveling around the world easier in so many ways, but you may wonder if you still need to get a passport if you’re only on the boat. If you’re simply interested in the necessity, it all depends on the cruise line and your destination. Some cruises require it, and others do not.
You can go on some cruise lines without a passport, but the U.S. Department of State recommends that all passengers have their passport with them in case of a travel emergency, regardless of the requirement. The general recommendation is that you bring your passport.
Generally speaking, you should get a passport and bring it with you if you want to travel outside of your own country. Of course, depending on where you’re going and where you’re leaving from, it may not be necessary. Before you book a cruise, look into the cruise line’s requirements, and make sure you have ample time to secure your passport.
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3 Reasons You Should Get a Passport to Go on a Cruise
Generally speaking, you’re better off having a passport than not having one, because it is the most widely accepted form of identification. But besides that, many of the best cruises are going to require it.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Require Passport Information
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you are definitely going to be required to bring a passport for a Royal Caribbean cruise. That requirement stands whether you’re embarking on a U.S. sailing or an international one.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you’re required to bring your passport for all international sailings. The only exception to this requirement is for U.S. sailings for U.S. citizens, in which case you can provide either your passport OR your birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID
Regardless, you’ll need a passport for international sailings with Royal Caribbean, no matter where you’re from. And, there are so many wonderful places to go!
Without a Passport, You’re Limited to “Closed-Loop” Cruises
The way around cruising internationally without a passport is through “closed-loop” cruises. Carnival has a number of options for that kind of cruise. These kinds of cruises really only apply to U.S. citizens. It essentially means that the cruise leaves from a U.S. port and returns to the same U.S. port.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will still need a passport to go on one of these cruises. You’ll need a passport to even get to the port, of course. As a U.S. citizen, you still have to provide both of the following in lieu of a passport:
- A government-issued photo ID
- An official birth certificate
Or, you could simply provide your passport information. Besides, having a passport means you’re not limited to closed loop cruises. Not having a passport locks you into a single cruise and a single port, which significantly limits your choices.
You May End Up Unexpectedly Wishing You Had Your Passport
It doesn’t take long to discover horror stories about people who missed their cruise and really wished they had a passport.
The only way you can cruise without a passport is if you leave and return from the same port. Suppose you don’t make it to that port in time to board your cruise for some reason, such as a flight delay. You could potentially catch up to the cruise ship and board at a different port – but only if you have a passport!
The other reason you may wish you had it, is because you might need to return home immediately or you might get sick and want to cut your trip short. Regardless of the reason, you aren’t going to be able to fly out of the Bahamas without a passport, even though you were able to get there without one.
You might be thinking these risks don’t apply if you want to take a Hawaii or Alaska cruise, and you’re a U.S citizen. However, you might still miss your departure. It’s possible you’d be allowed to catch the next departure in Seattle. But, if you miss it in Seattle, you’ll wish you had your passport to hit Vancouver next.
Carnival Offers Plenty of Cruises that Do Not Require a Passport
If you are a U.S. citizen, Carnival has numerous places where you can cruise without a passport. You’ll only need your boarding pass, photo ID, and birth certificate to cruise to the following places:
- Bermuda
- Bahamas
- Mexico
- Cozumel
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- The Caribbean
- New England
- Canada
Can You Cruise to the Bahamas Without a Passport?
Cruises that don’t require a passport start and end in the same location. For example, you might start and end in Seattle to go on an Alaskan cruise. Or, you could start and end in Miami to cruise to the Bahamas. Starting and ending in the same place makes it possible for you to go the Bahamas without a passport.
You Do Not Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise as a U.S. Citizen
Alaska cruises are a great option for U.S. citizens without a passport. Depending on your cruise line, you have a variety of port options from which you will start and end your trip including:
- San Diego
- Seattle
- Vancouver
- San Francisco
- Seward
- Los Angeles
Alaska cruises typically range from 7 to 14 nights. Recommended months for an Alaskan cruise are May through September, and especially June. Note that you will still be required to bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship; and you might be limited to cruises that start and end in the same place.
Can I Cruise to Hawaii Without a Passport?
You can cruise to Hawaii fairly easily without a passport; and it’s less risky than cruising to the Bahamas without one. There are many cruises and cruise lines to choose from for your Hawaii cruise. Most Hawaii cruises depart from the west coast of the U.S., such as:
- Vancouver
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Los Angeles
- Seattle
However, you might also consider traveling to Hawaii first, and booking a cruise from Honolulu to see the other islands. While there are plenty of typical 7-18 night options, Hawaii cruises can be particularly lengthy. You can even book a 50 night Hawaii cruise if you so desire. And, you don’t need a passport as long as you have a U.S. government-issued photo ID.
Depending on your citizenship, you might have plenty of options for cruises that do not require you have a passport. However, you will still need to provide ID and proof of citizenship, regardless.
You should also keep in mind that you are taking two major risks if you decide to go on a cruise without bringing your passport:
- You will be completely out of luck if you miss your U.S. departure and the next port is outside of the country. Whereas, if you have your passport, you can travel to the next port destination and board.
- You might have an unexpected reason to cut your trip short. If you don’t have your passport, you won’t be able to take your leave and fly home from a foreign port. If you do, you can respond to this kind of emergency accordingly.
So, while it isn’t an absolute necessity, there really is no reason you shouldn’t get a passport to go on a cruise. For one thing, you’ll need less paperwork. For another, you’ll be taking fewer risks.
