DO YOU NEED A PASSPORT TO GO ON A CRUISE?

You may find it hard to believe that most U.S. Based cruises do not require you to have a passport. But just because it is not required does not mean you should travel without it. So Do you need a passport to cruise? Most Certainty, Yes.

Closed-Loop Cruises

When cursing to places such as the Bahamas, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, etc. and you are a U.S. Citizen leaving from and returning to a U.S. homeport a passport is not required. However, if you choose not to use a passport you will need to show a government issued ID (such as a driver’s license) and proof of citizenship (Such a certified copy of your birth certificate). Without these documents you will not be able to board your cruise.

Cruises To And From Foreign Ports

If you are a U.S. citizen and your cruise embarks or disembarks in a foreign country, including Canada, you will always need your passport for the cruise. In some case, a passport card may work. However, it is your job to research if so or not.
Keep in mind that cruise passport requirements can change based on shore excursions, too. Any time you cross a land or sea border into a foreign country, you’ll need a passport. It is also a good idea to check entry requirements of all individual ports in your itinerary, as you may need a visa too.

What About An Emergency?

In the event of an emergency, only a passport will allow you to fly home quickly from a foreign port. While it will still work and take much more time it is possible to get home with only a birth certificate & a photo Id.
These documents will permit you to receive a temporary passport to be used for reentry into the United States. However, they take time (a few days even) & paper work to get and are only temporary. The time it takes to process and receive is also not guaranteed. It could even leave you stranded for longer than anticipated.

#FAQS #info #cruising #passports