What if an opportunity pops up on short notice and you dont have a passport yet? 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. For a closed loop cruise, a birth certificate and a government issued ID are the only forms of documentation required. Journeys . As weve shown, you have plenty of options of where to cruise without a passport and many travelers do so without incident. Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans. It is for travelers who are not going to leave the country by airplane, and plan to only leave the United States via land or sea. Original certificate of U.S. naturalization, U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad. The big "what if". A "closed loop" cruise is defined as one that . They may require different documentation for entry. Thanks for your response, but I already knew all this. Bottom line. For those who have a longing to escape to a tropical destination or attend an exciting Alaskan adventure yet dont have a valid passport, you may want to consider a closed-loop cruise. Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's Travel Documentation page for specifics. Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler. This was implemented to clarify what documents guests require for traveling on a cruise ship. Having a passport on a cruise means not just an easier embarkation and disembarkation process, but it protects you against an unexpected situation that may occur during the course of a cruise, such as: Certainly many guests will cruise without a passport and likely not run into any issues. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Lawful permanent residents must continue to present a valid Permanent Resident Card. 5. if 16 years of age or older Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean, but cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities. Not having a passport means you will need to travel to a U.S. embassy or consulate in a foreign country to apply for a temporary visa to re-enter the country. Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler. Caribbean, Alaskan, and Mexican cruises are extremely popular. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port. Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda? U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. Its the passengers responsibility to check with the appropriate government agencies and their cruise line to determine what documentation is required. Don't worry, you still have plenty of options! Thanks for the help! Skip the passport on three to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round trip on most of the major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The goal is to strengthen border security while facilitating entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers, making the process more efficient and convenient. Your previous content has been restored. For New Zealand citizens, please visit the Internal Affairs website. For those unfamiliar with the term, we discuss what a closed-loop cruise is. The long-cruise option consists of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, Los Angeles (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. Cruise ships usually sail under a foreign flag. A closed-loop cruise is one that starts and finishes at the same U.S. port and only sails to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or the Bahamas.1 We are required to take them off in Cuba but that is the only one for us so far. Convenience is the main reason that people take closed-loop cruises. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. You just get to come and go as you please. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Needing to fly to 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, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons. Upload or insert images from URL. Recommended Reading: Cheapest Way To Cruise Alaska. These and other cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents. As a result, the process is much more straightforward. State-issued enhanced drivers licenses (EDLs) provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Armed with. 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. If your children dont yet have passports, the time has come to pay the fees, fill out the forms, and get their pictures taken. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that dont require passports come in two varieties. United States citizens can visit the State Departments travel website or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center at (877) 4USA-PPT; TDD/TTY: (888) 874-7793. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Social Security Cards and Voter Registration cannot be used as a form of citizenship. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Drivers License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). Closed-loop cruises are those that take off from a U.S . Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Check here before booking an award fare. Discuss this topic at our Cruise Boards >, Free daily cruise updates to your inbox >, Subscribe for daily cruise news on YouTube >, Search Ends for Man Missing From Carnival Cruise Ship, Norwegian Cruise Ship Deployment Set for Port Canaveral, MSC Cruises Hits Construction Milestone for World-Class Ship, MSC Euribia to Debut Largest Shopping Center at Sea, Many options since they are the most popular type of cruise, Park close to the port and retrieve your vehicle at the same location, No advantage if you are not a U.S. citizen since youll need a passport to get to the port, U.S. 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. First time cruiser and Im stressing about required travel documentation. You will leave it in the safe. Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda? You know it's best to cruise with a passport, but there are dozens of reasons why you might consider taking a cruise without one. 2) The tour provider must be authorized to issue Russian visa reference numbers. Dont forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories; visits there never require a passport for U.S. citizens. What Is the Documentation Required for a Non-U.S. Citizen? If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status. Passengers on these cruises still need to present a . Bermudian citizens are required to present a valid passport. Popular closed loop itineraries include not only the Caribbean but also the Mexican Riviera and Alaska. Passports do have an additional cost to them (especially for children), but we feel the advantages of having a passport far outweigh the cost and work required to get one. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. 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 . Cruise lines . Be aware you can not fly internationally without a passport so if something happened mid-cruise and you needed to fly home, you couldn't. If you need to obtain a passport quickly, please contact VisaCentral at 844-834-5702 and reference account 75006 for discounted VisaCentral service fees. What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)? If youre a U.S. citizen and dont have a passport, you actually have quite a few cruise options. 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. I always advise people to call the cruise line and confirm documentation with them. She prefers shore excursions involving history, wine or wildlife. Card if traveling while on official orders, Traveler Program cards (SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST). 4. The peace of mind of having the passport is worth far more than the effort to getting it. 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. 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. WP&YR allows cruise passengers to go on the 3-hour train excursion without a passport, but not to take any of the longer routes. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). So my question is: does Cozumel, Grand Cayman, or Jamaica require a passport even if Im on a closed loop cruise? There is no 6 month issue in the Caribbean. Locate a Travel Agent. Additionally, there must be a destination to a foreign location to qualify as a closed-loop cruise. If not, just leave blank, What I wish I did differently on my first cruise, 12 things I'd tell anyone new to cruise ship travel, The top 7 cruise ship things you're still saying wrong, 8 Tips for your first Royal Caribbean cruise, First time cruisers: What clothing to pack, Fly out of the United States to meet a ship at the next available port should they miss the scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port. You wont 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. For U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), you must have your photo ID plus your Permanent Resident Card (I-551/Green Card). Something that I guarantee you nobody in his group planned on! We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. There's no better time to apply for a passport than now. Get support by Phone or Email. Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. 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. If you need a passport, and you don t have one to show, you will not be allowed to board. Like what you see? Thanks for the help! Needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ships departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons. The itineraries that apply are round-trip or closed-loop sailings from U.S. ports; one-way sailings from one U.S. port to another that visit a foreign country, or from a U.S. port to a foreign one, would require a passport. Apply early for your passport, or make sure your current one will be valid at least six months beyond your travel dates and has two or more blank pages. The passport is good for 10 years. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Related: 7 ways to prepare for any kind of travel disaster. Does a child need a passport on a closed-loop cruise?Second, is this a closed-loop cruise? Most Passport requirements are set by the countries. Carnival sails similar routes from Long Beach. 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. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling or from Hawaii, another U.S. territory , then you may also not need a passport. A photocopy will not be permitted. The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler, The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler. While the passport card may protect you against certain scenarios and is superior to not having a passport at all, getting a passport book not only provides more coverage (such as flying internationally), but it allows you to travel beyond simply cruises. To get ready for the application, use Passport Photo Onlineyoull be able to get perfect pictures for your children without leaving home. There are many perks for passengers and cruise lines that offer closed-loop cruises. Better to be safe than sorry get a passport if you do not have one. Closed loop cruises from the US don't even require a passport for US citizens - gov't ID and birth certificate will . The answer is both yes and no. In an emergency, someone may need to know who you are. Not all embassies/consulates are located near the cruise ports and moreover, the time it takes for the entire process to occur is not quick. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors 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. Therefore, always make sure to know whether you need your passport or not before going on your cruise. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. For those on the Visa Waiver Program, you can use the I-94W (your immigration stamp received when first entering the United States) when you re-enter at disembarkment. Even though youll be sailing on a no-passport-required cruise, youre still required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification: Proof of Citizenship AND Government-issued photo ID. It allows U.S. citizens to go on closed-loop cruises without needing a valid passport. 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. Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that dont require passports. Closed Loop Cruise: Passport Requirements & Destinations Last updated on January 14, 2021 Deep Bay Beach in Hamilton, Bermuda. We did this cruise last year AND I am in the process of booking it again for this coming May on Royal Caribbean again. I always carry our passports, as well as our trip and health insurance information with me when I leave the ship and go on foreign soil. 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). The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. This rule states that U.S. If you miss your ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet your ship. Also required is the original copy of your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Remember that travel plans change and you may need to fly out of the United States to meet your ship at the next available port if you miss the scheduled embarkation. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. A passport is not required. Cruises that dont begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. I'm sure they're accustomed to a birth certificate as well but my brain believes they're more accustomed to a passport. For that, you need only a birth certificate and a drivers license . For me, the peace of mind of a passport far outweighs bringing a birth certificate and ID along with you. However, I strongly recommend that all adults 16 and over have a passport. Today. A closed loop cruise is a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. 2. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong, fall sailings, but a handful depart at other times of year or are a touch longer, at eight to 10 nights. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, may be possible without a passport book, as long as your plans dont 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. It is critical to understand the proper documentation needed for a cruise, as no refunds are provided for guests who fail to bring proper documentation. This is because the majority of cruises that you'll find taking off from the U.S. and heading down to the Bahamas operate on a closed loop. It's also less cumbersome than carrying the required documents and papers with you wherever you go. Paste as plain text instead, International sailings (cruises that begin outside the United States), U.S. citizens require a valid Passport and the corresponding visa required for entry and exit from the country. Security. Or if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? Before we go further, lets clarify that when we talk about passports, we mean the passport book. Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. 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. Is it on Majesty of the Seas? We are cruising to Cozumel, George Town (Grand Cayman), and Falmouth, Jamaica in April 2019 aboard Liberty of the Seas. *A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID. LockA locked padlock U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government issued driver's license, picture. This will be challenging if you dont have your passport. What is a closed loop cruise can simply be phrased as any cruise ship debarking from and returning to the same point. Maybe youve never had the time, money or desire to travel abroad previously, or perhaps your old passport has expired. Ultimately they are the ones that will decide if you board and no stranger on an internet forum is going to assist you or be responsible if there is some nuance or special circumstance in your case. Cruise lines with Canada and New England closed-loop sailings include Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, Holland America and small-ship operator American Cruise Lines. Clear editor. It almost comes to a "what if" scenario at times but lets just say that "what if" is what the wife and I specialize in at our jobs so we always try to prepare for the worst case scenario. An official website of the United States government. . Any cruises where you need to fly to or from a foreign country, including Canada, will necessitate a passport. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong, fall sailings, but a handful depart at other times of year or are a touch longer, at eight to 10 nights. We checked with a few lines for you. Planning a cruise? Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. This is one of the reasons why these itineraries are so popular. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that citizens can enter the U.S. using a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate. However, as we mentioned previously, you will have better protections in the event of an emergency or a change of travel plans simply by carrying a valid passport. For U.S. citizens, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. In general, Caribbean islands only require photo ID from a U.S. citizen. Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. Have to agree with @twangsteron this one, if you search the boards you will find that this very subject has been debated to death. Related: Eastern vs. Western Caribbean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more? You likely wont get your money back either, and if you traveled domestically to the cruise homeport, youll need to make your own arrangements to book a hotel or change your flights back home.