Are Passports Required When going on a Cruise

Although passports are not required when traveling domestically, we strongly recommend that you take your passport aboard with you when you go on a vacation cruise. While you are on a cruise, it is very important to have compliant travel documents that are listed by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Passports are Required When Going on a Cruise

We know traveling documents are the last thing on your mind when you're preparing to go on a cruise, but it is best that you make them a priority.

Cruise Planners travel agents will assist you with your preparation and booking when going on your next cruise, whether you are a first time cruiser, or a seasoned cruiser. Before you go on your next cruise to the Bahamas, please view our cruise packing tips & checklist.

We've also taken the time to answer frequently asked questions on specific destinations on whether or not passports are required

• Are passports required to travel to Alaska?
• Are passports required to travel to the Bahamas?
• Are passports required to travel to Hawaii?
• Are passports required to travel Puerto Rico?

Are Passports & Travel Documents Required When Cruising?

It is strongly recommended that you travel with your passport when taking cruises especially when the cruise ship touches international waters. Cruise lines such as Carnival strongly suggest that travelers have their passports on hand while traveling. Below is a list of approved Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative trusted document.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Compliant Documents

When cruising you should have at least 2 forms 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. When traveling abroad, have your passport and another form of ID available.

• 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.

Cruise Travel Agents

For additional questions on taking a cruise, please use our cost saving travel agent services. Our travel agents can assist you in planning and booking your next cruise. 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 next cruise enjoyable! Contact a travel agent directly by calling 1-800-683-0206.