Where Can I Cruise Without a Passport? Top Cruise Destinations

Table Of Content

• New England and Canada
• You can cruise without a passport from Seattle to Alaska
• Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?
• Examples of Cruise Destinations That Do Not Require a Passport
• You’re our first priority.Every time.
• Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Bali
• Why Many Cruise Passengers Want to Sail Without a Passport

No, you don’t need a passport if you’re on a closed-loop cruise that visits a foreign country. However, you will need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID. 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.

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New England and Canada

Imagine needing to fly home unexpectedly from a foreign port because of an emergency, or getting the chance for an impromptu jaunt to a fascinating nearby country. While your cruise must start and end in the U.S., some Alaskan cruises make pit stops in dreamy British Columbian spots like Victoria, renowned for its lush Butchart Gardens. However, it’s essential to carry specific documents, like your birth certificate and government ID, for these little side adventures. However, you do need some sort of citizenship proof, meaning either a passport or a birth certificate/ID. 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.

You can cruise without a passport from Seattle to Alaska

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First, it’s more affordable than taking a cruise to an international destination. You don’t have to go through the hassle of applying for a passport and going to the embassy. If you have to cancel your cruise at the last minute, you won’t have to worry about any international travel restrictions. A closed-loop cruise is one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port.

Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

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. 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.

Examples of Cruise Destinations That Do Not Require a Passport

If there are any doubts, be sure to contact your cruise line well in advance of your trip. That’s good news if you have a trip coming up and don’t already have one. Otherwise, you'll be denied boarding and the cruise will be cancelled without a refund. In our homeport of Boston, you can learn more about the founding of the United States by trekking the Boston Freedom Trail. Or, you can see the Victorian era architecture and historic homes of Portland and visit Arcadia National Park in Bar Harbor.

You’re our first priority.Every time.

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. Home to beaches, water sports, casinos and the famed Atlantis resort, cruising to the Bahamas is great for traveling without a passport. 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.

From the famed Atlantis Resort to the natural wonder of the Exuma Cays, there’s never a dull moment. Water sports, duty-free shopping, and yes, those adorable swimming pigs, are all part of the Bahamian voyage. Proximity to the U.S. allows for a whirlwind adventure even for the time-pressed traveler. Ports like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta are brimming with activities. Picture yourself riding camels in the desert, sipping wine in Ensenada’s burgeoning vineyards, or simply soaking up the sun on a picture-perfect beach.

The best time to book a cruise without a passport is during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October). During this time, prices are typically lower and there are fewer crowds. However, it’s important to note that cruises to popular destinations like Alaska and the Caribbean can still be expensive during the shoulder season.

This point should be top-of-mind especially because of COVID-19 and any other medical emergency that would require the trip to be altered or a medical evacuation. You’ll also be glad you have a passport if you encounter other unforeseen circumstances such as a family emergency or a sailing cut short due to bad weather or technical issues. The U.S. Virgin Islands, a sprinkle of American paradise in the Caribbean Sea, is another haven for travelers without a passport.

This cruise is an adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with the marvels of modern ingenuity, making it a must-see destination for travelers. A cruise to the Panama Canal is a journey through one of the modern world’s most impressive engineering feats. For travelers without a passport, there’s an option to embark on a round-trip cruise from Florida that avoids making port in Colombia, adhering to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. With historical sites like St. Peter’s Church and the National Museum of Bermuda, you can delve deep into the island’s rich past while enjoying its present-day beauty and cultural offerings. When cruising to Bermuda, you’re not just visiting an island; you’re stepping into a blend of history, luxury, and natural splendor. Whether it’s for a short break or a longer voyage, these cruises offer a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and sightseeing along America’s stunning Pacific coastline.

Otherwise, on closed-loop itineraries that travel to Canada, you only need to present a government ID and birth certificate (or a passport card). 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. Los Angeles and Norfolk also offer occasional one-off, closed-loop sailings to the Caribbean.

If you are age 16 and up, and without a passport, you will also need to present a photo I.D. The necessity of a visa depends on the cruise itinerary and your nationality. Despite the allure of no-passport-required adventures, we’d be remiss not to highlight the security and peace of mind a passport provides.

Some cruisers take a middle-of-the-road approach, and bring a photocopy of their passport ashore (or have a photo of it on their phone), but leave the actual book on the ship. This way, if something does go wrong, it’s easier to prove your identity and citizenship. Even though you’re not required to take your passport ashore, opinions are mixed as to whether it’s a good idea to bring it anyway. This is also the one example of where you can take a cruise without a passport and without adhering to the closed-loop itinerary rule.