If you are a U.S. Citizen, what are the rules for cruising without a passport? They can be a bit confusing. You could be driving to a U.S. homeport, but visiting foreign countries while you cruise. You know you need a passport when you are flying internationally, but there are certain U.S. based cruises that don’t require a passport. But that does not mean you should not have one.
If you embark or disembark in a foreign country, you are required to have a valid U.S. passport. That includes Canada and Mexico. Passports are also required for embarking and disembarking in 2 different U.S. port cities. Certain shore excursions within Alaska and the Caribbean will require that you carry a passport. And there are certain instances where you might need to obtain a visa as well.
The exception to this rule is called a Closed Loop Sailing. This means you start and finish in the same U.S. homeport and travel ONLY to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. You will still need to show a government issued photo ID (Driver’s License) and show proof of citizenship (certified copy of your birth certificate) to get back into the U.S. at the end of your cruise. However, make sure to check all of your ports of call you will be stopping at, as you may still be required to have a valid passport to enter one of the foreign ports on your itinerary.
What is the downside to sailing without a passport? If an emergency arises, ONLY an official passport will allow you to fly home from a foreign port. If you get stranded in a foreign port due to mechanical failure or an unexpected illness without a passport, you can return home but it will take time and effort to get the proper documentation. Bottom line ~ it is BEST to spend the $135 for a passport and peace of mind. Passports are good for 10 years. Just think of all the places you can potentially visit within that time ~ it is worth every penny!
However, if you choose, there are 7 options for cruising on a closed-loop sailing that would be worth considering. Let’s check them out:
Alaska: You can only sail roundtrip from Seattle without a passport. If you love nature, whale watching, salmon fishing and breathtaking scenery – Alaska is the cruise for you!
Bahamas: There are several homeport cities that have sailings to the Bahamas. Most Florida port cities – Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Orlando; and a few East Coast cities – Bayonne, Manhattan, Charleston, Norfolk; and even Houston Texas. Home to the Atlantis resort, the Bahamas is a mecca of great beaches, water sports and casinos.
Bermuda: This is a great destination that offers overnight stays so you really get to explore the island. As with the Bahamas, most of the same East Coast port cities have 7 day sailings with additional cruises from Boston and Baltimore.
The Caribbean: There are 3 regions to the Caribbean. Eastern, Western and Southern and all offer magnificent beaches, water sports, adventure excursions like ziplining and gorgeous waterfalls. You can depart from the East Coast, Florida, New Orleans and Houston.
Canada and New England: Fall foliage cruises are offered out of Boston, Baltimore, Bayonne and Manhattan. For cruises rich in history, beautiful fall colors and friendly ports of call, this is a great option for non-passport holders.
Hawaii: This is the only cruise that touches no foreign port cities. Our 50th state offers beautiful black sand beaches, volcanos, surfing lessons, incredible shorelines, snorkeling, diving and hula dancing. Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of America sails year round on 7 days cruises out of Honolulu.
Mexico: Great for cruisers living on the West Coast and more affordable than Hawaii cruises. Great food and interesting culture, 3, 4, 7 and 10 days cruises give lots of options for sailing from Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego.
In the end, it is best to travel with a passport. If you don’t have one remember ~ your birth certificate must be a certified copy with the raised seal. (See example at the top of the Blog) Don’t show up with photo copy you printed from your home printer ~ that is not valid. No matter what form of citizenship you take with you, be sure to keep it safe and protected. You will need it to re-enter the U.S. when you return.
Now that you know the options, you are ready to book a cruise and get going! You will have a wonderful time!
[maxbutton id=”33″]