Do I Need a Passport on My Cruise?

Although there are instances when you are allowed to cruise without a passport, please always cruise with a valid passport. Let me explain why

When is a Passport a Must to Cruise?

1)If your cruise either does a roundtrip or starts or end in a foreign port, then a valid US passport is a must to sail for US citizens. You will most likely be flying to that destination so a passport is needed anyway for the international flight.

2) If you are on an open loop cruise in the US which means it starts in one US port but disembarks in a different US port, then a valid passport is also required for US citizens.

3)You will also need to bring your passport for an Alaskan cruise. There are shore excursions that cross over the Canadian border and you must have the passport in order to do the excursion.

4)You should also check with your cruise lines regulations to see if carrying a valid passport is a must before boarding their ship.

5)Even in closed loop sailings, there are some countries that require a valid passport to disembark at their port of call. Barbados, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, St. Bart’s, and Trinidad and Tobago are Caribbean islands that require passports  for cruise passengers.

Closed Loop Sailings

If you will be sailing on a closed loop cruise from the US which means if a cruise begins and ends from the same US port, it is not required to travel with a passport. You only need an original raised seal birth certificate and a government issued ID. HOWEVER, I HIGHLY recommend each traveler carry that passport with them.

The main reason is for the “What If” factor. The likelihood of something going wrong while you are sailing is pretty unlikely. It is always recommended to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment and to cover anything that could unexpectedly go wrong. Taking a passport is yet another way to protect your investment and to ensure you will have a smoother vacation experience even if you have to come across the unexpected.

The main reason a passport is needed for your cruise is when you are in a foreign port. Here are some reasons why you need that passport.

• You missed your return time on your ship and you have to fly to the next port. All flights require passports.
• You or your companion became ill or injured and need to fly back home for further medical attention.
• Your cruise ship develops some mechanical problems and can no longer return home.
• Your ship has to dock at an alternate port.
• Your on an Alaskan cruise and your shore excursion requires you to carry it as you pass through Canada’s border.

If you are faced with one of those situations above and find that you are in a foreign country with no passport, you will have to contact the US Embassy or consulate to help you get a temporary passport or a Limited Validity Passport. This can take a few days to receive especially if you arrive on a weekend. Just another added cost because you didn’t bring your passport.

How Much Does a Passport Cost?

If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, expect the cost to be about $145. Passport are valid for 10 years for people 17 and older. 16 and younger, the passport is good for 5 years. If you’re renewing a passport, you’ll only pay $110.  Remember that passports need to be valid for 6 months from your return date. Give your self at least 6 weeks before departure to apply or renew your passport and to receive it on time. You want to avoid paying the costly expediting fee if possible.

For more detailed info, visit:  https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/CruiseShipPassengers.html