Can I use a Real ID instead of a passport on Carnival cruise?
You can use a Real ID to fly domestically, but NEVER internationally. Real ID proves your identity but not your U.S. citizenship. Therefore if you use it as photo identification to take a closed-loop cruise, you will still need a birth certificate to prove your citizenship.
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Even if you have a Real ID, you'll still need to bring a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship for a closed-loop cruise.
If you are traveling internationally, you will still need your passport, as REAL ID cards are not an acceptable form of identification for international travel. Sea (cruise) travel: REAL ID cards cannot be used for international sea cruise travel.
Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. In addition to required documents stated below, guests must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements.
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 ...
If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you'll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.
U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.
If you're a United States citizen going on a “closed loop” cruise, you'll only need to present: Government issued photo identification. Proof of citizenship (an original or copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization)
U.S. citizens don't need a passport if the cruise starts and ends in the same U.S. city. This is known as a closed-loop cruise. That said, some may require a passport if you want to disembark at ports in any Caribbean destination.
For U.S. Sailings only, U.S. Citizens may cruise using an official US state-issued Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID, like a driver's license or an identity card.
If you travel to the Bahamas by sea (like a cruise), you can use your passport or substitute one of the following documents: A passport card. A Trusted Traveler card. An enhanced driver's license (sometimes called Real ID) with security features.
Immigration officials will often come onboard cruise ships to check documentation and the process of keeping the passports centrally makes it much easier and faster for the cruise line and passengers.
Guests should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued.
Taking Your PassportShould you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.
U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Jamaica, as well as proof of anticipated departure from Jamaica. If you are traveling to Jamaica on a cruise, you may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.
There are no exceptions to this rule. Passport cards, birth certificates, etc., are not accepted when air travel. So, you have to have your US passport for the Bahamas.
U.S. Birth Certificate: U.S.-born citizens may also use a birth certificate (issued by a government agency and accompanied by government-issued photo ID).