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.

If you are a U.S. citizen on a "closed-loop" cruise (one that begins and ends at the same U.S. port), you can generally get off the ship in The Bahamas without a passport in 2026. Instead of a passport, you are permitted to use a combination of a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (such as an original or certified copy of your birth certificate). However, if your cruise is not closed-loop—meaning it starts in one city and ends in another—you are legally required to have a passport. Even on a closed-loop trip, travel experts strongly recommend carrying a passport. If you were to miss the ship's departure from Nassau or require an emergency medical evacuation back to the U.S., you would be unable to board a commercial flight without a valid passport. Furthermore, some specific excursions or private islands might have their own local security requirements. For non-U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, a passport (and sometimes a visa) remains mandatory for entry into The Bahamas.