Can you use a real ID for a cruise to the Bahamas from Florida?

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.



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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.

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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.

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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.

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Domestic Cruises
  • U.S. Passport.
  • Passport Card.
  • State Enhanced Driver's License.
  • Certificate of U.S. Naturalization.
  • Native American Indian Card.
  • 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).


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Carnival offers many Caribbean cruise options including sailings that depart and return to U.S. ports like Baltimore, Norfolk and New Orleans. These don't require a passport as they are closed-loop sailings.

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Cruises Sailing from One U.S Port to a Different U.S Port: Guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship AND a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.

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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)

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Yes, just like when traveling by air, a valid passport book OR passport card is a topmost Bahamas travel requirement via a boat (note: closed loop cruises are different), being a private charter, fishing boat, or party boat. In total, all options for traveling via sea are: Passport Book. Passport Card.

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Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise.

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Do I need a passport? We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.

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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.

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Additionally, if you are using an identification (e.g., driver's license) and a citizenship document (e.g., birth certificate), then BOTH documents must match the name on your reservation. Otherwise, it may result in delay or possible denial of boarding.

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Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. For all other sailings, all U.S. citizens (17 years and under) will be required to present a valid passport.

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