The requirement for a passport on a Disney cruise depends on your citizenship and the ship's itinerary. For U.S. Citizens on "Closed-Loop" cruises (sailings that begin and end at the same U.S. port, like Port Canaveral to Port Canaveral), a passport is not strictly required. You may instead use an original or certified birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID (for those 16 and older). However, Disney and the U.S. State Department strongly recommend a passport. If an emergency occurs and you need to fly home from a foreign port (like Nassau or Cozumel), a birth certificate is not valid for international air travel, which could lead to significant legal delays. For all other itineraries—such as those departing from Vancouver, San Juan, or European ports—a valid passport is mandatory for all guests, regardless of age. In 2026, as international travel regulations become more digitized, having a passport simplifies the "check-in" process in the Disney Cruise Line app and ensures you are prepared for any unforeseen changes to your travel plans or emergency evacuations.