Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship. It's important that the name on your reservation appears exactly as it does on the government issued identification document(s) that you use to board the ship. If you... Do I need any visas to cruise to and from other countries?

Yes, you absolutely need identification to board a cruise, though the specific type depends on your nationality and the itinerary. In 2026, a valid passport remains the "gold standard" and is required for almost all international sailings. For U.S. citizens on "closed-loop" cruises (those starting and ending at the same U.S. port), a government-issued photo ID combined with an original or certified copy of a birth certificate is often sufficient. However, cruise lines and the U.S. State Department strongly recommend a passport in case of an emergency that requires you to fly home from a foreign port. For travelers aged 16 and older, the photo ID must be current. Non-U.S. citizens usually need a passport and potentially a visa or Green Card. Always check your specific cruise line’s requirements at least six months in advance, as certain destinations like the Mediterranean or Asia may have stricter entry permits that require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date the cruise ends.