Do you need your passport to get off the cruise ship at a port?


Do you need your passport to get off the cruise ship at a port? 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.


What do you need to exit the cruise ship?

You might think you are done with your keycard when you vacate your cabin, but you will need to tap it once more when you get off the ship. You'll need to show your passport or other official identification to customs officials at the cruise terminal.


Can a cruise line take your passport?

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. It's worth noting though that on the majority of cruises the cruise line will not keep your passport.


Can you use a copy of your birth certificate for a Carnival cruise?

Birth Certificate Information The following are acceptable: An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics.


Do you need a passport to get off a cruise ship in the Caribbean?

More often than not, the answer is no. 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.


Can you cruise to Cozumel without a passport?

As long as the ship you are taking departs and returns to a U.S. port, these are some of the cruises that don't require a passport. Passport-free, you can visit ports like: Cancun. Cozumel.


Can cruise ships leave without you?

A cruise ship can leave without you – and if you get left behind, it will cost you a bundle. Here are ways to avoid that happening, plus what to do if it does. For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.


What cruise do you not need a passport?

Places to Cruise Without a Passport
  • Bahamas. Courtesy of Disney. Florida's ports of Miami, Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale), and Port Canaveral (about an hour east of Orlando) offer the majority of closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas. ...
  • Mexico. Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises. ...
  • Bermuda. Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line.


Can you get off at cruise ports without a passport?

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 ...


Do you need a passport to cruise to Mexico or the Bahamas?

A U.S. passport book is a government-issued document that allows U.S. citizens to travel internationally by air, land, and sea. A valid U.S. passport book is mandatory even if you're flying to or from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean from the United States.


How do you get off a cruise ship first?

Once the ship is cleared, the first people allowed off the ship will be anyone taking their own luggage off the ship. Known as self-debark or walking off the ship on your own, you are responsible for taking all your belongings off the ship and getting them through the cruise terminal.


What documents do I need to get off a cruise ship at a port?

Ships that terminate in U.S. ports may require passengers to fill out Customs forms and show their passports to border control in the cruise terminal. Some passengers might be required to meet with immigration officials on board prior to getting off the ship.


What do you need to get on and off a cruise ship?

You won't be able to leave the ship without your cruise card, nor will you be able to return to the ship without it, so keep it close to you at all times. In most ports, you won't need your passport, so leave it locked up in your room's safe.


Do you need a passport to get into the Bahamas off a cruise ship?

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements 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.


Is it necessary to tip at the end of the cruise?

While the automatic service charges will cover their basic gratuities, it's generally considered good form to tip them a bit extra for a job well done, especially if you have made any special requests. Should you choose to, for a seven-night cruise, consider tipping about $2 to $3 per person, per day.


Can I take a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas without a passport?

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


Can you go to Mexico with just a birth certificate?

Can you cross the Mexican border with a birth certificate? Birth certificates are only acceptable as forms of identification for minors traveling to Mexico by road or closed-loop cruises.


Can you go on a cruise without a passport and birth certificate?

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)


Can you go on a cruise to Mexico without a passport?

All travelers are advised to carry a valid passport with them when taking a cruise to Mexico, regardless of their nationality and port of departure. US citizens on closed-loop cruises, meaning they begin and end at the same US port, can travel to Mexico with proof of citizenship other than a passport.