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. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.

Whether a 17-year-old needs a passport for a Bahamas cruise depends entirely on the departure and return ports. If the cruise is a "closed-loop" voyage—meaning it begins and ends at the same U.S. port (e.g., Miami to Miami)—U.S. citizens, including minors, are not strictly required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to have a passport. In this specific case, a 17-year-old can use a state-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy) and a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license). However, if the cruise is not closed-loop, a valid passport is mandatory. Furthermore, almost all major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Disney, strongly recommend a passport for everyone regardless of age. This is because if an emergency occurs—such as a medical evacuation or a missed ship—you cannot fly back to the U.S. from the Bahamas without a passport. Additionally, certain shore excursions in the Bahamas may require a passport for entry into specific areas. Therefore, while not always a legal "must" for the boarding process on closed-loop sailings, it is considered a critical safety and logistical necessity for modern international travel.