Domestic Cruises (including Canada) If a picture I.D. is not affixed to the WHTI-compliant document, a picture I.D. is required (a valid, unexpired government-issued photo I.D. for all guests 16 years of age or older). If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required.

Yes, Carnival Cruise Line has a strict ID-checking protocol that begins at the terminal and continues throughout the entire voyage. During "Embarkation," you must present a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license) along with proof of citizenship (such as a passport or a certified birth certificate for closed-loop cruises). Your ID is scanned and cross-referenced with your booking manifest to ensure security. Once you are on the ship, your physical ID is largely replaced by your Sign & Sail card, which acts as your onboard ID, room key, and credit card. However, a peer-to-peer essential: you must carry your Sign & Sail card AND a photo ID whenever you disembark or re-board the ship at a foreign port. In 2026, Carnival has also implemented Biometric Facial Recognition in many terminals, which speeds up the ID-checking process by matching your face to your digital travel documents. This high-value tech ensures that only authorized passengers can enter the "sterile" zones of the ship and the port facilities.