Does Perfect Day at CocoCay require a passport?

Royal Caribbean cruisers don't need a passport to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas since it is a ?private? island. However, guests are required to follow their cruise itinerary.



For U.S. citizens, whether you need a passport for Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, depends on your cruise itinerary. If you are on a "closed-loop" cruise—one that departs from and returns to the same U.S. port—you are technically permitted to use a state-issued birth certificate and a government photo ID (like a driver's license) instead of a passport. However, Royal Caribbean and travel experts strongly recommend a passport for all guests. The primary reason is that if a medical emergency or mechanical issue forces you to fly home from the Bahamas, a birth certificate will not be accepted for international air travel; only a passport book allows you to board a flight back to the U.S. from a foreign territory. For non-U.S. citizens, such as Canadians or international travelers, a valid passport is mandatory for the cruise regardless of the departure port. In 2026, having a passport ensures the most seamless experience at customs and protects you against unexpected travel disruptions.

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Royal Caribbean cruisers don't need a passport to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas since it is a “private” island. However, guests are required to follow their cruise itinerary.

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If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you'll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

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Do I need a passport to cruise? Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship. We strongly recommend that all guests present a passport as their form of ID on boarding day, and for some guests a passport is required.

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There are no exceptions to this rule. Passport cards, birth certificates, etc., are not accepted when air travel. So, you have to have your US passport for the Bahamas.

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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.

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We highly recommend that all U.S. Citizen's cruise with their U.S. Passport book that is valid at least 6 months after your cruise. Guests may also sail with their official US state-issued Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID...

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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.

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First and foremost, if a United States citizen chooses to do a closed-loop cruise without a passport, they'll still be required to show a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (a certified copy of your birth certificate).

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Anything except fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products can be brought into The Bahamas. All meats must be canned or frozen.

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Upon arrival in Aruba, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card); a return or onward ticket.

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Adrenaline seekers will find an upcharge for Thrill Waterpark, the Zipline and CocoCay's Up, Up and Away balloon ride. Shore excursions such as kayaking, parasailing or swimming with pigs will also incur a charge. Beach rentals of snorkel equipment or floating mats are available onsite at CocoCay for a surcharge.

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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.

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Children aged 17 years and under will require a passport or Birth Certificate to travel or government issued photo ID. Children under 16 years of age, who do not have a passport or Photo ID, must have a copy of their birth certificate or their parents Medicare Card.

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Taking Your Passport Should you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.

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For U.S. Sailings only, U.S. Citizens may cruise using an official US state-issued Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID, like a driver's license or an identity card.

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Disney Cruise Line does recommend that you travel with passports, however, for your round-trip cruise to The Bahamas that begins and ends in the same home port, you will be allowed to board if you are a U.S. citizen and provide an original or copy of your state-issued birth certificate AND a government-issued photo ID.

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