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.
People Also Ask
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.
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.
Can I come and go as I please between my ship and land? Yes, you can go back and forth between the ship and shore as often as you'd like, but if your ship is tendering passengers ashore, you might have to wait in line to catch a ride back to your vessel.
If your ship is docked, you'll be able to simply walk off the vessel directly onto dry land via a movable ramp called a gangway. If it's anchored, you'll have to take a tender -- a small boat that ferries passengers ashore in groups.
Just as you have to pay your base cruise fare, you also have to pay port charges and taxes. These are necessary even if you don't actually get off the ship when the ship's docked at a port of call.
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.
The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary. If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need 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.
Disembarkation is a carefully choreographed procedure. Even though the ship usually arrives in its final port before dawn, it will be hours before you get off. The ship first must be cleared by Customs and port authorities before anyone can disembark.
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.
While it may be convenient to keep your passport in your carry-on bag, we recommend against it. You never know when you may be required to check in the suitcase or leave it behind in an emergency. To be safe, always carry your passport in your cross-body bag, fanny pack or passport pouch that will always be with you.
U.S. citizens traveling on our international sailings are required to have valid passports. Before Leaving Home: Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship.
You can cruise to quite a few destinations without a passport, as long as you have proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID. A variety of documents are accepted as proof of citizenship, including a state-certified U.S. birth certificate.
No one really carried ID on the ship, but they will check your cruise card (which will act as your ID, charge card, and room key) that will indicate your underage. That being said, you can't take your friends' card and buy drinks because it will have their picture on it when they swipe the card to check/charge.
You probably won't need much actual cash while onboard, as many cruise lines will just charge purchases to your account. Even ship casinos these days have cashless credit systems. On nearly all cruises, passengers are given an itemized bill at the end of the trip listing all charged expenses.
Activities That Cost Extra on Cruises: Bingo, casino play, arcade games, escape rooms and golf simulators will all cost you extra on most ships. Additionally, hands-on cooking classes, wine and liquor tastings, and a few other courses require an extra charge outside your fare.
You probably won't need much actual cash while onboard, as many cruise lines will just charge purchases to your account. Even ship casinos these days have cashless credit systems. On nearly all cruises, passengers are given an itemized bill at the end of the trip listing all charged expenses.