What documents do I need for cruise?

Documents needed for cruisers to board a ship
  • Identification. ...
  • Boarding passes. ...
  • Health information. ...
  • Visas and other destination-specific documents. ...
  • Cruise line luggage tags. ...
  • Permission to travel. ...
  • Other travel information. ...
  • Emergency contacts.




For a cruise in 2026, the documents required depend on your nationality and the cruise itinerary. For international sailings, a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months after the cruise ends is the "gold standard" and is required for most travelers. Even for "closed-loop" cruises (starting and ending at the same U.S. port), while U.S. citizens can technically use a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID, cruise lines strongly recommend a passport in case of an emergency that requires you to fly home from a foreign port. You will also need your boarding pass (electronic or printed) and any required visas or electronic travel authorizations for the countries you are visiting. In 2026, many lines also require digital health declarations via their mobile apps. If you are traveling with children who are not your own, you must carry a notarized "Consent to Travel" form signed by their legal guardians. Always keep these documents in your carry-on, as you will need them multiple times during the embarkation process.

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Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification, proof of your booking number and boarding information, and confirmation that you aren't ill. You must present these upon arrival at the port.

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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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Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day to spend during the cruise. You will have many opportunities to purchase duty free goods, take exciting shore excursions, buy local souvenirs, play your chance in the casino, or enjoy some pampering in the spa.

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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.

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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)

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Ships & Cruises – Frequently Asked Questions What documents will be required when I check in for my cruise? A: At check-in, all Guests must present valid passports or other acceptable proof of citizenship. All travelers are required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States by air.

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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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Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship based on their nationality/country of citizenship. Guests who do not bring required documents may be denied boarding.

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Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship based on their nationality/country of citizenship. Guests who do not bring required documents may be denied boarding.

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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.

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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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This may be an original or photocopy of a state-issued birth certificate. If your daughter is 16 years of age or older, she will also need to present a government-issued photo ID. When it comes to the online check-in for your Disney Cruise, you will be required to submit a photo of these documents.

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Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences, but there are a lot of variables to consider.

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We recommend paying for on shore purchases that are over $10 with a credit card to reduce the amount of cash you need to carry when off-ship and for a good record of your purchase, and use pocket change or local currency for the rest.

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Technically, on the all-inclusive lines, you could go the entire trip without opening your wallet at all! Spending anything after embarkation is up to you, as the only things not included on any cruise line would be shopping, souvenirs, spa treatments and casino gambling.

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