NOTE: Hospital-issued birth certificates and baptismal certificates are not acceptable. For cruises to Hawaii ? If the cruise starts and ends in Hawaii and never sails beyond the Hawaiian islands, U.S citizens only need a government-issued photo I.D. such as a passport* or valid driver's license with photo.

The documentation required for a Hawaiian cruise depends on your itinerary. For inter-island cruises that start and end in a U.S. port (like Honolulu) and never visit a foreign country, U.S. citizens generally only need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. However, starting May 7, 2025, that license must be REAL ID-compliant if you are flying to Hawaii to board the ship. If your cruise includes a stop in a foreign port (such as Ensenada, Mexico, or Fanning Island), you are on a "closed-loop" cruise and should ideally carry a U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card. While a certified birth certificate and government-issued photo ID are technically acceptable for closed-loop cruises, a passport is highly recommended in case of an emergency evacuation. Non-U.S. citizens must carry a valid passport and, depending on their nationality, the appropriate visa or Green Card for entry into the United States.

When going on a cruise to Hawaii (typically departing from the U.S. West Coast, such as Los Angeles or San Francisco), you’ll need the following documents:

1. Proof of Citizenship & Identity (Required for All Passengers)

• U.S. Citizens (Round-Trip Cruises from U.S. Ports):
• Closed-Loop Cruise (starts and ends at the same U.S. port):
  • Government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Military ID) AND
  • Original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate (with a raised seal) OR a Consular Report of Birth Abroad OR a Certificate of Naturalization.
  • Note: Some cruise lines may still require a passport, so check with your cruise line.

• Non-Closed-Loop Cruise (if the cruise starts or ends in a foreign port):

  • Valid U.S. passport (strongly recommended for all cruises).

• Non-U.S. Citizens (Permanent Residents or Visa Holders):

• Valid passport from your country of citizenship.
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or appropriate U.S. visa.
• Check if you need a visa for any port stops (though Hawaii is part of the U.S., some itineraries may include foreign ports like Mexico or Canada).

2. COVID-19 & Health Requirements (Check with Cruise Line)

• Some cruise lines may still require:
• Proof of vaccination.
• Negative COVID-19 test (check current policies).

3. Cruise Line Boarding Documents

• Online Check-In & Boarding Pass (printed or digital).
• Signed Cruise Contract (usually completed online).

4. Travel Insurance (Recommended)

• Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or missed ports.

5. Minor Travelers (Under 18)

• Notarized parental consent letter if traveling without both parents.
• Birth certificate for proof of age.

6. Other Helpful Documents

• Credit card for onboard expenses.
• Hotel & flight confirmations (if applicable).
• Medical insurance card (in case of emergencies).

Important Notes:

• Passport is strongly recommended even if not required—it’s the safest form of ID and needed in case of emergencies (e.g., if you must fly back from Hawaii).
• Check with your cruise line for any additional requirements.

Would you like help with a specific cruise line’s policies?