What ID does Royal Caribbean require?

Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport. Learn why a passport is best. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after your cruise ends.



For a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2026, the specific ID requirements depend on your nationality and the cruise itinerary. For U.S. citizens on "Closed-Loop" cruises (starting and ending at the same U.S. port), an original government-issued birth certificate and a valid photo ID (like a driver's license) are generally sufficient. However, for all other sailings and for non-U.S. citizens, a valid Passport is mandatory. In 2026, the cruise line "strongly recommends" a passport for everyone, even on closed-loop voyages, as it is the only document that allows you to fly back to the U.S. from a foreign port in an emergency. Regardless of the ID used, the name on your document must exactly match the name on your reservation, and for 2026 travelers, passports must typically be valid for at least six months beyond the date your cruise ends.

People Also Ask

What documents are required to check-in?
  • Personal Information for each guest are checking in.
  • Identification Document information for each guest you are checking in.
  • Crown & Anchor Society Membership Number (if you are a member)
  • Onward Travel Plans.


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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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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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Even if you have a Real ID, you'll still need to bring a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship for a closed-loop cruise.

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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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Cruises Sailing from One U.S Port to a Different U.S Port: Guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship AND a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.

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Additionally, if you are using an identification (e.g., driver's license) and a citizenship document (e.g., birth certificate), then BOTH documents must match the name on your reservation. Otherwise, it may result in delay or possible denial of boarding.

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Either type of passport can be used on closed-loop sailings that call at foreign ports but depart and return to the U.S. Without either document, you'd need to provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and proof of identification (such as a driver's license).

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On closed-loop cruises, a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID are all that's required. Check with your cruise line before departure to see what documents are needed instead of a passport. Many require a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate if you don't have a passport.

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Birth Certificate Information A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified. Birth Certificate Card. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

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Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

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For “closed-loop” cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: A boarding pass. A government photo I.D. if 16 years of age or older.

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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.

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A Passport is Required to Cruise To and From Foreign Ports This means you'll need a passport regardless of whether you plan to fly or drive in or out of the country. The cruise line will require you to enter your passport information during check-in, and then the airline will verify your passport to board the flight.

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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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