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Closed-Loop Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: November 6th, 2023

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Have you ever found yourself with a few days to spare and an overwhelming desire to escape to the balmy Caribbean, or on an Alaskan adventure, then realized that you don’t have a passport, or your passport has expired? As a U.S. citizen, you can take advantage of the convenience of what’s called a closed-loop cruise—with no passport required.

What is a closed-loop cruise?

A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs and ends in the same U.S. port, for example, Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale, or round-trip to Alaska from Seattle.

Prospect Point in Stanley Park, Vancouver

These cruises have to meet certain criteria to qualify.  Every voyage on a ship that’s not U.S. flagged, departing from and returning to a U.S. port must, according to maritime law, visit one foreign port of call. This is why you’ll find Alaska cruises stopping in Vancouver, or Western Caribbean cruises calling in at Cancun.

To qualify as closed-loop cruises, the places these itineraries can include must be contiguous territories of the United States. That includes Mexico and Canada, because both share land borders with the U.S., and several of the islands of the Caribbean .

Do I need a passport for a closed-loop cruise?

Key West, Florida

In most cases, you don’t need a passport for a closed-loop cruise. This is one of the reasons why these itineraries are so popular. You can, of course, use your passport or passport card as an ID if you have one. But in the case of closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens are allowed to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship.

According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth.

The Enhanced Driver’s License allows you to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean and is valid at land and sea border crossing but not airports.

Different documentation is acceptable for minors under 16, including an original, notarized, or certified copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Voter registration cards and Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship.

Falmouth, Jamaica

There are different rules still if you’re a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the U.S. While the U.S. government does not require you to have a passport, destinations on the itinerary may have different rules, so it’s always advisable to check. If you are an LPR, you’ll need your I-551, or Green Card, to re-enter the U.S. And if you’re not a U.S. citizen or a U.S. LPR, you’ll need a passport regardless of whether you’re on a closed-loop cruise or not.

If you do choose to take advantage of this opportunity to travel without a passport, there are a couple of warnings to bear in mind. Say, for example, something goes wrong and you have to return to the U.S. by air. In this case, you’d need a passport to board a flight.

Also, if you miss the ship in one of the ports, you’ll have to make your own way home or to catch up with the cruise, which could be difficult without a passport. If you book an excursion through Celebrity Cruises, that won’t happen, since the ship is guaranteed to wait for you.

What are some of the best closed-loop cruise itineraries?

Fort lauderdale to bahamas, mexico and grand cayman.

Atlantis Resort in Nassau, Bahamas

Cruise from Fort Lauderdale on the fabulous Celebrity Edge, one of the most innovative and impressive ships afloat, bound for the Bahamas and the warm, blue waters of the Caribbean. You’ll spend a day in colorful Nassau, on New Providence Island, with plenty of time to hit the powder-sand beaches, snorkel over dazzling reefs, shop for crafts in the Straw Market, or enjoy an adrenaline rush on one of the dramatic water slides at the glitzy Atlantis Resort.

After a day at sea to enjoy the ship and its magnificent Resort Deck, you’ll arrive at Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico . A vast array of choices beckons here, like relaxed tubing at the freshwater Bacalar Lagoon, where you’ll drift over cenote-fed water that’s an astonishing shade of aquamarine.

Or you could try rafting, sail-and-snorkel tours, and even a healing session with an authentic shaman. There’s Mayan history here, too, at the Chacchoben Ruins, a short drive from the port.

Watch: Discover Cozumel With Celebrity Cruises

From Cozumel , you could join an excursion to the magnificent Mayan ruins at Tulum set against a backdrop of the turquoise sea. Try a salsa and margarita-making masterclass, or paddle a glass-bottomed kayak over rainbow-colored reefs.

This seven-night cruise also calls at Grand Cayman , where you can experience dazzling white beaches, pristine reefs, and unusual wildlife encounters, like swimming among stingrays in the warm, shallow waters of Stingray City.

Browse Caribbean Cruises on Celebrity Edge

Seattle to Alaska, the Inside Passage, and Dawes Glacier

Celebrity Solstice

Spend seven nights exploring the wild beauty of Alaska on Celebrity Solstice , the perfect ship for such dazzling scenery, with its abundance of outside space and top-deck Lawn Club.

You’ll visit pretty Ketchikan, from where you could join a bear-spotting tour, try kayaking, join an expedition to fish for king crab, or just explore the colorful town. Next, there’s a full day slowly cruising the 30-mile Endicott Arm Fjord , past tumbling waterfalls and chunks of floating ice that have broken off the magnificent Dawes Glacier, a 600-foot tall wall of blue-white ice. The spectacle of this vast river of ice meeting the sea is a highlight of the day.

Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska

You’ll also visit Juneau , the perfect spot for whale-watching, hiking, and thrilling flightseeing trips over snow-covered mountains. In Skagway, you’ll have the chance to ride the spectacular White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, heading high over rugged passes, following the trail of hardy prospectors from the Gold Rush days.

As Celebrity Solstice heads back to Seattle, there’s a day on board to relax as the ship threads its way through the narrow channels of the Inside Passage , between forested islands and rock-strewn beaches, with great opportunities for spotting whales and bears from your vantage point on deck.

There’s also a call at historic Victoria on Canada’s Vancouver Island, where you can experience a pleasing blend of elegant, British colonial architecture, cool shops, and craft breweries before you return to Seattle.

Browse Alaska Cruises on Celebrity Solstice

Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera

Watch: Discover the Mexican Riviera With Celebrity Cruises

Sail round-trip from Los Angeles to the glamorous Mexican Riviera on the recently revolutionized Celebrity Millennium. From buzzing Puerto Vallarta, you could join a whale-watching tour, browse the arty stores, or kick back at the beach to enjoy the soft sand and azure waters of the Pacific.

At Cabo San Lucas , there’s more whale-watching along the wild, rocky coast, or watersports ranging from kayaking to snorkeling. Explore the Art District and old adobe buildings in nearby San Jose del Cabo, or explore the Baja desert on a 4×4 off-road adventure.

Read: Where to Go Whale Watching in Mexico

From Ensenada, you could snorkel over underwater rock formations at Todos Santos island, or join a wine tasting tour to Calafia Valley, Mexico’s wine-growing region. Closer to port, join a walking tour of the cosmopolitan town to sample tequila and tacos .

Read: Best Things to Do in Ensenada

Celebrity Millennium Suite

You’ll have three full days at sea on this itinerary to soak up the Pacific sunshine and enjoy Celebrity Millennium . Why not upgrade to The Retreat for a true taste of luxury? You’ll enjoy a luxurious suite and dine in the beautiful, fine dining Luminae restaurant, exclusive to guests of this tranquil enclave.

Browse Mexican Riviera cruises on Celebrity Millennium

Fort Lauderdale to Key West, Belize, and Grand Cayman

Set sail from Fort Lauderdale on the brand new Celebrity Apex , the second in Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Edge series. You’ll spend a day at quirky, colorful Key West, where you can try stand-up paddleboarding or join a cycling tour through the palm-lined streets of this happily eccentric place. Explore Ernest Hemingway’s former home, and don’t miss a chance to sample the island’s iconic key lime pie.

Tropical Belize is all about adventure, from cave tubing to ziplining high above the rainforest canopy. Mayan antiquities have been absorbed by the forest, making their setting even more dramatic. Visit mysterious Lamanai, one of Mesoamerica’s largest ceremonial sites, or join a tour to the ancient hilltop ruins of Xunantunich and the temple of El Castillo.

Read: Unforgettable Adventures in Belize

Stingray City in George Town, Grand Cayman

This cruise also visits the beach paradise of Cozumel , for all manner of watersports, shopping, and sizzling Mexican cuisine. There’s even a chance to join a taco-making class.

Celebrity Apex then sets a course east to the island of Grand Cayman, famed for its magnificent beaches and marine life, like the tame stingrays that congregate around the Stingray City sandbar waiting to be fed tidbits of squid.

Celebrity Edge Magic Carpet

You’ll have one more day at sea to soak up the tropical sun on deck and enjoy the many features of the ship. Lounge at the Magic Carpet with a cocktail; this multipurpose platform is cantilevered over the side of the ship, with water on three sides, so you’ll feel as though you are flying. Or relax in the leafy serenity of Eden, or dine al fresco in the lovely Rooftop Garden Grill.

Browse cruises to Key West, Belize & Grand Cayman on Celebrity Apex

Cape Liberty to Bermuda

Charge your champagne glass and raise a toast to Lady Liberty on this seven-night voyage from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to chic Bermuda and back. As your ship, Celebrity Summit, edges out of port, you’ll have magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline as you sail right past the Statue of Liberty and then out under the iconic Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, setting a course south-east to balmy Bermuda .

Jobson’s Cove Beach, Bermuda

Here, on this enchanted island where the sand is pink and the policemen wear knee-length shorts, you’ll have two and a half days to explore, which means two overnight stays .

There’s plenty to do, from snorkeling to golf, exploring the shops and galleries in Hamilton, the pastel-hued capital, and visiting the island’s forts. Hike the historic Railway Trail, consisting of 18 miles of scenic pathway following the course of an old railroad line.

Set sail on a catamaran trip at sunset, or join a pub crawl of Hamilton’s bars after dark. One of the most unique things to do in Bermuda is to sample a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, the powerful local specialty made of dark rum with ginger beer and a slice of lime.

Browse Bermuda cruise itineraries

Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Sail to the sun on Celebrity Apex, departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida for vibrant Puerto Rico , where an afternoon and evening in port mean you’ll see two faces of charismatic San Juan. Explore the chunky fortress, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and the brightly colored streets of Old San Juan, or visit the Bacardi distillery to learn about and sample the famous rum.

Mount Liamuiga, St. Kitts

You’ll find plenty of military history at St. Kitts , like the rugged Brimstone Hill Fortress, a massive compound built by the British in 1690. This tiny island packs a real punch, with an enormous variety of things to do.

Trundle through the sugarcane fields on a scenic train journey, or hike Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano at the island’s center. Learn how to make your own gourmet truffles at a chocolate workshop. Visit neighboring Nevis and see the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the U.S.

At Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas , you’ll find it impossible to resist exploring the crystal-clear water via snorkeling, kayaking, or sailboat. For an afternoon basking on the gorgeous Honeymoon Beach, the lush, low-key island of St. John is an easy hop across the water.

Browse itineraries to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts on Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Apex

Start planning your closed-loop cruise today and browse cruise itineraries on our website.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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Closed Loop Cruise: Passport Requirements & Destinations

Got a few free days and looking to go on a trip, but don’t have a passport? Don’t worry, you still have plenty of options! If you passport has expired, or you never got a passport in the first place, you are still able to visit several foreign countries as a U.S. citizen. The answer to your “problem” is a closed loop cruise.

These types of cruises allow you, as an American, to sail to amazing destinations without a passport. Below, we take a look at what closed loop cruises are and tell you exactly which places you can visit on a closed loop cruise.

What Is a Closed Loop Cruise?

First things first, though—what is a closed loop cruise? The answer is right there, in the name. Closed loop cruises have “closed” itineraries, meaning that they start and end in the same U.S. port. On the way, however you may visit some other destinations, whether within the United States or in other countries. All closed loop cruises are round-trip cruises from the same port in the United States.

Places You Can Go on a Closed Loop Cruise (Without a Passport)

Even though closed loop cruises can’t take you wherever you want to go, the destination choices may be more diverse than you’d expect. From the beaches of the Bahamas to the wilderness of Alaska, these are the greatest place you can visit on a closed loop cruise without a passport.

Explore the rugged coasts of Alaska on a closed loop cruise from cities like Seattle and San Francisco . Visit the historic coastal towns of Skagway, Sitka and Juneau, and see iconic wildlife, from orcas and whales to brown bears and bald eagles.

Cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and soak up that glorious tropical sunshine. See waterfalls and rainbows, enjoy amazing Polynesian food and hit the waves on a surfboard. Cruises to Hawaii start in most major West Coast cities, such as San Diego , Los Angeles and Seattle.

New England and Eastern Canada

Discover the rocky coasts of New England and eastern Canada on a closed loop cruise from Boston or New York City. Indulge in world-class seafood, see beautiful lighthouses, visit seaside villages and explore important historic sites.

One of the most accessible tropical islands from the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda is a popular destination for closed loop cruises. You can visit this gorgeous, historic island on round-trip cruises from Boston and other East Coast ports. Swim with dolphins , visit the Royal Navy Dockyard or scuba dive to a shipwreck.

The Bahamas

Blessed with near-perpetual sunshine and stunning beaches, the Bahamas are one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations. As a Caribbean island nation, it’s an excellent place to visit without a passport on closed loop cruises. Departure ports include Baltimore , Charleston, Jacksonville, Miami and other southeastern U.S. cities.

The Caribbean

Comprised of the Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean Island, the greater Caribbean region is home to some of the greatest beach destination on the planet. Go on a closed loop cruise from Florida and visit such stunning islands as St. Lucia, Barbados, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Martinique and Bonaire. Remember, however, that some of these island nations may require you to have a passport to enter.

Whether it’s a Baja California cruise from San Diego or L.A., or a cruise to Cozumel from the East Coast, Mexico is a great closed loop cruise destination. Discover ancient temples and architecture, sample classic Mexican cuisine, sunbathe on amazing beaches and partake in endless outdoor adventures. Check out the best time to cruise to Mexico here .

So, for example, you can board a cruise ship in Miami, Florida , stop at least one foreign port in places like Mexico, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, and return to the port of Miami afterwards. This is a closed loop cruise. As a U.S. citizen, you will not need a valid passport to leave and re-enter the United States this way.

If, however, you depart from Miami, sail through the Panama Canal , visiting a foreign port on the way, and disembark in Los Angeles, you have not been on a closed loop cruise, even though both your departure and arrival ports are in the United States. These kinds of one-way cruises require all passengers to have a valid passport.

Good to know: Maritime laws state that cruise ships not sailing under the American flag must stop in at least one port of call outside the United States. Great examples of this include a stop in Canada on Alaska cruises , a stop in Bermuda on a round-trip from Boston, or a stop in Cozumel from Fort Lauderdale.

Remember: The start and end point of your cruise must be the same U.S. port.

Do I Need a Passport on a Closed Loop Cruise?

American citizens do not need a passport to go on a closed loop cruise. They can leave and re-enter their own country without a passport. However, it is important to know that another proof of citizenship will be required instead.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Information Center , other valid proofs of citizenship you can use to go on closed loop cruises besides a passport are:

• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL);
• Government-issued birth certificate; or
• Government-issued certificate of naturalization

If you’re 16 or older, you will also need a valid government-issued driver’s license or picture ID that contains your photo, name and date of birth.

U.S. citizens younger than 16 may use an original, notarized or certified copy of their birth certificate to go on a closed loop cruise. They do not need other documents to leave and re-enter the USA.

Note, however, that this does not necessarily mean that the countries on your itinerary, especially in the Caribbean, won’t still require you to have a passport to enter. If that’s the case, your cruise line might already require you to have a passport to board the ship—even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not.

If you aren’t sure, please ask your cruise line about this in advance. A closed loop cruise refers only to U.S. immigration regulations and passport requirements for U.S. citizens. It does not reflect those of the destinations on the closed loop cruise.

How Do I Know If My Cruise Is Closed Loop?

This is pretty straightforward. As we’ve mentioned above, a closed loop cruise is a cruise that departs from and returns to the same port in the United States. It’s really that simple.

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Ever Heard of a Closed-Loop Cruise? Here’s What to Know About These Unique Sailings

A lesser-known rule allows u.s. travelers to sail to some international destinations without a passport as long as they are on what is known as a “closed-loop cruise.”.

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You don’t need a passport to sail through Canadian ports en route to Alaska as long as you start and end your cruise at the same U.S. port.

Photo by Heather Shevlin/Unsplash

A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs from and returns to the same U.S. port and remains in the Western Hemisphere. As such, it does not require the passengers to have a U.S. passport—even if the itinerary visits some international ports along the way.

According to U.S. Customs and Borders Protection (CBP), rules established by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative require that U.S. citizens who are traveling abroad hold a valid passport—unless they are on a closed-loop cruise. Those sailing on a closed-loop cruise can enter or leave the country with an alternative proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued driver’s license or birth certificate.

If your sailing does not end at the same port where you began—for instance, if you are thinking of booking a one-way Panama Canal itinerary from San Diego, California, to Miami, Florida—you will need a passport. And be aware that some Caribbean islands (more on this in the Caribbean listing below) do require a passport, which means your cruise line will require a passport before you board the ship if you are sailing to a destination that independently requires it.

Do kids need a passport for a closed-loop cruise?

Kids do not need a passport if they are sailing on a closed-loop cruise. If there is a passport requirement, each person in your party needs to have a passport, including infants and toddlers. All cruises throughout the world that sail in destinations outside the United States and that are not closed-loop cruises require a passport.

What form of I.D. do you need for a closed-loop cruise?

If you are on a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends at the same port in the United States and visits Canada, Mexico, or much of the Caribbean, you do not need a valid passport. According to CBP, all you need is documentation proving you are a U.S. citizen. In lieu of a passport, you can present these alternative documents on a closed-loop cruise:

• Enhanced driver’s license, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of U.S. citizenship (currently available only to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington)
• Government-issued driver’s license
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Official certificate of naturalization

Where do closed-loop cruises sail?

Closed-loop cruise itineraries that do not require a passport include:

• Alaska: Cruise to Alaska on closed-loop sailings that typically start and end on the West Coast, stopping in Canada along the way.
• Bahamas: There are numerous closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas from ports up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
• Bermuda: Sail to Bermuda on closed-loop cruises from East Coast ports, including Baltimore, Boston, New York City, and Port Canaveral, Florida.
• Canada: You can sail round-trip to Canada on a closed-loop cruise from Boston, New York, and New Jersey.
• Caribbean: Start and end your Caribbean sailing in ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa in Florida; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; or Galveston, Texas. Keep in mind that some islands—including Martinique, Guadeloupe, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Bart’s—do require a passport.
• Mexico: Sail down to Mexico on a closed-loop western Caribbean cruise from Florida ports, New Orleans, or Galveston, or to the Pacific side of Mexico to destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán from California ports—without a passport. Belize and Honduras, which are sometimes included on these itineraries, also waive their passport requirements for cruise ship passengers.

The risks of not bringing a passport on a closed-loop cruise

Even though a passport is not required on a closed-loop cruise, there’s a reason why cruise lines often strongly encourage passengers to bring a passport. While you are in a foreign port, if you run into any problems and need to cut your trip short and fly home, you will need a passport to fly back into the United States—passports are required for international air travel. It can also be an issue if you miss your embarkation due to a flight cancellation or delay and need to fly to an international port of call to catch up with your cruise.

Complete Guide to Closed-Loop Cruises (and Open Jaw Itineraries)

C ruising, as you may know, is one of the best ways to explore the world’s coastlines and nearby cities. But what if you lack a passport or your passport has expired? Exactly what are the passport requirements to cruise? 

As a United States resident, you may benefit from the ease of a so-called closed-loop cruise and not need a passport for a cruise vacation at all. Let’s dive in.

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What is a Closed Loop Cruise? 

First, let's define a closed loop voyage. 

The itineraries of closed-loop cruises begin and end in the same port. For purposes of this conversation, that port is in the United States (even though the term “closed loop cruise” could be used to describe a cruise that starts and ends in the same city in another country). 

Think of it like a closed circuit, with the ship literally closing a geographical loop, even if that loop is an imperfect shape. However, along the route, you might stop at a few other places, either in the United States or abroad. 

The benefit of taking these “round-trip cruises” is that American travelers don’t necessarily need a passport as long as the trip begins and ends at the same U.S.A. port. However, you must understand the nuances of the itinerary you choose if you don’t have a passport, even if you have a travel agent to help guide you. 

That’s why we stress how imperative it is to read the detailed information below about identification requirements.

Closed Loop Cruise Origins

So how did closed-loop cruises come about? Well, in order to comply with U.S. maritime rules and the Passenger Vessel Services Act (also known as the Jones Act), all foreign-registered cruise lines leaving from American ports are required to include a port abroad. 

Nearly all cruise ships are foreign-flagged, so they must stop outside the nation. ( US River Cruise ships are an exception to the foreign-flagged generalization.) These destinations are usually contiguous United States territories such as Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean islands.

Example of a Closed-Loop Cruise

Here’s an example of a closed-loop cruise itinerary that starts and ends in a United States Cruise Port :

• A 4-night cruise departs from the Port of Miami in Florida.
• It makes a port of call in Nassau, in the Bahamas…
• …then sails onto Half Moon Cay.
• The cruise returns to Miami to disembark, where it departed from. 

Disney Cruise Line has a very similar 3-day or 4-day itinerary, usually departing from Port Canaveral, which is on Florida’s Space Coast near Cape Canaveral . It leaves, returns to Port Canaveral, and stops at Disney’s Castaway Cay island and Nassau in between. 

While these 3 or 4-day itineraries are considered short, there are plenty of longer sailings with more Port of Call available across many cruise lines. 

Most of the itinerary options are on bigger ships with 1,500+ passengers. 

If a Cruise Starts and Ends in the United States but From Two Different Ports, is it a Closed-Loop Cruise?

No. If a cruise starts in San Diego but ends in Los Angeles, for example, it is an open-jaw cruise, not a closed-loop cruise. 

Another example: If a cruise starts at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale but ends in the Port of Miami, it is not a closed-loop cruise.

What is an Open Jaw Cruise or Itinerary? 

Perhaps you’d prefer to explore beyond the destinations of a closed-loop cruise. 

A cruise that departs from one port and arrives/ends at a separate port of call is known as an “Open-Jaw Cruise.” Sometimes they’re referred to as “Open Loop” or “Repositioning” cruises. 

While these ocean trips on the high seas require a passport, you can access many more countries. 

On a map, such a trip may appear as a triangle or an “open jaw.” For example, you may do a yacht cruise on the Mediterranean as we did that departs from Athens, explores Greece, then heads to Sicily and ends on mainland Italy, and takes a flight home from Rome.

Without geographic restrictions, ships with an open itinerary can travel farther and often stop at more ports. This may also entail visiting places that other cruises would not have the time or ability to visit, such as more exotic locations.

Do you Need a Passport for a Closed Loop Cruise? 

A passport is typically not required for a closed-loop cruise for United States citizens if the cruise starts and ends in the same U.S. port. 

For example, this has made Hawaiian Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Alaska cruises very popular.

You Need Valid Government Identification, Even if Not a Passport

However, valid identification to board the ship is required; you must also show that identification upon reentry to the US. Such ID includes proof of citizenship and a government-issued ID. If you happen to have a valid passport, it’s the only ID required.

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What documentation is needed for a closed-loop cruise .

Nervous about going on a cruise without a passport? While it’s true that you don’t need a passport for most US closed-loop cruises, you must present two forms of ID to board a closed-loop cruise ship. 

These forms of ID should be carried with you when you disembark at each port of call. 

Two Forms of ID

As we mentioned, adults must have two ID forms to board a cruise if they don't have a passport. The two documents must fall under the two categories listed below.

1. Proof of Citizenship

One form of ID must be your proof of US citizenship. For example, this can be a government-issued birth certificate. 

2. Government-Issued ID with Requirements 

The second acceptable piece of identification must be a government-issued ID with your photo, full name, and date of birth. A driver’s license will suffice.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers a comprehensive list and details the criteria for taking a cruise without a passport, including what constitutes a government-issued photo ID.

Always check to see the latest details of the requirements before you book your cruise, while you await your cruise, and about four weeks before your cruise to make sure you’re good to go. 

While U.S. Customs recommend an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) as a passport alternative, very few states offer this form of government-issued ID. 

It’s also important to mention that as an ID, driver’s licenses are only accepted at land border crossings and sea border crossings, not airports for international destinations. You can also only use a valid driver’s license to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Closed-Loop Cruise Documentation

• Proof of citizenship, i.e., government-issued birth certificate
• Driver's License/Real ID
• Enhanced Driver's License
• Trusted Traveler Program  card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
• Form I-872 American Indian card
• Enhanced Tribal card
• Lawful Permanent Resident card
• Voter registration card/ID
• Social security card
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth

Enhanced Driver's License vs. Real ID

Is a Real ID the same thing as an EDL? No. It is not.

The short answer is that EDLs can be used for limited border crossings and is only available in specific border states. Whereas a Real ID is available in all states, it cannot be used to cross borders like an EDL or passport.

A Real ID does not have an additional cost to obtain. It differs from previous driver's licenses because it shows a star icon in the top corner of the license.

An EDL is only offered in a handful of states and costs an additional $30.

The Department of Homeland Security states the following about an EDL:

Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. They are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. EDLs are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. DHS Enhanced Driver's Licenses: What Are They?

EDLs are only available to residents of the following states:

Real IDs are available in 55 states and territories, however, it is not a viable document to cross a border, including for international sea cruise travel.

REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel. From “Real ID FAQs” on the Department of Homeland Security

Children Under the Age of 16

For children traveling under the age of 16, a variety of forms of identification, including an original birth certificate or a copy that has been notarized or certified, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization, are acceptable. 

What is Not Acceptable as a Form of ID? 

As per the US Government's regulations, documents proving voter registration and social security cards are not recognized as proof of identity. 

Lawful Permanent Residents

There are specific rules if you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States. 

Even though the US Government doesn’t mandate that you need a passport, it is always advisable to double-check as some locations along your cruise journey may have various requirements, including having a visa. 

If you are an LPR, you must have your I-551, or Green Card, in order to re-enter the US. 

A valid passport from your nation of residence is required if you’re not a U.S. citizen or a LPR of the United States of America.

Closed-Loop Cruises: Popular Port Cities from the United States 

U.S. departure ports are plentiful, from coast to coast.

The most popular port cities on the East Coast are Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, the Port of Miami, and Port Everglades, respectively. 

On the West Coast, San Francisco sees the most cruise ships pass through every year. Quite a few other city ports are offering closed-loop cruises from the US, so let’s take a look.

West Coast Closed-Loop Cruises

An Alaskan cruise is one of the most popular closed-loop cruise options in the US. If departing from the United States, Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. They often stop in Vancouver, British Columbia (in Canada), to pick up more cruise passengers.

Mexican Riviera and Hawaii closed loop itineraries are accessible from the West Coast, departing from the cities of San Pedro and Long Beach, San Francisco, and San Diego.

East Coast Closed-Loop Cruises

If you’re looking to head somewhere warmer such as the Bahamas, look to sail from: 

• Florida: Either from Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, the Space Coast’s Port Canaveral, the Port of Miami, or Tampa.
• Maryland: Baltimore.
• Northeast and New England area: Manhattan in New York City, Cape Liberty in New Jersey, or Boston, Massachusetts.
• Texas: Galveston.

Some of these itineraries even stop in Bermuda if you take a closed loop cruise from Boston, Manhattan, Baltimore, or Cape Liberty. 

Of course, you can’t forget about a Caribbean cruise! There are quite a few port options if you want to travel to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. The main cruise port options with itineraries sailing there are from Port Canaveral, Manhattan, Port Everglades, Baltimore, Charleston, New Orleans, Cape Liberty, Galveston, or Tampa. 

Popular Cruise Lines Offering Close Looped Cruises

Though cruise ships and their contracted ports of call may change annually, here’s a list of cruise lines and expected ports they sail from. 

Princess Cruises

Princess is one of our favorite cruise lines for a mature audience! It’s not great for traveling with kids but if you’re adults, it’s a wonderful option.

With Princess Cruises , you can travel to Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, Mexico, or the Bahamas from the United States. They operate many cruises from Fort Lauderdale or off the West Coast, where you can sail from Los Angeles to Mexico or Hawaii.

In fact, we sailed on a wonderful closed-loop California itinerary that stopped in San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ensanda before heading back to Los Angeles. 

Celebrity Cruises

Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida, are popular ports for Celebrity Cruises . You can travel to Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean from here.

It’s another one of our favorite cruise lines, offering class and sophistication to a generally younger audience than Princess Cruises.

We absolutely love their class offerings – our favorite is “in “ The Retreat ” – and recommend booking a suite if you sail with Celebrity. 

Disney Cruise Line

Who doesn’t love a Disney cruise, especially when you can sail to Bermuda, the Bahamas, or the Caribbean with all your favorite characters? But even if the characters don’t pique your interest, sailing as adults, only, is always fun with Disney. We’ve cruised on DCL without kids many times! 

Castaway Cay, Disney's private island, is an incredibly popular destination that only Disney Cruise Line sails to.

Most Disney Cruises in the United States set sail from the East Coast, with the most popular ports being Port Canaveral and Miami. However, there is often a west coast cruise itinerary each year, like from San Diego. 

Holland America Line

The majority of Holland America Line (HAL) closed loop cruises leave Fort Lauderdale and head to the Caribbean. But if you’re looking for an incredible Alaskan experience, head out west to Seattle and catch a trip to The Last Frontier with HAL.

Royal Caribbean 

An incredibly popular cruise line, Royal Caribbean departs from 14 ports across the US. The most popular closed-loop itineraries leave from Port Canaveral and Miami, where they sail to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

People love to visit Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.

Norwegian Cruise Line 

Despite its name, many cruises with Norwegian actually depart from the US. Amongst their popular itineraries is a Hawaiian closed-loop cruise from Honolulu, that tours around the Hawaiian Islands. 

To visit the Bahamas or the Caribbean with Norwegian Cruise Line, choose the Port of Miami as the departure port.

Carnival Cruises

Miami, Galveston, Tampa, and Port Canaveral are the port of call where most closed-loop Carnival Cruises sail from. The top itineraries for all three ports will lead you to the incredible island nations of the Caribbean.

MSC Cruises

Dip your toes in Caribbean sand when you set sail from Port Canaveral or the Port of Miami. MSC Cruises offers hundreds of closed loop cruises each year.

Margaritaville at Sea

If you want a very short, low-cost cruise option that sails from the Port of Palm Beach, look into Margaritaville at Sea . 

Closed-Loop Cruises in Popular European Cities  

The United States isn’t the only region that offers closed loop cruises. Numerous cities in Europe also have such itineraries, although they aren’t always referred to as a closed loop cruise in marketing material. 

Rather, you’ll see terms like “return trip cruise” or “two-way cruises.” Check each itinerary very closely. 

However, it’s worth noting that while these cruises are technically closed-loop, because they start and end in the same port of call as our Emerald Cruises did in Amsterdam in The Netherlands, you need a passport to sail in Europe or Asia, for example, if you’re a United States citizen traveling abroad. You’ll also need a passport to fly there at an international airport.

One of the closed itineraries growing in popularity in Europe is a cruise to Iceland. Departing and ending at Rotterdam, in The Netherlands, you’ll get to explore this true wonder of the world. Cruises to Iceland also commonly include a port of call in Ireland as well.

The port of Civitavecchia in Rome, Italy, also offers a number of return trip cruises. These itineraries include stops in Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Or you can sail in a loop from the port of Ravenna in Venice, Italy, to see cities in Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

MSC offers popular cruises in the Mediterranean with return trips from Marseille, France . On these journeys, you will stop in places such as Genoa, Palermo, Ibiza, Valencia, Barcelona, and Naples.

Closed-Loop Cruises FAQs

What are the advantages of a closed loop cruise.

There are many, especially if you don’t have a passport!

• They don't require a passport.
• It’s much easier to book flights or arrange transportation if they start and end in the United States.
• There are many cruise itineraries to choose from across various cruise lines.
• Simplified planning.
• Cost is usually more economical.

What are the Disadvantages of a Closed Loop Cruise?

The main disadvantage is that fewer ports of call are available to you. Along with this, depending on your taste and travel preferences, your experience diving into different cultures and historical sites is lessened if you can only explore closed-loop cruise options. 

How Do I Know If My Cruise Is Closed-Loop? 

Two main things indicate if your cruise is closed loop and you won’t need a passport  (but don’t forget – you need other valid identification): 

• For Americans looking to travel without a passport, the first piece of information to note when investigating whether or not a cruise is closed-loop is if it departs from and arrives back at the same US port. 

In order for it to be considered a closed-loop cruise that you don’t need a passport for the ship must leave and return to the same exact American port. 

• The second criterion to check for is: Are all ports of call on the itinerary within the Western hemisphere? 

Today, the majority of cruises that are closed-loop and you don’t need a passport for as a US citizen are within the Western Hemisphere only.

The idea of a closed-loop cruise originated with the creation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) . 

The objective of WHTI was to enhance and fortify American border security after 9/11 in 2001. However, there was also the added objective of streamlining and improving entry procedures into the United States. Several aspects of the initiative also deal with easing entry for residents of Bermuda, Canada, and Mexico. 

Can You Leave the Ship on a Closed-Loop Cruise Without a Passport?

The answer is yes and no. It depends on the port of call. 

It’s important to check the itinerary for your trip because there are a few places, even on a closed-loop cruise, that do require a passport to disembark. This is particularly common in the Caribbean in nations including Guadeloupe, the island of Martinique, St. Barts, Barbados, and others. 

Below is a list of Caribbean nations you can travel to without a passport on a closed-loop cruise (meaning you can disembark the ship if your cruise ship stops there and you do not have a passport):

• Antigua and Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Netherlands Antilles
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Turks and Caicos

If you travel to any of these countries without a passport, however, it’s a good idea to take your valid forms of ID with you when you walk around the port in case you encounter any problems. 

Precautions to Keep in Mind Traveling Outside the United States Without a Passport

Keep a few things to keep in mind if you travel on a closed-loop cruise without a passport. 

Imagine, for instance, that something goes awry, and you need to fly back to the United States from a foreign country for a medical emergency. In this situation and in the case of an emergency, you will need a passport in order to travel through an international airport and board an airplane traveling internationally.

Additionally, without a U.S. passport, getting home or catching up with the trip could be challenging if you miss the ship in one of the ports.

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) allows you to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. However, an EDL is only accepted at land and sea border crossings, not for air travel.

A closed loop cruise is a wonderful sea travel option for United States residents and citizens who want a vacation in multiple cities without needing a passport. (It’s an especially good option if you’re waiting for your new passport to arrive and you’re aching to go on a cruise, asap!) 

However, there are things to be aware of when you’re looking into going on a closed-loop cruise from the United States. With the important information we have provided here, you’ll be an informed traveler who can make the best decision for your’s and your family’s next cruise.

Interested in cruises? Read this next:

• River Cruise vs Ocean Cruise: What’s the Difference?
• How to Decide the Best Cruises to Book
• Guide to Mississippi River Cruises: Discover The Heart of America

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Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

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Alaska is a bucket-list, adventure-filled destination, and a cruise is one of the best ways to see it.

Some places in America’s largest state are not even accessible by road, so a cruise ship is the ideal way to see many wonderful sights without having to pack or unpack.

But a common question is, do you need a passport to cruise to Alaska? Even though Alaska is part of the U.S., the answer can depend on the embarkation and disembarkation points, where the ship sails and your age.

Let’s get into the details to help you understand what you need to bring on your next Alaskan cruise so that you’re not surprised at the gangway.

Do I need a passport to cruise to Alaska?

Alaska is part of the United States, but some cruises either depart from a Canadian port like Vancouver or make a stop in a Canadian port like Victoria. In these cases, it is necessary to have a passport or passport card with you as identification.

But there is a loophole. Thanks to something known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, some cruises are classified as “closed-loop cruises.” These are cruises that begin or end at the same U.S. port.

So if your cruise starts and ends in, say, Seattle and sails to Alaska (and even makes a stop in Canada), you don’t necessarily need to bring a U.S. passport.

» Learn more: Cruises where you don’t need a Passport

If you’re a U.S. citizen who doesn’t have a passport or is waiting for one to be renewed , you can bring an official U.S. birth certificate and government-issued photo ID.

Both documents would be necessary for anyone 16 and older. Those under 16 only need to show a U.S. birth certificate since they may not have photo identification yet.

Travelers crossing the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea can opt to use a passport card instead of their passport book. But if you have a change of plans and need to take a plane, you would be out of luck as you would need a passport book to fly.

» Learn more: The best Alaska cruises

What if my Alaska cruise doesn’t sail to Canada?

Chances are your Alaska cruise will make a stop in Canada due to U.S. law that says that foreign-registered cruises cannot sail between most U.S. ports without making a stop in another country along the way.

Since cruise lines register their ships in foreign countries for more favorable tax reasons (among other considerations), they are not able to transport passengers on a purely domestic itinerary. That’s why they stop in a foreign port, and Canada is conveniently on the way.

This practice dates back to a regulation known as the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886. While the writers certainly were not envisioning kids on waterslides vacationing with their families or binocular-toting cruisers getting up close and personal with glaciers when they drafted it, the law continues to be valid today.

But back to the main question of do you need a passport to go to Alaska? Maybe.

If the cruise is not a closed-loop cruise, then you would need passport identification to board the ship.

There are also some “Inside Passage” sailings on smaller ships (where you may fly into and out of an Alaskan airport from the Continental U.S.) and do not make a stop in Canada.

Still, a passport may be necessary if any of your shore excursions enter Canada. For this reason, some cruise lines may still require them on these sailings.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Alaskan cruise passports recapped

Whether or not you need a passport for your Alaska cruise will depend on your itinerary. You’ll want to check with the cruise line since it may have its own rules and regulations, but U.S. citizens on a closed-loop cruise have more flexibility.

The answer to do you need a passport to cruise to Alaska depends on where you’re departing from and returning to. Even if you visit a Canadian port, you may be able to sail to Alaska with just a U.S. birth certificate and photo identification.

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Places to Cruise Without a Passport

By Carnival Cruise Line

The Bahamas

New England and Canada

• The Caribbean

Baja, Mexico

As luck would have it, you’ve suddenly got a few open days in your schedule and a yearning to travel somewhere exotic. Don’t let your lack of a passport stop you. Consider a cruise . If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport.

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
• And a certified birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization

Starting and ending in Seattle or San Francisco, an Alaskan cruise takes you to charming waterfront cities and villages like Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. In Alaska, also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, you can see spectacular, icy glaciers by boat or seaplane, watch for whales and try your hand at dog sledding.

A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown. When you arrive back in Seattle or San Francisco, take time to explore those cities for even more vacation fun.

You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. Located just southeast of Miami in the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas offers an ideal island getaway. With soft-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and pastel-colored British colonial architecture , the Bahamian capital of Nassau makes a popular port of call for cruisers. In Freeport , you can shop till you drop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace or kayak through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest.

If you’re looking for cruises that don’t require a passport, take a round trip sail to Bermuda from New York City , Baltimore , Charleston or one of two Florida ports of call. As Britain’s oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. Pink-sand beaches, beautiful blue waters and colorful coral reefs deliver the perfect recipe for sunning, swimming, sailing and snorkeling. Cap off a day of adventure in Bermuda with a sunset rum-tasting cruise .

If you’re looking for a different kind of cruise, explore parts of New England and Canada with New York City as an exciting starting and ending point. Spend a day soaking up history in Boston, Massachusetts, and tour the Charles River aboard an amphibious duck vehicle. Experience lighthouses, lobster bakes and craggy sea cliffs in Portland, Maine, and enjoy a trip to Saint John, a beautiful city on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. A stop in the charming fishing village of Halifax, Nova Scotia offers beautiful gardens, more delicious seafood and double-decker bus tours . After you pull into port in the Big Apple, make sure to see a Broadway show, visit the Empire State Building and take a stroll through Central Park.

The Caribbean  

The Caribbean makes a popular destination for travelers considering a tropical cruise. For an easy round trip, you can begin and end in a number of U.S. cities including New York City, Galveston , Mobile , New Orleans and Tampa .

Western Caribbean locales in Mexico like Yucatán and Cozumel deliver exciting attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to flamingo lagoons, and activities like swimming with dolphins, dune buggy rides, sailing, snorkeling, diving and zip lining.

In the Eastern Caribbean, find dream destinations like Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. In Amber Cove, you can tour the Dominican outback, soak up the sun on Coconut Cove Beach, or ride the Waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua . On Grand Turk, enjoy swimming with stingrays, riding horses along the coast, or touring the island by ATV. The opportunities for adventure on a Caribbean cruise are endless.

When it comes to domestic cruises, nothing beats a trip to Hawaii . Explore beautiful spots spread across Maui , Kauai and the Big Island, and drink in the natural beauty only Hawaii delivers. On this exciting trip, you can deep sea fish for marlin, explore forest caves and waterfalls, soak up the sun on a black-sand beach and attend a traditional luau. U.S. departure ports for enjoyable Hawaiian cruises include San Francisco , San Diego , Long Beach and Honolulu .

Depart from the Californian cities of San Francisco, San Diego or Long Beach for a quick but memorable cruise to the Baja Peninsula in northern Mexico . Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment . Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. In Ensenada , the “Cinderella of the Pacific,” you can ride horses along mountain trails, tour the wine country, shop for souvenirs and taste the local tequila.

When traveling outside of the U.S. a passport is always recommended, but cruises are the exception to the rule. As long as you book a closed loop cruise, you can travel to certain destinations without a passport. Because international cruises in Europe and Asia require air travel, these vacations also demand a passport. When embarking on adventures by sea that don’t require a passport, make sure you have the proper cruise documentation.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

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What Is A Closed Loop Cruise

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Michaela Layman

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Introduction

When it comes to exploring the world on the high seas, there are various types of cruises to choose from. One such type is the closed loop cruise, which offers a unique and convenient way to travel. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a closed loop cruise, don’t worry – this article will provide you with all the information you need to know.

A closed loop cruise refers to a roundtrip journey where the cruise ship departs from and returns to the same port. Unlike open-jaw cruises that start and end in different ports, closed loop cruises allow passengers to board and disembark at the same location.

There are several benefits to choosing a closed loop cruise. Firstly, it offers convenience and simplicity, as you won’t have to worry about arranging separate flights or transportation to and from different ports. This makes it an ideal option for those who prefer a hassle-free travel experience.

Secondly, closed loop cruises often provide the opportunity to explore multiple destinations without the need for additional visas or travel documents. Since the cruise ship returns to the same port, passengers can take advantage of shore excursions and explore different cities or countries, all while staying within the closed loop framework.

Not only does this save time and effort, but it also allows for more diverse travel experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, a closed loop cruise can offer a range of destinations and activities to suit your preferences.

In addition to the convenience and variety it offers, a closed loop cruise can also have a positive environmental impact. By minimizing the need for additional transportation and reducing carbon emissions associated with multiple flights or port transfers, closed loop cruises are a more sustainable option for eco-conscious travelers.

In the next sections of this article, we will explore the benefits of closed loop cruises, the environmental impact they have, popular destinations for this type of cruise, how to plan your own closed loop cruise, and helpful tips for making it a sustainable and enjoyable experience. So, let’s embark on this journey and discover the captivating world of closed loop cruises!

Definition of Closed Loop Cruise

A closed loop cruise, sometimes also referred to as a roundtrip cruise, is a type of cruise itinerary where the ship departs from and returns to the same port. This means that passengers board the ship at a specific port, sail to various destinations, and then return to the original port of embarkation to disembark.

The closed loop nature of these cruises provides travelers with the convenience of starting and ending their journey at the same location. They eliminate the need for making separate travel arrangements to and from different ports, making it a popular choice for those seeking a hassle-free vacation experience.

One key aspect of closed loop cruises is that they typically follow a circular route. The ship may sail to multiple destinations, exploring different cities or even countries, but it always returns to its original port of departure. This allows passengers to enjoy the benefits of visiting diverse locations while still enjoying the comfort and familiarity of their starting point.

It’s important to note that closed loop cruises can be operated by various cruise lines and cater to different budgets and preferences. They can range from short weekend getaways to longer voyages spanning several weeks. The choice of itineraries and destinations depends on the cruise line, the ship, and the specific time of year.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the picturesque ports of the Mediterranean, embarking on an Alaskan adventure, or discovering the vibrant culture of the Caribbean, there’s likely a closed loop cruise that suits your desired destination and travel style.

One thing to keep in mind is that closed loop cruises are different from open jaw or one-way cruises. Open jaw cruises start and end in different ports, which can require additional travel arrangements to get back to the original departure point.

In summary, a closed loop cruise offers the convenience of starting and ending your journey at the same port, allowing you to explore multiple destinations without the need for separate transportation arrangements. It provides a circular route, returning to the original port of embarkation, and can be tailored to different preferences and budgets.

Benefits of Closed Loop Cruises

Closed loop cruises offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, here are some notable advantages of choosing a closed loop cruise:

• Convenience: One of the main advantages of closed loop cruises is the convenience they provide. With a closed loop itinerary, you can start and end your journey at the same port, eliminating the need for separate flights or transportation arrangements to different ports. This makes the planning process much simpler and reduces the stress of coordinating travel logistics.
• Cost-Effective: Closed loop cruises can often be more budget-friendly compared to other types of cruises. Since you won’t need to book additional flights or transport between different ports, you can save on travel expenses. In some cases, roundtrip cruises may also include special promotions or discounted rates, making them an affordable option for a memorable vacation.
• Explore Multiple Destinations: Despite returning to the same port, closed loop cruises offer the opportunity to explore multiple destinations. Cruise itineraries are designed to include various ports of call, allowing passengers to experience different cities, cultures, and attractions along the way. From historical sites to tropical islands, each stop on the itinerary offers a unique experience.
• Diverse Activities and Excursions: Closed loop cruises cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, you’ll find a variety of activities and excursions available at each destination. From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
• Familiarity and Comfort: Another benefit of closed loop cruises is the familiarity and comfort they provide. Being able to return to the same ship and cabin after exploring different destinations can offer a sense of stability and convenience. You’ll have access to familiar amenities, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, allowing you to relax and unwind after a day of adventuring.
• Simplified Documentation: One practical advantage of closed loop cruises is the simplified documentation process. Since the cruise departs and arrives at the same port, you typically won’t need to obtain additional visas or travel permits for different countries. This makes the travel experience smoother and lessens the administrative burden.
• Family-Friendly: Closed loop cruises are often an excellent choice for families. With a variety of onboard activities, entertainment options, and organized shore excursions suitable for all ages, there’s something to keep everyone in the family entertained. Additionally, the convenience and simplicity of a closed loop itinerary can make traveling with children more manageable and stress-free.

Overall, closed loop cruises offer a combination of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and the opportunity to explore multiple destinations. With a range of activities and excursions available and a simplified travel process, these cruises provide an enjoyable vacation experience for travelers of all ages and interests.

Environmental Impact of Closed Loop Cruises

As awareness of environmental sustainability grows, more travelers are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying their vacation. Closed loop cruises can offer a more environmentally friendly option compared to other forms of travel. Here are some key considerations regarding their environmental impact:

• Reduced Carbon Emissions: Closed loop cruises have a lower carbon footprint compared to other types of travel, particularly air travel. By eliminating the need for additional flights between ports, these cruises help reduce the overall carbon emissions associated with transportation. Passengers can enjoy the journey, visit multiple destinations, and return to the same port using a smaller amount of fuel compared to individual flights.
• Efficient Use of Resources: Cruise ships are designed to be more efficient in their use of resources, including energy and water. They incorporate advanced technologies and practices to minimize waste production, conserve water, and utilize renewable energy sources where feasible. This commitment to resource efficiency helps minimize the environmental impact of closed loop cruises.
• Strict Environmental Regulations: The cruise industry is subject to strict environmental regulations and standards aimed at protecting marine ecosystems. Cruise lines must adhere to international and national laws regarding wastewater treatment, air emissions, and waste management. These regulations help ensure that closed loop cruises are conducted responsibly and in an environmentally conscious manner.
• Support for Sustainable Practices: Many cruise lines are actively implementing sustainable practices and initiatives to minimize their environmental impact. These can include recycling programs, energy-efficient technologies, and partnerships with local communities to support responsible tourism. Some cruise lines even offer shore excursions focused on conservation efforts, allowing passengers to actively participate in environmental initiatives.
• Awareness and Education: Closed loop cruises also provide an opportunity for raising awareness about environmental issues. Cruise lines often provide educational programs and activities for passengers, highlighting the importance of protecting the oceans and marine life. These initiatives help increase understanding and encourage responsible behaviors among passengers, both on board and during shore excursions.
• Preservation of Coastal Communities: Closed loop cruises contribute to the preservation of coastal communities by supporting local economies and promoting sustainable tourism practices. These cruises bring visitors to different ports, where they can engage with local businesses, artisans, and cultural experiences. By supporting local communities, closed loop cruises help ensure the long-term viability of these destinations for future generations.

While closed loop cruises still have an environmental impact to consider, their commitment to resource efficiency, adherence to strict regulations, and support for sustainable practices make them a more eco-conscious choice compared to other forms of travel. As a traveler, you can further minimize your impact by participating in eco-friendly activities and supporting cruise lines with solid environmental stewardship practices.

Popular Destinations for Closed Loop Cruises

Closed loop cruises offer the opportunity to explore diverse destinations and experience the best of each region while returning to the same port of embarkation. Here are some popular destinations for closed loop cruises:

• Caribbean: The Caribbean is a perennial favorite for closed loop cruises. With its stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant culture, this region offers a variety of itinerary options. From exploring the historic streets of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico to lounging on the pristine beaches of the Bahamas and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, a Caribbean closed loop cruise promises sun, relaxation, and tropical beauty.
• Mediterranean: Embarking on a closed loop cruise in the Mediterranean is a dream come true for many travelers. The region boasts an array of iconic destinations, including romantic Venice, historical Athens, and breathtaking Santorini. With its rich history, incredible architecture, and exquisite cuisine, the Mediterranean offers a captivating blend of culture and beauty that can be explored on various closed loop itineraries.
• Alaska: For those seeking adventure and breathtaking natural landscapes, a closed loop cruise to Alaska is an excellent choice. Cruising through the Inside Passage, passengers can witness towering glaciers, spot marine wildlife such as whales and sea lions, and explore the charming coastal towns of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. The combination of rugged wilderness and stunning landscapes makes Alaska a bucket-list destination for many.
• Hawaii: A closed loop cruise is a fantastic way to experience the diverse beauty and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Sailings often depart from Honolulu and visit several islands, including Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Passengers can immerse themselves in the aloha spirit, bask in the sun on world-renowned beaches, witness volcanic landscapes, and participate in traditional Hawaiian cultural activities.
• Norwegian Fjords: Exploring the Norwegian fjords on a closed loop cruise is a journey through awe-inspiring natural beauty. Cruises typically depart from Scandinavian cities like Bergen or Copenhagen, sailing through deep fjords framed by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Passengers can marvel at the glaciers, experience the charm of coastal towns like Stavanger and Geiranger, and witness the magical Northern Lights in winter.
• Baltic Capitals: A closed loop cruise to the Baltic capitals offers a cultural immersion in some of Europe’s most historically significant cities. Passengers can explore the medieval charm of Tallinn, the grandeur of St. Petersburg, the vibrant markets of Copenhagen, and the architectural beauty of Stockholm and Helsinki. This itinerary allows for a mix of fascinating history, art, and cultural experiences.

These are just a few examples of popular destinations for closed loop cruises. Other options include the Mexican Riviera, the Galapagos Islands, the South Pacific, and more. Depending on your interests, budget, and desired travel experience, there is a closed loop cruise for every discerning traveler.

Keep in mind that availability and itineraries may vary based on the cruise line, season, and current travel restrictions. It’s always recommended to research and consult with a travel professional to find the best closed loop cruise that suits your preferences.

How to Plan a Closed Loop Cruise

Planning a closed loop cruise involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when planning your closed loop cruise:

• Determine the Destination: First, decide on the destination you would like to explore during your closed loop cruise. Consider factors such as your personal preferences, interests, and the time of year you plan to travel. Research different regions and itineraries to find the perfect destination that suits your desires.
• Select the Cruise Line: Once you have chosen your desired destination, research different cruise lines that offer closed loop cruises in that region. Consider factors such as the cruise line’s reputation, onboard amenities, activities, dining options, and overall value for money. Read reviews and compare offerings to find the cruise line that aligns with your preferences and budget.
• Choose the Ship and Itinerary: Each cruise line offers a variety of ships and itineraries, even within the same destination. Consider the size and amenities of the ship, as well as the ports of call included in the itinerary. Think about the activities and excursions that appeal to you and verify that they are offered during your desired travel period.
• Plan Your Travel Dates: Determine your preferred travel dates for the closed loop cruise. Consider factors such as weather patterns, peak seasons, and any specific events or festivals you may want to experience at the destinations. Be flexible with your travel dates if possible, as this can help you find better deals and availability.
• Book Your Cruise: Once you have finalized your destination, cruise line, ship, and travel dates, it’s time to book your closed loop cruise. Contact the cruise line directly or work with a reputable travel agency to secure your reservation. Ensure that you understand the terms and conditions, cancellation policies, and any additional fees or requirements.
• Plan Pre- and Post-Cruise Accommodations: If you are traveling a significant distance to reach the port of embarkation, consider booking pre- or post-cruise accommodations. This will give you time to adjust to the time zone, explore the departure city, or relax after your cruise. Look for accommodations near the port or in convenient locations for easy access.
• Prepare Necessary Travel Documents: Ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents for your closed loop cruise. This may include a valid passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and any health or vaccination certificates. Check the specific requirements for your destination and ensure that your documents are up to date.
• Pack Appropriately: Consider the climate of the destinations you will visit and pack accordingly. Include essentials such as comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, medications, adapters for electrical outlets, and any specific items you may need for excursions or activities. Be mindful of the cruise line’s dress code and any formal nights if applicable.
• Plan Shore Excursions: Research and plan your shore excursions in advance to make the most of your time in each port of call. Look for activities that align with your interests and book them directly through the cruise line or reputable tour operators. Be sure to allow enough time between excursions and the ship’s departure time.
• Review Health and Safety Guidelines: Before your cruise, familiarize yourself with the health and safety guidelines provided by the cruise line. This may include protocols related to COVID-19, onboard health measures, and any documentation or testing requirements. Stay informed about any travel advisories or restrictions that may be in place for your destination.

By following these planning steps, you can ensure a well-organized and memorable closed loop cruise vacation. Remember to book early to secure your preferred cruise dates, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the cruise line or a travel professional for any assistance or clarification along the way.

Tips for a Sustainable Closed Loop Cruise

As travelers become more conscious of their environmental impact, it’s important to consider sustainability when embarking on a closed loop cruise. Here are some practical tips to make your cruise experience more sustainable:

• Choose an Eco-Conscious Cruise Line: Research cruise lines that prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. Look for those that have implemented initiatives to reduce waste, conserve energy and water, and minimize their carbon footprint. Supporting eco-conscious cruise lines encourages the industry to adopt more sustainable practices.
• Reduce Plastic Usage: Bring a reusable water bottle and reusable shopping bags for excursions. This helps reduce the use of single-use plastics, such as disposable water bottles and plastic bags. Some cruise lines have refillable water stations on board, making it easy to stay hydrated without contributing to plastic waste.
• Conserve Energy and Water: Be mindful of your energy and water usage while on the cruise ship. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, take shorter showers, and reuse towels and linens to reduce water and energy consumption. Small actions can add up to make a significant difference in conserving resources.
• Opt for Sustainable Shore Excursions: When booking shore excursions, choose options that promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Look for excursions that support local communities, protect natural habitats, and educate participants about environmental conservation efforts. Avoid activities that exploit animals or harm fragile ecosystems.
• Dispose of Waste Responsibly: Follow the ship’s waste management guidelines by properly disposing of trash and recyclables in designated bins. Avoid throwing any waste overboard, as it can harm marine life. If recycling facilities are not available on board, consider bringing your recyclables back to land for proper disposal.
• Respect Wildlife and Marine Life: Observe and enjoy wildlife from a distance during shore excursions or while cruising. Adhere to responsible wildlife viewing practices, such as not touching or feeding animals, keeping a safe distance, and following local regulations. Avoid purchasing souvenirs made from endangered species or their byproducts.
• Eat Sustainably: Choose sustainable seafood options during meal times on the cruise ship. Some cruise lines prioritize serving responsibly sourced seafood to help protect marine ecosystems. Additionally, consider opting for vegetarian or plant-based meals, which have a lower environmental impact compared to animal-based diets.
• Support Local and Sustainable Products: When shopping on shore, look for locally made souvenirs and products that support local artisans and communities. Avoid purchasing items made from endangered species, coral, or other environmentally sensitive materials. Consider supporting products that are eco-friendly and promote sustainability.
• Leave No Trace: Practice responsible tourism by leaving the destinations you visit as pristine as you found them. Dispose of trash properly, avoid littering, and follow designated trails and paths during excursions. Respect the local culture, heritage sites, and natural surroundings to ensure their preservation for future generations.
• Spread Awareness: Share your sustainable cruise experience with others. Educate fellow passengers about the importance of responsible travel practices and encourage them to join you in making eco-friendly choices. Use social media platforms to promote sustainability and highlight the beauty of the destinations you visit.

By incorporating these tips into your closed loop cruise experience, you can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible approach to travel. Remember, every small action counts in preserving the environment and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same incredible destinations that you have experienced.

Closed loop cruises offer a unique and convenient way to explore the world while returning to the same port of embarkation. They provide a range of benefits, including convenience, cost-effectiveness, and the opportunity to visit multiple destinations without the need for separate transportation arrangements. Additionally, closed loop cruises can have a positive environmental impact by reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

From the picturesque Caribbean islands to the historic cities of the Mediterranean, and the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska or the Norwegian fjords, there are numerous popular destinations to choose from for your closed loop cruise. Each region offers its own unique experiences, attractions, and cultural immersion.

When planning your closed loop cruise, consider factors such as the destination, cruise line, ship, and itinerary. Research eco-conscious cruise lines that prioritize sustainability and look for ways to minimize your environmental impact, such as reducing plastic usage and conserving energy and water. Opt for sustainable shore excursions that support local communities and wildlife conservation efforts.

During your closed loop cruise, practice responsible tourism by respecting the environment, wildlife, and local culture. Dispose of waste responsibly, eat sustainably, and support local and sustainable products. By making conscious choices, you can contribute to a more sustainable and enjoyable travel experience.

In conclusion, closed loop cruises offer a convenient, diverse, and eco-friendly way to explore the world’s most captivating destinations. They provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, enjoy remarkable landscapes, and create unforgettable memories while minimizing your environmental impact. With proper planning and a commitment to sustainable practices, your closed loop cruise can be a fulfilling and responsible journey.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Alaska Glacier Bay from Seattle, 25 August, 2024

Cruising from: Seattle, Washington ;

Departure Date: 25 August, 2024 ;

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ;

Cruise Ship: Norwegian Encore ;

Duration: 7 days ;

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle ;

7-day Alaska cruise on board Norwegian Encore.

Day 0 seattle, washington.

Seattle is a popular departure port for Alaska cruises, offering convenient access to the stunning natural wonders and unique cultural experiences of the region....

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea....

Day 2 Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is a popular cruise port for Alaska cruises, located on the Inside Passage of Alaska. It is the capital city of Alaska and the third largest city in the state. ...

Day 3 Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, located in the Upper Lynn Canal is a place in Alaska where the past lives on. The Port of Skagway is the northernmost ice-free, deep-water port in North America, and serves as a year-round transportation hub between Alaska, the Yukon Territory, Northern British Columbia, the Northwest...

Day 4 Glacier Bay, Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park is a pristine wilderness area in southeast Alaska that is famous for its stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. A cruise through Glacier Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers visitors the chance to witness the raw beauty of this...

Day 5 Ketchikan, Alaska

An Alaskan cruise from Ketchikan is an unforgettable adventure that will take you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world....

Day 6 Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia's capital, is an occasional Cruise Port during the Alaska cruise season, especially at the beginning or the end of the cruise season, when cruise lines have unique itineraries as they reposition their ships from the south to the north, or vice versa....

Day 7 Seattle, Washington

Experience wildlife, wilderness, and native culture on this Alaska cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Visit Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle. Norwegian Encore leaving Seattle, Washington, for 7 days from 25 August, 2024.

Alaska cruise from Seattle August 2024

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) website.

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Get ready for your Princess Cruise with the OceanReady® steps

Princess® MedallionClass makes cruising effortless. It all begins with the Medallion®, a quarter-sized device that never needs to be turned on or off. Download the Princess® Cruises App to complete the OceanReady® steps before you sail. You'll want to complete the following steps to ensure access to the Green Lane in the terminal for faster check-in with less waiting:

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*Currently, only available for shipping to addresses within the United States and Puerto Rico. Medallions will be available for pick-up at the terminal if one was not mailed to you.

Guests who don't complete all of the above steps in the app will access the Blue Lane for check-in, where our Navigators will help ensure all steps are complete and issue guest Medallions.

Visit  Cruise Personalizer®   to book flights and transfers, reserve shore excursions and make spa appointments, and purchase any packages if they are not already included in your booking. Before you leave for your cruise, you can print your luggage tags from Cruise Personalizer.

When you enter your personal information and upload your travel documents in the app make sure your name appears in your OceanReady® Profile exactly as entered in your passport. If the name does not match, it's important you contact your Travel Advisor or the Princess Reservations Department at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) to correct this information. Also, verify that your passport details and emergency contact information are complete and correct.

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• What are Princess Future Cruise Packages? Princess Future Cruise Packages are the newest, most flexible way to bundle your next Princess cruise, even if you aren’t sure when or where you want to go! Each Princess Future Cruise Package includes a fixed amount of Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) to use when you are ready to book your future Princess Cruise, pre/post hotel certificates when you cruise, Onboard Credits (OBCs), 5- to 7-night land vacation certificates, and more.
• What are the Future Cruise Credits (FCC) included in the Princess Future Cruise Packages? The Future Cruise Credits you receive in your Princess Future Cruise Package allow you to purchase your Princess cruise(s) once you are ready to book. Each FCC is worth $1, can be used toward any future cruise booking with Princess, and may be applied to one cruise or multiple cruises.
• How do I redeem the Future Cruise Credits (FCC) I received with my Princess Future Cruise Package? Your FCC balance can be found in your  My Princess account  and may be redeemed directly on our website or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS. If you have a travel advisor or Cruise Vacation Planner, you can contact them directly to use your Future Cruise Credits.
• What is Princess Promotions? At Princess, we are always looking for ways to provide our guests with the best value while creating new and innovative cruise products, experiences, and programs. Princess Promotions is a new program that offers guests access to products that add value to your Princess vacation and complementary products like pre- and post-hotel stays, Onboard Credits, and more!
• How do I redeem my Princess Future Cruise Package Stays Certificates and Hotel Credits? Once you purchase a Princess Future Cruise Package, you can redeem your certificates and Hotel Credits by calling 1-800-PRINCESS and choosing option 5.
• Do my Future Cruise Credits (FCC) and Stay Certificates expire? FCCs and Stay Certificates purchased as part of a Princess Future Cruise Package must be booked within 18 months of the package purchase date. However, you can travel up to 24 months from when you purchased the package.
• What are Princess Future Cruise Packages Hotel Credits? Hotel Credits are the easiest way to save on all your hotel stays. Each Hotel Credit is equal to $1 and can be redeemed for significant savings on hotel rooms booked on our hotel booking engine or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS. Choose from thousands of hotels worldwide with exclusive savings available only through Princess.
• Can I cancel my Future Princess Promotions Package? You have seven (7) business days after the purchase of the package to cancel (Florida residents have thirty (30) business days to cancel the package). Cancellations can be made by calling 1-800-PRINCESS and choosing option 5.
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Visa requirements for U.S. and Canadian citizens are  listed on the guest's Travel Summary  under "Notices," if applicable. All other nationalities, including those with U.S. or Canadian resident status, are responsible for verifying visa requirements for each port visited during the cruise.

Visas may be obtained directly from the consulate of the countries visited. Some visas are available to be obtained on board. Passport holders of the United States, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom may obtain visas through  CIBTvisas . Australian and New Zealand passport holders, please use  http://visalink.com.au .

IMPORTANT: Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Guests should check with the consulate of each country they will visit or a visa service to verify current regulations. It is the guest's responsibility to have proper travel documentation. They should reconfirm visa requirements with the consulate 14 to 30 days prior to the cruise.

The following information is provided as general guidance for U.S. and Canadian passport holders. Because governmental travel requirements change periodically, you must check with your Travel Advisor or the government authorities for all countries you will visit to determine or verify the actual requirements at the time of sailing. Princess assumes no responsibility for advising guests of such requirements.

Visa fees and requirements are subject to change without notice

Travel Document Requirements

Travel Document Requirements*

Nothing gets in the way of a good trip like paperwork issues. So we want to make sure you know you’re responsible for meeting all the documentation and proof-of-citizenship requirements for your travel. Check out the guidelines below, as the last thing we want is for you to be denied boarding.

In many cases, you’ll need a valid passport, but even if you don’t, we really recommend traveling with one. You never know when the unexpected might happen – like leaving your ship before the end of your cruise – and it’s always better to be prepared.

General guidelines

Make sure the name on your booking matches the name on your travel document exactly. If the names do not match, contact your Travel Advisor (for bookings through a travel agency) or the Princess Cruises Reservations Department (for direct bookings) at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237). To avoid check-in delays or even denied boarding, please provide Princess Cruises with this information at least 45 days before your cruise.

For non-U.S. passport holders or non-U.S. permanent residents disembarking in a U.S. Port, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that before your cruise, you provide the address at which you will be staying in the U.S., post-cruise.

Travel document requirements vary by destination and citizenship. Below are document guidelines for both domestic and international voyages. Once a booking is made, you may view voyage-specific requirements on the Cruise Personalizer.

Document Requirements for U.S. and Canadian Citizens/Nationals

International itineraries

A valid passport book is required  for all international itineraries including:

• Australia & New Zealand
• Central and South America
• Panama Canal (partial and full transit)
• Caribbean (any sailings that visit Martinique or Guadeloupe)
• South Pacific & Tahiti
• World Cruises

If your cruise involves international air travel (including flights between the U.S. and Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda or Mexico) you will be required to present a valid passport when departing from or returning to the U.S. by air.

Domestic itineraries

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) governs acceptable travel documents for entry into the U.S. by sea from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico or within the United States.  We highly recommend a passport. We also require a passport for all guests in a travel party when minors are traveling with only one adult (21 years and older). † However, for U.S. and Canadian citizens/nationals on select itineraries a passport is not always required. In lieu of a passport book, these individuals must present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant travel documents at cruise check-in:

• U.S. Passport Card
• U.S. or Canadian Issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) (A REAL ID is not the same and doesn’t fulfill this requirement.)
• U.S. or Canadian Issued Identification Card (issued to minors and non-drivers)
• NEXUS Card Air travel is limited to participating airports (for entry to Canada)
• SENTRI (for entry to Mexico) and FAST cards
• I-872 American Indian Card or Enhanced Tribal ID Card (ETC)

†We have implemented this requirement because we want to ensure that your party remains together should an emergency arise that requires one or more members to be disembarked in a non-U.S. port. We cannot guarantee that all members of your party will be allowed to disembark with just a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate. Failure to present a valid passport for all guests traveling together will result in denial of boarding without refund of the cruise or cruisetour fare.

On select U.S. roundtrip (sometimes called “closed-loop”) voyages, U.S. citizens ages 16 and above may also travel with an  original or certified copy U.S. birth certificate (or U.S. Certificate of Naturalization if foreign born) presented together with a valid U.S. government-issued photo identification . U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 15 and younger may travel with a birth certificate.

• Alaska roundtrip from San Francisco, Los Angeles or Seattle (roundtrip Seattle cruisetours excluded)
• Canada/New England roundtrip from New York
• Caribbean roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale^, Galveston^ or New York (voyages that do  not  call to Martinque or Guadeloupe only)
• Hawaii roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or Seattle
• Mexico roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego

^Voyages that call to Central or South America are excluded and only passports are accepted. All voyages that call to Martinique or Guadeloupe require a passport.

For information regarding WHTI-compliant documents,  visit the US Customs and Border Protection website .

U.S. Permanent Residents are required to present one of the following at cruise check-in:

• Permanent Resident Card (ARC/I-55 card)
• Temporary ARC/I-55 card and valid government-issued photo identification
• Expired ARC/I-55 card and form I-797 and valid government-issued photo identification
• Passport with “ARC” stamp

Canadian Permanent Residents are required to present a valid passport and Landed Permanent Resident Card at cruise check-in.

Non-U.S./Non-Canadian Passport Holders: A valid passport is required for all non-U.S. and non-Canadian citizens for all itineraries.

Passport validity

Many countries require passports be valid for six months after the completion of your travel. Check your passport to verify it will be valid for this period of time. Additionally, make certain that your passport contains blank pages for entry and exit endorsements and any visas that may be required. If necessary, allow sufficient time to renew your passport and/or obtain additional pages. (It may take longer than you think it will!) U.S. and Canadian passport holders sailing on a domestic cruise should ensure passports or other travel documents are valid through the completion of travel. There may be occasions where we retain your passport at check-in. This is to ensure that you are not inconvenienced by immigration clearance during your cruise and where face-to-face inspection is not required. We recommend you bring a second government-issued photo ID if you want to have one with you while in port.

There are over 7,000 Passport Application Acceptance locations in the U.S. You may locate the one closest to you by  going to the U.S. Department of State website . The United States Postal Service also provides passport services. Visit the U.S. Postal website to find a post office location, get a list of fees and download a  passport application .

For information regarding passport applications, please visit the U.S.  Department of State travel website  or call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 (M-F, 5 a.m.–5 p.m. PST).

*This information is provided as general guidance. Because governmental travel requirements change periodically, you must check with your Travel Advisor or the government authorities for all countries you will visit to determine or verify the actual requirements at the time of sailing. Princess assumes no responsibility for advising guests of such requirements.

Prohibited Items

Guests are advised not to bring any prohibited items to the ship. Prohibited items will not be allowed or stored on board the vessel with no exceptions. Guests are fully responsible for either storing these items ashore or disposing of them prior to embarkation.

The following items will not be allowed on board without a valid lawful reason:

• All firearms including non-firing weapons. An exception to this rule is law enforcement agents acting in an official capacity and certified armed security guards acting in an official capacity (with full permission of the ship’s Master).
• All forms of ammunition, explosive materials and propellants, projectiles of all kinds, cartridges.
• All imitation or replica weapons including de-commissioned weapons, those not capable of being fired and realistic imitation/toy weapons.
• Air/Pellet guns or any other variety of projectile firing weapon.
• Stun Guns, Tasers or any other electroshock device.
• All explosives and explosive device components including but not limited to military, civilian and safety devices, detonators, detonation cords, blasting caps, smoke cartridges, grenades, mines, imitation explosives/devices.
• Fireworks, Flares and Pyrotechnics
• Knives (with a blade over 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches), or 1.25 cm (½ inch) at widest point). bladed weapons, sharp pointed weapons, daggers, sabers, swords, axes, ice axes, hatchets, straight razors (shaving safety razors are allowed), razor blades not in a cartridge, box cutters, ice picks, meat cleavers, and utility knives, (unless specifically authorized for personnel who in the normal course of their duties on board the ship require to be in possession of a knife with a more substantial blade i.e. Galley Staff and Deck Ratings).
• Flick knives, gravity knives, switchblades or lock knives. Small locking pocket-knife with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed.
• Concealed bladed weapons such as belt buckles knives, cane and umbrella knives/swords, pen knives and credit card knives.
• Recreational Diver’s Knives unless accompanied by other diving/snorkeling equipment and a valid diving ID card/license (must be held in the custody of the Security Officer). Dive knives may be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise whereby 24 hours’ notice is provided.
• Diver’s spears and spear guns/slings.
• Ceremonial knives/swords as well as entertainment props are at times permitted with prior notification from the Fleet Security Department (must be held on-board in the same manner as dive knives).
• Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches.
• Telescopic or regular truncheons/batons/clubs/coshes/nightsticks/billy clubs/blow pipes/ASPs and or any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon.
• Archery equipment including crossbows and bolts.
• Martial Arts Equipment including flails, throwing stars, nunchakus/nunchucks, kubatons, bostaff, etc.
• Knuckle Dusters, brass knuckles, or any other item constructed for use as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
• Items containing Incapacitating Substances such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, pepper/mace cartridges, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable.
• Flammable Liquids and hazardous chemicals/substances including gasoline/petrol, cooking fuel, acid, spill able batteries (except those in wheelchairs), phosphorous, oil, lighter fluid (common lighters are permitted), methylated spirits, paint thinners, acid, turpentine, spray paint, chlorine, bleach, spray paint and any other dangerous chemicals that could burn, maim, incapacitate or disable.
• Compressed gas bottles/cylinders including propane tanks and aerosol cans (except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities). Dive Tanks are not permitted, empty or full. Medical gas bottles are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to Guest Services and stored in a designated safe area. Oxygen cylinders are not x-rayed.
• Drones also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), and any other remote-controlled aerial devices/toys. (The exception is when permitted for company sponsored events when approved in advance by Fleet Security).
• Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as a weapon.
• Hookah and Water Hookah Pipes, candles and incense, strike-anywhere matches.
• Items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to: immersion heaters, heating blankets, flat irons, water heaters, coffee machines with heating / hot plates, etc.
• Alcohol in violation of the company alcohol policy.
• All illegal drugs, including medications without proper prescriptions.This includes legal intoxicant synthetic or “designer” drugs also known as “Legal Highs” such as Lysergamides, Opioids, Methoxetamine, Synthetic Cannabis, Betel Nuts or Kava (Cava).
• Medical Marijuana
• Noxious Items
• Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, and skateboards.
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Ham radios, transformers, lasers, laser pointers.
• Bicycles, including electric bicycles
• Tools of trade/hobby including any type of hand or power tool. This includes hammers, drills, drill bits, crow bars, saws, power saws, chef/cooking knives/utensils, tools greater than 7 inches in length such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers (unless prior authorization is provided by Corporate Headquarters and strict controls are maintained on-board).
• Surfboards – (Boogie boards no longer than 42 inches in length are allowed).
• Boats/canoes/kayaks
• Coolers - only coolers approximately 12 x 12 x 12 in size (holds 6-12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages) are allowed. Guests carrying larger sizes will be directed to return them to their vehicle. If the guest is without a vehicle, the cooler will be destroyed in the same manner as other prohibited items. Exception: if the cooler is larger and contains baby food/formula, kosher food/special dietary food or medication - these must be hand-carried. Coolers cannot be accepted as checked baggage. Whenever there is doubt an embarkation supervisor or shipboard personnel can be contacted to make the decision.
• Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility), boats/canoes/kayaks, Segways (only permitted ashore if used for mobility limitations – cannot be used on board the ship), Heely Shoes, Hoverboards/self-balancing scooters.

The above list is not exhaustive. The Ship Security Officer and Staff Captain are authorized to make a professional judgment as to the legality of any item, declared, detected or discovered.

*Electrical devices such as small fans, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, power strips/extension cords without surge protectors and electric extension cords with surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution and following inspection/tests from the onboard electrical department. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard then they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

As our guest, please follow the above precautions while traveling on any of our ships, and please refrain from taking these devices with you on board.

Cashless Cruising

One of the best things about cruising with Princess is the convenience of being able to charge all your onboard expenses to your stateroom.

You will receive your OceanMedallion before you board. Guests will either receive it in the mail or pick it up in the terminal during the check-in process. The Medallion allows you to make TrulyTouchless™ purchases on board and is linked to your personal shipboard account where all purchases are charged.

Guests who have a credit card on file for their shipboard account, an authorization hold of $100 is placed on the credit card to ensure validity of the account. While you are on board, your daily charges will be authorized at close of business each day with your card provider. These authorizations can remain on your card for up to 30 days. Due to this, on extended voyages (in excess of 30 days) your credit card on file will need to be settled at or before the 30-day mark as a result of this authorization timing limit. Following this mid-voyage settlement, a new authorization will be placed on your credit card on file and be settled again at the end of your voyage. 3rd party credit cards will not be accepted for charges on board since the cardholder needs to sign for the charges.

Card must be valid for the length of the cruise. This information will be kept confidential. Princess Cruises use a “pre-authorization” system to charge credit and debit cards for onboard spend. This is standard hotel practice and places a “hold” on your credit or debit card, although your bank does not actually release any money to us. At the end of your cruise, your onboard spend will be charged in one transaction, and the holds will then be released by your issuing bank. Please note, some banks hold pre-authorized funds for up to 30 days limiting the funds available in your debit or credit account. We strongly recommend you check your bank’s pre-authorization process if you have any concerns about this system. To avoid your bank or credit card company blocking onboard transactions, please alert them of your travel plans ahead of time.

An itemized statement will be emailed to you post cruise. By providing your credit card in advance, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. There is no need to visit the Guest Services Desk to settle your account. We accept all major credit cards in most currencies. Those paying by traveler's checks or cash will be required to leave a cash deposit with the Guest Services staff at the beginning of the cruise.

Onboard charges are in United States Dollars (USD) with the following exceptions: for guests on sailings operating roundtrip from Australia, all onboard charges are in Australian Dollars (AUD)

If you are using a credit card to pay for your onboard charges on an AUD currency sailing, a surcharge fee of 1.1% will be applied (regardless of cardholder nationality). Debit cards do not incur a surcharge.

Princess EZpay Cruise Payment Plan

The Princess EZpay Cruise Payment Plan allows you to spread out the cost of your cruise with monthly installments and budget your vacation the easy way – with no extra fees! It’s easy to enroll in and easy to use; Princess EZpay simply charges the credit card on file every month until final payment is due – you can set it and forget it.

Casino Charges

Charges for obtaining chips and tokens in the casino are limited to $3,000 USD per day, up to a total limit of $21,000 USD per person, per cruise and are only available if you have pre-registered a credit card with the Guest Service Desk for Express Check-Out.

Guests requiring extensions to daily or cruises limits should contact our Casino Department on 1-888-772-6697 prior to cruising for further details. Information and application forms for a casino credit line can be found at  Ocean Players Club website  under 'VIP Services'.

The minimum age for gambling on board is 18* years old.

*20 years old in Japan

Luggage Valet

Princess Luggage Valet delivers your bags from your home to your stateroom, and then back home again. The service is offered in partnership with Luggage Forward® in order to make your travel experience easier. No more hauling baggage through the airport, no more long check-in lines or waiting for your luggage to arrive at baggage claim, and no more risk of being held up in lengthy bag inspections at Customs. With Princess Luggage Valet you can enjoy the ultimate in ease and convenience when you travel. Make it a carefree escape with the new Princess Luggage Valet Service.

Luggage Valet includes:

• Worldwide service to and from more than 170 ports
• All-inclusive rates charged at the time of booking, no hidden fees
• Guaranteed to arrive on time or a refund of double what you paid to ship the bag

To book,  visit the Luggage Forward web site . Inquiries can be sent via email to  [email protected]  or you can call Luggage Forward directly at: 1-860-866-4172.

Please review our Passage Contract  for full details. You’ll need to accept the terms and conditions of the Passage Contract before your cruise.

Pre-/Post-Cruise Hotel Packages

Pre- or post-cruise packages offer hotels chosen for their excellent service and prime location, close to major attractions — and near to your embarkation port so you’ll be sure to board your ship on time.

You’ll be met by a Princess® representative who ensures all transfers and baggage handling are taken care of. You can also choose to stay on after your voyage to do some sightseeing. Either way, it’s a great option for extending your vacation with the peace of mind that Princess has handled all the details.

See your Travel Advisor,  contact Princess , or  visit Cruise Personalizer  for details.

Health & Accessibility

Accessible cruising.

Spend your time onboard focused on relaxing, experiencing all the benefits of MedallionClass® cruising and creating lasting memories with your family and friends. The following information and resources are available to help you plan for your Princess vacation.

Accessible Accommodations

Our ships offer accessible staterooms designed for wheelchair maneuverability and feature wider doorways than a standard stateroom in both the stateroom and the bathroom. Bathrooms are equipped with a roll-in shower with a fold-down bench seat, a distress alarm, handheld shower head and grab bars. The stateroom also has an easy access closet and writing desk with wheelchair access. Additionally, all staterooms feature Medallion touchless entry, which unlocks the door as you approach.

We can help you with your accessible stateroom request by calling us at:

United States:  1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) Canada : 1-800-LOVEBOAT (1-800-568-3262) United Kingdom:  0344 3388 674 Australia:  13 24 88 New Zealand:  0800 780 717

Or contact your Travel Advisor.

Tip: Additional amenities can be requested for standard non-accessible staterooms including handheld shower heads, shower stools and raised toilet seats. For your convenience, these can be requested directly in the Princess® Cruises App under Preferences.

• Onboard Experience

Access-friendly design across our fleet makes it easy to enjoy each vessel's restaurants, theaters, spas, lounges, and open deck space. Elevators have 36- to 42-inch doorways, and wheelchair seating is available in show lounges and other public spaces. Onboard, make reservations and requests using the Princess® Cruises App  on your personal electronic device or interactive in-stateroom TV.

Visual Accommodations

We have a designated computer terminal equipped with JAWS Professional software equipped with a reader program available in the Internet Café. A headset is available upon request. For assistance, contact the Internet Café team once on board.

Braille/tactile signage is available on all ships. Large print, Braille, and electronic menus are available upon request with 60 days advance notice. If you prefer to have items read to you, please do not hesitate to ask a team member on board, who will gladly assist.

The ship’s activity schedule along with the ability to find points of interests, family and friends is available on interactive Portals located around the ship. A similar experience is available in the Princess App. For guests who did not bring their own device, a limited number of tablets with screen reading capabilities are available upon request from Guest Services on a first-come-first-served basis.

A text reader feature can be enabled on stateroom TV's to read aloud text that is displayed. This text reader is available to be enabled upon request to our Guest Services team.

Tip: View our  ship overview pages  for accessibility guides and deck plans.

Hearing Accommodations

With advance request to our Access team, we provide “all-in-one kits” with TTY that can be used in guest staterooms. When requested for an Alaska Cruisetour, TTY kits will also be provided for your stay at our Alaska Wilderness Lodges.

Televisions on board have closed captioning capabilities. Onboard theaters have assistive listening devices. Requests for interpreting services should be made at the time of booking through the Access team and are subject to the availability of qualified interpreters. If there are other guests onboard who also require the assistance of interpreters, they are shared. American Sign Language interpreting services may be requested in advance for guests traveling on itineraries that visit at least one port in the USA. Australian Sign Language interpreting services may be requested in advance for guests traveling on itineraries that visit at least one port in Australia.

Mobility Equipment Guidance

Here are some important things to know about bringing a mobility device onboard.

If you will be using a mobility device or have special needs, we strongly recommend you travel with a person physically fit to assist with your needs both onboard and ashore.

Although we do not offer mobility devices onboard for personal use, you are welcome to bring your own device. Alternatively, we do partner with the following companies who provide wheelchairs and other medical equipment for rent, and they can deliver directly to the ship. If a rental is a better solution for you, please do contact them directly.

• Special Needs at Sea: 800-513-4515 or 954-585-0575, or visit the  Special Needs at Sea website
• Scootaround: 888-441-7575 or 204-982-0657, or visit the  Scootaround website

Please ensure that your mobility device meets the following specifications:

• Maximum device width: 22” for standard staterooms, 31” for wheelchair-accessible staterooms
• Maximum combined weight of the wheelchair, including guest: 600 pounds (weight may vary outside the United States)

Your mobility device must be securely stored in your stateroom when not in use. This will ensure that hallways and other public areas are clear for other guests and crew to safely move throughout the ship. We do not offer alternate locations for mobility device storage onboard. For assistance onboard with charging your equipment in your stateroom, please contact your stateroom attendant.

If you are bringing other mobility equipment onboard or if you have booked Princess transfers, pre or post hotel stays, Cruisetours or shore excursions you must complete our  Mobility Questionnaire (PDF)  and return it to us at least 60 days prior to sailing.

Please be advised that filing out the Mobility Questionnaire is to ensure that our Access team can properly assist you with your accessibility and mobility needs. It is not an approval or confirmation of any request, nor does it guarantee being booked into or moved to an accessible cabin. Please ensure that you discuss your cabin needs with your Travel Advisor or our Reservations department.

Service Animals

Princess welcomes service animals that are trained to perform tasks including the support of vision, hearing or other specific needs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Note that emotional support animals are not permitted on Princess ships.

Here are some important things to know about travelling with your service animal.

• Travel Documents. Entry regulations for service animals vary by port. The regulations concerning the entry of service animals to the ports you visit vary and there are some ports where animals may not be allowed ashore. You will need to check with each country visited and obtain the necessary documents to travel. These may include vaccination records, medical certificates and other travel documents.
• You will need to bring food, equipment and supplies.
• We will provide a relief area with material onboard. The types of litter material are limited and may vary by ship.

To begin your request, write to us at  [email protected] . Include your booking number, ship, sailing date with a brief description of the service animal, including the specific work or task the animal has been trained to provide.

Accessibility Ashore

Let’s chat about what you can expect as your plan your experiences ashore. There are varying levels of accessibility around the world. Some ports are more accessible than others, and accessible vehicles may be limited. We are here to help you navigate and deliver the best possible adventure ashore.

Getting to the ship: If you have purchased a Princess pre- or post-cruise hotel package or transfers, we will assist with arranging accessible transportation. Accessible transportation may be limited or not available in some foreign ports of call. Please be sure to submit a  Mobility Questionnaire (PDF)  so that we can make the appropriate arrangements for you.

Going ashore: Most ports provide easy access ashore via gangways. Due to various conditions including the steepness of the gangway, weather, shore-side facilities, tidal and sea conditions, guests using mobility devices may be required to transfer to a stair climber. Our team will guide you based on local conditions to assure your safety. For the safety of our team, crew members are only able to physically lift up to 50 pounds (22 kg).

In some ports, the ship anchors offshore and guests transfer to shore by water shuttles. When a water shuttle is required, guests using mobility devices will not be transferred into or out of the water shuttle, if lifting in excess of the above limitation is required. Many water shuttle ports do not provide wheelchair access so even if the guest can board the water shuttle, they may not be able to disembark ashore. Again, the shore-side facilities, movement of the water shuttle, weather and tidal conditions can also preclude the use of the water shuttle.

The final decision to allow any guest to board a water shuttle or disembark the ship will be made by the Captain on the basis of the safety and welfare of all involved.

Water Shuttle Ports:

• Airlie Beach, Australia
• Akaroa, New Zealand
• Alta, Norway
• Armacao dos Buzios, Brazil
• Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
• Bar Harbor, United States
• Bay of Islands, New Zealand
• Belize City, Belize
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Boracay, Philippines
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Cannes, France
• Catalina Island, United States
• Champagne Bay, Vanuatu
• Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea
• Cornwall (Falmouth), United Kingdom
• Crete (Aghios Nikolaos), Greece
• Dravuni Island, Fiji
• Dublin (Dun Laoghaire), Ireland
• Easter Island, Chile
• Edinburgh (South Queensferry), United Kingdom
• Elba (Portoferraio), Italy
• Exmouth, Australia
• Falkland Islands (Stanley), Falkland Islands
• Fuerte Amador, Panama
• Geiranger, Norway
• Geraldton, Australia
• Giardini Naxos, Italy
• Gizo Island, Solomon Islands
• Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
• Grundarfjordur, Iceland
• Guernsey (St. Peter Port), United Kingdom
• Gythion (for Sparta), Greece
• Hellesylt, Norway
• Helsingborg, Sweden
• Huahine, French Polynesia
• Ilhabela, Brazil
• Isafjordur, Iceland
• Ishigaki, Japan
• Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
• Juneau, United States
• Kaikoura, New Zealand
• Kangaroo Island, Australia
• Ketchikan, United States
• Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea
• Kitava, Papua New Guinea
• Ko Samui, Thailand
• Komodo Island, Indonesia
• Kona, United States
• Korsakov, Russian Federation
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Kumano, Japan
• Lifou, New Caledonia
• Lofoten Islands (Gravdal), Norway
• Lombok, Indonesia
• Loreto, Mexico
• Maldives (Male), Maldives
• Mare, New Caledonia
• Margaret River (Busselton), Australia
• Maui (Lahaina), United States
• Mayotte, France
• Mayreau (Saline Bay), St. Vincent / Grenadines
• Miyakojima, Japan
• Monte Carlo, Monaco
• Monterey, United States
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Mystery Island, Vanuatu
• Nanortalik, Greenland
• Newport, United States
• Nha Trang, Vietnam
• Nosy Be, Madagascar
• Olden, Norway
• Phillip Island, Australia
• Phuket, Thailand
• Port Arthur, Australia
• Port Douglas, Australia
• Portofino, Italy
• Princess Cays, Bahamas
• Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
• Puerto Montt, Chile
• Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica
• Punta Arenas, Chile
• Qaqortoq, Greenland
• Rangiroa, French Polynesia
• Red Bay, Canada
• Saint Helena, United Kingdom
• San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
• Santa Barbara, United States
• Santorini, Greece
• Sardinia (Alghero), Italy
• Savusavu, Fiji
• Seychelles Islands (Praslin), Seychelles
• Seydisfjordur, Iceland
• Shetland Islands (Lerwick), United Kingdom
• Sibenik, Croatia
• Sihanoukville, Cambodia
• Sitka, United States
• Sorrento, Italy
• St. Barthelemy, French Overseas Territories
• St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Stewart Island, New Zealand
• Toba, Japan
• Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
• Wewak, Papua New Guinea
• Willis Island, Australia
• Yorkeys Knob (Cairns), Australia
• Zanzibar, Tanzania

Shore Excursions: As your destination experts, we offer a variety of experiences ashore. We recommend you review our shore excursion offerings and make your selections. Each excursion is noted with the level of mobility. Accessible shore excursions may not be available in some international ports, and not all port facilities are designed with accessible features. Do contact us in advance with any questions or for assistance with your accessible shore excursions. A completed Mobility Questionnaire will help guide us with these arrangements. Once onboard, our shore excursion team is available to assist with your adventures ashore.

For general questions about your cruise vacation, visit our  Contact Us page .

Send  Mobility Questionnaire (PDF) , requests for Sign Language Interpreters, Accessible Transfers and Shore Excursions to our Access Office. Email:  [email protected]

Prescription Medication

In the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies, please remember to bring additional prescription medication for at least 2 weeks beyond the length of the cruise. Also bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting diarrhea. You can get norovirus from having direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth. There are several measures which have been placed to prevent and contain illnesses on our ships that meet or exceed standards set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The simplest way for you to stay healthy is to frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. You’ll also find hand sanitizers located throughout the ship for your use after washing your hands. If you feel ill during your voyage, please immediately the ship’s medical team.  For more information on Norovirus,  visit the CDC’s website .

Vaccinations

Vaccinations*

Information regarding required vaccinations for your cruise or cruisetour is listed on your Travel Summary (if applicable).

We recommend seasonal influenza vaccinations for all guests. Furthermore, you are strongly urged to seek advice from your healthcare provider or an approved public health advisory service to identify any specific vaccination or health precautions required for each port of call. For example, you may wish to reference the  World Health Organization (WHO)  or the  United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . Some countries strictly enforce certain health requirements, in which case you may be required to present a completed and original vaccination certificate. Failure to present appropriate vaccination documentation at embarkation will result in guests being denied boarding.

IMPORTANT: Vaccination requirements vary by destination and do change from time to time. Guests should check with their Travel Advisor or contact the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to verify current regulations. 

COVID-19 vaccination may be required for your cruise during, and after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please refer to the latest local public health authority guidelines.

*This information is provided as general guidance. Because governmental and medical vaccination requirements and recommendations change periodically you must check with your Travel Advisor, government authorities for the countries you will visit and/or medical professionals to determine or verify the actual requirements and recommendations at the time of sailing. Princess assumes no liability for the guest's failure to do so.

Guests undergoing dialysis should be aware that our ships’ medical facilities are similar to those of an urgent care center. While we do have trained medical professionals on board, they are not equipped to provide specialized care for dialysis patients. Should an emergency situation arise during your cruise, it is recommended that you be prepared to provide a complete list of medical conditions, medications, and allergies to the medical center.

Although we strongly recommend against undertaking the risks involved, Princess Cruises will allow a guest requiring peritoneal or hemodialysis to travel on our ships  at the guest’s own risk . It is recommended that a guest requiring dialysis consults with his or her nephrologist prior to making travel arrangements.  You should be stable on your dialysis treatments for a period of at least 12 months prior to sailing.

• Among the many recognized risks to dialysis patients are:
• Pericarditis
• Cardiac tamponade
• Congestive heart failure

Recognized risks associated with hemodialysis used in the treatment of kidney failure include but are not limited to:

• Low Blood Pressure
• Clotting of the vascular access
• Muscle cramps

Before booking a cruise, the treating nephrologist should consider carefully the following:

• There is no nephrologist available on any of the Princess cruise ships for dialysis patients.
• Ships are not equipped with back-up battery support for dialysis related equipment.
• A guest may be at sea for several days without any immediate hospital and/or specialist back up, and if the itinerary is not within the U.S., the availability of specialized shore side facilities can be extremely limited.

The risks to the guest who misses an appointed treatment are very serious, with little recourse available while at sea. The guest assumes these risks when a ship is prevented from entering a planned port of call for any reason.

Guests are expected to make all arrangements regarding dialysis, whether self-administered on board or at a shoreside facility. Environmental Officers can assure that dialysis waste disposal policies are followed, including providing the stateroom with a closed lid waste receptacle lined with a bio-hazardous bag for care of bags or pouches of bio-hazardous waste.

Finally, you should be aware that there are charges associated with being treated in the medical facility during your cruise, and that ordinary trip travel interruption insurance does not generally cover such treatment costs if you require medical consultation or treatment. An itemized bill will be provided which can be submitted to the guest’s health insurance company after the required treatment is charged to the onboard account.

If you will require oxygen supplementation during your sailing, please contact our Health Services Team by emailing  [email protected] . You will be asked to send a letter or prescription from your doctor. You will also be required to let us know the type of equipment you will be using and whether you will be bringing your own supplies or if you will be having the equipment delivered to the ship. 

Pregnant women are not allowed to sail if they are entering the 24th week of their pregnancy by the last day of the cruise. 

All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel and the pregnancy is not high risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery (EDD) calculated from both Last Menstrual Period (LMP) and ultrasound (if performed). 

Please ensure you have your doctor’s letter with you when you embark.

Restrictions or precautions may apply to pregnant guests, during the COVID-19 Pandemic – please review the COVID-19 section.

Sharps Disposal

If you will be using sharps of any kind, including needles, lancets, or blades, for your safety and the safety of others  you must utilize a sharps container . To dispose of sharps while on board, request a sharps container from your stateroom steward.

Before You Leave for Your Cruise

Complete the pre-boarding OceanReady® steps and access Cruise Personalizer to book shore excursions, onboard reservations such as Lotus Spa and much more!

OceanReady® QR code and Luggage Tags

If you’ve completed the required  OceanReady® steps  and have your Medallion® device, you can expect a streamlined embarkation.

If you have not received your Medallion wearable ahead of time, you will be asked to show your OceanReady QR code to terminal personnel during the health screening process and once again at check-in. This code can be accessed through the Princess® Cruises App on your smart device. To streamline the check-in process, we ask that you print your OceanReady QR code. Your OceanReady QR code only becomes available once you complete your health questionnaire and accept passage contract and acceptances.

Please remember to have your Medallion device, mobile device with the Princess® Cruises App downloaded, and your luggage tags when you get to the terminal.

Printing your luggage tags is fast and easy! Beginning 75 days prior to sailing, you can print your luggage tags once the booking is paid in full and we’ve been provided with all your guest immigration information and credit card registration.

Simply log-in to Cruise Personalizer®  to access and print this information!

Age Requirements/Traveling with Children

Age requirements Guests under the age of 21 years must travel in a stateroom with a guest 21 years or older who shall assume responsibility for their care during the cruise. For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum age for each stateroom is 16 years of age, provided they are traveling with a parent or legal guardian. We are unable to accept group reservations for student or youth groups that do not conform to our minimum age requirements. Each guest agrees and warrants that he/she will supervise any guest in his/her care at all times to ensure all policies, along with all other rules of the Carrier and ship, are strictly adhered to by all guests under their supervision.

Passport requirement when minors travel with one adult on voyages governed by the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (includes travel within Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico & United States)

When minors (any guest under the age of 18) are traveling with only one adult 21 years of age or older, Princess requires that all guests possess a valid passport. Carrier has implemented this requirement so that your party remains together should an emergency arise that requires one or more in your party to disembark in a non-U.S. port. Carrier cannot guarantee that all members of your party are allowed to disembark with just a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate. Failure to present a valid passport for all guests traveling together results in denial of boarding without refund of the of the cruise or cruisetour fare.

Minimum Age Requirements: Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail. Children must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation to sail on trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries, where there are more than 2 consecutive sea days.

Cruisetours:  The minimum age for escorted cruisetours is 5 years.

Car seats US and Canadian regulations require that children up to the age of 8 years old may be required to travel in a car seat, booster seat or other child restraint system. When being transported by car, taxi, limo, van or shuttle, it is your responsibility to know the regulations and provide the applicable child restraint system.

Infants/Young Children and Swimming Pools Parents/guardians are reminded to bring their children dressed in appropriate attire with towel and sunscreen. Youth staff will not conduct children's activities in the adult or splash pools. Parents must supervise their children at all times when using the pools. Infants and young children in diapers and/or swim diapers, and children who are not toilet trained are NOT permitted in any of the pools or spas due to public health concerns.

Our policy is strictly observed on board and is intended for the public health safety of all guests.

Documents for guests under the age of 18 Several countries require special documentation for children traveling with only one parent or with neither parent; these requirements are subject to change without notice. Many foreign countries require any single parent or guardian to bring a permission slip for the minor to travel abroad. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess the proper documents for all of the countries that you will visit. Please verify requirements with the consulates of the countries visited prior to your cruise.

For guests under 21 years of age or those who are traveling with children, please note:

• Entry into the disco after 10 p.m. is limited to guests 18 years and over. Be sure to check with the Youth and Teen Centers for special dance parties designed for kids and teens.
• Children who are toilet-trained and accompanied by a parent or guardian are permitted in the sauna and hot tub(s) unless otherwise specified.
• Guests under the age of 13 are allowed in the evening entertainment show lounges if they are with their parent or guardian.
• In line with domestic U.S. age limits, as well as our company policy, the casino, cash prize bingo and horse racing are reserved for guests 18 years and older. Picture identification may be requested.
• Guests under the age of 18 are prohibited from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco products while on board.

Youth programs Princess offers our Camp Discovery Youth Program, where your little ones will have engaging, supervised activities designed specifically for them. The Treehouse (for ages 3-7) and The Lodge (for ages 8-12) give kids the chance to enjoy everything from arts and crafts, game tables, movies, and more.

Children are welcome on all Princess ships, facilities vary.

Don’t miss the orientation and registration meeting on the first night of your cruise. You and your children can meet the Youth and Teen staff and learn more about our exciting shipboard programs. Parents are always welcome to join their children in the Youth and Teen Centers.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS Children under 3 are not permitted in the Youth Center unless accompanied by a parent at all times. Youth counselors cannot administer medication, bottle-feed, change diapers, or provide meal service. Private in-cabin babysitting is not available on any Princess ship. All children participating in the Youth Program must be potty-trained. Children who are not potty-trained are not permitted in hot tub or pool facilities.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Princess welcomes all children and teens ages 3-17 to participate in our programs. Let our counselors know of all medical and/or special needs for your children. We will make every effort to accommodate them. Please be advised that Princess Youth counselors do not offer individual one-on-one supervision.

JUST FOR TEENS And for cruisers age 13-17, we have The Beach House, a contemporary surf-themed lounge just for teens. The Beach House offers teens a range of activities including teen only dance parties, sports tournaments and talent shows. Or, have fun meeting other teens with the Dating Game. Those seeking a creative retreat will enjoy hip-hop dance classes, T-shirt painting, casino nights, mocktails, pizza parties or special teen-only dinners.

During voyages with a high number of families on board, we will make all efforts to accommodate interested parties. However, participation in our program cannot be guaranteed. Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.

Pre-pay your Crew Appreciation

For your convenience, if your fare did not include pre-paid crew appreciation, we're pleased to offer you the ability to pre-pay the crew appreciation that is included in your folio on board at the end of your cruise. You can also utilize this service as a gift for someone else who may be cruising.

To simplify the tipping process for our guests, a discretionary crew appreciation of $16.50 per guest for suites, $15.50 per guest for mini-suites and $14.50 per guest (including children) in all other staterooms, per day, is automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. The crew appreciation is a daily (adjustable) amount added to your onboard account and pooled in order to recognize the many crew members in the Bar, Dining, Entertainment, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Galley and Onboard Revenue areas and entertainment areas throughout our fleet who contribute to the guest experience. 

To take advantage of this service,  login to Cruise Personalizer to pre-pay online , or simply call 0344 338 8663 and reference Special Service Item #0591. Pre-payment is available up to 2 days prior to departure.

Pre-pay Beverage Packages

Pre-paying beverage packages offer a great way to save time at embarkation, if one was not included in your fare. From a bottle of wine to beer specials to our Plus Beverage Package* option that features cocktails, fountain sodas and bottled water, there's a beverage package to quench every thirst.

To take advantage of pre-payment,  login to Cruise Personalizer to pre-pay online , or simply call 1-855-500-7690. Pre-payment is available up to 3 days prior to departure.

*Please note:  Beverage Packages  are calculated based on the total number of days of your cruise. Plus Beverage Package does not include bottles of wine; however, wine is available at a 25% discount from the menu price when purchased from bar or dining room locations by guests with a Plus Beverage Package.

Package is NOT available for purchase within 3 days of sailing and is NOT available for voyages 2 nights or fewer. Package must be purchased for full length of voyage, cannot be shared, is non-transferable, and is non-refundable within 3 days of sailing. Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages per 24 hour period (non-alcoholic beverages do not have this limitation).

Pre-reserving Lotus Spa Appointments

The Lotus Spa offers a tranquil environment where you can renew your mind and body with restorative spa therapies from around the world.

To help you unwind, the Lotus Spa offers a full range of personalized spa treatments, including hair and beauty services, massage, sensuous wraps, aroma therapies and even teeth whitening.

Spa advance reservations are accepted between 120 to 7 days prior to departure. Guests must be 18 years or older to indulge in any body treatments and at least 16 years of age to utilize the fitness facilities. Other Spa services are available  to guests 13 years and older when accompanied by an adult.

Booking Shore Excursions

Book a shore excursion with Princess® to make the most of your time ashore in your destination. Princess offers a variety of experiences perfect for those visiting a port for the first time, experienced cruisers, families, and more. We offer excursions focused on sightseeing, culture & history activities & adventure, and nature & wildlife – many endorsed by our partners, Discovery and Animal Planet. You can book your shore excursion online with Cruise Personalizer® when you book your cruise and up to 5 days before you depart. Please note, unless otherwise specified, shore excursions are advertised and booked in US Dollars.  Learn more about our ports and excursions .

Guests with disabilities should  email the Access Office  for assistance with accessible shore excursions. The Access Office works in partnership with our Shore Excursion department who will assist and advise you directly of your options. Please be advised that accessible shore excursions may not be available in some international ports.

Ship Deck Plans

We make it easy for you to get to know your ship, so that you can start your vacation on the right foot. With interactive deck plans and virtual tours, you’ll be able to see your ship before you board.

Port Driving Directions

Visit our  Cruise Ports & Hotels page  for general port information (including driving directions to the port) and hotel packages.

• Travel & Transportation

Before you board, make your vacation as seamless as possible with some helpful details on booking flights, transfers and port driving directions.

If you purchase a Princess airport-to-ship transfer, you’ll be met by a uniformed Princess representative at the embarkation port airport.

For domestic U.S. flights, you’ll be met near the luggage claim area. For international flights, you’ll be met as you exit the secure customs area. Make sure you claim all your luggage prior to exiting the luggage claim area.

From the airport, you’ll be transferred to your ship or hotel. But if you haven’t purchased your air travel arrangements from Princess, you must provide us with flight details prior to purchasing your transfer.

And if you require special assistance, be aware that lift-equipped transportation may not be available in your port of embarkation or disembarkation. Arrangements must be secured in advance to accommodate your needs.

For transfer arrangement details, please contact your travel agent, call 1-800-PRINCESS or  visit Cruise Personalizer® .

Travel Tips

For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please  visit the Transportation Security Administration website .

For current travel warnings issued by the State Department for countries Americans should avoid, please  visit the U.S. Department of State website .

For general travel information issued by the State Department, please  visit the U.S. Department of State website .

Book Air Travel

We are pleased to offer Princess EZair℠ program, featuring low prices with flexible fares that can be changed up to 45 days prior to departure with no fee. † Princess EZair offers real-time, competitively-priced flights that are customized to when and where you sail. It also offers Late Arrival Protection – something not offered by other major air booking websites.

Benefits include:

• Flights That Fit Your Cruise – Get personalized suggestions based on when and where you sail.
• Low Fares on Flights – Access fares lower than most public prices. We pass the exclusive savings we enjoy because of the high volume of flights we sell on to you. See for yourself!
• Flexibility to Change Flights – Cancel flexible airfare up to 45 days prior to departure with no fees. Plus, book flights now with no amount due until cruise final payment.
• Same Day Late Arrival Protection – Rest easy that you'll make your cruise if flights are delayed or canceled on the day of travel and get home if you miss flights because of your cruise or transfer.
• Getting flight quotes is simple – Visit princess.com (1. Find a Cruise 2. Select "View Details" 3. Select "Flight Quotes"), contact us or ask your Travel Advisor about Princess EZair.

If you have not booked a cruise yet,  search for cruises and airfare.

†No charge penalty until 45 days prior to departure for Flexible fares only. Restricted fares are non-refundable and must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Seat assignments are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice due to schedule changes, equipment changes or other unforeseen circumstances. Princess has no control over seat assignments, and any changes are at the discretion of the airline. We recommend that guests contact the airline(s) directly, once you receive your air notification, to request specific seats.

Rail & Sail service with Brightline

Princess is thrilled to team up with Brightline express rail for an exclusive partnership you’ll love. Brightline makes traveling to your port a part of your vacation and ensures you arrive relaxed and ready to set sail on your Princess® adventure. 

How do I save 15%? Do I have to be sailing on a cruise?

No, you don't need to book a cruise to get 15% off your Brightline fare. Simply enter the code: PRINCESS15 when checking out on the Brightline website or app .

Why should I ride Brightline to my cruise?

Brightline brings you world-class hospitality and reliable travel solutions. Enjoy an eco-friendly ride with comfortable seats, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.

Here's why you'll love taking Brightline to your cruise:

• Station-to-stateroom luggage delivery (see below)

• Brightline+ transportation services (see below)

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Charging ports at every seat

• Elevated comfort with plush seats, spacious legroom, quiet coaches and more

• In-station and onboard food and drink options 

• Upscale station lounges and state-of-the-art restrooms deliver an upgraded experience

Is Brightline ADA-accessible?

Yes, Brightline is fully ADA-accessible. They offer level boarding to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and wheeled bags.

Where does Brightline have stations?

You'll find Brightline stations in Miami , Aventura , Ft. Lauderdale , Boca Raton , West Palm Beach and Orlando . Princess sails from Port Everglades and Port Canaveral, so you can take Brightline to these stations for easy connections to your Princess cruise.

How do I get to my port from my Brightline station?

With Brightline+ transportation services, Princess guests enjoy complimentary transfer service. From Brightline's Fort Lauderdale station you'll be transferred to Port Everglades, and from the Orlando station you'll be transferred to Port Canaveral.

Can I bring my luggage on the train?

Yes! And we make it easy. You can check your bags (even oversized luggage) at your Brightline station. Guests traveling from Orlando or West Palm Beach may enjoy bag delivery service and have your bags delivered to your cruise port. 

Terms & Conditions

Promotion is only applicable to Princess current and prospect guests. The 15% off promotion is only applicable for SMART and PREMIUM fares. Offer is valid for all stations, including Orlando. Promotion available for booking dates between now and June 30, 2024, with travel dates between now through December 31, 2024. Certain restrictions apply. Not combinable with other offers. Subject to blackout dates.

Flight Guidelines for Non Princess Flight Guests

Princess Cruises has established the following air flight guidelines for guests who choose to purchase air from a source other than Princess. Please select the port(s) of embarkation and/or disembarkation from the list below to view the air flight guidelines.

The times listed below are subject to change. 

• Beijing (for Tianjin)
• Buenos Aires
• Ft. Lauderdale
• Keelung (Taipei)
• Kobe, Japan
• Le Havre (CDG Airport)
• London (Dover)
• London (Southampton)
• Los Angeles
• Nagoya, Japan
• New York City
• Osaka, Japan
• Perth (Fremantle)
• Quebec City
• Rio de Janeiro
• Rome (Civitavecchia)
• San Francisco
• Santiago (Valparaiso/San Antonio)
• St. Petersburg, Russia
• Warnemunde, Germany
• Yokohama, Japan

Flight or Weather Delays Contact Numbers

If you encounter unforeseen flight or weather-related delays, you’ll need to advise accordingly:

• If you have booked EZair, please contact the Princess En Route Desk for assistance with rebooking options.
• If you have made independent flight arrangements and have not booked Princess Vacation Protection, please contact the Princess En Route Desk so they can inform the ship of your delays.

Princess En Route Desk Contact Info:

• Within the U.S. or Canada, please call 1-800-545-0008.
• Outside of the U.S. or Canada, please call 1-661-284-4410.
• Within Australia, please call 13 24 88.

If you have booked Princess Vacation Protection and have made independent flight arrangements (have not booked EZair) call the travel assistance provider under the plan:

• Within the U.S. or Canada: 1-877-303-5909.
• Outside of the U.S. or Canada, call collect: 1-516-342-4594.
• What To Pack for a Cruise

Items you may need to pack to make your time with Princess the best vacation ever!

Clothing Recommendations

You should dress for a cruise with Princess the same way you would for any stylish land-based resort.

Casual sportswear, including shorts, lightweight pants, sundresses, will keep you feeling fresh and looking your best while at sea and ashore in hotter climates.

We recommend you bring a sweater, a jacket or an all-weather coat for cool evenings, and for shore excursions, depending on your destination. Due to unpredictable weather, don't forget a hat or visor and a collapsible umbrella. Please be sure to bring proper clothing for visits to religious sites. You'll also want low-heeled, rubbersoled shoes for strolling on deck, as well as comfortable walking shoes or sandals to wear.

Princess makes it easy to know what to pack and what to wear when you’re dining on board our spectacular ships. There are two designations for dress codes: Smart Casual and Formal.

Smart Casual Guest attire should be in keeping with what they would wear to a nice restaurant at home.

• Skirts/dresses, slacks, blouses, and sweaters for women
• Pants and collared or dress shirts for men

Pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps or jeans with fraying and/or holes are not welcomed in the dining room. Shoes must be worn.

Formal When formal nights are held, please observe the dress code in the dining venues for the enjoyment of all our guests.

• Evening gown, cocktail dress or elegant pant suit for women
• Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men

Packing for Your Cruise

Follow these important luggage reminders:

• Essential medicines, travel documents, valuables and breakables should be hand carried in your possession at all times.
• Many domestic airline carriers now impose excess baggage fees for one or more bags and bags weighing over 50 lbs., so check with your carrier regarding weight restrictions.
• Princess will make every effort to assist you in safeguarding your belongings. But remember, you are responsible for your things at all times. Princess is not responsible for money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents or any other articles you retain in your personal control.
• All luggage should have a sturdy personal identification tag that will not be lost or damaged in the course of typical airport and trucked luggage handling.
• On journeys including air travel, luggage will be subject to a considerable amount of handling and we would recommend that your luggage be of sturdy construction.
• Princess recommends that your travel protection is adequate enough to cover any possible loss or damage which may occur. Any loss or damage caused by Princess or an airline must be reported immediately to the responsible party.

Alcohol Policy

As provided in the Passage Contract, on the day of embarkation, guests are permitted to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne on board per voyage, which will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in your stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a US$20/AU$30 (depending on shipboard currency) corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Liquor, spirits, or beers are not permitted. Please remember that luggage will be scanned and alcohol outside of our policy will be removed and discarded.*

Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from The Shops of Princess, or at ports of call, will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to the guest's stateroom on the last day of the cruise. A member of the ship's staff will be at the gangway to assist guests with the storage of their shoreside alcoholic purchases while The Shops of Princess staff will assist guests with shipboard alcoholic purchases.

*Princess is not responsible for any alcoholic beverages removed and discarded by shoreside security staff. Such items are not eligible for monetary refund or replacement. Guests found with prohibited items, including alcohol outside of the policy, may need to collect their luggage at a security checkpoint on board.

We strongly recommend you hand-carry all valuables and breakables, including jewelry, electronics and cameras as well as any medications.  Please read the Passage Contract  for limitations and responsibilities for lost items and baggage.

• Shore Excursions

Exploring destinations around the world is one of the highlights of your vacation, and the best way to do this is on a Princess Cruises Shore Excursion.

Safety Ashore

Our primary concern at Princess is your health, safety and security. We are in continuous contact with authorities concerning any travel advisories that might impact our cruises.

If the U.S. State Department advises against travel to specific locations we visit, we would make the necessary changes to the published itinerary. Although such itinerary changes occur infrequently, please understand that these changes are for your own safety and security and are beyond our control.

We remind all of our guests that they must ultimately assume responsibility for their actions while ashore. In this regard, we would like to remind you of some common sense precautions when visiting ports-of-call:

• Stay in the normal tourist areas and don’t travel to out-of-the-way places without the benefit of a guided tour.
• Do not leave any of your belongings unattended in public areas.
• Be generally aware of people and activities around you.
• Do not accept packages from anyone you don’t know personally.
• Keep a low profile–dress and behave conservatively.
• Be careful when eating and drinking ashore.

We will always adhere to local guidelines and protocols regarding the health and safety of our guests and crew.

We thank you in advance for following these recommendations, which we believe will enhance the enjoyment of your cruise.

Excursion Cancellation

Cancellation of Pre-Paid Shore Excursions:

If you have pre-paid a shore excursion and wish to cancel, the following shall also apply:

If a pre-paid shore excursion is cancelled five  (5) days or more  prior to sailing a refund of the pre-paid amount will be made in one of the following ways:

If there is a shore excursion balance for the guest named on the reservation being cancelled then the pre-paid amount shall be applied to this balance.

• If there is no shore excursion balance for the guest named on the reservation being cancelled then the pre-paid amount will be refunded to the credit card used to pre-pay the shore excursion. All refunds will be processed in due course, but delays should be anticipated. Please allow sufficient time for us to manage this process and know we are doing everything in our power to expedite where possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

If a pre-paid shore excursion is not cancelled within the above time frame or is cancelled during the voyage prior to the "Closing Time for Cancellation" listed for the particular excursion you wish to cancel, then the pre-paid amount will be refunded to the guest named on the pre-paid reservation as a shipboard credit on this guest's shipboard folio. Please note this is done regardless of which guest pre-paid for the shore excursion.

Cancellation of Pre-Reserved Shore Excursions

Due to the nature of excursions involving hotel accommodations, flights and private vehicles, these excursions are not refundable after the closing date, which is 30 days prior to sailing.

Due to the limited capacity and high demand for helicopter flights, any excursion involving a helicopter flight is not refundable unless cancelled no later than 12:00pm on the day after embarkation.

For other excursions in each port of call, a "Closing Time for Cancellations" is listed on the Shore Excursion Order Form found in your stateroom. This is the time when the bookings for the excursions in that port close and we notify the local operators of the final excursion requirements. You may cancel an excursion if it is prior to the closing time whether you reserve an excursion in advance of the cruise or book on board. However, we cannot cancel an excursion if it is past this closing time, nor will we refund an excursion on which you have reserved but do not to attend.

Cancellation of Alaska Land Excursions

Alaska Land Excursions, purchased through the Cruise Personalizer, may be cancelled up to three days prior to travel without any cancellation fees.  Land Excursions cancelled prior to the cancellation deadline will be refunded to the credit card that you provided in the Cruise Personalizer to purchase your tours.  Excursions cancelled within three (3) days prior travel are subject to a 100% cancellation fee, unless the operator, at their sole discretion, is unable to operate the program due to unforeseen circumstances.  All sales of tours booked while on your land tour are considered final at the time of purchase and are 100% non-refundable except in the case of an operator approved cancellation.

Multiple Excursions in One Port

If you choose to book more than one excursion in a single day, please allow at least 60 minutes between each excursion. All excursions depart from, and return to, the cruise ship pier. By scheduling in this manner, you will have sufficient time to take multiple excursions.

Tipping on Excursions

Tipping is a discretionary matter. It is, however, customary around the world, if one is pleased with their excursion, to tip the guide.

Here are suggested ranges (in U.S. dollars) to assist you in determining what amount is appropriate:

Please extend any tips on an individual basis, not as a group.

Excursion Timing

One very important feature of taking an excursion organized by Princess is that we closely monitor the departures and returns of all excursions. Therefore, our ships do not sail until all of our organized excursion transportation has returned, so you can be assured that you won't miss the ship. Please keep in mind that when you make your own arrangements in port, or if you leave an organized excursion, we will no longer be aware of your whereabouts; so be sure to schedule yourself with ample time to return to the ship before it sails.

Excursion Companies

All excursions are operated by local, independent companies and not by Princess. We selected only the most reputable companies available to provide your excursions. The companies providing your excursions are selected by Princess based on their excellent reputation for service and safety.

Children’s Excursion Pricing

Select excursions offer child pricing. Our reservation system will automatically apply a child rate if one is available on eligible tours when you make your reservation. Once on board, check your excursion tickets to ensure you have received the correct number of child tickets. If you have received the incorrect number of child tickets, visit the Shore Excursion Desk as soon as possible to make any necessary adjustments. Child prices are not available for excursions involving flights or hotel stays. Toddlers aged 2 and younger sitting on a parent's lap (not occupying a seat), are not charged for most excursions. If a parent would like their infant to occupy a seat or would like to utilize a safety seat, the parent must purchase an excursion ticket for the infant at the published excursion price. Parents are also responsible for bringing a safety seat for their child.

Excursion Age Restrictions

For most excursions, there is no minimum age for children as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests under the age of 18 years cannot participate without a parent or guardian. A few operators may allow an unaccompanied minor on an excursion if a waiver is signed by the parent or guardian in the operator’s presence.

Guided Excursions

All excursions include local English-speaking guides except for "On Your Own" excursions and where otherwise noted.

Where possible, time for shopping has been allowed within the framework of some excursions. However, excursions are not primarily designed for shopping, and time allowed for this purpose may be limited.

You May Also Like

• Before You Leave for Your Cruise
• Cruising with Family & Kids
• Dining & Nightlife
• Keeping in Touch
• Disembarkation
• Report a Lost Item or Luggage
• Onboard Stateroom Account
• Alaska Cruisetours
• Asia Cruisetours
• Australia Cruisetours
• Canada & New England Cruisetours
• Europe Cruisetours
• South America Cruisetours

Common questions and topics

Princess MedallionClass® FAQ

Crew Appreciation

Dress Code and What to Pack for a Cruise

Future Cruise Credits (FCC)

Travel Documents

You may also like

• Princess EZair®
• Cruise Tips, Advice and Information
• Military Cruise Benefit Program
• Princess® Rewards Visa® Card
• Onboard Gifts & Services

You don't have to wait for a passport to travel: What to know about closed-loop cruises

When Chanel Sims graduated college, her mom rewarded her achievement by treating her daughter to a trip with Carnival Cruise Line .

But the July 2022 sailing – shortly after her graduation in May – didn’t leave Sims much time to get a key travel document: her passport.

Sims, now 24, had never gotten one. She tried once before to study abroad but was dissuaded by long wait times , and traveling internationally for fun wasn’t on her radar.

“I was a broke college student. I wasn’t going anywhere,” said Sims, who lives in Los Angeles and works for a life insurance agency.

Luckily for her, there was an alternative: She sailed with her family from Miami to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and back with just her photo ID and birth certificate.

In many cases, travelers can sail without a passport on round-trip voyages from the U.S. Here’s what to know.

What is a closed-loop cruise?

Closed-loop cruises are those that start and end at the same U.S. port and travel within the Western Hemisphere.

U.S. citizens booked on those sailings can leave and enter the country with proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and – if 16 or older – a government-issued photo ID, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection .

They can also use an enhanced driver’s license , which denotes both proofs of identity and citizenship, though those are available only in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington for now. Travelers can reenter the country from Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico with an EDL, but the documents are valid for border crossings only by sea or land.

Travelers under 16 can show an “original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State, (DOS) and/or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),” according to Customs and Border Protection’s website.

Cruise lines may require you to have a passport anyway, however.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for example, requires passports for all voyages no matter the ports of call or countries visited, and destinations may call for them as well.

Carnival, which Sims sailed with, allows U.S. citizens to sail without a passport on qualifying cruises but "highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel," according to its website .

How do I know if I can sail without a passport?

Cruise lines typically provide guidance for travelers on the requirements of their sailing, according to Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of travel agency franchise Dream Vacations. A travel adviser can also help fill in any blanks.

Cruising without a passport can be risky, though. The State Department encourages having one "in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port," according to its website .

If travelers get stuck at a port of call, there will be “a lot of red tape you have to get through” to make it home without one, Daly said.

In those cases, they should contact the U.S. Embassy and local immigration authorities, he said. Daly also recommended taking a photo of your government IDs, which can be helpful backups when dealing with officials.

A travel adviser can hold travelers’ hands through the process, though Daly noted “it’s not something that happens a lot.”

Sims, for her part, was able to easily get off the ship at ports like Nassau with just her Sail & Sign card, she said, which acts as both a room key and means of charging items to your onboard account. After showing her birth certificate and photo ID during the initial boarding process, she kept them in a suitcase.

There are other advantages to having a passport. For instance, the document gives travelers who don't board their cruise in time more flexibility to meet the ship at its next stop. “You can’t fly to Mexico without a passport,” Daly said.

Routine processing of passports currently takes between 10 and 13 weeks, and seven to nine weeks for expedited service, according to the State Department . But most travelers who book with Dream Vacations plan their cruises at least six months out, according to Daly, which should give them plenty of time to get one: “So, we still highly encourage that.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected] .

What Is A Closed-Loop Cruise: ID, Tips, Best Itineraries

There are many types of cruises, but in recent years one that is becoming more popular is the closed-loop cruise. One reason for this is simple; there are no passport requirements.

However, travelers do need appropriate government-issued documentation when they cruise. This particular type of itinerary begins and ends in the same U.S. port. and sails entirely within the Western Hemisphere.

They are considered round-trip cruises that start and end in U.S. ports.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) 

The  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  (WHTI) is where the concept of a closed-loop cruise started. The WHTI is a result of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission following the terrorist attacks in 2001. 

The goal was to improve and strengthen border protection for the United States. However, an additional goal was to make the process of entering the U.S. more efficient and convenient. 

Several parts of the initiative deal with citizens from Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda, in addition to the United States.  

The WHTI introduced the concept of a ‘closed-loop cruise’ as a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. This type of sailing was granted special documentation requirements to simplify travel.

Specifically, on a closed-loop cruise, U.S. citizens were required to have only a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

This was a significant difference as not all Americans want the hassle or expense of getting a passport. Being able to travel without a passport encourages international exploration.

As Canadians who love to travel, my wife Karen and I have had passports since we were young adults. Also, since Karen was born in Singapore to British parents (her Dad was in the British army), traveling is in her blood! 

However, passports may be unnecessary for millions of Americans born and raised in states such as Florida, California, or Texas. They could drive to the nearest cruise port, take a closed-loop cruise, and see another part of the world.

The only restrictions are that the cruise ship must remain within the Western Hemisphere and return to the same cruise port they departed from.

The Jones Act And the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA)

The Jones Act and Passenger Vessel Services Act were established over 100 years ago in 1886. These  two acts  of maritime law restrict cruise ships that are NOT U.S.-built, owned, and documented.

A cruise company that does not register its ships in the U.S. must include an international port in its itinerary if it departs and returns from a U.S. port. A typical example of this is Alaska cruises that sail out of Seattle.  

These Alaska cruises typically stop in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, to comply with the Jones Act. If they don’t, the cruise line will face USD 778 per passenger fines! 

To have reduced regulations impacting their operations, virtually all cruise companies have their ships registered in tax havens such as the Bahamas.

As a company in a foreign country, this enables them to have a more cost-effective operation and offer lower prices to customers.

Norwegian’s Pride of America is one cruise ship that maintains U.S. documentation and registration. This ship cruises exclusively around the Hawaiian Islands but is considered a U.S.-based cruise ship and not within the restrictions of the Jones Act.

Are U.S. Territories Eligible As U.S. Ports?

Yes, permanent residents or U.S. citizens residing in any U.S. Territories can sail in a closed-loop cruise from their ports of call.

This includes the following territories:

• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa
• Swains Island
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Old San Juan , Puerto Rico, is a popular embarkation port because it puts you further south in the Caribbean.

What Are the Benefits of a Closed-Loop Cruise?

There are many benefits to these cruises. Here are a few reasons you may want to book this type of cruise:

• Begin and end at the same port.
• Many options since they are the most popular type of cruise.
• You can park close to the port and retrieve your vehicle at the same location.
• Book round-trip flights.
• Planning is simple.
• Great for international travel.

You can use one word to describe these cruises –  Simple ! They are easy to travel to since you need just a round-trip flight. 

If you live within driving distance of the cruise port, you can have your car waiting when you disembark. The majority of cruises from the U.S. are closed-loop.

It’s easy to book multiple (back-to-back) cruises in regions like the Caribbean. Book a 2nd cruise with a different itinerary leaving from the same port.

Pre-Covid, we had booked three back-to-back cruises, all sailing from Fort Lauderdale and Miami. This enabled us to try different cruise lines and different ships but with a single flight from Vancouver to Florida.

Travel Documentation Requirements

Although a passport is not required, you should still plan on bringing other government-issued photo IDs and proof of citizenship.

Proof of citizenship can be one of the following:

• Birth Certificate – original or copy is acceptable.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• Certificate of Naturalization.

A photo ID can be one of the following:

• Green Card.
• Enhanced Driver’s License.
• U.S. Passport Card.

Note the photo ID cards all use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to reduce time during screening or at checkpoints.

What Is An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)?

An enhanced driver’s license is a low-cost travel document that indicates both your identity and citizenship.

The application cost varies by state but is typically USD 40-60 in addition to the price of a primary driver’s license.

However, only Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington currently issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses.

What Is A U.S. Passport Card?

A United States Passport Card is a low-cost, limited-use travel document produced by the Department of State. It is not accepted for international air travel.

At the time of this writing, the application fee is USD 30.

Where Can You Cruise From?

You can take a closed-loop cruise from any cruise port in the United States. Here are a few of the most popular U.S. cruise ports:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles
• New York City
• San Francisco

What Countries Can You Visit?

Since these cruises stay within the Western Hemisphere, this provides a broad list of available countries.

The Western Hemisphere includes Northern America, Central America, South America, Polynesia, Greenland, Western Africa, and parts of Europe.

The following countries are in the Americas and lie entirely within the Western Hemisphere region:

Outside of the Americas, there are other countries within the boundaries of the Western Hemisphere. The following countries or territories are also within and available for cruising from a U.S. port.

• Northern Ireland

However, most cruises that would be round-trip from a U.S. port to these destinations would not qualify as a closed loop. These cruises would likely include ports beyond the Western Hemisphere.

Popular Cruise Options

Here are a few cruises that qualify as closed-loop according to the WHTI guidelines.

Alaska Cruises

Cruising to Alaska is on the bucket list of many travelers. We love it so much that we cruised there twice last year!

Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver or Seattle , as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, only Seattle and San Francisco qualify as closed-loop cruises within the WHTI guidelines. 

San Francisco cruises are a minimum of 10 days due to the extra distance in sailing from California. Seattle cruises are typically seven days but can be up to 14 days in a close-loop format.

Due to the arctic climate, the Alaska cruise season is short and only from May to September. You can get the best price if you’re willing to cruise on the fringe season in May or September. 

Caribbean Cruise

The Caribbean is a  perfect January cruise  for anyone wanting to escape the winter cold. Most Caribbean itineraries sailing out of Florida and Texas are continuous loops because they depart from and return to the same port.

According to Marine Insight, the Port of Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades, all in Florida, are the Top Three Largest Cruise Ports in the World.

Mexican Riviera

For those U.S. citizens living on the west coast or in California, the Mexican Riviera is an excellent closed-loop cruise. Most cruises depart from Los Angeles, but some also depart from San Diego or San Francisco.

The most popular  Mexican Riviera cruise ports include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta on 7-day cruises. However, La Paz, Loreto, and Manzanillo are popular on longer cruises of 8-14 days.

The Mexican Riviera cruise season is year-round, with the winter months of December to April considered peak season.

New England

Travelers love New England because it experiences four seasons and is rich in history. This region is served primarily by American Cruise Lines (ACL), with smaller ships carrying less than 200 passengers.

Departure ports include Boston, Providence-Rhode Island, and Portland-Maine. Cruise length ranges from 6-11 nights with all destination ports within New England.

South Pacific/ Polynesia

Another exotic continuous loop cruise includes Hawaii and Polynesia. Just south of the Equator, Polynesia and year-round warm temperatures and gentle Pacific breezes.

The cruise departs and returns to Los Angeles, and typical itineraries are 28 to 32 days.

World Cruises

A world cruise is on the bucket list for many cruisers, but the cost can be prohibitive. Many world cruises start and end at the same U.S. port, such as Los Angeles, Miami, or Fort Lauderdale.

However, only partial world cruises can be considered “closed-loop.” This is due to the restriction that the itinerary must be exclusively in the Western Hemisphere.

This partial world cruise shown above is a 74-night cruise leaving Fort Lauderdale and includes all of South America and the Antarctic. This itinerary is a closed-loop cruise because it remains in the Western Hemisphere and starts and ends from a U.S. port.

As a closed-loop cruise, you would not need a passport according to WHTI requirements. However, you would benefit by having a passport in case some countries require one.

Regardless, this shows the rich itineraries possible in a closed-loop cruise. There are many exciting cruises available that can be considered a closed loop.

What Cruise Lines Offer Closed Loop Cruises

All major cruise lines that sail from U.S. ports of call offer these types of cruises. Here’s a short list of cruises lines you can consider:

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Royal Caribbean
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America
• Disney Cruises
• MSC Cruises

Luxury and premium cruise lines such as Silversea, Oceania, Cunard, or Regent Seven Seas also offer closed-loop cruises. However, their fleet of ships is usually limited, with fewer options for itineraries.

How To Book Your Cruise

You can book the same as you book any other cruise. Book through your local travel agent if you want to let a professional handle all the details. Just let them know you want a ‘Closed-Loop Cruise,’ and they will find what you need.

Travel agents can book your transfers, excursions, flights, and more. The cost may be slightly higher than booking yourself, but you’ll feel less stressed by leaving it to the experts.

One of our favorite sites for booking online is  VacationsToGo . They claim to be the World’s Largest Cruise Agency, but I shop there for the prices! 

When booking through their site, select a region within the Western Hemisphere and check the box for “Return to Same Port.” Also, if you have a cruise port near you, select that as your departure port to focus your search. 

Other popular online sites include Expedia.com, CruiseCritic.com, iCruise.com, and many others. You can also book through the cruise lines’ site, but they frequently have higher prices.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the worst day cruising is still better than the best day “back in the office!” However, we are lifelong cruisers, and I may be biased.

Closed loop cruises are a specific category of cruise that makes it a bit easier to cruise. There are so many potential destinations that you could do 10 or 20 closed-loop cruises that were all different.

Consider Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, or even a partial world cruise. All of these can be compliant with WHTI’s guidelines if booked correctly.

If you haven’t cruised before, a closed-loop cruise is a great way to get started. I hope you’ll eventually love cruising as much as we do!

Thursday 3rd of August 2023

Some of your information seems to conflict with what I read on the US Customs and Border Protection page. It's my understanding that a passport is required for sea travel on closed loop cruises that travel to South American countries.

Forever Karen

Sunday 6th of August 2023

The US Customs and Border Protection Page says "U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you MAY still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting." Emphasis on the word "May."

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. 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 a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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7 Places to Cruise Without a Passport

You've decided you want a vacation, but there's a problem -- you're a U.S. citizen and you don't have a passport. Maybe you've never had the time, money or desire to travel abroad previously, or perhaps your old passport has expired. Whatever the reason, you still have choices.

One option is to take a closed-loop cruise -- a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. For that, you need only a birth certificate and a driver's license (or other acceptable, government-issued photo ID).

You can't cruise just anywhere on a closed-loop sailing, but the choices are more interesting than you might expect. Below, we've compiled a list of seven places to visit without a passport, from scenic Alaska to the beachy Caribbean.

On This Page

Canada and new england.

If you love the great outdoors and want to surround yourself with nature, an Alaska cruise is perfect. Sail past glaciers; spot whales, moose and bald eagles; capture breathtaking photos on a mountaintop train ride; and cuddle with sled dog puppies. Or just enjoy a meal of fresh salmon or crab while you're ashore -- no passport needed.

Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles are the only U.S. departure ports that offer closed-loop Alaska sailings. Sailings departing from Vancouver, Canada and Victoria require a valid passport to enter Canada. One-way sailings from Vancouver to Alaska or vice-versa also require a valid passport for entry into Canada.

Home to beaches, water sports, casinos and the famed Atlantis resort, cruising to the Bahamas is great for traveling without a passport. Cruisers can find short, affordable sailings out of Florida .

A number of East Coast and Gulf Coast homeports offer round-trip Bahamas cruises. They include Baltimore, Bayonne (Cape Liberty), Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Galveston, Jacksonville, New York (Manhattan), Miami, Norfolk and Orlando (Port Canaveral).

For anyone who'd prefer a passport-not-required destination that can be explored during a short amount of time in port, cruising to Bermuda is a natural fit. It's a fairly small island, and since several itineraries offer overnights (some that span more than one night), you'll have time to learn your way around, have dinner in town and check out the nightlife.

Residents of the East Coast have several choices when it comes to homeports, which include Baltimore, Bayonne (Cape Liberty), Boston and New York (Manhattan). Additionally, Miami, Norfolk, Charleston and Orlando (Port Canaveral), sometimes offer one-off cruises to Bermuda.

Known for everything from shopping and sunbathing to history and adventure activities like ziplining, waterfall swimming and quad bike riding, the Caribbean is a solid bet if you'd like a wider variety of closed-loop itinerary choices and departure port options. The Caribbean can be broken down into the following sub-regions:

Eastern Caribbean: U.S. Virgin Islands, French West Indies, British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic, as well as ports like Grand Turk, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and others

Southern Caribbean: the ABC Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, French West Indies, the Dominican Republic, Grand Turk, Antigua, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Barts, St. Vincent, Bequia, San Juan, Dominica, Grenada and others

Western Caribbean: Jamaica, Honduras, Mexico, Cuba and others

U.S. departure ports vary widely; they include Baltimore, Bayonne (Cape Liberty), Charleston, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Galveston, New York (Manhattan), Miami, New Orleans, Orlando (Port Canaveral) and Tampa. Los Angeles and Norfolk also offer occasional one-off, closed-loop sailings to the Caribbean .

One thing to note: Some ports, including Martinique and Guadeloupe, will not allow cruisers to get off the ship and enter the country without a passport. While you might not need your passport for the other ports or the cruise in general, you could find yourself needing one -- even on closed-loop voyages -- in order to visit these ports.

Cruises to Canada and New England are every autumn-lover's dream. Known for their leaf-peeping opportunities, maritime history and ultra-friendly locals, these voyages don't necessitate passports. From Nova Scotia's famed Peggy's Cove to lobster in Bar Harbor, there's plenty to enjoy about these sailings.

Baltimore, Bayonne (Cape Liberty), Boston and New York (Manhattan) are the embarkation ports that serve these itineraries. Keep in mind, however: one-way cruises between New York and places like Montreal and Quebec City will require passengers to have passports, as these sailings conclude in Canada.

Part of America but still exotic enough for an ideal getaway, Hawaii offers black-sand beaches, volcanic vistas, surfing opportunities, amazing food and, of course, hula dancing. A closed-loop cruise to this part of the map often means flying to Honolulu, which you can do passport-free, but airfare can be pricey. Closed-loops from the West Coast are also available, but they involve a large number of sea days, and they must include at least one foreign port before returning to the West Coast, due to maritime laws for foreign-flagged ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America and UnCruise's Safari Explorer , both U.S.-flagged vessels, are the only cruise ships based in Hawaii. Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu , while Safari Explorer offers cruises between Molokai and the Big Island. Other lines and ships offer there-and-back Hawaii itineraries from ports like San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Mexican Riviera voyages are a great choice for passport-less would-be cruisers who live on (or cruise from) the West Coast. Not only does Mexico offer some spectacular food and culture, but sailings to the region tend to be more affordable than those to Hawaii, a region that's also frequently accessed via West Coast homeports.

Mexico cruises most frequently depart from Los Angeles (San Pedro and Long Beach), San Francisco and San Diego.

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Answered: Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

One of the biggest questions we hear is whether or not you need a passport to cruise. It seems like a simple question, especially if your cruise is going to Alaska. After all, you are likely leaving from the United States, visiting the United States, and returning back to the U.S.

Alas, not everything is cut and dry. We’ll cover the details, but the bottom line is that it’s much easier to cruise to Alaska with a passport .

If you don’t have one, then yes, you can still cruise to Alaska in most cases if you are an American passenger . You will need at least an official birth certificate and photo ID (if 16 years or older) as almost all Alaskan cruises also make a stop in Canada.

Full details are below…

Are Passports for American Citizens on an Alaskan Cruise?

The rules surrounding identification and border crossings can be hairy. Fortunately, for American citizens traveling on a cruise, there is a loophole designed to make it easier for people to travel without a passport.

It’s called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and the rule has a section for “closed-loop cruises.” These are cruises that begin and end at the same port. So if you sail from Seattle, head to Alaska and Canada, and then return to Seattle, you are on a closed-loop cruise.

U.S. citizens traveling on these cruises only have to show government-issued ID (typically a driver’s license) and a birth certificate to re-enter the country.

Here’s what the Customs and Border Protection says on the topic :

“As a reminder, since June 1, 2009, all U.S. and Canadian citizens 18 years and older, who enter the United States at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere need to present either a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, or a valid passport or other acceptable document for WHTI compliance. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID . U.S. and Canadian citizen children ages 16 and under are able to enter with only proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Verbal claims of citizenship alone are not sufficient to establish citizenship for entry into the United States. CBP.gov

There are a couple of important points on this. First, if you look at any Alaskan cruise, you’ll notice that there is always a stop in Canada.

That’s because laws state that foreign-flagged ships (which almost all cruise ships are) can’t usually take passengers from one U.S. port to another without making a stop somewhere along the way in another country.

Since you will be stopping in a foreign country, you need some sort of citizenship documents, like an official birth certificate or passport. A driver’s license or other photo ID alone won’t cut it (except in a few specific cased with the new “ Enhanced ID “).

Secondly, each cruise line has their own specific rules regarding documentation needed to travel. This makes it dependent on the cruise line itself if you have to bring a passport or not.

To be clear, every cruise line recommends you travel with a passport even if you are on an Alaskan cruise. This is because should anything happen and you have to get off the ship in another country (medical emergency, ship breakdown, etc.), it’s much easier to get home with a valid passport. Even the U.S. State Department recommends you travel with one .

But if you don’t have a passport already, most of the time you can sail to Alaska with only a birth certificate and photo ID.

Permanent U.S. Residents, Canadian Departures, Foreign Citizens on Alaska Cruises

What if you aren’t an American citizen sailing from the United States and returning on a closed-loop cruise? In that case, you will almost always need a passport .

For instance, say instead of cruising from Seattle you are sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia. That means you’ll be flying, driving, or taking a train into Canada to get to the cruise port. This will require a passport. 

What about permanent residents of the U.S.? Customs and Border Protection says they do not require you to have a passport, but that it will likely be required by other countries that you visit.

And of course, if you are a foreign citizen traveling to or from the United States then you’re required to have a passport.

For more on official requirements, you can read these articles:

• CBP: Do I need a passport for a cruise?
• CBP reminds Seattle cruise ship passengers of ID requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to cruise to Alaska? In most cases, no a passport isn’t required, but it is a good idea. If you are an American citizen and your cruise begins and ends in Seattle, then the trip likely falls under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). These rules allow you to sail on “closed-loop” cruises with only an official birth certificate and a photo ID.

That said, your cruise line or your specific itinerary could require a passport. 

What about kids? Do they need a passport or ID? If you are taking your Alaskan cruise with kids, they will either need a passport or a birth certificate (if on a closed-loop cruise) as well. Kids under 16 years old aren’t required to have a photo ID.

How much does a passport cost? How long does it take to get? These days you can expect to pay about $160 to get a passport that’s valid for 10 years. The regular processing times are 6-8 weeks, but you can get it expedited and get it faster.

More on Taking an Alaskan Cruise

• Complete Guide to Taking an Alaskan Cruise
• How Alaskan Cruises Differ From Caribbean Cruises (And It’s NOT Just Colder)

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