passport rules for cruise ships

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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?

Passports on a map showing cruise lanes.

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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.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

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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.

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Passports for Cruises FAQ

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List of Passports for Cruises FAQ

Passport for Cruise to Bahamas Question: We are planning on taking our teenage grandson on a cruise this summer, probably to the Bahamas. Does he need a passport? It could possibly .

Passport Requirement for Closed-Loop Cruise Questions: We are going on a cruise to Bermuda. Actually it is a closed-loop cruise (New York-Bermuda-New York). My husband's .

What is the best way to get a passport for a cruise in 3 weeks? Question: I don't have a passport. I plan on going on my cruise in less than 4 weeks. What is the best way to get my passport in time and how much...

My daughter needs a passport in about 6 weeks - where or how can she get one? Question: My daughter needs a passport in about 6 weeks. She works from 8am to 4pm M-F and cannot take time off. How can she accomplish this? She .

Do I need a passport for a cruise to Mexico? Question: Going on a cruise in two weeks and have never had a passport. I'm aware I can have on expedited using a service but don't want to incur extra .

Does my 6-year-old daughter require a passport to visit Bahamas by cruise? Question: My daughter was born in the USA. I am a permanent US resident. My daughter is 6 year old. She has a birth certificate. Does she require a .

my family wants to go on a cruise Question: My husband cannot get a passport because he owes past child support. He has been paying faithfully over 23 years. We really want to go .

Does a minor need a passport for a cruise to the Bahamas? Question: My daughter will be 13 at the time of travel. We will be leaving Florida and going on a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas. We will then be returning .

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Guide to Cruise Passport Policies for U.S. Travelers

February 20, 2024
Laura Soper

a cruise ship docked at an international port

Embarking on a cruise is an exhilarating experience, a perfect way to combine international travel, daily entertainment, and opportunities for relaxation—without having to worry about the logistics and challenges of air and land travel.

Cruises offer a unique opportunity for travelers to experience multiple destinations all in a single vacation. However, this also means adhering to the diverse entry and exit regulations of each country visited.

For U.S. citizens, there are specific passport and travel document policies tied to both the cruise line and destination that must be adhered to for a smooth vacation. Our guide aims to explain these requirements, preparing you for potential emergencies and ensuring you’re well-equipped for cruise travel.

We’ll also spotlight the most sought-after cruise lines among American travelers , delving into what sets each one apart, their distinctive offerings, and the travel documents you’ll need for a hassle-free voyage.

In this guide, we will explore all these detailed elements of cruise travel to make sure you understand exactly what you need to know for your upcoming vacation on the seas.

Do you need a passport for a cruise.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a set answer to this question. Whether you need a passport for a cruise can be both yes and no —it largely depends on the specifics of your cruise .

If you’re embarking on a closed-loop cruise, which starts and ends at the same U.S. port, U.S. citizens might not need a passport. However, for cruises that begin or end in foreign ports, a passport is typically required.

The cruise line you’re traveling with may also have its own documentation requirements, which can include a passport book or passport card regardless of the itinerary.

Furthermore, even if your cruise doesn’t require a passport, the international destinations you visit might. Some countries mandate a passport for entry, regardless of how you arrive—land, air, or sea.

So, while a passport may not always be necessary for a cruise, it’s a good idea to carry one for maximum flexibility.

Always check with your cruise line and the countries on your itinerary to understand the specific requirements.

Let’s get into the details of the different types of cruises and the general travel requirements to help you better understand the travel documents you will need for your voyage.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Travel Documentation

The need for a passport during cruise travel is primarily determined by the nature of the cruise— specifically, whether it’s a closed-loop or open-loop cruise.

Closed-Loop Cruises

A closed-loop cruise starts and ends at the same U.S. port. For instance, a week-long cruise around the Western Caribbean & Perfect Day , which begins and ends in Miami, Florida, is a closed-loop cruise. It visits several countries like the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, and Grand Cayman, but returns to the original U.S. port.

Passport books are typically not required for closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens can usually exit and enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license); however, every cruise line has a strict set of required travel documents that guests must present and carry during their voyage. For specific travel requirements, it is always best to check with the cruise line.

Open-Loop Cruises

On the other hand, open-loop cruises always require a valid U.S. passport for American travelers. Open-loop cruises start in one U.S. port and conclude in a different U.S. port. An example would be a 16-day Panama Canal cruise that sets sail from Seattle and ends its journey in New Orleans. Open-loop cruises require guests to present and carry a valid passport book with (typically) at least 6 months of validity remaining after the last date of their cruise.

Popular Cruise Lines and Their Passport Policies

Setting sail on a cruise is an exciting getaway, offering an abundance of memorable experiences and opportunities for serene relaxation against stunning ocean views. As you plan your voyage, a top priority must be to acquaint yourself with the necessary travel documents and passport rules of the leading cruise lines .

Each cruise line has specific guidelines to ensure guests can enjoy a smooth, enjoyable journey and make the most of their travel itineraries.

Below, we outline the passport rules for American citizens and required travel documents for the most popular cruise lines.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line , often hailed as “America’s Cruise Line,” is a leading figure in the world of cruising. Established in 1972, it has since evolved into the most favored cruise line globally. The company boasts a fleet of 26 ships, each offering unforgettable vacation experiences.

Carnival Cruise Lines currently offers 13 cruise destinations for guests to choose from. Each cruise is packed with a wide array of entertainment choices , from stage shows and live music to deck parties and casinos , ensuring fun-filled days and nights.

Travel Requirements

The cruise type determines the travel document requirements for American travelers:

Open-loop cruises: These cruises start at one U.S. port and finish at a different one. Guests must present and carry a passport book that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end date of their cruise.
a boarding pass, and
a government-issued photo ID if they are 16 years or older (such as a driver’s license)

There are some exceptions to these general rules. Some cruises might include stops at foreign ports that require a valid passport book to leave the ship. Also, if a cruise starts or ends in a foreign country, including Canada, or if it starts and ends at different U.S. ports, a valid passport book is always required .

Please note that if the cruise includes a visit to Colombia or Greenland, a passport book that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of travel is required .

an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) ,
a government-issued birth certificate, or
a valid passport book

Passport Requirements and Validity for American Citizens and Children

Carnival Cruise Line strongly advises having a valid passport book while traveling . A passport book is not only the most reliable form of identification but if guests unexpectedly need to fly to or from the U.S. during their cruise, not having a passport book could cause big problems and delays.

Do you need a passport in a hurry? Expedite your passport in as little as 24-48 hours !

Visa Requirements

Requirements for travel visas depend on your cruise destinations. All guests are responsible for obtaining appropriate visas to cruise. Check with the embassy or consular offices of the destination countries for more information.

Need a travel visa ? Find out how to get your travel visa— fast!

It’s always a good idea to check with Carnival Cruise Line or your travel agency for the most up-to-date information. For more information on travel requirements for Carnival Cruise Lines, visit the What travel documents do I need to bring? page for a complete explanation.

Royal Caribbean International

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean International is a leading cruise line brand and a subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group. Based in Miami, it’s the largest cruise line by revenue and the second-largest by passenger count.

The company boasts a fleet of 28 ships, including the world’s five largest cruise vessels. Royal Caribbean Cruises journeys to over 300 destinations in more than 60 countries across 6 continents . They provide a plethora of onboard activities , top-notch dining options , captivating entertainment , and luxurious accommodations that are tailored to both adults and families .

For American travelers, the following travel documents are required:

Open-loop cruises: These cruises start and end at different U.S. ports, oftentimes these cruises embark or disembark in a foreign country. For these cruises, guests must present and carry a passport book that is valid for at least 6 months after the day the cruise ends.
a government-issued birth certificate, and
a laminated government-issued picture ID (such as a driver’s license)

While U.S. citizens aren’t currently required to have passports on closed-loop cruises, Royal Caribbean International highly recommends travelers carry a valid passport book as it is the most reliable form of identification. Additionally, if an unforeseen situation arises where guests have to take a flight to or from the U.S. during their cruise, not possessing a valid passport book could result in substantial delays and challenges.

Do you need a passport fast? Expedite your passport in as little as 24-48 hours !

Guests are responsible for figuring out and getting all required travel visas before their cruise starts. Travelers should reach out to the embassy or consular services of each country they’ll visit on their cruise to understand specific visa requirements, details, forms, and fees.

Need a travel visa for your cruise? Visit our guide to getting your travel visa expedited .

These requirements may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with Royal Caribbean or your travel agency for the most up-to-date information. For more in-depth information regarding required travel documents for getting on board Royal Caribbean International, see the Getting Onboard with The Right Travel Documents page.

Norwegian Cruise Line

For over half a century, Norwegian Cruise Line has been a trailblazer in the global cruise industry. It operates three brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Together, these brands boast a fleet of 28 ships with nearly 60,000 berths, offering travel itineraries to more than 490 destinations across the globe.

Aboard their ships, guests are treated to a diverse array of dining options , both complementary and specialty. Entertainment includes a variety of live music and comedy to Broadway-style shows .

Accommodations cater to all types of travelers. Their Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises , in particular, are renowned for their luxury .

For American travelers taking cruises aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line, the travel requirements vary depending on the type of cruise:

Open-Loop Cruises: For these cruises, passport books must be valid for at least 6 months after the last day of travel.
U.S. state-issued original or certified copy of their birth certificate (hospital certificates are not acceptable),
a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization, and
a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license)

Children under 16: U.S. or Canadian children under 16 are exempt from the passport requirement for land and sea border crossings. Instead of a passport book, they can use:

a U.S. state-issued original or certified copy of their birth certificate,
a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or
a Certificate of Naturalization as proof of citizenship for entry into the U.S. by land or by sea

Even though passports aren’t currently required for U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends traveling with a valid passport book . This is because a passport book is the most reliable form of identification. Also, if travelers need to fly to or from the U.S. unexpectedly during their cruise, they may face significant delays and complications without a valid passport book.

Visit our expert guides to learn how to get a new passport or passport renewal quickly.

Regarding travel visas , each traveler must check with the embassy or consulate offices for travel visa requirements and get the necessary visas. This applies to all countries they plan to visit on their journey, including any countries they might stop at during connecting flights.

Visit our guide to expediting travel visas and get your passport in time for your cruise.

Please note that these requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information on the Norwegian Cruise Line’s website before your trip.

Princess Cruises

Established in 1965, Princess Cruises , a prominent name in the cruise industry, began its journey with a single ship heading to Mexico. Today, it boasts a fleet of 15 state-of-the-art ships, offering a variety of onboard amenities and top-notch service, serving millions of passengers annually.

Princess Cruises provides a global experience, covering over 100 countries across all seven continents , including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It offers a wide range of travel itineraries, from a week to over 3 months , visiting more than 380 ports and including over 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in their destinations.

For U.S. citizens traveling aboard Princess Cruises, travel requirements vary depending on the type of cruise:

Open-Loop Cruises: A valid passport book is required for all international itineraries , including Africa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, India, Central and South America, Panama Canal (partial and full transit), Caribbean (any sailings that visit Martinique or Guadeloupe), South Pacific & Tahiti, and World Cruises. The passport’s required validity is based on the destination; however, it is strongly advised to carry a passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining after the date of return.
a Permanent Resident Card (ARC/I-55 card),
a temporary ARC/I-55 card, and
a valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license), or
a passport book with an “ARC” stamp
U.S. passport card ,
U.S.-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) ,
U.S.-issued Identification Card (issued to minors and non-drivers)

In all cases, traveling with a valid passport book is highly recommended , as unexpected situations may arise requiring you to leave the ship. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your travel and contain blank pages for endorsements and visas. Princess Cruises also recommends carrying a second government-issued photo ID while in port.

Expedite a new passport application or a passport renewal in less than a week !

If needed, U.S. citizens can find travel visa requirements in the ‘Notices’ section of their Travel Summary . Visas can be acquired directly from the embassy or consulate of the countries to be visited. The requirements for visas and other documents can differ based on the destination and may change without any advance notice. Guests should double-check the visa requirements with the consulate 14 to 30 days before the cruise starts .

Expediting travel visas can ensure you get the travel documents you need in time for your cruise.

Travel requirements are subject to change. It is imperative to check for the most current information by visiting Princess Cruises’ FAQs: Travel Document Requirements page before your trip.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line , a branch of The Walt Disney Company, has been providing unique oceanic journeys since 1996. It boasts a fleet of 6 luxury liners, each offering state-of-the-art amenities , exceptional service , and exclusive Disney activities . The fleet, which includes Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and the latest addition, Disney Treasure, provides a range of onboard experiences from thrilling water slides and themed dining to Broadway-style shows and children’s clubs making it the most popular cruise line for families and Disney fans alike.

The cruise line operates in over 100 countries across all 7 continents , with voyages ranging from 2 to 15 nights . It is acclaimed for its meticulous attention to detail , playful character interactions , and creative dining experiences.

American citizens traveling aboard Disney Cruise Lines must follow the travel requirements outlined by their specific type of cruise:

Open-Loop Cruises: For all international itineraries, U.S. citizens must have a valid passport book with at least 6 months of validity remaining after the end of the trip.
a valid U.S. passport book,
a U.S. passport card , or
a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST).

U.S. citizens aged 15 and younger can travel with:

a valid U.S. Passport ,
U.S. Passport Card ,
a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST), or
a state-issued birth certificate, and
Domestic Cruises: The same rules as closed-loop cruises apply.

In all cases, Disney Cruise Line recommends guests carry a valid passport book during their voyage. A passport is not just a dependable means of identification, but it’s also crucial in case guests need to unexpectedly travel by air to or from the U.S. during their cruise. The absence of a passport could lead to significant issues and delays. Passport books should be valid for at least 3 months or 6 months after the end of the cruise , depending on the destination countries’ requirements. Disney Cruise Lines also suggests travelers carry a second government-issued photo ID while in port.

Do you need passports soon? You can expedite your passport and passports for children and be ready for travel in a week or less!

As for travel visas , it is the guest’s responsibility to identify and obtain all the necessary travel visas before embarking on the cruise.

Our guide to expediting travel visas can ensure your whole family is ready for their Disney cruise.

It’s important to remember that these requirements may vary, so it’s recommended to verify the most recent information on the Disney Cruise Line’s website or consult with the relevant authorities or travel agent before your journey.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line , founded in 1873, operates 11 ships offering over 500 cruises to 470+ ports in 98 countries . Their cruises range from short trips to 128-day voyages , covering all continents . They’re known for their quality service , excellent food , elegant decor, and diverse entertainment . Their ships feature modern amenities like high-tech shows and extensive art collections . Holland America Line is lauded for catering to multi-generational groups making it an ideal cruise line for families .

The travel requirements for American citizens aboard Holland America Line depend on the type of cruise and the destination countries:

Open-Loop Cruises: Valid passport books are mandatory for cruises that start in one U.S. port and end in another. Passport books must have at least 6 months of validity remaining after the end date of the cruise.

For Holland America cruises that stop at islands in the French West Indies, a valid passport book is required, regardless of the departure port.

proof of citizenship (e.g., an original or certified copy of a government-issued birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID)
a valid passport book, or
a passport card
a standard government-issued photo ID (such as a valid driver’s license)
Real ID,
permanent resident card, or

U.S. citizens under 16 are exempt from the passport requirement for land and sea border crossings. Instead of a passport, children can use an original or certified copy of a U.S. state-issued birth certificate . However, when minors are traveling with only one adult, Holland America requires all passengers to have a valid passport book .

Regardless of cruise type, Holland America strongly advises all guests to carry a passport book that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of their travel date . This is because passengers who need to fly to or from the U.S. unexpectedly during their cruise will likely face significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the U.S. if they do not have a valid passport.

Departing soon? Expedite your new passport application or passport renewal today.

Travel visa requirements differ based on the destination. It is the individual guest’s responsibility to confirm travel visa requirements with the destination’s embassy or consulate .

Our expert guide to expediting travel visas has all the information you need to get your visa in time for your trip.

Please remember that these are general guidelines and specific requirements may change based on the exact cruise itinerary. Always check the most recent information before your trip. For more detailed information, you can visit the Holland America Line’s official website’s Identification Requirements page .

Regardless of your chosen cruise line, the key to a smooth and hassle-free voyage lies in understanding and compliance with the travel document requirements and U.S. passport policies of your chosen cruise line . It’s evident that all cruise lines strongly advise guests to carry a valid passport during their voyage , as passports are the most dependable form of identification. They are also necessary for entry into destination countries and in case you need to fly back to the United States . By being well-prepared and knowledgeable about these specific guidelines, you can ensure a smooth sailing experience on your ocean adventure.

Preparing for Your Cruise: Passport Tips and Best Practices

Taking a cruise abroad is an unforgettable experience and an amazing way to see the world. To help you better prepare for your voyage, here are a few passport tips and best practices to follow when planning your international cruise .

First-Time Passport Applicants

If you’re new to the passport application process, we can help! Our guide on How to Obtain a U.S. Passport offers essential step-by-step instructions on the entire process from filling out the right application form and gathering your supporting documents to choosing the right passport service and finding the best passport application acceptance location that fits your needs.

Need your new passport in a hurry? We can help with that too! Our instructions on How to Expedite a New Passport Application: A Complete Guide is a comprehensive manual on everything you need to know and do to get your new passport—fast!

Currently, routine passport processing is about 6 to 8 weeks , expedited processing takes about 2 to 3 weeks and rushed expedited processing is possible within 14 days .

Visit our page, How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport? , for the most up-to-date application processing times.

Don’t miss out on making the most of your cruise’s travel itinerary, get your passport book now and get excited to explore the world!

U.S. Passport Expiration Requirements for Cruises

When a valid U.S. passport book is required, the validity of the passport book is recommended with either 3 months or 6 months (most common) of validity remaining beyond the last day of the cruise.

What does that mean? It means that the expiration date on your passport book must be at least 3 or 6 months past the last day of your cruise.
3-Month Rule – Country Requirements & More
6-Month Rule for U.S. Passports

If your passport book does not meet this requirement, you may be denied boarding or entry into certain countries, even if your cruise ship is your primary means of travel. Furthermore, you could be denied entry when returning to the United States if you had to return by air. Therefore, it’s crucial to check your passport’s expiration date well in advance of your cruise departure date.

Travel Requirements for Cruises with Kids

Children are not permitted to travel alone on a cruise. Cruise line policies vary, but generally, children (under 18 years old) must be accompanied by an approved adult (21 years or older) within the same travel group . To verify age requirements and rules for minors, check the age policies of the cruise line you are traveling with.

If you’re an adult traveling with a minor (under 16 years old)—by land, air, or sea—you must be able to prove that you are the parent or legal guardian of the child. Otherwise, you must present and carry a notarized minor travel consent form that has been signed by the minor’s parents or legal guardians . For more information, see our Free Minor Travel Consent Form page.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection , some countries require a notarized consent letter for children traveling without both parents or a legal guardian . It’s important to check the specific requirements of the destination country by contacting its embassy or consulate in the U.S.

In some cases, children aboard international cruises are required to have a valid passport book . If your child needs a U.S. passport, follow our complete guide on how to get a passport for a minor in just 3 steps .

Need a child’s passport sooner? Find out how to expedite your child’s passport .

Taking a Cruise As A Group Getaway

International cruises are a wonderful getaway for families and groups of friends. Many cruises have such a wide array of activities and experiences—not to mention unforgettable destinations—that there’s always something for everyone in your party to enjoy.

While traveling abroad with a group can create lasting memories, organizing such trips can be challenging—especially when everyone needs passports. The passport process can be complex and time-consuming. In our experience, the easiest and most convenient solution is to hire a passport expediting service .

Passport expediters are professionals who specialize in speeding up the passport application process . They help group travelers get their passports quickly and efficiently, making them a valuable resource for those traveling on short notice or those who wish to avoid the complexities of the passport process. A reliable passport courier can manage the logistical challenges and multiple appointments required for obtaining numerous passports on a tight schedule. A credible passport expeditor can make planning a group cruise a lot smoother and less stressful.

The Benefits Of Carrying A Passport On A Cruise

Passport book requirements vary on the type of cruise you take; however carrying a passport while cruising, even when it’s not explicitly required, provides several advantages:

Simplified Travel: A passport book, being a globally accepted travel document, streamlines the process of getting on and off the cruise ship. It’s a straightforward way to prove your identity and citizenship, making the embarkation and disembarkation procedures smoother and faster.
Quicker Customs Clearance: When it comes to going through customs, having a passport book can speed up the process. Customs officials are familiar with passport books, and having one can expedite your passage through these checkpoints compared to using other, multiple forms of identification.
Prepared for Emergencies: Unforeseen situations or emergencies can happen. An urgent situation might necessitate disembarking in a foreign country and flying back home. In such scenarios, having a valid passport book is required. Other forms of identification and even a passport card cannot take the place of a valid US passport book. It’s the most reliable form of identification for international travel and is mandatory for international airline travel.
Greater Flexibility: Some countries mandate a passport for entry, regardless of whether you’re arriving by air or sea. Possessing a passport book offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore all the international stops on your cruise itinerary without worrying about entry requirements.

While some cruises may not mandate a passport, it’s always smart planning to carry one. A valid passport acts as your ticket to a hassle-free and enjoyable cruising experience.

Passport Policies for Cruises – FAQs

Q: Do infants and children need passports for cruises?

A: The requirements for travel documents for minors, including infants, largely depend on the type of travel and the cruise line’s specific age policies and travel document requirements.

For closed-loop cruises, guests of all ages do not typically need a passport to travel. However, valid passports are required for open-loop cruises and international cruises that stop at ports outside the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Some cruise lines, like Holland America and Princess Cruises, require any minor traveling with only one adult to carry a valid passport. Please check with your specific cruise line to confirm travel documents and age requirements for infants and children.

If you need to obtain a passport for an infant, see our guide: How To Get A Passport For An Infant: A Complete Guide To Baby Passports .

Q: What are the risks of cruising without a passport?

A: Cruising without a passport, while sometimes possible, carries several risks.

Traveling without a passport can limit your options ; you may not be able to explore certain ports that require a passport.
Some countries mandate a passport for disembarkation , even for cruise ship passengers.
If you miss your cruise due to unexpected events like flight delays, a passport may be needed to join the ship at the next port, or else you could miss your entire vacation.
In emergencies that necessitate a return home by air, a passport is required , and without it, you could be stranded abroad.

Therefore, even if a cruise doesn’t require a passport, it’s advisable to have one to avoid these potential issues.

Q: How does the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative affect cruise travelers?

A: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) impacts cruise travelers, especially those from the U.S. The WHTI requires all travelers to present a valid passport or other approved document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. American citizens can use various approved documents like the U.S. Passport, Passport Card , or Enhanced Driver’s License .

For closed-loop cruises (those starting and ending at the same U.S. port), U.S. citizens can enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. However, a passport may still be needed to enter the countries visited during the cruise.

The WHTI aims to bolster border security while making entry into the U.S. more efficient for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers. It’s always advisable to check the specific requirements of your cruise line and the countries you’ll be visiting.

Q: Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book for my cruise?

A: While a passport card can be used for some cruises and in some travel situations, it has limitations:

Travel Restrictions: Passport cards are valid only for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. They’re not valid for international air travel or entry into many foreign countries.
Cruise Type: U.S. citizens can use a passport card for closed-loop cruises (those starting and ending at the same U.S. port). But it’s not usable for cruises from international homeports.
Emergency Situations: In emergencies requiring a flight home from a foreign port, a passport card isn’t enough. A passport book is mandatory to fly internationally.

Always check your cruise line’s specific travel document requirements for more information on whether a passport card is an acceptable form of identification for your specific cruise.

Q: What is the best way to get a passport for a cruise in 3 weeks?

A: To get a passport in 3 weeks, we highly recommend that you expedite the process .

Traditional expedited service can take up to 3 weeks —not including mailing times. To skip potential postal service delays, you could make an appointment with a local passport application acceptance center ; however, this option may not get you a passport in 3 weeks.

Rushed expedited service is a better choice when you have a tight schedule. Rushed service can be completed within 14 days —also not including mailing times. Again, to avoid potential delays with the postal service, you could make an appointment at the nearest Regional Passport Agency .

If neither of these two choices fits your short timeline, we recommend using a trusted professional passport expeditor to get your new passport in as few as 24 to 48 hours . A professional expeditor can easily navigate the passport application process on your behalf and make sure that you get your new passport in time for your trip.

Q: Do I need a passport for a cruise to Mexico?

A: While a passport book or a passport card is generally required for travel beyond Mexico’s border and for sea travel, there are exceptions. U.S. citizens entering Mexico by sea for short visits to port towns may not need a passport but should have one if traveling beyond these towns.

For closed-loop cruises (starting and ending at the same U.S. port), a passport isn’t required to re-enter the U.S. However, a passport might still be needed depending on the cruise’s other stops and the cruise line’s requirements.

Always check with your specific cruise line for travel document requirements. Find further information on traveling to Mexico by land, air, or sea: Mexico Entry Requirements – Required Travel Documents for Travel to Mexico .

Still have questions? We’re here to help! Contact us for support in preparing for your next voyage!

About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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Do I need a passport to cruise?

Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship. We strongly recommend that all guests present a passport as their form of ID on boarding day, and for some guests a passport is required.

The passport must be valid for six months after the day your cruise ends. The name on your passport should match the name on your reservation. What if my name doesn’t match?

While some other forms of ID may be accepted for your cruise, a passport is the very best option and here’s why:

A passport is the hassle-free, gold standard for traveling between countries.
Boarding and disembarking through customs with a passport is usually faster than other types of ID documents.
If you have an issue while exploring a foreign port (such as missing the ship), it’s best to have a passport with you.

Guests who do not bring required documents may be denied boarding.

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Consider downloading this Cruise Ship Travel Tips PDF to take with you while you travel.

Special Notes for Cuba Travel:

Ensure shore excursions and purchases comply with U.S. regulations .
U.S. credit and debit cards do NOT work in Cuba . Bring enough cash to cover your stay. This includes payment for hotels, restaurants, taxis, souvenir shops, etc.

Before your cruise:

Make sure you review the latest  CDC guidance on cruise ship travel .
Read our Traveler’s Checklist .
Check our country information pages for the countries you will be visiting to learn about important health and safety precautions to take. Write down the contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in case of an emergency.
Always carry your passport book with you in case of an emergency. You may need your passport in the event of an unexpected medical evacuation or if the ship docks at an alternate port. You should bring your passport even if your cruise says you won’t need it.
Apply early for your passport , or make sure your current one will be valid at least six months beyond your travel dates and has two or more blank pages. Your cruise company may also require you to have a passport even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or foreign port of entry does not.
Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . You will get important safety and security info. Follow us @TravelGov on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram for travel and security information.
Make sure you have medical and emergency evacuation insurance that will cover your trip. Consider buying supplemental insurance. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.
You may also need other insurance for unexpected travel expenses when abroad. Check with your cruise line or travel agency to see if they provide such coverage. You can also check with your health or homeowner’s insurance providers and credit card companies, which sometimes provide this coverage overseas. If not, consider buying supplemental insurance.
Have a contingency plan for returning home if you must remain in a foreign country longer than expected. Make color copies of your passport photo page, foreign visas, and itinerary. Leave one copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry one separately from your actual documents. Make sure to take a photo of your travel documents with your phone to have electronic copies as well.

Medication and vaccination requirements:

Check with your doctor to make sure that traveling abroad to your destinations is medically safe for you and whether you need any vaccinations and/or assistive devices on your trip.
Check with the foreign country's embassy in the United States. They can tell you whether your medications are legal in each country you visit. Also, find out if there are limits or special instructions for bringing them in. For some medications, you may need a letter from your doctor. Carrying it in the prescription bottle might not be enough “proof.” Remember, you are required to follow the local laws of the countries you visit, including with respect to medications, even if those laws differ from the laws of the United States.
Ensure you have enough of your  prescription medications  to last beyond your trip dates, in case of possible delays. Some countries may not have equivalents of your prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Carry a written copy of all your prescriptions with you in case a country requires it, or you need to replace your medications.

Ask Your Cruise Line:

What their procedures are in case of emergency.
How family members can contact you in an emergency, such as cell or satellite phone coverage and/or an e-mail address for emergencies.
What types of medical services your ship can provide, such as basic or urgent care, hospitalization, dialysis, etc.
Check your cruise line’s prohibited items list when considering what to take with you.

During Your Cruise:

Remain vigilant and exercise normal precautions aboard a cruise ship and on shore, as you would whenever traveling abroad.
Limit your alcohol intake.
Ensure cabin safety and make sure the door and balcony are properly locked at all times.
Consider storing your travel documents and other valuables in a secure spot, such as a safe in your room or the ship’s safe.
Talk to the security personnel on board if you are the victim of a crime. The cruise ship should have procedures in place for handling a crime onboard.
Follow local laws and customs. If you break the law, you may be arrested and prosecuted.
If you are the victim of a crime on shore , report it to local authorities, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate , and to cruise ship security personnel.
If you lose your passport, report it right away to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate . Make plans to get a new passport as soon as possible.
Follow CDC guidance after you disembark.

Other Things to Keep in Mind:

Check our travelers page to learn more about specific issues you might face abroad. These include special considerations for older travelers, those with disabilities, women, and LGBTQI+ travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

I heard you can use a passport card for a cruise, is that true.

You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at seaports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, if you cannot return on the cruise ship for any reason, you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States.

Unexpected circumstances that can make it important you have a passport book include:

Illness or Injury – Depending on how severe your illness or injury is, you may have to be admitted to a local hospital overseas. If you cannot be discharged before the cruise ship is scheduled to depart, the cruise ship may leave without you. In this case, you would need a U.S. passport to fly home upon clearance from your doctor.
Damage to cruise ship – Occasionally cruise ships are damaged or have mechanical issues that cannot be fixed during your trip. In these cases, you might need to go ashore in a country which requires a passport and/or you would need a U.S passport book to fly home.

Your cruise company also may require you to have a passport, even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the foreign country’s border agency does not.

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Cruise Planning Tips

Cruise passport requirements: what you need to know.

Embarking on a cruise is like beginning an incredible adventure, with the expansive sea serving as your playground and exciting, unknown destinations waiting to be explored by you.

But before you can embark on this nautical journey, there is one important factor to consider: passport requirements. As a seasoned traveler, I have learned that the rules surrounding passports can vary depending on the cruise’s departure location and itinerary.

While some cruises may only require a valid driver’s license and proof of citizenship, others necessitate a passport for international travel.

In this article, ‘Cruise Passport Requirements: What You Need to Know,’ I will guide you through the ins and outs of passport regulations, including exceptions for U.S.-based cruises, validity and expiration requirements, and additional documentation needed for certain ports.

So, grab your boarding pass, and let’s dive into the world of cruise passport requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free voyage.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Passport is required for cruises departing from Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, Caribbean islands, Canadian homeports, and for sailing from one U.S. homeport and disembarking at a different one.
Closed-loop sailings from U.S. homeports, defined as roundtrip from the same U.S. homeport and only visiting ports in the Western Hemisphere, do not require a passport.
Government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship can be used if no passport is available, but it is recommended to cruise with a passport for emergencies and during the pandemic.
Passports for minors are valid for 5 years and some ports on closed-loop itineraries may still require passports for entry.

Cruise Passport Requirements:

I need to make sure I have a valid passport if I plan on going on a cruise departing from Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Caribbean islands, or Canadian homeports.

While there are some passport alternatives available, having a passport provides numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows for hassle-free travel to various destinations around the world. With a passport, I can easily explore different countries during the cruise without any restrictions.

Additionally, having a passport ensures a smooth boarding process, especially when sailing from one U.S. homeport and disembarking at a different one. It also serves as a valid form of identification during international travel and can be essential in case of emergencies.

Overall, having a passport offers peace of mind and allows for a more enjoyable and stress-free cruise experience.

Passport needed for international cruises

Traveling on an international cruise without the necessary documentation is like embarking on a journey without a map. It’s essential to have a valid passport when planning to set sail on an international cruise.

Here are some important points to consider regarding passport requirements:

The passport application process can be straightforward but requires some planning ahead. It involves filling out an application, providing supporting documents, and paying the appropriate fees.

Traveling with a passport offers numerous benefits. It serves as proof of identity and citizenship, allowing for hassle-free entry and exit at various ports of call. It also provides a sense of security and peace of mind, especially in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.

Having a passport enables you to explore and experience different cultures and destinations beyond the cruise ship. You can participate in shore excursions, visit local attractions, and enjoy a more immersive travel experience.

Lastly, a passport allows for flexibility and opens up opportunities for future travel. It is a valuable document that remains valid for ten years, making it a worthwhile investment for avid cruisers and travelers alike.

Exceptions for U.S.-based cruises

Erica Silverstein, a cruise and family travel expert, emphasizes the importance of understanding the exceptions for U.S.-based cruises. When it comes to cruising without a passport, there are both pros and cons to consider.

One major advantage is that select U.S.-based cruises do not require a passport, making it easier and more convenient for American travelers. This means you can embark on a cruise without the hassle and expense of obtaining a passport. However, it’s important to note that these cruises typically only visit ports within the Western Hemisphere and do not require international flights.

Additionally, some ports on closed-loop itineraries may still require passports for entry. It’s always recommended to check with the cruise line and government agencies to ensure you have the necessary documents for your specific itinerary.

Some cruise lines that offer U.S.-based cruises without passport requirements include Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International.

Validity and expiration requirements

Valid passports are typically required to be valid for at least six months after arrival in many countries. It’s important to note that passport expiration requirements may vary depending on the destination.

When planning a cruise, it’s crucial to ensure that your passport will be valid for the entire duration of your trip and beyond. Renewing your passport can be a simple process, but it’s essential to give yourself plenty of time before your departure date. The passport renewal process usually involves completing an application, submitting necessary documentation, and paying the required fees.

Having a valid passport is not only important for international travel but also for emergencies that may arise during your trip. It’s always better to be prepared and have a valid passport on hand to avoid any potential complications or delays during your cruise journey.

Markdown Emotional Bullet List:

Peace of mind knowing that you have a valid passport for your trip.
Avoiding the stress and disappointment of being denied entry to a destination due to an expired passport.
Ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience by having all the necessary documentation in order.

Additional documentation for certain ports

When visiting certain ports during a cruise, it’s important to be aware that additional documentation may be required. In addition to a passport, you may need to have photo identification and meet specific visa requirements.

Some ports, like St. Petersburg, may require both a passport and a visa for entry. It’s crucial to check with the government agencies and your cruise line to understand the exact documentation needed for each port of call. Your cruise line may even handle the visa procurement for sea arrivals, making the process easier for you.

While it’s generally not necessary to bring your passport on shore excursions, there may be exceptions, especially if the excursion involves crossing borders. It’s always a good idea to bring an official photo ID when leaving the ship to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience at the ports.

Can I Use My Passport as Identification to Purchase Drinks on a Cruise?

Yes, you can use your passport as identification to purchase drinks on a cruise. However, it’s important to be aware of the cruise drink costs and rules . Some cruises may require you to carry a cruise card for purchases, so it’s best to check with the cruise line beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i go on a cruise without a passport if it is a closed-loop sailing.

Going on a cruise without a passport is like sailing on calm waters. If it’s a closed-loop sailing, you don’t need a passport. Just bring your official photo ID and proof of citizenship. Bon voyage!

Is a driver’s license sufficient for all U.S.-based cruises?

No, a driver’s license is not sufficient for all U.S.-based cruises. While it may be acceptable for closed-loop cruises within the Western Hemisphere, other cruises may require a passport or other forms of identification. Passport alternatives should be checked with the cruise line and government agencies.

Are there any exceptions for bringing a passport ashore during shore excursions?

Yes, there are exceptions for bringing a passport ashore during shore excursions. Some ports may require passports for entry, while others may accept alternative documents such as a government-issued photo ID or a photocopy of your passport.

How long is a passport valid for international travel on a cruise?

A passport is typically valid for international travel on a cruise for up to 10 years. However, it is important to check the expiration date before your trip and ensure that your passport is still valid. If it is expired or nearing expiration, you may need to apply for a passport renewal.

Are there any additional documentation requirements for certain ports during a cruise?

For certain ports during a cruise, additional documentation may be required. This can include proof of citizenship, such as a passport, for entry into those non-U.S. ports. It’s important to check with the government agencies and cruise line for specific requirements.

Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

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Claire, a creative soul with an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, is an integral part of the Voyager Info team. As a dedicated writer, she weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to enchanting cruise destinations and beyond. Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

Gather Your Materials

Now, it’s time to gather all of your materials, so you can start having fun folding those cruise luggage tags!

When choosing the right luggage tag design, consider one that is durable and easily identifiable among other bags. Look for tags with a clear window to display your contact information or a unique pattern that stands out. Additionally, consider tags that are waterproof or have a protective cover to keep your information safe during your travels.

To attach the luggage tags securely, use a sturdy strap or loop that can withstand the rough handling that often occurs during baggage handling. Make sure to tighten the strap or loop securely to prevent it from coming loose.

Once you have gathered your materials, you can move on to the next step of removing the luggage tag from the packaging smoothly.

Remove the Luggage Tag from the Packaging

First, carefully extract the luggage tag from its protective casing. Take a moment to appreciate the luggage tag’s design, as cruise lines often incorporate their logos or unique symbols. Gently pull the tag out of the packaging, making sure not to damage it. Some tags may have a clear plastic cover that you can remove to see the information clearly. Others may have a flap that you need to lift to reveal the fields where you can fill in your name and contact details.

Once you have removed the tag from the packaging, it’s time to move on to the next step: flattening the luggage tag for easy folding.

Flatten the Luggage Tag

To flatten the luggage tag, gently press down on it to smooth out any creases and ensure it lies flat. This step is important for a secure attachment throughout your cruise. There are a few effective techniques you can use.

Firstly, place the tag between two heavy books for a few hours, allowing the weight to flatten it out.

Alternatively, use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to gently heat the tag. Then, press it down with your hands to flatten it.

Once the tag is completely flat, you can move on to the next step of folding it in half. This will make it easier to attach to your luggage and ensure clear visibility.

Fold the Luggage Tag in Half

To make it easier for you to attach, simply bend the tag in half, ensuring it remains clearly visible.

Folding the luggage tag in half has several benefits when it comes to cruise travel. Firstly, it makes the tag more compact, allowing it to fit easily into your luggage or pocket. This helps prevent the tag from getting lost or damaged during your journey.

Secondly, folding the tag in half creates a more secure attachment point. The folded edge provides extra reinforcement, reducing the risk of the tag tearing off or coming loose.

When it comes to different types of luggage tags for cruise travel, there are various options available, including plastic, leather, and fabric tags.

Now, let’s move on to the next step: folding the top corners towards the center.

Fold the Top Corners Towards the Center

To fold the top corners towards the center, follow these steps:

Bring the top corners of the tag together towards the center, forming a triangular shape. This step is crucial in ensuring that your luggage tag stays securely attached to your suitcase throughout your cruise.

By folding the top corners towards the center, you create a neat and compact shape that won’t easily get snagged or come undone during your travels.

Once the top corners are folded, press them firmly together to secure the folded tag in place. This will prevent the tag from unfolding and potentially getting lost or damaged.

Now that the top corners are secure, it’s time to move on to the next step: folding the bottom corners towards the center. This will further reinforce the tag’s stability and ensure that it stays attached throughout your entire cruise adventure.

Fold the Bottom Corners Towards the Center

Now, take a moment to bring the bottom corners of your tag together towards the center, creating a secure and stylish triangular shape. To achieve this, follow these fold techniques:

Align the bottom edges of the tag, making sure they are flush with each other.
Fold the bottom left corner towards the center, creating a diagonal crease.
Repeat the same fold with the bottom right corner.

By folding the bottom corners towards the center, you’ll not only ensure that your luggage tag stays in place during your cruise, but you’ll also add a touch of elegance to it.

This alternative method of folding creates a sleek triangular shape that is both secure and visually appealing.

Once you’ve completed this step, you can move on to the next section and check the folded tag for any loose edges.

Check the Folded Tag for Any Loose Edges

Before attaching your luggage tag, take a moment to inspect it for any loose edges. It’s important to ensure that the tag looks polished and secure. Loose edges can indicate that the tag is not securely folded or that it may easily tear off. To effectively secure your luggage tag, make sure all the edges are neatly folded and aligned. Press down firmly on the folds to ensure they are secure and won’t come undone. If needed, consider using clear adhesive tape to reinforce the edges. Once you have checked and secured your folded tag, it’s time to move on to the next step of attaching it to your luggage.

Attach the Folded Tag to Your Luggage

To attach the folded tag to your bag, simply loop a sturdy string or a zip tie through the punched hole and secure it tightly. This step is crucial to ensure that your luggage tag stays securely attached throughout your cruise journey.

There are different types of luggage tag attachments available, so choose the one that suits your needs best. Here are three options that you can consider:

Use a thick and durable string: This option provides a classic look and is easy to tie securely.

Opt for a zip tie: This is a more permanent attachment method that provides extra security.

Try a luggage tag strap: These straps are specifically designed to keep your luggage tag securely in place.

Once you have securely attached the folded tag to your bag, it’s time to double check the tag for accuracy. This will ensure that your luggage is properly identified and delivered to the correct location.

Double Check the Tag for Accuracy

Take a moment to ensure that your tag is accurate. Confirm that all necessary information is correct and legible. Double check the tag for accuracy before attaching it to your luggage.

Make sure your name is spelled correctly, your cabin number is accurate, and the ship’s name is clearly legible. It’s important to verify these details to avoid any confusion or mix-ups during embarkation.

Additionally, check that the tag is securely attached to your luggage. You wouldn’t want it to fall off during transit.

By taking the time to double check the accuracy of your luggage tag, you can have peace of mind knowing that your belongings will arrive safely to your cabin.

Now, enjoy your cruise with properly labeled luggage, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free vacation.

Enjoy Your Cruise with Properly Labeled Luggage

As you embark on your voyage, anticipation builds as you imagine the ease and convenience of identifying your belongings with properly labeled luggage. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect luggage tags for your cruise:

Look for durable materials: Opt for luggage tags made of sturdy materials like reinforced plastic or leather to ensure they don’t easily get damaged during your journey.

Consider unique identifiers: Choose luggage tags that have a distinct design or color to make it easier for you to spot your bags among the sea of luggage.

Use clear plastic covers: Protect your luggage tags from getting damaged by using clear plastic covers or laminating them before attaching them to your bags.

Double-check the information: Before attaching the tags, make sure all the necessary information, such as your name, contact details, and cabin number, is accurately filled out.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your cruise with peace of mind, knowing that your luggage is properly labeled and protected.

Can I use any type of luggage tag for my cruise?

Yes, you can use alternative luggage tags for your cruise. However, it’s important to follow the cruise line’s guidelines. To attach the tags, use the provided straps or plastic loops and secure them tightly to your luggage handle.

How do I remove the luggage tag without damaging it?

To remove a luggage tag without damaging it, gently peel it off from one corner. If it’s stubborn, use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to loosen the adhesive. Preserve the tag by placing it in a protective sleeve or laminating it.

Is it necessary to flatten the luggage tag before folding it?

No, it is not necessary to flatten the luggage tag before folding it. You can fold it directly without any issues. Flattening the tag may help in achieving a neater fold, but it is not a requirement.

What should I do if the luggage tag is too big for the folding technique described?

If the luggage tag is too big for the folding technique, try alternative folding methods like rolling it up or folding it in half. Another option is using a luggage tag sleeve to hold the tag securely.

Are there any specific instructions for attaching the folded tag to my luggage?

Attaching folded tags to luggage is a breeze with a touch of finesse. Different folding techniques allow for easy attachment. Simply secure the folded tag to your luggage using a sturdy strap or a durable adhesive.

Can Cruise Luggage Tags Be Used for DIY First Aid Kit on a Cruise?

Yes, cruise luggage tags can definitely be repurposed for a custom DIY cruise first aid kit . Utilize the clear plastic tag to hold important medical information or use it to label your first aid supplies for quick and easy access during an emergency on the ship.

In conclusion, folding cruise luggage tags is a simple yet important step in ensuring your luggage is properly labeled for your upcoming adventure. By following these easy steps, you can quickly and efficiently fold your tags, ensuring they stay securely attached to your bags.

Remember, a well-labeled bag is the key to a stress-free vacation. So, grab your tags, gather your materials, and get ready to embark on a memorable cruise, knowing that your luggage is all set and ready to go.

Bon voyage!

Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform.

With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

What To Pack For A Viking Ocean Cruise

An image of a neatly folded stack of warm, waterproof clothing, including a sturdy pair of leather boots, a fur-lined cloak, and a Viking helmet, ready to be packed for an epic adventure on a Viking Ocean Cruise

As I get ready for my upcoming ocean cruise with Viking, I’m feeling a wave of anticipation building up inside me, much like a kettle on the brink of whistling. It’s not hard for me to imagine standing on the deck, feeling the salty breeze teasing my cheeks, and watching the ocean waves dance under the bright sun. Yet, before I set off on this adventure, there’s an important task I can’t overlook: packing.

Ah, the joy of deciding what to bring on this grand adventure! In this article, I will guide you through the essentials of what to pack for a Viking ocean cruise.

From clothing suitable for various weather conditions to comfortable walking shoes for exploring new shores, we’ll cover it all.

Don’t forget your travel documents and toiletries, and be sure to bring along some entertainment and electronics to keep you occupied during those peaceful moments at sea.

So grab your suitcase and let’s dive into the exciting world of Viking ocean cruising!

Pack clothing for various weather conditions, including cozy sweaters, lightweight fabrics, layering options, and a waterproof jacket.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, such as slip-on sneakers, waterproof hiking shoes, sandals, athletic shoes, and classic black flats.
Remember to bring important travel documents and essentials, such as a passport, travel insurance, photocopies of your passport, and compliance with airport security regulations.
Don’t forget toiletries and personal care items, such as travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, high SPF sunscreen, and clear zip-top bag for security.

Clothing for Various Weather Conditions

When packing for a Viking ocean cruise, be sure to bring a variety of clothing options to suit the ever-changing weather conditions. From cozy sweaters for chilly evenings to lightweight, breathable fabrics for sunny days. Layering options for unpredictable climates are essential, as the weather can shift quickly at sea.

A versatile wardrobe should include long-sleeved shirts, cardigans, and jackets that can be easily added or removed as needed. To prepare for rainy or windy conditions, it’s important to choose the right outerwear. A waterproof jacket or windbreaker will keep you dry and protected from the elements.

As we transition into the subsequent section about comfortable walking shoes, it’s crucial to ensure your footwear is also weather-appropriate.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

For ultimate comfort while exploring, don’t forget to bring a pair of cozy walking shoes. Stylish footwear is a must for any Viking Ocean Cruise, as you’ll be strolling through charming cobblestone streets and picturesque towns. Opt for shoes that are not only fashionable but also provide ample support for your feet. Consider investing in shoe inserts to enhance the cushioning and reduce any discomfort during long walks.

Here are five items to consider packing:

Slip-on sneakers for easy on and off convenience.
Waterproof hiking shoes for outdoor adventures.
Comfortable sandals for exploring warmer destinations.
Lightweight and breathable athletic shoes for active excursions.
Classic black flats for a more elegant evening look.

Now that you’ve got your footwear covered, let’s move on to the next section about travel documents and essentials.

Travel Documents and Essentials

Don’t forget to bring your passport, a must-have ticket to unlock the world of travel adventures.

Along with your passport, it’s essential to carry travel insurance. This will provide you with peace of mind, ensuring that you are protected in case of any unforeseen circumstances during your Viking Ocean Cruise.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to make photocopies of your passport. Having these copies will be extremely helpful in case your passport gets lost or stolen. Keep them separate from your actual passport for safekeeping.

Now that we have covered the important travel documents, let’s move on to another essential aspect of packing for your Viking Ocean Cruise – toiletries and personal care items.

Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Make sure to bring all your essential toiletries and personal care items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Here are some must-have toiletries for a Viking ocean cruise and some packing tips for personal care items:

Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash: These compact bottles will save space in your luggage while keeping you fresh and clean throughout your trip.

Toothbrush and toothpaste: Don’t forget to pack your toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene during your cruise.

Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by packing a high SPF sunscreen.

When packing your toiletries, remember to place them in a clear, zip-top bag to comply with airport security regulations.

Now that you have your personal care items covered, let’s move on to the next section about entertainment and electronics.

Entertainment and Electronics

When it comes to entertainment and electronics on a Viking Ocean cruise, there are a few key items that I always make sure to pack.

First, I bring my trusty e-reader or tablet loaded with a variety of books to keep me entertained during downtime.

Second, a good camera and plenty of memory cards are essential for capturing all the stunning sights and moments along the way.

Lastly, I never leave without my portable charger and headphones, ensuring that I can always stay connected and enjoy my favorite music or podcasts while exploring the ship and ports of call.

Books, e-readers, or tablets

Bring your beloved books, engaging e-readers, or trusty tablets to tame the time on your thrilling Viking voyage.

When it comes to e-book options, there are pros and cons to consider. E-readers, like the Kindle or Nook, are lightweight and can hold thousands of books in one device. They have adjustable font sizes and background lighting, making reading easy on the eyes. However, they require charging and may not have the same feel as a physical book.

Tablets, on the other hand, offer a more versatile experience. They can be used for reading e-books, browsing the internet, and even watching movies. Plus, you can download e-reading apps like Kindle or Nook to access a wide range of titles. Just make sure to bring a reliable charger and consider investing in a protective case.

As we transition to cameras and memory cards, remember to capture every breathtaking moment of your Viking adventure.

Cameras and memory cards

Don’t forget to capture every awe-inspiring moment of your adventure by bringing along your trusty camera and plenty of memory cards. As you embark on your Viking Ocean Cruise, you’ll want to ensure you have the best camera equipment to document your journey. Here are some photography tips to make the most of your experience:

Invest in a high-quality DSLR camera to capture stunning landscapes and intricate details.
Pack a versatile zoom lens to capture both wide-angle shots and close-ups of wildlife.
Bring a tripod for steady shots, especially during low-light conditions or long exposure photography.
Don’t forget extra batteries to keep your camera powered up throughout the day.
Lastly, bring a waterproof camera bag to protect your gear from unexpected rain or splashes.

Now that you have your camera equipment ready, let’s move on to the next essential items: portable chargers and headphones.

Portable chargers and headphones

Make sure you have portable chargers and headphones. They’ll keep you powered up and entertained during your adventure.

When it comes to portable chargers, look for ones that have multiple USB ports and fast charging capabilities. This way, you can charge your phone, tablet, and other devices all at once without any hassle. Some chargers even have built-in LED lights, which can come in handy during nighttime.

As for headphones, there are various styles to choose from. If you prefer over-ear headphones for their noise-canceling abilities and immersive sound experience, go for it. On the other hand, if you prefer something more compact and wireless, opt for in-ear or true wireless headphones. Just make sure they are comfortable and provide good sound quality.

With your portable chargers and headphones ready, let’s move on to money and travel accessories, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth sailing experience.

Money and Travel Accessories

Remember, you’ll want to stash away your treasure trove of money and essential travel accessories before embarking on this epic Viking ocean cruise! Here are four must-have items to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey:

A money belt: Keep your cash, credit cards, and passport safe and secure with a discreet money belt. It’s an essential accessory for money management and travel safety.

RFID-blocking wallet: Protect yourself from electronic pickpocketing with an RFID-blocking wallet. This smart accessory prevents thieves from scanning your credit cards and stealing your personal information.

Universal travel adapter: Don’t let a different outlet shape ruin your day. Pack a universal travel adapter to keep your electronic devices charged and ready to go in any country you visit.

Portable safe: For extra peace of mind, bring a portable safe to secure your valuables in your cabin. It’s a practical and convenient way to protect your belongings while exploring the ship and ports of call.

With these money management and travel safety essentials, you can fully enjoy your Viking ocean cruise without any worries. Bon voyage!

Can I bring my own alcohol on board a Viking ocean cruise?

Unfortunately, you cannot bring your own alcohol on board a Viking Ocean cruise. However, you can bring your furry friends as pets are allowed. Just be aware of the restrictions on photography in certain areas.

Are there laundry facilities available on the ship?

Yes, there are laundry services available on the ship. Whether you prefer self-service or full-service, Viking Ocean Cruises has got you covered. Say goodbye to dirty clothes and hello to fresh laundry!

What kind of electrical outlets are available in the cabins?

The cabins on a Viking Ocean cruise have a variety of electrical outlets to accommodate different devices. The decorations are elegant and stylish, creating a cozy atmosphere. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, allowing me to stay connected while enjoying the beautiful views.

Can I bring my own snacks and food on board?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and food on board. This is especially helpful if you have dietary restrictions. However, Viking Ocean Cruises offers fantastic onboard dining options and food storage for meal planning. Don’t forget to check out their delicious snack options too!

Is there a dress code for dining on a Viking ocean cruise?

Yes, there are dress code requirements for dining on a Viking Ocean cruise. While formal attire may be expected on certain nights, the overall atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Can the Packing List for an Antarctica Cruise also be used for a Viking Ocean Cruise?

When preparing for a Viking Ocean Cruise, packing tips for Antarctica cruise can come in handy. Both cruises may require similar items such as warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and waterproof gear. However, be sure to check specific requirements for each cruise to ensure you are fully prepared for the journey.

In conclusion, packing for a Viking ocean cruise requires careful consideration of various factors. From clothing for different weather conditions to essential travel documents, toiletries, and personal care items, it’s important to be prepared.

Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the ports of call. And of course, entertainment and electronics are a must for those moments of relaxation onboard.

Lastly, remember to pack money and travel accessories to make your journey smooth sailing. As the saying goes, ‘A well-packed bag is like a treasure chest, unlocking endless adventures.’

So, pack smart and embark on an unforgettable Viking ocean cruise.

How Far Is Haneda Airport To Yokohama Cruise Terminal

E an image that showcases the dynamic skyline of Yokohama, Japan, with Haneda Airport in the distance

Imagine stepping off an airplane at Haneda Airport, ready to embark on a fantastic journey. But there’s a small problem: you’re not sure how far it is to your final destination, the Yokohama Cruise Terminal. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you.

In this article, we’ll explore the distance between Haneda Airport and the Yokohama Cruise Terminal, along with various transportation options to get you there seamlessly.

Whether you prefer a quick and convenient route or wish to immerse yourself in the local culture, I’ll provide you with all the necessary information. We’ll discuss travel times, costs, and even alternative transportation options.

Plus, I’ll give you a sneak peek into some nearby attractions and activities to enhance your stay in Yokohama.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of convenient travel between Haneda Airport and the Yokohama Cruise Terminal. Your journey awaits!

Accommodations near Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal offer convenient options for travelers.
Transportation options between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal include taxis, trains, and airport shuttles.
Accommodations near Haneda Airport provide comfortable rooms and convenient amenities.
Accommodations near Yokohama Cruise Terminal offer stunning views, elegant rooms, and easy access to public transportation.

Overview of Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal

Did you know that Haneda Airport is conveniently located just a short distance away from the vibrant Yokohama Cruise Terminal? When it comes to transportation options, Haneda Airport offers a variety of choices for travelers heading to Yokohama.

There are regular shuttle buses that run between the airport and the cruise terminal, providing a hassle-free and convenient way to travel. Additionally, staying near Haneda Airport has its benefits. Not only will you have easy access to the terminal, but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the bustling city of Tokyo before or after your cruise. From shopping and dining to cultural attractions and entertainment, Tokyo has something for everyone.

Now, let’s talk about the distance between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal.

Distance between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal

The distance between Haneda Airport and the Yokohama Cruise Terminal is quite manageable. It is approximately 20 kilometers, or 12 miles, which makes for a relatively short journey.

Here are four reasons why this distance should not be a cause for concern:

Convenience: The close proximity between the airport and the cruise terminal means less time spent on transportation and more time to enjoy your trip.

Time-saving: With a short distance to cover, you can quickly reach your destination and start your vacation without any unnecessary delays.

Cost-effective: The relatively short distance translates to lower transportation costs, allowing you to allocate your budget to other aspects of your trip.

Variety of transportation options: There are several transportation alternatives available, including taxis, trains, and buses, making it easy to find a method that suits your preferences and needs.

Now let’s explore the various transportation options from Haneda Airport to the Yokohama Cruise Terminal.

Transportation options from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal

There are plenty of convenient transportation options available to get from Haneda Airport to the Yokohama Cruise Terminal.

The best transportation options include taking a taxi, using a private car service, or utilizing public transportation.

Taxis are readily available outside the airport and provide a direct and comfortable ride to the cruise terminal.

Private car services offer a more luxurious option with the added convenience of pre-booking and a personalized experience.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, public transportation is a great choice.

The Keikyu Line connects Haneda Airport to Yokohama Station, where you can transfer to a train or bus to reach the cruise terminal.

Each option has its own advantages, so it’s important to consider factors such as cost, convenience, and personal preference when making your decision.

Now let’s talk about the travel time between Haneda Airport and the Yokohama Cruise Terminal.

Travel time between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal

You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can travel between Haneda Airport and the Yokohama Cruise Terminal! The travel time between these two locations is relatively short, making it convenient for travelers. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Train: The most popular and efficient option is taking the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Station. From there, you can transfer to the Minatomirai Line and reach the cruise terminal in just a few stops.

Bus: Another convenient option is taking a direct bus from Haneda Airport to Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT). From YCAT, you can easily reach the cruise terminal by taxi or train.

Taxi: If you prefer a more direct and hassle-free option, taking a taxi is a viable choice. The journey usually takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

These transportation options provide a quick and efficient way to reach the Yokohama Cruise Terminal from Haneda Airport. Now, let’s move on to the cost of transportation from Haneda Airport to the terminal.

Cost of transportation from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal

The cost of transportation between Haneda Airport and the Yokohama Cruise Terminal can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. If you opt for a taxi, it can cost you around 8,000 to 10,000 yen, which is approximately 70 to 90 US dollars. However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a combination of trains and buses, which will cost you around 1,000 to 1,500 yen, about 9 to 14 US dollars.

Keep in mind that the travel time for the taxi is typically around 30 to 40 minutes, while the train and bus combination can take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Now that we know the cost and travel time, let’s explore some tips for a smooth journey between the two destinations.

Tips for a smooth journey between the two destinations

For a seamless trip between these two locations, consider these helpful tips:

Plan your journey during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and traffic. The best time to travel is usually early morning or late evening when there are fewer people on the road.

Take advantage of public transportation options like the Keikyu Line or the Airport Limousine Bus. These services provide efficient transportation from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal at affordable prices.

Pack light and use a suitcase with wheels for easy maneuverability. This will make it easier to navigate through the airport and cruise terminal without any hassle.

With these tips in mind, you can ensure a smooth and efficient journey between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal.

Now, let’s explore alternative transportation options for those looking for more flexibility and convenience.

Alternative transportation options

Consider exploring other transportation options to make your journey between these two destinations even more convenient and flexible. In addition to taxis and private car services, there are alternative transportation options available.

One option is taking a limousine bus, which provides comfortable and affordable transportation from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal.

Another option is using the train system, with the Keikyu Line offering direct service from the airport to Yokohama. This option is not only cost-effective but also allows you to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

If you prefer a more adventurous option, you can also consider renting a bicycle or taking a leisurely walk. These alternative transportation options provide different experiences and allow you to choose the one that suits your preferences and budget.

Once you’ve arrived in Yokohama, get ready to explore the nearby attractions and activities in the city.

Nearby attractions and activities in Yokohama

Once you’ve explored the various transportation options, you’ll be thrilled to discover the abundance of nearby attractions and activities awaiting you in Yokohama.

Whether you’re a foodie or a shopaholic, Yokohama has something for everyone. The city boasts a wide array of nearby restaurants that will satisfy any palate. From traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors, you can indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.

And if shopping is your passion, Yokohama won’t disappoint. The city is home to numerous shopping options, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to bustling street markets. You can explore the trendy shopping malls or wander through the charming streets lined with unique shops and boutiques.

With so much to see and do, Yokohama is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience.

Speaking of unforgettable experiences, let’s move on to my recommendations for accommodations near Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal.

Recommendations for accommodations near Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal

If you’re looking for convenient accommodations near Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal, there are plenty of options available that will make your travel experience seamless. Here are some recommendations for accommodations and transportation options:

Hotel Mystays Haneda: Located just a short distance from the airport, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and convenient amenities such as a free shuttle service to the airport.

Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu: Situated near the cruise terminal, this luxurious hotel provides stunning views of the Yokohama Bay and offers easy access to nearby attractions.

Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu: This hotel is directly connected to Haneda Airport, making it an ideal choice for travelers with early morning or late-night flights.

Yokohama Royal Park Hotel: Offering elegant rooms and a rooftop lounge with panoramic views, this hotel is a great option for those looking for a touch of luxury.

APA Hotel Yokohama-Kannai: Located near Yokohama Station, this budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to public transportation.

When it comes to convenient travel between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal, there are various transportation options available, including taxis, private transfers, and public transportation. These options ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey between the two locations.

Now let’s move on to the conclusion: convenient travel between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal.

Conclusion: Convenient travel between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal

In conclusion, navigating between Haneda Airport and the Yokohama Cruise Terminal is a breeze with a range of transportation options at your disposal. Whether you prefer speed, comfort, or affordability, there is a mode of transport that suits your needs.

Here is a comparison of the different transportation options available:

Taxis offer the most convenience but can be expensive. Trains are highly convenient and relatively fast. Airport shuttles are a more affordable option but take slightly longer. Whichever option you choose, rest assured that traveling between Haneda Airport and the Yokohama Cruise Terminal is convenient and hassle-free.

Are there any direct transportation options from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal?

Yes, there are direct transportation options available from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal, such as taxi services. These convenient and efficient modes of transport ensure a hassle-free journey between the two locations.

Can I take a taxi from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal?

Yes, you can take a taxi from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal. Taxi fares may vary, but it’s a convenient option. If you prefer alternative transportation, there are also buses and trains available.

Is there a shuttle service available between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal?

Yes, there is a shuttle service available between Haneda Airport and Yokohama cruise terminal. It is one of the convenient transportation options for travelers looking for a hassle-free way to reach their destination.

Are there any nearby attractions or activities in Yokohama that I can visit after arriving at Haneda Airport?

After landing at Haneda Airport, I’m excited to explore Yokohama’s nearby attractions. From trendy restaurants to vibrant shopping options, Yokohama offers a diverse range of experiences that will surely satisfy any traveler’s appetite for adventure.

Can you recommend any accommodations near Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal?

I recommend staying at Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo or InterContinental Yokohama Grand, both conveniently located near Haneda Airport and the Yokohama Cruise Terminal. Transportation options include taxis, buses, and trains.

What’s the best way to travel from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal?

When traveling from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Cruise Terminal, the best way is to take the airport limousine bus direct to the terminal. It’s a convenient and cost-effective option. For more travel tips, check out our cruise cabin types and considerations article for a smoother sailing experience.

In conclusion, traveling between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal is a breeze, thanks to the convenient transportation options available. Whether you choose to take a taxi, hop on a bus, or ride the train, you can reach your destination in no time.

Interestingly, did you know that the distance between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Cruise Terminal is approximately 22 kilometers? That’s equivalent to about 13.7 miles, ensuring a quick and hassle-free journey.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your seamless transition from the airport to your cruise adventure in Yokohama.

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Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Do you need a passport for a cruise? The answer is both yes and no.

Whether you need a passport depends on numerous factors, including where you embark and disembark the ship, where you're sailing to and which line you're cruising with. There's no definitive answer -- and it can be confusing.

If you're planning a cruise and have questions about where you can travel without a passport, here's everything you need to know before you go.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Where can I cruise without a passport?

If you're a U.S. citizen and don't have a passport, you actually have quite a few cruise options.

You may be surprised to learn that U.S. citizens don't need a passport to sail on "closed-loop" cruises with lines like Celebrity Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line , Carnival Cruise Line , Princess Cruises and others.

These voyages sail round trip from U.S. ports to destinations in North America such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico, Central America, Alaska and Hawaii. They depart from such home ports as Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, Galveston, Texas and New York City.

Related: Eastern vs. Western Caribbean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

The rules also apply to Caribbean islands that are U.S. territories. For instance, you won't need a passport to fly to and cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico , or St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

However, if you embark in one U.S. port and disembark in another, it's not the same as a closed-loop sailing. For example, a Panama Canal cruise that begins in Miami and ends in San Diego will require a passport. Longer cruises, like grand voyages, that sail round trip from the U.S. but visit countries outside North and Central America, will also require a passport.

Any cruises where you need to fly to or from a foreign country, including Canada, will necessitate a passport.

Are there exceptions for needing a passport on a closed-loop cruise?

Yes. Even if you're on a closed-loop sailing, certain islands in the Caribbean – Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barts, Barbados and others -- require a passport for entry. It's your responsibility (not your cruise line's) to learn the requirements of each of the destinations you're visiting before you go.

If you don't have a passport and your ship stops at one of these islands, you'll have to stay on board. If you want to cruise without a passport, choose itineraries where you know you can get off the ship and enjoy your day in port.

To make things even more confusing, you can get off the ship in port in Vancouver, British Columbia during an Alaska cruise without a passport, but to cross over into the Canadian province by rail, you'll need one. You can visit Alaska on a round-trip Seattle cruise without a passport. But if you wish to book a rail journey excursion on the White Pass & Yukon Route, which takes you from Alaska into Canada, choose the shorter White Pass Summit tour; you'll need a passport for the longer trips.

There are also exceptions when you're traveling with children. Princess Cruises and Holland America require that at least one parent carry a passport, even if you're on a closed-loop sailing. Some lines always require a passport for all travelers, no matter the itinerary, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara , Windstar Cruises , Silversea Cruises , Oceania Cruises and Seabourn .

What type of ID do you need to carry for a closed-loop cruise if you don't have a passport?

The U.S. Customs & Border Protection agency states that if you're cruising without a passport, you'll need proof of identity and U.S. citizenship in the form of a state-issued birth certificate. It also requires a government-issued driver's license or a photo ID with your name and date of birth.

Another option is a passport card , which is a photo ID issued by the government that proves your citizenship and permits border crossings by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. (This card cannot be used for international air travel and therefore costs less than the traditional passport book.)

An enhanced driver's license is another alternative that you can use for land and sea port crossings, but not for international flights.

If you don't have a passport, these documents may also be sufficient to show customs officials in some Caribbean islands. For example, if you disembark in St. Maarten (on the Dutch side) and then take a boat over to Anguilla on an excursion, you will need a passport, a certified birth certificate and photo ID, a passport card or an enhanced driver's license. St. Maarten doesn't require the documents, but Anguilla does.

It's best to check the requirements not just for each island that you'll be sailing to, but also to additional destinations you may visit on a port call. They may require different documentation for entry.

If you are cruising with kids under age 16 on a closed-loop cruise, you'll need to bring a certified copy of their original birth certificate for identification. They do not need a photo ID.

No matter which documents you bring, it's a smart idea to take copies of them (either paper ones or photos on your phone) when you leave the ship, in case something happens while you're ashore. Always carry some type of photo identification, like a driver's license, when you head into port.

What happens in case of an emergency if I don't have a passport?

If you had an emergency and were forced to disembark due to illness or other reason in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, the Bahamas, Bermuda or Canada you would need a passport to return home by plane. On the rare occasion of a ship evacuation or a diversion to another country to disembark, a passport would also be essential for getting home.

Related: 7 ways to prepare for any kind of travel disaster

If you find yourself without a passport but in need of one, you would need to contact and locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and request an emergency limited validity passport in order to fly home. The process requires explaining your urgent situation, completing an application, and showing your travel documents, photo identification and proof of citizenship.

You will also need to have a passport size photo taken and pay the required fees. While this type of passport can be issued within as little as a day, it could take up to a week to receive it.

Bottom line

Cruise lines recommend that every passenger have a passport when traveling, even on closed-loop cruises when one isn't strictly necessary. It's the best way to prove your identification and citizenship and is an essential item if you unexpectedly get stranded abroad. It's also less cumbersome than carrying the required documents and papers with you wherever you go.

There's no better time to apply for a passport than now. It can take eight to 11 weeks (expedited wait times are five to seven weeks) for a routine passport to be issued, so you always want to plan ahead.

The cost for a first-time passport holder is $165, plus the photo fee; the steep fee alone is why many Americans choose to go without one. The good news is that an adult passport is valid for 10 years – and you can travel to most places in the world with just a passport and no visa.

While it is possible to cruise without a passport, it's worth the peace of mind to know that you can get off the ship and do what you want to do while on vacation and then be able to get home again should anything unexpected happen. However, if you don't have a passport, or don't wish to get one, you can still cruise — you're just limited to North American cruises sailing round trip from U.S. departure ports.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Cruise Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

Kate H. Knapp

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Cruise passport requirements vary depending on the type of cruise you take as well as where the cruise will be sailing. Generally speaking, however, for most international cruises you’ll need either a passport book (valid beyond at least six months from departure date and containing at least two blank pages for entry stamps) or a passport card. The passport book is more expensive, but meets more of the cruise passport requirements for a larger set of destinations and circumstances, including air travel in case of an emergency.

Cruise Passport Requirements

If you’re not on a closed-loop cruise (a cruise that departs and returns from the same U.S. port), you’re required to travel with a passport that is valid at least six months beyond departure date and contains at least two blank pages for entry stamps.

If you’re taking a closed-loop cruise, you’re only required to travel with a birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID. But, it’s recommended that you travel with a passport card or passport book as well.

A passport card is more affordable than a passport book. And, because a passport card is less bulky (it’s similar in size to a driver’s license), it’s easier to carry more securely than a passport book. However, a passport card is only valid for land and sea border crossings between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. A passport book may be required in foreign ports on your itinerary and is mandatory for international flights (in case of an emergency). Therefore, a valid passport book is the most recommended and dependable form of identification in all cases of cruise travel.

How to Get a Passport for a Cruise

Apply for a passport as soon as you know you’ll be taking an international cruise. The cost will be greater if you apply for a passport within three weeks of travel time and need an expedited application. You can learn more about the requirements and documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport at USA.gov .

So, Do I Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

In summary: If your cruise itinerary takes you outside of the U.S., then yes, you will need a passport to take a cruise. However, depending on your itinerary, you may only need a passport card instead of a full passport book that is valid beyond six weeks from your departure date and contains at least two blank pages for entry stamps. In case of an emergency, however, the passport book is recommended as the passport card will not work for air travel.

Helpful Resources When Taking a Cruise

The U.S. Department of State provides smooth sailing with a handy Traveler’s Checklist of things to do for your next cruise, as well as passport recommendations and requirements.

Protect Your Passport

We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection.

On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once onboard, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the concierge front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the room but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock .

More from SmarterTravel:

5 Exotic Places Where You Don’t Need a Passport
How to Renew a Passport, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck—The Ultimate Guide
How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Find Out if You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise

Last updated: February 28th, 2022

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Figuring out if you need a passport to go on a cruise isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think. The answer largely depends on the destination of your cruise, which port you’re embarking and disembarking from, and which forms of ID you already have.

We always recommend you bring a U.S. passport onboard, regardless of your cruise itinerary. Traveling with a passport will always make your trip easier, especially if you encounter any unforeseen circumstances during your vacation, such as an unexpected stop at an unscheduled international port due to bad weather or a family emergency that would require you to book a last-minute plane ticket home.

That being said, if you’re a U.S. citizen and want to know if you need a passport to go on your upcoming cruise, we’ve compiled some useful information to help you figure out which specific destinations and cruise itineraries require you to bring a passport and which ones don’t.

Do you need a passport if you fly to an international cruise departure port?

If you’re doing any international air travel to get to your cruise, then you are required to bring a valid U.S. passport book in order to board the plane.

A U.S. passport book is a government-issued document that allows U.S. citizens to travel internationally by air, land, and sea.

A valid U.S. passport book is mandatory even if you’re flying to or from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean from the United States.

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to the Bahamas?

Colorful pastel houses and turquoise waters in Nassau, Bahamas

If you are cruising to the Bahamas from the U.S., the following documents are acceptable: passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.

If you are traveling to the Bahamas on a closed-loop cruise, which is a cruise that starts and ends at the same U.S. port, you may travel with a state-issued ID (such as a driver’s license) and an original U.S. birth certificate.

Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. Children under 19 can use these same documents only if they are traveling with a school, church group, sports team, or other organization with adult supervision.

Do you need a passport for a cruise to Mexico?

Tulum Mayan Ruins, Mexico with beautiful view of Caribbean sea

If you are planning a cruise to Mexico , make sure you bring one of the following documents: U.S. passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.

If you are cruising to Mexico on a closed-loop cruise, (a journey that starts and ends at the same U.S. port), you can enter without a passport and show a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate instead.

Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

Relaxing view of boardwalk with turquoise waters at The Caribbean

If you are cruising to the Caribbean , you will need to enter with either your U.S. passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.

If you are aboard a Caribbean closed-loop cruise, (a cruise that departs and ends at the same U.S. port), you can travel with a state-issued ID (for example: your driver’s license) and an original birth certificate. You must have both of these documents in order to be able to travel without a passport.

The following Caribbean countries require the above documentation: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks and Caicos.

Read: Best Beaches in Antigua

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to Alaska?

Celebrity Eclipse cruising towards Hubbard Glacier

Even though Alaska is part of the United States, most cruise itineraries will require you to travel with a U.S. passport.

If you’re on a cruise to Alaska that begins or ends in Canada, you are required to carry a passport book or passport card. (If you are traveling by plane to get to your departure port in Canada, you must travel with a U.S. passport book.)

If you’re traveling on a closed-loop cruise to Alaska that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, you can travel with a passport card or a state-issued ID (such as a driver’s license) and an original birth certificate.

Do you need a passport for a cruise to Hawaii?

Skyline of Honolulu Hawaii including Waikiki Beach

Even though Hawaii is a U.S. state, all of our cruise itineraries require you to travel with a U.S. passport book or card.

Our Hawaii cruise itineraries either depart or end in Canada, so U.S. citizens are required to bring a passport book or passport card. (If you are traveling by plane to get to your departure port in Canada or are flying back into the United States, you must travel with a U.S. passport book.)

Do you need a passport for a cruise to Bermuda?

King's Wharf, Bermuda surrounded by walls

If you are cruising to Bermuda , then you don’t necessarily need a U.S. passport book, but can use any of the following documents instead: U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST card), or an enhanced driver’s license.

If you take a closed-loop cruise to Bermuda, you can leave your passport at home and travel instead with a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate.

Regardless, we always recommend traveling with a U.S. passport book, in case there are any inconveniences during your trip.

What’s a passport card and should you get one?

If you’re traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, you can bring a U.S. passport card instead of a passport book. However, a passport card does not work for air travel into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean.

There are some advantages to traveling with a passport card rather than a passport book, mainly cost and portability. Currently, a passport card costs only $65 to issue, while issuing a passport book is $145. For adults, both are valid for 10 years before you need to renew them. For children under 16, both are valid for 5 years.

USA Passport and Passport Card on a table

Another benefit of a passport card is its smaller size. A passport book is 5” x 3.5” when closed and contains several pages, while a passport card can easily fit into a wallet, money belt, or pocket. (Just make sure it’s a secure pocket with a zipper so it doesn’t fall out.)

That being said, we always recommend bringing a valid passport book on your cruise. If you don’t make it back to your cruise ship on time after visiting a port, or if a family emergency requires you to fly back home from one of your cruise destinations, a passport card won’t allow you to travel on a plane. In case there are any unforeseen inconveniences, a passport book will always work as a valid travel document via air, land, and sea.

Do kids need a passport for cruises?

If children under the age of 16 are traveling internationally by air, they will need a valid U.S. passport.

If they are traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by sea on a cruise, they can travel with a U.S. passport, passport card, trusted traveler card, or an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. Children under 19 can use these same documents only if they are traveling with a school, church group, or other organization with adult supervision.

In addition, be sure to review other requirements for children, such as a signed and notarized letter from a missing parent if the child isn’t traveling with both parents, or a written letter of consent if the child is traveling as part of a group without an adult that is 21 or older.

When do you need a passport book to cruise?

You will always need a passport book if you are starting and ending your cruise in different ports. Even if your cruise starts and ends in U.S. cities, you will still be required to have a valid U.S. passport book in order to board.

Couple strolling near the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

You will also always need a passport book if you are traveling on a cruise that requires you to take an international flight to get to your departure port, such as those cruises departing from Europe, South America, or Asia. You won’t be able to board an international flight without a passport book.

If you are cruising to a destination not located within Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, you need to bring a U.S. passport book; a passport card will not be allowed as a valid travel document.

Even if you are traveling on a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends in the same port) to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, it is always recommended that you bring a passport book in case of an emergency or unforeseen situation that might require air travel.

Do you always need a passport card or passport booklet to cruise?

We always recommend carrying a passport book or a passport card while vacationing on a cruise. That being said, there are certain types of cruises where you’ll be able to board with other types of documentation if you do not have either a passport book or passport card.

Passport and Trusted Traveler card on a table

U.S. citizens traveling on closed-loop cruises to either Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean can travel with the following documentation:

U.S. passport book or card
Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, FAST)
Enhanced Driver’s License
An original copy of your government-issued birth certificate or naturalization certificate and a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license)

Should you bring a passport on closed-loop cruises?

While some cruises don’t require you to travel with a U.S. passport book, we always recommend you bring one on your trip, even on a closed-loop cruise . If you need to fly back to the United States during your cruise, you’ll only be able to board a plane with a passport book.

Guests with life jackets and hats preparing to go to an excursion in Galapagos Islands

If you happen to miss the ship’s departure time during an international excursion, it will be much harder to meet your ship in the next port without a passport book on you. (Keep in mind that a shore excursion booked through Celebrity Cruises will always guarantee you’ll make it back to your ship on time.)

Also some ports of call may require a passport to enter even if you don’t need one to board your cruise. It’s always wise to research your itinerary and find out what kind of documentation each country requires of U.S. citizens in order to enter.

What else should you know about cruising with a passport?

Having a passport doesn’t mean your vacation is a go yet. You’ll also want to double check when your passport expires, as many countries require a passport to be valid for six months after the date of your planned departure. If you’re on a cruise, this means making sure your passport is still valid for another six months following the last day of the cruise.

Another thing you’ll want to check is the amount of blank pages in your passport. You should have at least one blank page for each country you’re visiting. If you don’t have enough pages left for stamps, you’ll need to renew your passport before your trip.

One major advantage of traveling on a cruise is that international customs are mostly handled for you. Before boarding, you’ll provide your passport number and other applicable information to the cruise line, which then provides this information to customs authorities in the international ports of call you’ll visit. Once this is arranged, you’ll simply get off the ship and enjoy your destination without having to go through customs each time. However, you should always double check what the passport protocol is for the cruise ports you’re visiting.

Visa application papers including a passport

It is also your responsibility to obtain any necessary visas you may need during your cruise. Be sure to research the visa requirements for each country you’ll be visiting during your itinerary. You’ll also be in charge of any fees relating to the visa.

Note: For some itineraries, the cruise line may hold onto your passport during the duration of your trip in order to expedite the clearance formalities at each port of call. In those cases, we recommend making color photocopies of your passport to carry with you during visits to international ports.

How do you keep your passport safe on a cruise?

Woman putting passport inside her belt bag

The most popular way to keep your passport safe while on a cruise is to store it inside a money belt or passport necklace. A money belt is a soft pouch with a zipper that can fit your passport, some cash, and a couple of credit cards. The pouch is connected to a belt that sits comfortably around your waist.

A passport necklace is similar, but is worn around your neck and inside your shirt instead. It’s not usually as discreet as a money belt, but is often more convenient and allows for easier access to your travel documents and money.

Traveling with a passport cover is also wise since it helps to keep your passport in pristine condition. Some countries won’t accept a damaged passport in customs.

What if you lose your passport during a cruise?

Old couple talking to Guest Relations representative

If you lose your passport while on a cruise, the first thing you need to do is notify the nearest U.S. consulate in order to get a replacement passport issued. Also, contact the guest relations department on your cruise ship so they can provide guidance on how to handle the rest of your cruise before you get your replacement passport.

If you lose your passport on the ship, you should fill out a lost property report with the guest relations department on board.

To help eliminate any chance of losing your passport while on the ship, we recommend keeping it in your stateroom or suite. The in-room safes are easy to use and will keep your passport in a secure place at all times. When you’re on your cruise, there is no need to carry a passport on you since you’ll use your Sea Pass card for all transactions.

Grab That Passport and Book Your Cruise!

Do you have all the right documentation in place for your preferred cruise itinerary? Then you’re all set to book your cruise and start a wonderful vacation. Browse our cruise itineraries or call one of our vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086 to get started.

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Requirements And Information

Required Documentation
Domestic Airline Travel ID Requirements for US Citizens
Cruising and/or flying through Canada
Visa Requirements

Travel Documentation Resources

Age requirements for travel, travel sanctions and regulations, required travel documentation and information for cruise holidays, required travel documentation.

Carefully read the documentation that each guest must present at the pier prior to boarding. Travel to some destinations may require special visas and travel authorizations before the cruise. If travelling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different visa or travel requirements, whilst we attempt to provide you with most up to date information below, we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be travelling to throughout your journey to familiarise yourself with their requirements. Please visit Norwegian Cruise Line global visa support centre for additional visa requirements for your cruise by clicking here .

For vaccination requirement details, please visit Sail Safe .

For country specific requirements, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country .

Travel Visa Requirements

Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with VisaCentral to provide our guests with comprehensive, accurate information regarding travel visas. Some of VisaCentral’s guest travel services include visa application kits and assistance with obtaining other visas where required. Visit the Global Visa Support Centre on the VisaCentral ( http://visacentral.com/Norwegian-cruise-line-splash?login=103407 ) page for assistance with visa applications.

United States Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) - for Citizens of Visa Waiver Programme Countries (VWP) Entering the United States Per the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) requirements, all VWP travellers must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ESTA) prior to boarding a travel carrier to enter the United States. This can be done by completing the online application on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. However, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. Passport holders from the below countries with biometric passports are eligible to participate in the US Visa Waiver Programme: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom All passport holders from the above countries must be able to present a valid ESTA or US Visa before boarding a cruise that starts, visits, or ends in the United States. Any person unable to do so will be denied boarding.

Schengen Visas - for Entry to the European Union for Applicable Nationalities The Schengen Agreement (effective March 26, 1995) is an agreement between several member states of the European Union (EU) to remove immigration controls for travel within their collective territories. This creates a "borderless" region known as the Schengen Area , which changes the procedures for entering, connecting or travelling between any of the Schengen States. Click here for more information.

There are four types of Schengen visas; Type C is the one typically needed by passengers, which can be issued by any one of the Schengen states and is valid for all the others. Due to the type of itineraries in Europe, The Schengen Agreement maintains that certain nationalities require a visa to enter the EU zone. Guests who are not US, Canadian, or European nationals are strongly encouraged to contact the nearest EU-member country embassy to determine if a Schengen visa is necessary.

Some European itineraries require a Multiple Entry Schengen visa because the ship leaves and re-enters the Schengen Zone.

Asia, Australia and South America Itineraries For sailings that visit Asia, Australia, and South America, a specific visa may be required for entry. Some must be obtained in advance; some can be obtained onboard; some will be handled by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Please visit Visa Central for support with obtaining these required visas.

Visas must be obtained in advance of departure if your cruise is visiting any of the destinations listed below.

Visas for the following countries will be obtained for U.S. and Canadian passport holders with the help of the cruise line while you are onboard. Costs may be associated with the processing of arrival visas. Any fees related to securing these visas will be charged to your onboard account."

Cuba ( click here for more info)

Contact VisaCentral for more information or for assistance with obtaining any visas that are required in advance of your cruise.

Visa Requirements for American Samoa

All guests of any nationality are welcome to go ashore whilst in transit in American Samoa ports, there are no visa requirements before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Angola

In transit guests visiting as a port of call do not require a visa before or during the cruise.

Passport holders from the below listed countries between the ages of 9 months and 60 years are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate , without it guests will be detained onboard.

Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Congo Republic, Cote d’ Ivory, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French-Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, and Venezuela

Visa Requirements for Argentina

Passport holders from the below listed countries do not require a visa for Argentina. Passport holders from all other countries not mentioned below will require a visa prior to the cruise issued by an Argentinean embassy or consulate. Guests without a valid visa will be denied boarding on embarkation day. It is not an option to remain onboard in Argentinean ports without a visa.

Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia Republic, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Mónaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Perú, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts And Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa (Ex Samoa Occidental), Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia Rep., Somalía, South Sudan, Sudan Rep., Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vanuatu, and Vatican City

The below nationalities may be eligible for AVE Electronic Travel Authorisation if they meet certain requirements:

Albania, Angola, Antigua And Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Rep, China, Dem. Rep. Congo, Congo, Rep. Pop., Côte D`Ivoire (Costa De Marfil), Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Rep, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (Swaziland), Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall, Islands, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Níger, Oman, Palau, Papúa New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines, Salomon Islands, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Republic Serbia, Seychelles, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, and Zambia.

If the above nationals do not have a valid AVE Electronic Travel Authorisation they will require a visa issued by an Argentinean embassy or consulate prior to the cruise or be denied boarding on embarkation day.

Under the MERCOSUR agreement the following nationalities may travel with a Cedula or National ID that is valid and in good condition:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Visa Requirements for Australia

Anyone who does not carry a passport from Australia or New Zealand must have an Australian visa to go on any cruise that calls to an Australian port or they cannot sail.

Passport holders from the following countries are eligible to apply for the ETA via the app on their own. Third parties, like Visa Central cannot assist with the app set up as it has to be done on the mobile phone the applicant takes with them on the trip.

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States and Vatican City.

The Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is only available via an APP on your mobile device. This was introduced by the Government of Australia following the pandemic. The APP can be found in Apple APP store, ANDROID, or where you normally find APPS for your device. Here are some instructions on the APP for Australia ETA:

Once you download the app be sure to have your passport with you when you start the eVisa application process.
The App requires that the physical passport is scanned. The Passport Chip and Info Page scan line is read in real-time.
In addition to providing a scan of passport you will need to take a photo and answer a series of questions.
Cost is $20 paid on the APP. Fee is set by Australia government and subject to change
APP validity is typically multi entry, one-year validity with stay of up to 3 months. Please note, visa validity is always at the discretion of the Consulate.

All other nationalities not mentioned above must apply for a visitor visa that can be applied for using this link https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit

The cost for the visa is up to AUD150
The stay is granted for up to 12 months

Visa Requirements for Bahrain

Visa requirements for bermuda.

Based on Bermuda's immigration regulations, some passengers may require a visa to visit the country. Effective March 1st, 2014, guests who require a visa for Bermuda may enter Bermuda visa-free as long as they have a valid multiple-entry U.S. visa or U.S. Residence Card.

Learn More About Visas

Visa Requirements for Brazil

*Starting April 10th, 2024, passport holders from Australia, Canada, Japan, and United States will require an eVisa to enter Brazil. The eVisa must be obtained in advance and will take up to 5 working days to process. The application process is done online and can be found on this website https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/ .

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Brazil from an embassy or consulate before the cruise:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Australia*, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada*, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of the Cook Islands, Côte 'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, East Timor, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Japan*, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United States*, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Under the MERCOSUR agreement the following nationalities may travel with a Cedula or National ID that is valid and in good condition on sailings that remain in South America:

Visa Requirements for Brunei Darussalam

All foreign passengers must hold a passport with remaining validity of at least 6 months as of the date of entry.

All passengers are required to fill out and submit an Electronic Arrival Declaration Form for Brunei before embarking on any cruise that visits Brunei Darussalam.

Brunei Electronic Declaration (imm.gov.bn)

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in Brunei:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Laos, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Thailand, The Principality of Liechtenstein, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

Passport holders from the below countries will be charged $20 per person for a Brunei visa upon arrival into ports in Brunei Darussalam. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Brunei visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard.

Australia, Bahrain, China, Kuwait, Qatar, Taiwan

Passport holders from all other counties must have a visa for Brunei from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Cambodia

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Cambodia:

Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam

Passport holders from the below countries will be charged $30 per person for a Cambodian visa upon arrival into Cambodian ports. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Cambodian visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Cambodian ports.

Albania, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Dem Rep of Congo, Rep of Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Passport holders from the below countries and any countries not mentioned above require a visa from a Cambodian embassy or consulate.

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan

Please note that electronic visas "e-visas" obtained online are only valid to enter Cambodia by air or land. These visas cannot be used to enter Cambodia by sea onboard cruise ships.

Visa Requirements for Canada

Click here for more information on Cruising and/or flying through Canada.

Visa Requirements for Cape Verde

Visa requirements for chile.

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Chile before the cruise. To apply for a Chilean visa please visit https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/Solicitudes/visa.aspx . Guests without a visa for Chile will be denied boarding on embarkation day. It is not an option to remain onboard whilst the ship is in Chilean ports:

Afghanistan, Angola, Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, China, Comoros Islands, Congo, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, East Timor, Ethiopia, Philippines, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mozambique, Myanmar, Morocco, Maldives, Mauritius, Micronesia, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papa New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Korea, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa Requirements for Colombia

Passports are required for all sailings that visit Cartagena as a port of call.

Canadian passport holders that embark or disembark in Cartagena will be charged a fee of CAD $85 by local immigration authorities. This fee does not apply to in transit guests visiting as a port of call.

Visa Requirements for Dominican Republic

Guests that are in transit and visiting Dominican Republic as a port of call only, do not require a visa to go ashore.

The following requirements are for guests that are embarking the ship in La Romana, Dominican Republic only.

All foreign and Dominican passengers entering or leaving Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the free electronic entry and exit form, which combines the Traveller's Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms. The form is available in different languages and can be accessed through the following link: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do . It must be complete up to 72 hours before the flight. This form is not required for transit guests.
Passport holders from the below countries are required to pay for a tourist card at the port of embarkation at La Romana under the following circumstances. If a guest flies into the Dominican Republic, and is in the country for over 24 hours when they board the ship, they will have to purchase a tourist card from authorities at the cruise terminal. The cost is $20 USD or 20 Euros which has to be paid in cash. They only accept these two currencies. If a guest is disembarking in La Romana and remaining in the Dominican Republic for more than 24 hours, they need to purchase a tourist card from authorities in the cruise terminal for $10 USD or 10 Euros cash. They only accept these two currencies. American Samoa, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba*, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadalupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Holland, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Hawaii, Ireland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Marshall Islands, Salomon Islands, Italy, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mauricio, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau Island, Panama, Papa New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, San Marino, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Scotland, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Thailand, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Turks & Caicos, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, US Virgin Islands, Vatican City, Vanuatu, Venezuela.
Passport holders from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Peru, Uruguay do not require a visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.
Passport holders from Cuba and Haiti must be a valid United States Green Card holder to be eligible for the tourist card. Without a valid Green Card, those nationalities will require a visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.
Passport holders from all other nationalities not mentioned in the above categories, will require a visa to enter Dominican Republic from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Ecuador

All foreign passengers must hold a passport with remaining validity of at least 6 months as of the date of departure.

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Ecuador from an embassy or consulate before embarking a cruise visiting Ecuador.

Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, , Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Iran, Ivory Coast, Kenia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Chad, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea Bissau, Republic of Kyrgyzstan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

Passport holders from all other counties may visit Ecuador as port of call without a visa.

Visa Requirements for Egypt

Israeli passport holders require a visa for Egypt before the cruise.

No other nationalities require a visa to visit Egyptian ports by sea on a cruise ship. Some nationalities, such as Canadians, require a visa to fly to Egypt, but do not require a visa if entering Egypt by sea.

Visa Requirements for Faroe Islands

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Faroe Islands from an embassy or consulate before the cruise. Visas on arrival are not available, therefore any guest who does not have a valid visa before the cruise will be detained onboard whilst the ship is in Faroe Islands' ports. Please note Schengen visa is not sufficient for entry into Faroe Islands. Entry requires a visa specifically for Faroe Islands if the nationality is on the visa-required list below.

Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina*, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia*, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova*, Mongolia, Montenegro*, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia*, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan (citizens with a passport issued which contains an identity card number are exempt from the visa requirement), Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine*, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

*Only biometric passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement.

Visa Requirements for Falkland Islands

In transit guests visiting as a port of call do not require a visa for Falkland Islands before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Fiji

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Fiji:

Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cook islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Germany, Micronesia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Vatican, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Nauru, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, Marshall Islands, Romania, Russia, Samoa, Serbia, Slovakia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom & Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Passport holders from all other nationalities not mentioned above are eligible to apply for a visa on arrival. The visa cost is $99 and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already posses a visa for Fiji. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Fiji ports.

Visa Requirements for French Polynesia

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in French Polynesia ports. Passport holders from all other countries not listed below will require a visa for French Polynesia prior to the cruise.

Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Cyprus, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, St. Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Marteen, St. Vincent and the grenadines, Salomon Islands, Western Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timon, Tonga, Tuvalu, Trinidad & Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam

Visa Requirements for Gambia

Passport holders not mentioned in the below category will require a visa on arrival to go ashore in Gambia. Guests will be charged $150 USD per person for the visa. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Gambia visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Gambia ports.

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in ports in Gambia:

Algeria, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine.

Visa Requirements for Greenland

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Greenland from an embassy or consulate before the cruise. Visas on arrival are not available, therefore any guest who does not have a valid visa before the cruise will be detained onboard whilst the ship is in Greenland ports. Please note Schengen visa is not sufficient for entry into Greenland. Entry requires a visa specifically for Greenland if the nationality is on the visa-required list below.

Visa requirements for Guadeloupe

Passport holders from the following countries will require a visa to go ashore in Guadeloupe: Algeria, China, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Montenegro, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine.

These restricted nationalities must hold a resident card from a European country, a Schengen visa issued by French authorities or a valid visa from the United States. Guests without a visa will be detained onboard and unable to go ashore whilst the ship is in Guadeloupe.

Passport holders from all other nationalities not mentioned above do not require a visa to cruise.

Visa Requirements for Ireland

Passport holders from the below listed countries do not require a visa to go ashore in Irish ports. Passport holders from all other countries not mentioned below will require a visa prior to the cruise issued by an Irish embassy or consulate. Guests without a valid visa will be denied boarding on embarkation day. It is not an option to remain onboard in Irish ports without a visa. A Schengen visa or United Kingdom visa is not valid for travel to Ireland.

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City

Certain nationalities may be eligible for the visa waiver programme if they meet certain requirements, these include the following nationalities Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Montenegro, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, India, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

Visa Requirements for Israel

Passport holders from the following countries will require a visa from an Israeli embassy or consulate before the cruise:

Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros Island, Congo, Cook Island, Cuba, Djibouti, Dubai, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kirghizstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Laos, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Reunion Island, Rwanda, Samoa, St. Thomas, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra ¬¬Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Israel before or during the cruise:

Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Antilles, Argentina, Austria, St. Kitts & Nevis, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Falkland, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Georgia, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Lesotho, Macau, Macedonia, Malta, Malawi, Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Guinea, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Suriname, Taiwan, Turks and Caicos, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City.

Passport holders from the following countries are restricted from entering Israel. Guests from these countries are not allowed to go ashore and must remain onboard whilst the ship is in Israeli ports:

Aden, Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen.

Nationalities not mentioned in the above categories above must obtain a visa from an Israeli Embassy or Consulate prior to their cruise. Guests who do not possess the Israel visa must remain onboard in Israeli ports.

Visa Requirements for India

Anyone who does not hold a passport from India requires a visa to visit Indian ports. The visa can be an embassy-issued visa sticker or an electronic visa. Both types of visas must be obtained in advance, prior to the beginning of the cruise. Anyone who requires an Indian visa and is unable to present one at check in on embarkation day will be denied boarding. The e-Tourist Visa can be arranged online, please refer to this website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html to submit the application.

Visa Requirements for Indonesia

Passport holders from the below countries do not require a visa to visit Indonesia:

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam

Passport holders from the below countries require an e-voa or an Electronic Visa upon Arrival for Indonesia. This visa is mandatory and can be applied for here starting 60 days prior to entry into Indonesia. This visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard and must be applied for and received prior to sailing. E-VOA must be printed to be considered valid.

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hongkong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, and Vatican

Passport holders of the following countries require an Indonesian visa from an Indonesian embassy or consulate prior to sailing. Anyone who requires a visa for Indonesia and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day.

Afghanistan, Congo, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen

Passport holders from all countries not listed above require an Indonesian E-visa arranged online at the below website or through an Indonesian embassy or consulate prior to sailing. Anyone who requires a visa for Indonesia and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day. E-Visa must be printed to be considered valid.

https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/

Visa Requirements for Ivory Coast

In transit guests do not require a visa to go ashore before or during the cruise.

Guests over the age of 9 months and of any nationality are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate , without it guests will be denied boarding. A medical waiver will be accepted in lieu of the yellow fever vaccine.

Visa Requirements for Japan

Please refer to this website for the most updated visa policies to visit Japan by cruise ship. Anyone who requires a Japanese visa and is unable to present one at check in on embarkation day will be denied boarding. This visa cannot be arranged onboard the ship. It must be done through a Japanese embassy or consulate prior to sailing.

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Visa Requirements for Jordan

All guests of any nationality are welcome to go ashore whilst in transit in Jordan ports, there are no visa requirements before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Kenya

Passport holders from the below countries will be charged $55 USD per person for a Mombasa visa upon arrival into ports in Kenya:

Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil. Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Egypt, El Salvador, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Guyana, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Hong Kong, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malagasy, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldovia, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Palau Pacific Isles, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States, United kingdom, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

All guests of any nationality are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate , without it guests will be detained onboard. A medical waiver will be accepted in lieu of the yellow fever vaccine.

Visa Requirements for Madagascar

A visa is not required to visit Madagascar by cruise; this applies to all nationalities.

Visa Requirements for Malaysia

Israeli passport holders are prohibited from entering Malaysia and must remain onboard in all Malaysian ports.

All passengers are required to fill out and submit an Online Arrival Card for Malaysia before entering Malaysia by plane or ship starting 3 days prior to entry. Passengers should submit this form at the below website before embarkation where applicable: Malaysia Online Arrival Card (imigresen-online.imi.gov)

Passport holders from the below listed countries require a visa to embark or debark in Malaysia:

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo Democratic Republic, Congo Republic, Cote D'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, India, Liberia, Mali, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Western Sahara

Passport holders from the below listed countries and guests who have visited or passed through the below countries are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate in order to be given clearance to go ashore in Malaysian ports, without it guests will be detained onboard:

Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Cameroon, Central Afrika Republic, Chad, Congo, Djibouti, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Suriname, Somalia, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela, Zambia, Zaire, United Republic Of Tanzania

Visa Requirements for Martinique

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Martinique before the cruise. A valid Schengen visa, United States visa or a Canadian visa is accepted to go ashore in Martinique. Any guest without the visa is required to remain onboard whilst the ship is in Martinique ports.

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Belarus, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bhutan, Brunei, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia*, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldovia*, Mongolia, Montenegro*, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Papua-New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Serbia*, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine*, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

* Only biometric passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement.

Visa Requirements for Mauritius

If you are booked on a cruise that starts or ends in Mauritius, please read carefully the following visa requirements for your entry to Mauritius.

Passport holders from the below countries require a visa for Mauritius before the cruise from an embassy or consulate:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Laos, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestinian State, Saharawi Republic, Somalia, Yemen.

Passport holders from the below countries will require a visa for Mauritius. If you are booked on a cruise that begins in Mauritius, this visa can be obtained at the airport. If you are booked on a cruise that ends in Mauritius, this visa is eligible to purchase on arrival for $80 USD per person. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Mauritius visa.

Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cameroon, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Palau, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam.

All other nationalities not mentioned in the above categories do not require a visa before or during the cruise.

Visa requirements for Morocco

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in ports in Morocco:

Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgari, Burkina-Faso, Cote D’lvoire, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Colombia, Congo, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Gabon, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Hungary, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Mali, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Niger, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Portugal, Netherlands, Philippines, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, St. Marteen, Senegal, Singapore, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

Passport holders from countries not mentioned above will require a visa for Morocco from an embassy or consulate before the cruise. Guests without the visa must remain onboard whilst the ship is in Moroccan ports.

Visa Requirements for Mozambique

Passport holders from Canada, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Israel, United States of America, Russia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Netherland, United Kingdom, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Finland, Indonesia, Ireland, Singapore, Ghana, Senegal, German, France, Italy, China, Portugal and Ukraine will be charged $30 USD for the arrival visa.

All other passport holders from nationalities not mentioned above will be charged $90 USD for the arrival visa.

Visa Requirements for Namibia

Passport validity of 6 months is strictly enforced.

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in ports in Namibia:

Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Finland France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

All other nationalities not mentioned above require a visa for Namibia before the cruise from an embassy or consulate. Guests without a visa may remain onboard with no penalty.

Passport holders from the below listed countries and guests who have visited or passed through the below countries are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate, without it guests will be detained onboard.

Visa Requirements for New Caledonia

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for New Caledonia:

Albania*, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia*, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominique Islands, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Georgia*, Great Britain, Greece, Grenade, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia*, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova*, Monaco, Montenegro*, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Marianne Islands, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Salvador, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles Islands, Singapore, Solomon Island, South Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Christophe & Nieves, St. Marteen, Vatican City, St. Vincent, St. Lucie, Switzerland, Sweden, Timor Eastern, Tonga Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu Islands, Ukraine*, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu Islands, Venezuela. *Only holders of biometric passports do not require a visa

Passport holders from all nationalities not listed above require a visa for New Caledonia issued either, by a French embassy or a Schengen Visa issued by a French embassy, before the cruise. Guests without a valid visa will be detained onboard whilst the ship is in ports in New Caledonia.

Visa Requirements for New Zealand

All passengers debarking in New Zealand are required to download the New Zealand Travel Declaration App "NZTD" and fill out the privacy policy before embarkation. 24 hours before departing the last port before entering New Zealand, all guests will be required to fill out and submit the full travel declaration form on the "NZTD" app. Any guests unable to access the app may use the below website to fill out the and submit the New Zealand Travel Declaration.

New Zealand Travel Declaration Website

The government of New Zealand has recently launched an electronic visa called the NZeTA that will be required for all guests not holding New Zealand or Australian passports to obtain prior to their cruise.

The NZeTA visa will be available for purchase via New Zealand's immigration website, or their mobile app, called NZeTA. Guests will also have to pay what is called the International Visitor Conservation And Tourism Levy (IVL) which is done at the same time as the visa application.

NZeTA visa will cost 9 NZD if purchased via the mobile app, and will cost 12 NZD if purchased via the website. The IVL will cost 35 NZD, and price remains the same whether purchased through the mobile app or website. Therefore, total cost will be either 44 NZD or 47 NZD per person to get both the NZeTA and IVL.

WHO NEEDS THE NZeTA VISA?

All guests who do not hold passports from New Zealand or Australia require the NZeTA visa to enter New Zealand by sea (for cruises that start and end in Sydney). Australian permanent residents who do not hold Australian passports also require the NZeTA. All nationalities are eligible to enter New Zealand by sea on a ship with the NZeTA. However, only the visa waiver countries can obtain an NZeTA visa to enter New Zealand by air (for cruises that start in Auckland). Guests from all nationalities that are not part of the visa waiver programme (except for New Zealand and Australian passport holders) must get a visitor visa to enter New Zealand by air. This is a separate visa that is also obtained online.

All guests MUST have the NZeTA or visitor visa in order to take any cruise that visits New Zealand ports. It is not an option to detain a guest onboard in New Zealand ports if they do not have the required visa. For cruises that begin in Sydney, we will check for the NZeTA confirmation email from every guest at check in so please print or have the confirmation email available on your phone. Anyone who has not yet applied can do so at the pier, but will not be boarded if they do not receive approval before the ship sails.

Click here to view countries and territories that are visa waiver countries.

HOW LONG IT TAKES TO GET THE VISA:

It is recommended that everyone applies for the NZeTA at least 72 hours prior to travel, as it can take up to 72 hours for the visa to be approved for certain individuals.

Guests who are flying into New Zealand (for cruises beginning in Auckland) who are not from visa waiver countries, must get a New Zealand visitor visa prior to travel. This visitor visa is now obtained online by all nationalities, and it takes an average of 14 working days to be processed. The visitor visa can also be used to enter New Zealand by sea, so if a guest already has a visitor visa and is entering New Zealand by sea, it is not necessary for them to also get an NZeTA.

More information on the NZeTA can be found at www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta .

Visa Requirements for Nicaragua

Guests from the following countries require a visa to go ashore in Nicaraguan ports. If a guest does not have a visa, immigration in Nicaragua may allow the guest to go ashore if they purchase a visa for $64 USD. It is not guaranteed that the option will be given for guests to purchase a visa upon arrival to Nicaragua.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, China, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Timor Leste, Vietnam, Yemen

Guests from the following countries must have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate in order to go ashore in Nicaraguan ports, unless they are permanent residents of another country, not mentioned below.

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, and all African countries except Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia and Tanzania.

Visa Requirements for Norway

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to enter Norway. All other nationalities not mentioned below are required to hold a valid Schengen visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise:

Albania (applies to holders of biometric passports), Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda (BDTC passports), Bosnia and Herzegovina (applies to holders of biometric passports), Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia (applies to holders of biometric passports), Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Korea (Republic of), Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro (applies to holders of biometric passport), Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (applies to holders of biometric passports), Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, the Seychelles, Serbia (applies to holders of biometric passport), Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine (applies to holders of biometric passport), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, United States, and Venezuela

Do I Need a Visa for Norway? - UDI

Visa Requirements for Oman

Guests of all nationalities except for Israel will receive a visa upon arrival to Oman arranged by the shipboard team. If the ship is in Oman for only one day, the visa is free of charge. If the ship is in Oman for 48 hours or more, the visa cost is $29 per person, which will be charged automatically to all guests' onboard accounts. The visa cost will not be waived for guests who choose to remain onboard in Oman.

Visa Requirements for Peru

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Peru:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cook Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Granada, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Holly See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Lithuania, Lichtenstein, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Malta, Malaysia, Marshal Islands, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, Niue, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Salomon Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Tongo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, UK, Uruguay, and Vanuatu

Passport holders from all other counties must have a visa for Peru from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Philippines

All passengers are required to fill out and submit an Electronic Travel Declaration Form before entering the Philippines by Plane or Ship starting 6 days prior to entry into the Philippines. Passengers should submit this form at the below website before embarkation where applicable.

eTravel - Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System

Passport holders from the below countries do not require a visa to visit the Philippines.

Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d' Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea (ROK), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Indian nationals with a valid Australian, Japanese, American, Canadian, Schengen, Singaporean or UK visa or permanent residence permit and Chinese nationals from mainland China with valid Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen or US visa do not require a visa to visit the Philippines.

Passport holders from all countries not mentioned above require a visa obtained from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Qatar

Passport holders from the below countries will receive a visa on arrival. For guests arriving by ship, the cost for visa on arrival is $75 USD per person:

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Brunei, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Ecuador, Finland, France, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Germany, Greece, Georgia, Guyana, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Malaysia, Malta, Macau, Macedonia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Turkey, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela.

For all other nationalities not mentioned above a visa will be required for Qatar, please visit https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/practical-info/visas/visa-details for more information on how to apply for a visa.

Visa Requirements for Reunion Island

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Reunion Island before or during the cruise. All other nationalities not mentioned below will require a visa before the cruise from an embassy or consulate. Any guest without a visa for Reunion Island will be detained onboard:

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Brunei, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenade, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, St. Kitts and Nevis, Vatican, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marina, Seychelles, South Africa, East Timor, Taiwan*, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Uruguay, Ukraine, United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu.

Passport holders from China and India are eligible for a visa voucher in lieu of a visa provided by an approved travel agency only. The visa voucher must be valid for the duration of the stay in Reunion Island. Please find the list of approved travel agencies attached.

Visa Requirements for Samoa

All guests of any nationality are welcome to go ashore in ports in Samoa, there are no visa requirements before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Sao Tome

Passport holders from the below countries do not require a visa to go ashore in Sao Tome ports:

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United States.

All other nationalities not mentioned above will require a visa upon arrival, the cost of the visa is $50 USD per person. The ship will process the visa on your behalf and charge your onboard account.

Guests of any nationality over the age of 9 years old are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate , without it guests will be detained onboard. A medical waiver will be accepted in lieu of the yellow fever vaccine.

Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabia

If you are booked on a cruise that visits Saudi Arabia as port of call, please read carefully the following visa requirements to go ashore. Passport validity of 6 months is strictly enforced.

Passport holders from Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Syrian nationals are prohibited from entering Saudi Arabia and must remain onboard whilst the ship is in Saudi Arabian ports. These passport holders are not eligible to apply for e-visa or visa on arrival.

Passport holders from all nationalities not mentioned in the above category are required to apply for e-visa. Eligible guests must apply for the e-visa online before the cruise using this website https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/LoginIndividuals . E-visa transit by sea, starts at just USD $25 and payment is taken online whilst completing your application. For comprehensive visa application guidelines, please refer to the attached document:

Passport holders from the following countries are eligible to purchase a visa on arrival at a cost of $128 USD per person. Guests holding a valid and used US, Schengen, or UK visas are eligible for a visa on arrival. We encourage all eligible guests to apply for the e-visa instead because the cost for the visa on arrival is significantly more expensive.

Australia, Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brunei, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Saudi Arabia before or during the cruise:

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates.

Guests without the visa may remain onboard with no penalty.

Visa Requirements for Senegal

Passport holders from the below countries will require a visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise to go ashore. Guests without the visa must remain onboard.

Afghanistan, Albania, Antigua & Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belize, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bhutan, Chile, China, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Eritrea, Georgia, Guyana, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Maldives, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sao Tome & Principe, Serbia, Somalia, Sudan, Southern Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

Passport holders from the following countries will receive a visa on arrival at no cost to go ashore.

Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Gabon, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lesotho, Libya, Lichtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Switzerland, Suriname, Swaziland, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Passport holders from the following countries will not require a visa before or during the cruise to go ashore.

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Canada, Cape-Verde, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Germany, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, India, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Liberia, Malta, Mali, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Togo, Tunisia, United States of America, United Kingdom.

Passport holders not mentioned in the above categories will require a visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

The yellow fever vaccine is no longer mandatory but it is recommended by the local health authorities to go ashore.

Visa Requirements for Seychelles

A visa is not required to visit Seychelles by cruise. This applies to all nationalities.

Visa Requirements for Singapore

All passengers are required to fill out and submit an Electronic Arrival Card before entering Singapore by Plane or Ship starting 3 days prior to entry. Passengers should submit this form at the below website before embarkation where applicable. ICA | SG Arrival Card

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Singapore from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen.

Passport holders from China, Hong Kong, India, and Taiwan may be eligible to enter Singapore without a visa if they meet both the below conditions:

Have a valid onward air/ferry/cruise ticket departing Singapore within 96 hours.

Have a valid visa or long-term pass issued by Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or United States of America.

Passport holders from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Georgia, Turkmenistan and Ukraine may be eligible to enter Singapore visa free if they have a valid onward air ticket departing within 96 hours of entry. This only applies if departing Singapore by air, if departing Singapore by land or sea a visa from an embassy or consulate must be obtained before the cruise.

Passport holders from all nationalities not mentioned above do not require a visa to go to Singapore.

ICA | Check if You Need an Entry Visa

Visa Requirements for South Africa

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for South Africa issued from an embassy or consulate prior to the cruise. Passport holders not mentioned below will require a visa for South Africa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise. Any guest who requires a South African visa and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day.

Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados. Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guyana, Henderson, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Qatar, South Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa Requirements for South Korea

Passport holders from the below countries may be eligible for the K-ETA Electronic Travel Authorisation programme if they meet certain requirements. The below nationalities must have a K-ETA or South Korean visa issued from an embassy or consulate before the cruise if embarking or disembarking in South Korea.

Albania, Andorra, Antigua-Barbuda, Argentina, Australia*, Austria*, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium*, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada*, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark*, Dominica, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland*, France*, Germany*, Greece, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong*, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy*, Jamaica, Japan*, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao*, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands*, New Caledonia, New Zealand*, Nicaragua, Norway*, Oman, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland*, Portugal, Qatar, Republic Of Serbia, Romania, Russia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore*, Slovak, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain*, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Surinam, Sweden*, Switzerland, Taiwan*, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, U.A.E, United Kingdom*, United States*, Uruguay, and Venezuela

Passport holders from all other counties must have a visa for South Korea from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

*South Korea has provided the below 22 countries with a temporary exemption from the K-ETA from April 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024.

Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macau, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States

Official Notice of K-ETA Exemption

Visa Requirements for Sri Lanka

All passengers are required to obtain an electronic ETA visa prior to arrival to Sri Lanka. This visa is free of charge and must be obtained online at least 48 hours in advance. Anyone who does not obtain the ETA visa in advance must remain onboard in Sri Lankan ports. This visa must be obtained using this link http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ and click on “Transit ETA” to complete application.

Visa Requirements for Taiwan

Please refer to this website for a list of countries that do not require a visa for Taiwan.

Passport holders from Hong Kong, Macau, UK overseas must obtain a Taiwan Entry & Exit permit. There are different documents required depending on the place of birth and/or residence.

Chinese (People’s Republic of China) Passport holder must obtain Taiwan Entry & Exit Permit before boarding cruise, on-line entry permit is not available.

The below documents are required to enter Taiwan:

PRC Passport with validity at least 6 months after enter Taiwan
PRC Travel pass to Taiwan
Entry & Exit Permit Taiwan Republic of China

Passport holders from the following countries are eligible for an eVisa when they meet relevant criteria, by accessing this link eVisa Application (boca.gov.tw) :

Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Kiribati, Kuwait, Mauritius, Montenegro, Oman, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

All other nationalities not mentioned above require a visa before the cruise from an embassy or consulate, anyone without a visa for Taiwan will be denied boarding.

Visa Requirements for Tanzania

Passport holders from many countries will require an e-visa to go ashore in Tanzania. Guests must apply for the e-visa prior to embarkation. There is a 10 day approval process on the e-visa, approvals may be granted whilst on the ship in transit to Tanzania. Please visit https://immigration.go.tz/index.php/immigration-services/visa-information to apply for the e-visa online.

Visa Requirements for Thailand

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Thailand:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam

Passports holders from the following countries can purchase a Thai visa on arrival onboard the ship for $80 USD per person. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Thai visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Thai ports.

Bulgaria, Bhutan, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu

Passport holders from all nationalities not listed in one of the above categories require a Thai visa issued by a Thai embassy or consulate prior to the cruise. Any guest who requires a Thai visa and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day. Applications for Thai VISA can be done online or in person at the Thai embassy or consulate in the country of departure of the applicant.

Visa Requirements for Turkey

If you are booked on a cruise that starts or ends in Turkey, please read carefully the following visa requirements for your entry to Turkey. Passport validity of six months is strictly enforced.

Passport holders from the following countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa that must be applied for online before the cruise using this website https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ :

Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Canada, China, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Haiti, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Oman, St. Lucia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Zambia.

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa before the cruise from an embassy or consulate:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kiribati, Republic of Congo, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Palau Republic, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zaire, Zimbabwe.

Passport holders that are visa free and do not require a visa for Turkey before or during the cruise:

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom*, United States, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Venezuela.

For cruises that visit Turkey as a port of call, a visa is not required for any nationality. However, passport validity of 6 months is strictly enforced. Any guest whose passport will expire in less than six months must remain onboard in Turkish ports.

Visa Requirements for United Arab Emirates

Passport holders from the following countries will receive a visa upon arrival to the United Arab Emirates free of charge. Passport holders from all nationalities not listed below require a UAE visa before the cruise. Please visit https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/uae-visa-information/ for more information on how to apply for a visa. Any guest who requires a UAE visa and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day.

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexican, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, Romania, Russia, Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City.

Visa Requirements for United Kingdom

Passport holders from the below listed countries require a visa to go ashore in United kingdom ports. Guests from these countries that do not hold a United Kingdom Visa on embarkation day will be denied boarding. This visa must be arranged prior to your cruise through an embassy or consulate. A Schengen Visa or Irish Visa is not valid for travel to United Kingdom.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Zaire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome e Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkeminstan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa Requirements for Uruguay

All guests of any nationality are welcome to go ashore whilst in transit in Uruguay ports, there are no visa requirements before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Vanuatu

Passport holders from the below listed countries do not a require a visa to go ashore in Vanuatu ports. Passport holders from all other countries not listed below will require a visa for Vanuatu prior to the cruise.

Argentina, Australia, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Botswana, Belize, Brazil, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cuba, China, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominica, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Ghana, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Hungary, India, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, Maldives, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Namibia, Nigeria, Nauru, new Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Pakistan, Palau, Papa New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Turkey, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tanzania, Uruguay, Uganda, United States, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Vatican City, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa Requirements for Vietnam

Passport holders from the below listed countries do not require a visa for Vietnam. Passport holders from all other countries require a visa to go ashore in ports in Vietnam. The visa on arrival will be arranged by the onboard team. Guests will be charged $50 USD per person. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests on the ship with the exception of the below passport holders. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Vietnamese ports.

Belarus, Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Norway, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and UK

Birth Certificates To obtain an original or state certified copy of a birth certificate, you can contact your hospital of birth or the Vital Statistics Department of the County where you were born.

Passports For more information on obtaining a passport, please visit the U.S. Passports & International Travel website, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , or VisaCentral .

Government-issued Photo I.D.’s You can usually obtain a state-issued photo I.D. from your local driver's license/Division of Motor Vehicles office. Contact your local office or visit your state's DMV website for more information and instructions. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to access their list of State Departments of Motor Vehicles.-->

Electronic Travel Authorisation Per the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) requirements, all VWP travellers must obtain an electronic travel authorisation prior to boarding a travel carrier to enter the United States. This can be done by completing the online application on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ’s website. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. However, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. In most cases you will receive a response within seconds. Potential responses include:

Authorisation Approved
Travel Not Authorised : Travellers must obtain a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before travelling to the U.S.
Authorisation Pending : Travellers should check the ESTA website for updates and final response.

An approved travel authorisation will be:

Required for all VWP travellers prior to boarding a travel carrier to enter the United States under the VWP.
Valid unless revoked, for up to two (2) years or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first;
Valid for multiple entries but not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States at a port of entry.

Norwegian Cruise Line guests can contact VisaCentral for visa inquires or assistance with the visa application process. Norwegian Cruise Line guests receive discounted VisaCentral service fees. Be sure to access the VisaCentral website at http://visacentral.com/Norwegian-cruise-line-splash?login=103407 or calling (844) 834-5702 and reference account 75006 when calling to receive the discounted rates.

Note: These terms are effective at the time of boarding.

Travelling with Infants:

At least six (6) months of age on the day of boarding
At least twelve (12) months of age on the day of boarding if your cruise has 3 or more consecutive days at sea.

Travelling with Minors and Young Adults: Norwegian Cruise Line’s policy dictates that a minor or young adult must be accompanied in the same stateroom (or connecting stateroom) by a passenger 21 years of age or older at the time of boarding.

Minors – an individual under the age of 18 on the day of embarkation/boarding.
Young Adult – an individual between the ages of 18 and 20.

Note: Two people under the age of 21 may travel together in the same stateroom if they are a married couple and provide proof of marriage to a Norwegian Cruise Line representative at the pier prior to boarding.

Travelling with Minors Unaccompanied by Parent or Legal Guardian*:

For passengers under the age of 18 travelling with an accompanying adult, who is not the minor's parent or legal guardian, a Parent/Guardian Consent Form that authorises the minor's travel and further authorises medical treatment in case of an emergency must be delivered to a Norwegian representative at the pier during check-in. Failure to produce this letter at embarkation may result in boarding being denied. Both living parents/legal guardians must sign and complete this form and attach a copy of his/her driver's license or other government issued identification. Minors of the same parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may be listed on the same form:

Download and Complete the Parental Consent Release form (PDF)

Minors or the same parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may be listed on the same form

Copy of both parents/legal guardians Driver’s License or other Government Issued ID

Adoptive parents, legal guardians or persons separated or divorced are advised to keep legal and other relevant documents available in order to clarify custody rights.

*If travelling to Canada, you’ll need the following document in addition to items #1 and 2 (Alaska, Pacific Coastal, and Canada/New England Itineraries):

Canadian entry requirements stipulate that a child under the age of 18 travelling alone, or with person(s) other than both parents , should be in possession of a letter (preferably notarised) from the parents or legal guardian containing:

Authorisation for the child to travel with another person and to be outside the country;
The name and a 24-hour contact telephone number of the parents or guardian;
The destination and length of stay in Canada.

OFAC Sanctions/Regulations Please be advised that the United States Department of the Treasury through the Office of Foreign Assets Control ('OFAC') has issued a series of sanctions against these countries, certain nationals, and certain entities. These sanctions limit the ability of cruise lines to conduct business with these countries, their citizens, and any other entities designated by OFAC.

Sanctioned Countries are as follows: CRIMEA REGION OF UKRAINE, THE SO-CALLED “DONETSK PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF UKRAINE,” THE SO-CALLED “LUHANSK PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF UKRAINE,” CUBA, NORTH KOREA (DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA), SYRIA, OR IRAN.

High-Risk Countries are as follows: VENEZUELA, RUSSIA, OR BELARUS.

Accordingly, it is Norwegian Cruise Line’s policy that if you are a citizen or resident of one of these sanctioned or high-risk countries, Norwegian Cruise Line is entitled to cancel your booking and refuse boarding unless you can satisfy the following conditions:

Proof of citizenship in a non-sanctioned country; OR
Proof of residency** in a non-sanctioned country; AND
Evidence that you are funding the cruise, including all onboard charges by providing a credit card from a bank associated with a non-sanctioned country and a non-sanctioned financial institution.

** This must be in the form of a valid passport, temporary or permanent resident card, or national ID card including personal information and photography. Russian passport holders may also present a valid US visa. Documentation, such as a rental agreement, showing address, will not be sufficient. Venezuelan passport holders are only required to provide a method of payment from a non-sanctioned country and a non-sanctioned financial institution.

You must be able to satisfy the above criteria to sail on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. Please note that Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to cancel your booking and refuse boarding if there are any changes to the laws and regulations or other circumstances such that completing the booking would cause Norwegian Cruise Line to be in noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations.

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Cruise 101: Getting a Passport for Your Cruise

One of the greatest things about cruising is that it offers a chance for international travel, without many of the headaches. There’s no need to change currencies. There’s no need to learn another language (English is spoken in ports). And there is no need to get a passport.

That’s right. Most trips from U.S. ports do not require a passport. (We’ll explain more in a moment.)

But despite not requiring a passport, it is something that you should have. There are simply too many situations that may arise that would be more difficult to deal with if you don’t have one.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to passports and cruising. We’ll answer some of the biggest questions and concerns regarding getting your passport and explain everything in simple detail for first-time cruisers.

Can I Cruise Without a Passport?

First things first. Most people can cruise without needing a passport. If you are sailing a “closed loop” cruise — meaning you depart a U.S. port and return to that port to disembark — then you don’t need a passport.

Under regulations called the “Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative” (WHTI), passengers on these closed-loop cruises only need a birth certificate and government ID to set sail. Here’s the official language from the Customs and Border Patrol website :

“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. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.”

As we said, this covers most cruises. What it doesn’t cover is if you travel to a country that requires a passport (most Caribbean ports do not) or if you are not sailing on a loop, such as sailing from Miami and departing in Puerto Rico.

Why You Should Get a Passport For Your Cruise

The obvious reasons for having a passport are if you are not sailing on a closed-loop cruise or heading to a port that requires it.

But apart from that, you should view a passport as an insurance policy. The closed-loop rule only works if you depart and arrive back at the same port. If you accidentally miss the ship or are hurt/sick on your trip and can’t continue, then having a passport is a lifesaver.

In these cases, you’ll have to jump through hoops to try to fly back home later without a passport. Having one ensures that even if something unexpected happens, then you have the proper documentation to move about the country and re-enter the United States by land, sea, or air.

It also helps to prove your identity if there is a mishap while on shore. If you are in an accident or have any other interaction with police while in a port of call, they will likely ask for your passport. Having one takes out any questions that can arise regarding your identity and legality of being in the port of call.

Should I Get a Passport Book, Card, or Both for a Cruise?

Getting a passport isn’t that difficult, but it can be a bit of a hassle as there are several steps to take.

To start, you will need to know whether you want a passport book, passport card, or both. The passport book is the regular passport that you’ve seen before. It has pages in the back that are stamped upon arrival in a country. The passport card is like a driver’s license.

While the book is valid for entering most countries by any means of travel (air, sea, or land), the passport card is only valid for only return to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Given that the passport card is cheaper and covers the Caribbean, many people opt for it. However, we would suggest getting the book instead. This gives you coverage to more countries, as well as covers you if you have to fly home from the U.S. instead of returning by ship. (For example, if you had to fly home mid-cruise for an emergency.)

You can also get both the passport book and card for an extra fee.

Applying for a Passport

Once you decide which type of passport you’d like, you’ll need to gather the appropriate documents.

First, you will need evidence of your U.S. citizenship . This should be an original or certified copy. No photocopies or notarized copies are accepted. This evidence include ONE of the following:

Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements: Issued by the city, county, or state of birth Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth Lists your parent(s)’ full names Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth) Has the registrar’s signature Has the seal of the issuing authority
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship

Second, you will need to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence . (The government will inspect the original document and return it to you, keeping the photocopy.) Just make a simple one-sided, black and white photocopy of your document on standard paper.

Third, you need a photo ID from a government agency . This is most likely a driver’s license or a government-issued ID card. If you have a passport (even if expired), that works as well.

Fourth, you will need a photocopy of the front and back of the ID you plan to show the passport office.

Fifth, you need to fill out Form DS-11 (if this is your first passport) . Take note to fill it out but do not sign until in front of the passport agent.

Finally, you’ll need to take passport photos . You can take photos at tons of places, from grocery stores to drug stores to many mail centers. Simply give the places a call to see if they offer the service. Most charge a nominal fee of $5-7.

Once you have all your documentation, then you’ll need to submit it in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility . These facilities are typically local post offices. You can search for your nearest facility here .

Keep in mind that some facilities are by appointment only. You can see their hours of operation on the search results.

The following video helps explain the process:

https://youtu.be/SDeJqRyL3JY

How Much Does Getting a Passport for a Cruise Cost?

First-time passport books costs $110, plus a $25 acceptance fee, for a total of $135 .

Passport cards cost $30, plus the $25 acceptance fee, for a total of $55 .

If you want both the book and the card, it’s $140, plus the $25 acceptance fee, for a total of $165 .

Passports are valid for 10 years

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Passport? Can I Get It Faster?

Standard processing time for a passport takes 4-6 weeks. If that cuts it too close to your cruise date, there are ways to speed up the process.

First, you can simply pay for expedited processing. This is an extra $60 charge and your passport will process in 2-3 weeks.

Need it even sooner? You can apply for your passport at a passport agency , located in major cities around the country. To apply here, you need to setup an appointment, pay the expedited fee, and have proof of immediate travel. Applying for your passport with this method takes approximately 8 days.

If you need a passport immediately, most medium to large cities will have businesses that expedite the process — some claiming within 2-3 days. Simply search for your city name plus “passport” in Google to find companies in your area that offer expedited service.

Resources: State Department Passport Website

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Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise? What You Need to Know

Posted on Last updated: March 6, 2024

Setting sail on the vast seas, with horizons stretching endlessly, is an exhilarating experience.

But before you embark on this journey, there’s a crucial question to address: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

In this guide, we’ll navigate the intricate waters of cruise passport regulations , helping you sail confidently into your next adventure.

Do You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise? The Quick Answer

For U.S. citizens, closed-loop cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port might not require a passport, allowing travelers to use a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate instead.

However, for international cruises, which either start or end in a foreign port or include visits to foreign destinations, a passport is typically necessary.

It’s crucial to verify the specific requirements of both the cruise line and the visited countries, as regulations can differ, and possessing a passport is advised for smoother travel and emergency contingencies.

The Basics of Passports and Cruises

The anticipation of a cruise vacation can often overshadow the more mundane aspects of preparation.

However, just as you’d pack the right outfits or sunblock, ensuring you have the appropriate travel documentation is paramount.

Let’s delve deeper into the fundamentals.

What is a passport and its primary use?

A passport is a government-issued document that certifies a person’s identity and nationality. It’s an essential tool for international travel, allowing you to enter and leave countries.

Within its pages, border control stamps or visas showcase your travel history.

A passport doesn’t merely grant access; it serves as a universally recognized piece of ID, providing personal details like your photograph, date of birth, and nationality.

Different types of cruises: closed-loop vs. open-loop

Understanding the difference between closed-loop and open-loop cruises can clear up the confusion regarding passport requirements:

Closed-Loop Cruises: These begin and end at the same U.S. port. Imagine setting sail from Miami, stopping by several Caribbean islands, and then returning to Miami. For such cruises, U.S. citizens might find that their passport requirements are more lenient. But, as we’ll discuss in the upcoming sections, having a passport is still a good idea.
Open-Loop Cruises: These cruises might start from one port and end at another. Suppose you start your voyage in San Francisco but conclude it in Vancouver, Canada. For these types of cruises, a passport for U.S. citizens is typically mandatory, given that you’re disembarking permanently in a foreign country.

To answer our main question, “Do you need a passport for a cruise?”, one must first identify the type of cruise and the specific passport regulations associated with the countries involved.

While the basics provide clarity, it’s the details that will guide your exact documentation needs.

Closed-Loop Cruises: The Specifics

Closed-loop cruises are a favorite among many travelers, often because of their convenience and straightforward itineraries. But, when it comes to documentation, there’s a bit to unpack. Here’s what you need to know.

Definition and details of closed-loop cruises

Closed-loop cruises are voyages that begin and end at the same port within a single country. For many, this might be embarking and disembarking in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or another popular port within the U.S .

The journey might encompass several international destinations, but you’ll return to your starting point.

Do you need a passport for a cruise that’s closed-loop?

The straightforward answer for U.S. citizens cruising from a U.S. port is: not always.

U.S. Specifics

According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can travel with just a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license) and an original or copy of their birth certificate (with a raised seal). This combination allows re-entry into the U.S. after the cruise concludes.

However, this doesn’t account for the individual countries you might visit during your cruise. Some destinations may require a passport for entry, regardless of the closed-loop nature of your cruise.

Other Countries’ Regulations

For travelers from other countries or for cruises that originate outside the U.S., passport requirements can vary. It’s essential to check with the cruise line and the specific countries’ consulate or embassy to get accurate information.

While closed-loop cruises might seem more lenient with passport rules, travelers should be aware of the risks. Using only a birth certificate and photo ID might limit your ability to fly out of a foreign country if an emergency arises. In such cases, having a passport becomes indispensable.

So, in answering our recurring query, “Do you need a passport for a cruise?”, if it’s a closed-loop from the U.S., not necessarily. But it’s always a good practice to carry one, as it offers greater flexibility and security on your journey.

Open-Loop Cruises: The Specifics

Open-loop cruises, with their varied starting and ending points, offer a unique exploration experience to many cruise ports . They’re a chance to begin your adventure in one country and conclude it in another, perhaps even on a different continent.

However, with this variety comes a different set of documentation requirements.

Definition and details of open-loop cruises

Open-loop cruises are voyages that start from one port and conclude in another, different port. This could mean setting sail from Los Angeles , California, and finishing your cruise in Tokyo, Japan , or beginning in Barcelona, Spain , and disembarking in Rome, Italy.

These cruises not only provide a richer travel experience but also necessitate careful attention to entry and exit requirements for multiple countries.

Do you need a passport for a cruise of this type?

Almost always, yes. Here’s why:

Entering a New Country: Unlike closed-loop cruises, where you return to your point of origin, open-loop cruises require you to enter a new country at the end of your journey. Most countries mandate a passport for entry, especially if you’re arriving by sea.
Transiting Through Different Nations: Your cruise might have several stops across various countries before reaching the final port. Each of these nations can have distinct entry requirements. In most cases, a passport is the universally accepted document.
Emergencies and Plan Changes: If for any reason you need to leave the cruise early and fly back home or to another destination, having a passport is non-negotiable. Airlines require passengers to have a valid passport for international flights.
Re-Entry Into Your Home Country: For U.S. citizens, re-entering the U.S. after an international journey typically requires a valid passport, especially if flying. For citizens of other countries, a passport is a standard re-entry requirement.

It’s also crucial to check visa requirements. Some countries might not just ask for a passport but might have specific visa regulations for visitors, even if the stay is brief. It’s always a good idea to consult with your cruise line and the embassies or consulates of the countries on your itinerary.

In conclusion, for open-loop cruises, the answer to “Do you need a passport for a cruise?” is a resounding yes. It’s not just about adhering to rules but ensuring that your journey remains uninterrupted and hassle-free.

The Benefits of Having a Passport on a Cruise

Even when it’s not a strict requirement, carrying a passport on a cruise offers numerous advantages. A passport is not just a document; it’s a key to many doors when you’re traveling, making your journey smoother, more flexible, and safer.

Let’s explore the myriad benefits of having this golden ticket onboard.

Emergencies and Unexpected Stops

Life is unpredictable. From personal medical emergencies to unexpected ship detours due to weather or technical issues, unforeseen circumstances can arise.

In such situations, if you need to fly back home or to another country, a passport is indispensable. It ensures that you can deal with emergencies without added stress.

Exploring Port Cities In-depth

While your cruise ship might have arranged for land excursions that don’t demand a passport, maybe you’re someone who cherishes spontaneity. Fancy a last-minute guided tour? Or perhaps an overnight stay to delve deeper into a port city?

With a passport in hand, you have the liberty to make impromptu plans and enjoy unscheduled adventures.

Re-Entry into Your Home Country

When your cruise concludes, re-entering your home country, especially if flying, is usually more straightforward with a passport. While alternatives might be acceptable, having a passport can expedite processes and reduce questioning at border controls.

Peace of Mind

There’s an intangible yet invaluable benefit to carrying a passport – peace of mind. Knowing that you’re equipped to handle changes, whether they’re fun new plans or unexpected challenges, makes the journey more enjoyable.

You’re free to immerse yourself in the experience, without nagging concerns.

Increased Travel Options Post-Cruise

What if you decide to extend your vacation? Having a passport means you can hop on a flight to a neighboring country or take another mode of international transport without heading home immediately.

Universal Recognition

While some countries may accept other forms of ID for entry or specific activities, a passport is universally recognized. It’s your global ID, reducing the need to carry or present multiple documents.

It’s a Travel Diary

Every stamp in your passport tells a story. Over time, it becomes a cherished memoir of your adventures, filled with memories of the places you’ve visited and the experiences you’ve gathered.

In answering the central question, “Do you need a passport for a cruise?” – the technicalities might vary. But when considering the benefits, it’s evident that possessing one amplifies the cruise experience. It offers freedom, security, and a tangible connection to the world beyond the ship’s deck.

Alternative Documents: Can They Replace a Passport?

In the realm of travel, few documents are as universally accepted as a passport. However, under certain circumstances, especially with specific cruise types, alternative documents may be permissible.

Let’s dive into these alternatives and explore their potential and limitations.

Birth Certificates

For closed-loop cruises originating and terminating in the U.S., citizens can often use a government-issued birth certificate combined with a photo ID.

Benefits: It’s an accessible document for many, and when combined with a photo ID, it’s often acceptable for re-entry into the U.S. post-cruise.
Limitations: A birth certificate lacks photo identification and is not universally recognized outside the U.S. If an emergency arises and you need to fly out of a foreign country, a birth certificate won’t suffice.

State-Issued IDs

These can include driver’s licenses or other official photo identification cards issued by a state or territory.

Benefits: In conjunction with a birth certificate, they can help establish identity and citizenship for closed-loop cruises.
Limitations: Alone, they do not prove citizenship and are not valid for international air travel. Also, not all countries visited during a cruise will recognize a state ID as valid identification.

U.S. Passport Cards

A more compact alternative to the traditional passport book, designed primarily for land and sea travel within North America.

Benefits: It’s wallet-sized, making it more convenient to carry. It’s valid for entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.
Limitations: It’s not valid for international air travel. If you need to fly out of a foreign country during your cruise, the passport card won’t be accepted.

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)

Issued by some U.S. states, EDLs are designed for U.S. citizens to re-enter the country by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries.

Benefits: Functions as a driver’s license and proof of citizenship. It has a vicinity Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, aiding in quicker border inspections.
Limitations: Valid only for specific countries and not for international air travel. Availability is limited to participating states.

Trusted Traveler Programs

Cards such as the Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI can expedite the customs process.

Benefits: Speedier processing through customs and border protection.
Limitations: They don’t replace the need for a passport or visa during international travel.

In answering our focal question, “Do you need a passport for a cruise?”, while alternative documents can sometimes be used in place of a passport, especially for closed-loop cruises, their scope is limited.

They often lack the comprehensive acceptability and versatility of a traditional passport. Before relying on these alternatives, ensure thorough research and verification with your cruise line and the countries you intend to visit.

Understanding alternative documents underscores the significance of planning and the importance of ensuring you’re equipped with the most suitable documents for your journey’s specifics.

The Risks of Cruising Without a Passport

Choosing to embark on a cruise without a passport, even if it’s technically allowed, introduces several potential complications. Beyond the logistics of entry and exit points, there’s the broader aspect of ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free voyage.

Here, we unravel the risks associated with cruising sans passport.

Denied Entry at Foreign Ports

While your cruise might assure you of no need for a passport, individual countries can have distinct entry requirements. You could face denial of entry, which would limit your ability to explore or even disembark at certain ports.

Emergencies and Unplanned Disembarkations

Should an emergency arise—personal, health-related, or pertaining to the cruise ship itself—you might need to disembark and fly home or to another destination. Without a passport, international air travel becomes impossible, potentially leaving you stranded.

Changes in Itinerary

Cruise lines reserve the right to modify itineraries. A change might include stops in countries with strict passport requirements. Without one, you’ll be confined to the ship, missing out on explorations.

Loss of Freedom and Flexibility

A spontaneous decision to stay longer in a port city or take an unplanned excursion might demand a passport. Lacking one reduces your freedom to make impromptu choices.

Potential Additional Costs

If you’re stuck in a foreign country without a passport, the process to obtain emergency travel documents or navigate complex situations can be time-consuming and costly.

Legal Complications

In rare cases, if legal issues arise in a foreign country, not having a valid passport could complicate matters, making resolutions more challenging.

Stress and Anxiety

Travel is meant to be enjoyable. Constantly worrying about whether you’ll be allowed to disembark or if you’ll face challenges re-entering your home country can dampen the experience. The peace of mind a passport offers is invaluable.

Delays Upon Return

Even if you embarked on a closed-loop cruise and are returning to the U.S., re-entry might involve more extended questioning or verification processes without a passport. This can lead to delays and longer waiting times.

In pondering the question, “Do you need a passport for a cruise?”, considering these risks offers a broader perspective. While there may be scenarios where cruising without a passport is possible, the potential challenges and uncertainties make having one highly advisable.

The essence of travel is exploration and relaxation. Being adequately prepared, especially with essential documents like passports, ensures that the journey remains pleasurable, without unforeseen hitches clouding the experience.

How to Get a Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide

Obtaining a passport might seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process when broken down step-by-step.

For those asking, “Do you need a passport for a cruise?” and have decided to get one, here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure a seamless application process for U.S. citizens.

1. Gather Necessary Documentation

Proof of U.S. citizenship : This could be an original birth certificate, a previously issued passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.
Proof of identity : Valid driver’s license, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID.

2. Get a Passport Photo

Your passport application requires a 2×2 inch color photo taken within the last six months. Many drugstores, post offices, and photography studios offer this service. Ensure your photo meets the specific U.S. Department of State requirements.

3. Fill Out Form DS-11

This is the “ Application for a U.S. Passport ” It’s crucial to fill it out accurately but do not sign it until instructed to do so by an acceptance agent.
You can find this form online on the U.S. Department of State’s website or at U.S. Department of State agencies.

4. Calculate the Fee

Passport fees vary based on age and the type of passport (book, card, or both). Check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date fee information.

5. Submit the Application in Person

First-time applicants must submit their forms in person. You can do this at passport acceptance facilities, which include many post offices, public libraries, and other government offices.
Don’t forget to bring your filled DS-11 form, your passport photo, proof of citizenship, and photo ID.
You will be asked to sign the DS-11 form in front of an acceptance agent.

6. Pay the Application Fee

As of the last update, you can pay via personal checks, money orders, and some other methods. Some facilities may accept cash or credit cards, but it’s advisable to check in advance.

7. Wait for Processing

Standard processing times can range from 4-6 weeks, though expedited options are available for an additional fee.

8. Receive Your Passport

Your new passport (and any original documents you submitted) will be mailed to you. Make sure to verify all the details in your passport for accuracy upon receipt.

9. Sign and Store Safely

Once you receive your passport, sign it with a pen in the designated area. Store it in a safe place, ideally a fireproof safe or safety deposit box, until your travels.

By following this guide, the process of obtaining a passport becomes more manageable and less intimidating. Having this crucial document not only answers the query, “Do you need a passport for a cruise?” but also opens doors to countless global adventures.

A passport is more than just a travel document; it’s your key to the world. Whether you’re planning a cruise or dreaming of future journeys, having a passport in hand ensures you’re ready for any adventure that calls.

The journey of understanding the intricacies of the question, “Do you need a passport for a cruise?” has navigated through various perspectives, from the nuances of cruise types to the undeniable benefits of possessing a passport.

While there may be instances where alternative documents could suffice, a passport remains the gold standard in ensuring a seamless, flexible, and enjoyable cruising experience.

As the world beckons and the waves invite, having your passport ready is not just about fulfilling a requirement; it’s about embracing boundless opportunities with open arms and a spirit ready for adventure.

Embark on your fun cruise with the world in your pocket and the horizon ahead. Safe travels!

FAQs on Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

Navigating the waters of cruise travel can be tricky, especially when it comes to documentation. Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic and provide quick answers for those prepping for their next voyage.

1. If my cruise starts and ends in the same U.S. port, do I need a passport?

Not necessarily. This is known as a closed-loop cruise. While a passport is recommended for the reasons discussed, U.S. citizens can often use a government-issued birth certificate and a photo ID.

2. What if my child is cruising with me? Do they need a passport?

Children under the age of 16 traveling on a closed-loop cruise can use their birth certificate as proof of citizenship. However, for most international air travel, a passport is required regardless of age.

3. How long before my cruise should I apply for a passport?

Ideally, apply at least 10-12 weeks before your cruise to allow for processing and potential delays. If you’re in a rush, expedited services are available for an additional fee.

4. Is a passport card the same as a passport book? Can I use it for my cruise?

A passport card is valid for land and sea travel within North America (Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda). However, it’s not valid for international air travel. Depending on your cruise itinerary, a passport card might suffice, but a passport book offers broader utility.

5. My passport is expiring soon. Can I still use it for my cruise?

Many countries require your passport to have at least six months of validity beyond your date of entry. It’s advisable to renew your passport if it’s close to expiration.

6. What if I lose my passport while on the cruise?

Report the loss immediately to the ship’s security and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can assist in obtaining emergency travel documents.

7. Can I use my enhanced driver’s license (EDL) for the cruise?

EDLs are designed for U.S. citizens to re-enter the country by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. Depending on your cruise’s itinerary, an EDL might be acceptable. Still, always check with your cruise line and the countries you’ll be visiting.

8. Do all countries have the same passport requirements for cruises?

No. Each country has its own entry and exit requirements. While your cruise line will provide general guidance, always check with the specific country’s consulate or embassy for the most accurate information.

9. What if I’m on a back-to-back cruise? Do the same passport rules apply?

Yes. Even if you’re sailing consecutively, the requirements remain consistent with the nature of the cruise (closed-loop or open-loop) and the countries visited.

10. If I’m a U.S. permanent resident but not a citizen, do I need a passport for a cruise?

Yes. U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) should always travel with their passport from their country of citizenship, along with their U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

11. Can I board the cruise without a passport and then show it upon re-entry into the U.S.?

It’s risky. While U.S. re-entry might be your concern, the cruise line often requires verification of travel documents before boarding. Not having the appropriate documents can result in denied boarding.

12. If I have a visa for a specific country, does that replace the need for a passport?

No. A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed within a passport. You still need the passport to hold the visa. Always carry both for countries that require a visa.

13. How long does it typically take to receive my passport after applying?

Standard processing times can range from 4-6 weeks, but during peak times or unforeseen circumstances, it might take longer. If you need your passport sooner, expedited services are available.

14. What should I do if there’s a mistake in my new passport?

If there’s an error in your passport issued by the U.S. Department of State, contact the National Passport Information Center or return to the place where you applied to report and correct the mistake.

15. Can I use a digital version of my passport during the cruise?

While digital passport apps and backups are gaining traction for backup and record-keeping, the physical passport remains the primary document for travel. Always carry your original passport.

16. If I’ve recently changed my name, do I need a new passport?

If you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, you should update your passport before traveling to avoid discrepancies and potential complications.

17. Do I need separate passports if I hold dual citizenship?

Yes. If you hold citizenship in two countries, you should have a passport from each country. Remember to enter and exit a country on the passport of that respective country.

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From travel document requirements to tips on what to pack, find out what to know before you go.

Prepare for Your Cruise

An overview of the latest passport, customs, health and other essential requirements to help you prepare for your vacation.

The OceanReady® Process

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:

Order and Customize your Medallion*
Personal Information & Travel Docs
Payment Information

Passage Contract

Security & Profile Photos
Emergency Information

*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.

Princess Future Cruise Packages and Princess Promotions

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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Enjoy some peace of mind with Princess Vacation Protection, which provides both a cancellation fee waiver and travel insurance benefits as a simple way to ease your worries before setting sail.

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For guests that have Future Cruise Credits, visit our Princess® Cruise Credits page to learn about how to use them.

For the latest updates regarding cancelled cruises, view the Impacted & Cancelled Cruises page for more information.

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.

Common questions and topics

Princess MedallionClass® FAQ

Crew Appreciation

Dress Code and What to Pack for a Cruise

Future Cruise Credits (FCC)

Travel Documents

Passports, Visas & Citizenship Documentation

Passport Benefits Alaska The Bahamas, Caribbean, Pacific Coast, Bermuda or Canada – Round Trip Cruises Caribbean – One-Way Cruises Disney Magic at Sea – Australia to Australia (Excluding those with a stop in New Caledonia) Disney Magic at Sea – Australia to Australia (Includes stop in New Caledonia) Disney Magic at Sea – Australia to New Zealand Disney Magic at Sea – New Zealand to Australia Disney Magic at Sea – New Zealand to New Zealand Europe Pacific Coast, Canada or Sailings Between Hawaii and Vancouver – One Way Cruises Panama Canal Transatlantic Crossing South Pacific Repositioning Sailings – Honolulu to Sydney South Pacific Repositioning Sailings – Sydney to Honolulu

Passport Benefits

Learn about the perks of having a passport when you travel with Disney Cruise Line.

Sailing from: Vancouver

The following guidelines are based on government regulations, which are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries on your cruise itinerary.

Travelers can visit the US State Department's website for more information. All documents must be valid for the entire length of the voyage, unless otherwise noted. Guests without proper documentation will be denied boarding . When dropping off luggage upon arrival, please keep all documents in your possession to present during check-in at the terminal.

US Citizens (Including Children) Traveling to or Returning From Canada (Vancouver) by Air

Original valid US Passport

US Citizens (Guests 16 years of age and older) Traveling to Canada (Vancouver) by Land or Sea

Original valid US Passport Card
Original valid Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST)

US Citizens (Guests 15 years of age and younger) Traveling to Canada (Vancouver) by Land or Sea

Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to 7/1/10 are not acceptable
Hospital-issued birth certificates are not acceptable

Children 15 years of age and younger are required to present one of the documents listed above, but do not need to present a Government-issued photo ID.

Social Security Cards and Global Entry are not acceptable proof of US citizenship for purposes of traveling outside of the US

US Legal Permanent Residents

Guests who are legal permanent residents of the US must present a valid original passport and a Permanent Resident Card to travel outside the US. Photocopies are not acceptable. If traveling by air to Canada, US Permanent Residents must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Learn more about Canadian Visa requirements and exceptions.

Canadian Citizens (Including Children)

Original valid Canadian Passport
Canadian Permanent Residents must travel with a valid passport and a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a “PRC,” to travel outside of Canada
Canadian Citizens who are 15 years of age or younger may sail with either an original valid Canadian Passport or a Canadian Birth Certificate.

Citizens of All Other Countries (Including Children)

Original valid Passport

This cruise calls at ports in Canada and the United States; therefore, Guests may be required to obtain a multi-entry visa for both Canada and/or the United States.

It is each Guest's responsibility to identify and obtain all the necessary visas before commencing the cruise.

Learn more about Canadian Visa requirements and exceptions.

If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program, it is required to have a valid machine-readable passport and obtain 72-hour advance travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding carriers by air or sea to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. A copy of the approved ESTA application should be brought with you when traveling. View a list of applicable countries and registration requirements .

The Bahamas, Caribbean, Pacific Coast, Bermuda or Canada – Round Trip Cruises

Sailing from/to: port canaveral, miami, fort lauderdale, galveston, san diego, san juan, new orleans and new york.

Travelers can visit the US State Department's website for more information. All documents must be valid for the entire length of the voyage, unless otherwise noted. Guests without proper documentation will be denied boarding. When dropping off luggage upon arrival, please keep all documents in your possession to present during check-in at the terminal.

US Citizens (Including Children)

Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State AND a physical Government-issued photo ID (digital/mobile state-issued IDs are not acceptable to sail)
Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services AND a physical Government-issued photo ID (digital/mobile state-issued IDs are not acceptable to sail)

Guests who are legal permanent residents of the US must present a valid original Permanent Resident Card. Photocopies are not acceptable.

Original valid Trusted Traveler Program (NEXUS, FAST)

Citizens of All Other Countries (Including Children), Except for the Sailings Highlighted Below

Many countries require an entry based on your nationality. It is each Guest's responsibility to identify and obtain all the necessary visas before the cruise begins.

Caribbean – One-Way Cruises

Sailing from: galveston to san juan, san juan to miami, san juan to fort lauderdale, new york to san juan.

Travelers can visit the US State Department's website for more information. All documents must be valid for the entire length of the voyage, unless otherwise noted. Guests without proper documentation will be denied boarding. When dropping off luggage upon arrival, please keep all documents in your possession to present during check-in at the terminal.

Many countries require an entry visa based on your nationality. It is each Guest's responsibility to identify and obtain all the necessary visas before the cruise begins.

Disney Magic at Sea – Australia to Australia (Excluding those with a stop in New Caledonia)

Adults who are not the parent or legal guardian of a minor traveling with them must present the Minor Authorization Form signed by the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian, authorizing the adult to take the child on the specific cruise, supervise the child and allow emergency medical treatment to be administered.

All Guests Ages 18 Years and Older

Original passport, valid at least 6 months after sailing has ended OR
Government-issued photo ID

All Guests Ages 17 Years and Younger

Original valid passport, valid at least 6 months after sailing has ended OR
Government-issued ID OR
Original or copy of Government-issued birth certificate

All Non-Australian Nationalities, Including Children

Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority
Subclass 651 eVisitor

Disney Magic at Sea – Australia to Australia (Includes stop in New Caledonia)

Required documents for all nationalities:.

Original valid passport (valid at least 6 months after sailing has ended)
Because requirements may vary, we recommend that Guests contact their travel agent, government agency, embassy or consulate for more information on required travel documentation for the port of embarkation and all ports of call during the cruise.
Information regarding French Visas (New Caledonia is a territory of France) can be found on the official visa website for France .

Disney Magic at Sea – Australia to New Zealand

Note: Australian permanent residents must apply for NZeTA.
Information regarding New Zealand Visas and NZeTA can be found by going to the official visa website for New Zealand.

Disney Magic at Sea – New Zealand to Australia

Required documents for all nationalities, disney magic at sea – new zealand to new zealand, all non-new zealand nationalities, including children.

Information regarding New Zealand NZeTA or Visa requirements can be found on the official visa website for New Zealand.

All Nationalities (Including Children)

Original valid passport (valid at least 6 months after the sailing has ended)

Round-Trip Cruises from/to Barcelona and Civitavecchia and One-Way Cruises from Barcelona to Civitavecchia, Civitavecchia to Barcelona

Original valid Passport (valid at least 6 months after the sailing has ended)

These cruises call at ports in Europe, and based on your nationality, you may be required to obtain multiple-entry visas for Europe ( Schengen Visa ). It is each Guest's responsibility to identify and obtain all the necessary visas.

Round-Trip Cruises from/to Southampton and One-Way Cruises from Barcelona to Southampton.

These cruises call at ports in Europe and/or the United Kingdom, and based on your nationality, you may be required to obtain multiple-entry visas for Europe ( Schengen Visa ) and also the United Kingdom . It is each Guest's responsibility to identify and obtain all the necessary visas.

British Isles Cruises from Southampton

This cruise calls at ports in Ireland and the United Kingdom, and based on your nationality, you may be required to obtain a multiple-entry visa for Ireland, and/or the United Kingdom. It is each Guest's responsibility to identify and obtain all the necessary visas.

Pacific Coast, Canada or Sailings Between Hawaii and Vancouver – One Way Cruises

Us citizens (including children) traveling to or returning from canada by air, us citizens (including children) traveling to or returning from canada by land or sea.

Social Security Cards and Global Entry are not acceptable proof of US citizenship for purposes of traveling outside of the US.

Original Permanent Resident Card (photocopies are not acceptable) AND
Canadian Permanent Residents must travel with a valid passport and their Permanent Resident Card, also known as a “PRC,” to travel outside of Canada

Panama Canal

Original valid US Passport, valid at least 6 months after the sailing has ended
Original Permanent Resident Card AND
Original valid Passport, valid at least 6 months after the sailing has ended

Citizens of All Countries (Including Children)

Transatlantic Crossing

Fort lauderdale to barcelona.

Travelers can visit the US State Department's website for more information. All documents must be valid for the entire length of the voyage, unless otherwise noted. Guests without proper documentation will be denied boarding. When dropping off luggage upon arrival please keep all documents in possession to present during check-in at the terminal.

Original valid US Passport (valid at least 6 months after the sailing has ended)

Since this cruise calls at ports in Europe, and based on your nationality, you may be required to obtain multiple-entry visas for Europe ( Schengen Visa ). It is each Guest's responsibility to identify and obtain all the necessary visas before commencing the cruise.

Southampton to Fort Lauderdale

The ship docks at ports in Europe and disembarks in the United States. In addition to a valid passport, you may be required to obtain multiple-entry visas for Europe ( Schengen Visa ) and/or United States based on your nationality. It is each Guest's responsibility to identify and obtain all the necessary visas before commencing the cruise.

If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program, it is required to have a valid machine-readable passport and obtain 72-hour advance travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding carriers by air or sea to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. A copy of the approved ESTA application should be brought with you when traveling.

View a list of applicable countries and registration requirements .

South Pacific Repositioning Sailings – Honolulu to Sydney

Information regarding French visas (New Caledonia is a territory of France) can be found on the official visa website for France .

Information regarding Fiji visas can be found on the official immigration website for Fiji .

South Pacific Repositioning Sailings – Sydney to Honolulu

Because this cruise disembarks in the United States, some Guests may be required to obtain a multi-entry Visa for the United States.

Guests who are legal permanent residents of the US must present a valid original passport and a Permanent Resident Card to travel outside the US. Photocopies are not acceptable.

Information regarding Australian visas and eVisas can be found here:

Information regarding French Visas (New Caledonia is a territory of France) can be found on the official visa website for France.

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Do you need to take your passport on your cruise?

Author: Niamh Payne

Published on: 22 October 2023

Updated on: 23 October 2023

Your passport is your entry to the world; just don’t leave it behind

The passport. Every traveller’s best friend – and worst enemy. Your passport is your ticket to the world ; it’s a form of identification that proves you are indeed who you say you are. It's more than an extension of yourself – it's you in paper form. Anyone who’s travelled by aeroplane at any point in their life will know the long lines at border control. The judgemental attitude as the border officer looks between you and your passport photo (that might be five years old at this point, admittedly...) can cause prompt anxiety. The relief as they hand your passport back to you, and allow you through the border check, remains the greatest feeling you can enjoy with your clothes still on.

So, do you really need to take your passport on a cruise? After all, you’re not going through the same security procedures that you would at the airport – so, is it necessary to take?

Well, the short answer is: Yes. The slightly longer answer is also yes, and there are a few reasons why you need it, and a few why you should take it – just in case.

Why you need your passport with you

First of all, most cruise lines will require you to bring your passport for identification before boarding the ship. This is so the cruise liners can ensure all their passengers are legally allowed to travel in the countries the cruise visits. Forgetting your passport could mean you would not be allowed to board the ship. That would really put a damper on your holiday. If in doubt, check with your cruise line about their policy. Certain ports may also ask for passports before allowing passengers into the country. Not all do, but some may, so it’s best to be prepared and have it with you. Even if you’re on a domestic cruise around the United Kingdom, it’s best to have your passport with you in case you’re asked for proof of identity. In the event of an emergency, such as the ship obtaining damage, you may need your passport to get back to the United Kingdom, as the cruise line will pay for a return flight and any overnight accommodation. Similarly, if you were to suffer a medical emergency and needed urgent care on land, you might need to provide proof of identification, and would ultimately need your passport to return home.

Are there specific requirements?

Specific rules and details will differ from cruise line to cruise line, but most will require your passport has been issued within 10 years of your cruise date and that it is at least six months from expiry from either your departure date or return date. One exception is Ambassador Cruise Line, who requires your passport to be valid within three months before your departure date. Always check with your cruise line about their specific requirements before leaving. If you need to obtain a new passport, make sure to give yourself plenty of time in case of delays.

What happens if I lose my passport on the cruise?

Get in contact with the on-board security as soon as possible, whether you have lost your passport or believe it has been stolen. The security team will then take you through the cruise line’s process to obtain a temporary passport or travel document. Losing your passport can be a scary experience, but the most important thing is to get in touch with security as quickly as possible, and they will help you.

Will I need a visa as well?

For some places, yes. Whilst the British passport ties for sixth in the overall passport strength survey, meaning British citizens get to travel to 187 countries visa-free, there are some places that still require a visa to enter. Most of these countries are in the Middle East, western Asia or in Africa. Some countries require a visa on arrival, which simply means the border officers will check your documents and identity and stamp your passport for a small fee. Similarly, a lot of these visa-on-arrival countries are in the Africa or Asia. Anyone wishing to go to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix should make sure they have some blank pages in their passport, otherwise it’s session cancelled. If you’re visiting Europe, please be aware of the 90-in-180 rule around the Schengen area. What is the Schengen area? It’s a zone of 27 countries with no internal borders to allow unrestricted movement; Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The 90-in-180 rule simply means you cannot stay more than 90 days (roughly three months) in any 180 days (roughly six months). So, a seven-day river cruise down the Danube would be fine, as long as you haven’t done it 12 times within the last six months. Countries not covered by the Schengen area, such as Ireland, have their own visa requirements.

As always, check before travelling and if you have any queries, check with your cruise line. So, do you need your passport when going on a cruise? The answer is yes, and make sure it has at least six months before expiry. Triple check you have your passport, boarding pass and any visas you need before setting off, that way you can make sure your cruise is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

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U.S. Passport Card

The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the United States . It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book. The Department of State is issuing the passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card has the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult (age 16 and older); five years for minors (under 16 years of age).

New passport card cost: $55 (age 16 and older) | $40 (minors under 16 years of age)
Passport card renewal (by mail) cost: $30

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Royal Caribbean International

Can You Cruise on a Passport that Expires in Less than 6 Months?

By OceansOfTravels , May 30, 2017 in Royal Caribbean International

OceansOfTravels

I was sitting around today, listening to a story about how a colleague's child couldn't go on their school trip with EF Tours because their passport expired 5 months after the trip date. They got it resolved before the trip because they got the notice in October and had enough time to get a new one, but it got me thinking today. I have a land trip to SXM in early July, and then I have my MSC Divina Cruise in August, which stops in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and the Bahamas. My passport expires on December 13 of this year. I planned on filing for a new one right after my MSC cruise, because after that cruise, I am done internationally traveling for a while, but that story has me worried. My passport expires 5 months after my trip to SXM, and 3.5 months after my cruise. Will I be denied entry into any of these countries with my passport? I could do the one day service in DC or Philly, or pay for the expedited passport service and get a new one now with a little over a month left until SXM, but if there is no problem with traveling with it, I don't see the sense in paying extra when I could wait the normal time after the MSC cruise is over. Thank you so much to anyone who can provide any help!

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In general, except for Cuba, no ports in the Caribbean require passports to be valid 6 months beyond the date of your visit.

Also, you may want to post in the MSC forum: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=80

In general, except for Cuba, no ports in the Caribbean require passports to be valid 6 months beyond the date of your visit. Also, you may want to post in the MSC forum: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=80

It wasn't an MSC specific question, and I figured that I could info a little faster here, since all of the places I am considering are frequent destinations for RCI. Besides, since it is not ship or line specific, the Mods will probably move it anyway. But thank you for your help! :D

What is SXM???????

Yes, I'm sorry! :D

From http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/travelDocumentation.do :

"Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the cruise."

I always thought they would not accept a passport with less than six months to expiration. Guess I was wrong.

You would have to look up the policy for each port you visit to see what their requirements are. You may want to consider bringing along your drivers license and birth certificate as a backup form of citizenship, in case the passport is not accepted.

For the cruise, as long as you are an American Citizen, then you don't even need a passport, so no worries there, for the land trip, Sint Maarten, only requires an American Passport be valid for the duration of the stay on the island, so once again you should be fine

cruisinfanatic

Hello, I was sitting around today, listening to a story about how a colleague's child couldn't go on their school trip with EF Tours because their passport expired 5 months after the trip date. They got it resolved before the trip because they got the notice in October and had enough time to get a new one, but it got me thinking today. I have a land trip to SXM in early July, and then I have my MSC Divina Cruise in August, which stops in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and the Bahamas. My passport expires on December 13 of this year. I planned on filing for a new one right after my MSC cruise, because after that cruise, I am done internationally traveling for a while, but that story has me worried. My passport expires 5 months after my trip to SXM, and 3.5 months after my cruise. Will I be denied entry into any of these countries with my passport? I could do the one day service in DC or Philly, or pay for the expedited passport service and get a new one now with a little over a month left until SXM, but if there is no problem with traveling with it, I don't see the sense in paying extra when I could wait the normal time after the MSC cruise is over. Thank you so much to anyone who can provide any help!

You can cruise, but not flying to St Maarten

According to the US State Dept website, for the OP's July land based visit to St Maarten, a US passport must only be valid to cover the duration of the OPs stay in St Maarten for which they will need to show a return flight ticket back to the US.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/sint-maarten.html

Can you post where are you getting your alternative facts from?

Thank you so much for your help. UKSimonUSA, I was also thinking that about the cruise, I could always show up with my birth certificate instead of a passport. But I do have a return ticket for my land trip to St Maarten, and obviously my passport runs through the duration of my stay, so I should be good. Thank you so much! :D

According to the US State Dept website, for the OP's July land based visit to St Maarten, a US passport must only be valid to cover the duration of the OPs stay in St Maarten for which they will need to show a return flight ticket back to the US. https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/sint-maarten.html Can you post where are you getting your alternative facts from?

The ending statement made me chuckle :D But thank you for this, it is a good resource to use. I also know of a friend who is in a similar situation with different countries, so I will forward them the link so they can check up on where they are going and see if they need to pay for a new passport now or later. Thank you!

From http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/travelDocumentation.do : "Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the cruise." I always thought they would not accept a passport with less than six months to expiration. Guess I was wrong. You would have to look up the policy for each port you visit to see what their requirements are. You may want to consider bringing along your drivers license and birth certificate as a backup form of citizenship, in case the passport is not accepted.

Yeah, I always thought it was a legitimate rule too until I did more research into the actual policies. Certain countries will not let you in if it expires in 3 months, but I always thought the 6 month rule was a real thing. I will check each of my port country's rules, but thanks for the tip about the driver's license and birth certificate, that should add for extra safety, but most importantly, peace of mind when traveling. Thank you!

You're welcome, my daughter is at med school on St Maarten, so I tend to keep up with things like that

1 year later...

Hi OceanofTravels,

Would like to know if you had any issue to board the ship or the entry these country during your Msc cruise because I have the same issue with you for my Msc Seaside cruise on August 25, 2018.

not-enough-cruising

For an American citizen, the expiration date on your passport doesn’t matter (as long as it is valid at the time) for a Caribbean cruise (with the exception of Cuba).

When on a cruise, you “technically” never enter the country you are visiting, your status is considered to be “in transit”

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

This is the best resource:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

Just type in the country and search for their requirements.

I was wondering the same thing about passports. We are cruising in Feb and both my boys passports expire in May, i am guessing I will need to get them. They are going from child to adult and we are Canadian.

No place where Royal cruises in the Caribbean requires a 6 month expiration time on your passport.

Now, if you want to fly to one of those Caribbean islands, or you want to depart the cruise permanently in one of those islands, then the rules are different.

This is the best resource: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html Just type in the country and search for their requirements. Regards, mike

I just followed this link, mostly out of curiosity because we have already applied for new passports for our late October cruise (with passports expiring in early April). This is the paragraph of most interest to me.

"Always bring your passport in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port in an emergency, even if your cruise says you won’t need it."

None of us ever expects to need to fly home, but our travel agent has always advised us to cruise with a passport instead of other ID in case of emergency.

Happy Cruising!

Desert Cruizers

Margy, I can't emphasize that rule enough to my friends. As you said, we never anticipate an emergency but be prepared. It happened to us coming off our TA last Sept with my husband. He made the cruise and tours magnificently but 4 days from arriving in Boston he suffered a heart attack and we were diverted to ST Johns Newfoundland. I bring my PP, DL, & Birth Cert when I cruise regardless of the Itinerary.

Just came off a cruise to St. Maarten, St. Kitts...…..passport set to expire 6 days after cruise ending.....did not have an issue....

In my view, with the cost of those things, I am going to get my monies worth...especially for children which are only good for 5 years once renewed.

ZoeyVictoria

Thanks for the link, I was able to verify the info for my sister whose passport will expire 6 months and 3 weeks after our cruise. I wasn't worried about it, but I want to make sure her first cruise will be perfect, so I am paying attention to tiny details (even more than usual).

Just came off a cruise to St. Maarten, St. Kitts...…..passport set to expire 6 days after cruise ending.....did not have an issue.... In my view, with the cost of those things, I am going to get my monies worth...especially for children which are only good for 5 years once renewed.

I've said the same thing lol. And when the kids turn 16 and get that first 10 year passport I also tell them that's the last one I'm paying for! :)

6 months is correct for some countries.

Typically it has to be valid for 6 months upon arrival, but some countries it is expected departure.

Bottom line is, check EACH country.

And realize that cruise rules may be different from flying or driving into a country.

My SO is not a US citizen. If she were to fly into St Maartin, she would have to have a visa. But arriving on a cruises ship, no visa is required.

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Places to Cruise Without a Passport

By Carnival Cruise Line

The Bahamas

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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.

whale in alaska jumping out of the water

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.

family splashing in the waters in the bahamas

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 .

beautiful beach with waves in warwick long bay in bermuda

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.

man relaxing on a floaty in the caribbean waters

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 .

na pali coastline, kauai in the hawaiian islands

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.

Plan for fun.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx

What Happens If You Miss Your Cruise Ship?

By Jessica Puckett

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It’s a sight that most cruisers dread: Watching their ship sail out of port as they sprint down the pier. But for one reason or another, missing a cruise ship is a situation that travelers could easily find themselves in.

The most recent example is a group of eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers who were left behind in São Tomé and Príncipe off the western coast of Africa after their private tour ran long, causing them to miss the ship’s scheduled departure time. Those passengers spent several days and thousands of dollars (which were later reimbursed) attempting to rejoin their voyage.

Cruise ships take their “all aboard” time seriously, as they must adhere to strict docking times in each port, not to mention the fact that thousands of other passengers could potentially be inconvenienced.

The good news is there are simple precautions travelers can take to avoid being left behind at port. But if you do (literally) miss the boat, there are certain steps you can take to help ease the process and ideally meet back up with your cruise at the next port.

How to avoid missing a cruise ship

When planning your time onshore during a cruise, make sure to confirm exactly what time you need to be back on the ship. Most cruise lines advise passengers to be back on board no later than one hour before departure time. This time, usually called the “all aboard” time, is generally announced in daily schedules or displayed at the ship’s exit. If in doubt, ask a crew member at the exit of the ship for the all-aboard time before you disembark.

Another thing to take into consideration is whether you plan on participating in the cruise line’s shore excursions or opt for a private tour. In general, the ship will wait for stragglers “only if the passenger booked a shore excursion through the cruise line,” says Linda Speer , a travel specialist who runs the agency Cruises by Linda. Major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and NCL, have published policies reflecting this.

As for the NCL passengers left behind last month in São Tomé and Príncipe, “given that these guests were on a private tour and did not return to the ship at the communicated all aboard time, they are responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call, per our protocol,” a spokesperson for the cruise line told The Guardian . The passengers traveled through six countries to meet up with the ship at its final port of call in Senegal, according to the report. Norwegian ultimately reimbursed the eight guests for the travel costs incurred during the journey, the spokesperson told the outlet.

The terms and conditions of most major cruise lines state that if you venture out on your own in port, you don't have many protections if you miss the ship. “When you book a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean, we guarantee that if your tour is delayed, the ship will wait for you,” the line's policy says. “In the unlikely event that your tour is significantly delayed, and the ship cannot wait, we will make all the arrangements for you to return to the ship at no expense to you. The ship will not wait for any guest faring on their own, as it is their responsibility to be onboard before the ship's scheduled departure time.”

If you do decide to take a private tour, tell your tour guide when your all-aboard time is and discuss a timeline that will get you back to the ship comfortably before the deadline. And of course, it's always smart to set alarms for when it’s time to head back to the ship. Be especially cautious if you’re in a remote port with few options for travel or transfers to the next destination, as missing the ship there would present many more difficulties—like it did for the stranded passengers in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Just in case, be sure to carry a few essential items with you every time you disembark. “Always have your trip insurance card with you as well as a major credit card,” Speer says. These items will be vital in helping you secure travel out of the port in case you do miss the ship.

What about flight delays?

It’s also possible to miss a cruise ship at initial embarkment before the voyage starts, usually due to flight delays or other travel issues. “I always recommend that guests arrive to the gateway at least two days prior to the start of their cruise in case they or their luggage are delayed en route," says Jennifer Gillmore , a travel specialist with Travel Beyond. However, if you weren't able to plan so far ahead and you miss your ship, there are still options to board at a later port.

For example, at Royal Caribbean, “guests who miss their cruise due to travel delays can contact the Emergency Travel Team (ETT) to discuss their options going forward,” the cruise line's policy explains. “In specific situations, when the guest has the proper documentation, it is possible to join the cruise at the next port of call, but all options must be discussed with ETT.”

Usually, if you don't buy your airfare through a cruise line's travel package, or don't buy their travel insurance with your cruise fare, you will be responsible for paying to catch up to your voyage. Per NCL's policy , “if you have bought your own air tickets, independently of Norwegian Cruise Line, you will be responsible for any and all expenses incurred to join the ship."

This is the case for most major cruise companies, but be sure to check your line's policy in advance. There are also independent travel insurance policies that can help cover the costs of meeting up with your ship. (More on that below.)

What to do if you miss your cruise ship

When the crew realizes that there are passengers who didn’t reboard the vessel, they will leave those passengers’ passports with port staff so they can travel to the next port if it’s in a different country. Some cruise lines collect passengers’ passports upon embarkation, while others will go into the passengers’ stateroom to find the documents. So it’s a good rule of thumb to keep your passport somewhere obvious—on the desk or the room safe—so it’s easy for the crew to find.

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When you miss a ship at a port of call, go to the port staff first. Each cruise line has a port agent who can help. The line's agent can hand over your passport and can help you contact your ship to make arrangements to meet up in the next port.

The next call should be to your travel insurance provider. “During a travel disruption, contact your provider’s 24-hour assistance team as soon as you can,” says Steven Benna, marketing manager at travel insurance firm SquareMouth . “They will explain your policy’s coverage for the situation and can help you find additional travel arrangements, like catching up to your cruise at the next port.” Be sure to keep any receipts relating to your catchup travel to include when you file a claim with your insurance provider, Benna says.

Two travel insurance benefits can help in this situation, according to Benna: missed connection and travel delay. “If your flight to your port gets delayed, the missed connection benefit was designed to help you catch up at your ultimate destination,” he says. “Alternatively, some policies have a travel delay benefit, which can similarly cover rebooking while also refunding the cost of meals and accommodations for trips delayed at least 3-12 hours.”

Cruisers can buy a travel insurance policy all the way up until the day before their departure and still have the full benefits activated on their departure date. “Whether you planned your cruise way ahead of time or booked at the last minute, you can rest easy knowing you can still get coverage,” Benna says.

Although missing a cruise ship certainly throws a wrench into any vacation, with the right preparations you’ll be back to relaxing on deck in no time.

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Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
Top ways cruisers waste money
12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The Disney Wonder cruise ship sails past glaciers in Tracy Arm Fjord as part of its Alaska itinerary. Nestled between 3,000-foot high granite walls, the narrow, twisting Tracy Arm Fjord weaves through the Tongass National Forest for roughly 35 miles. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)

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Social media erupts in fierce debate over whether cruise ship was right to abandon late passengers: ‘they know the rules’.

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A fiery debate has sparked after a cruise denied eight passengers to board the ship after they failed to make the 3 pm cut-off time.

The Norwegian Dawn ship left the tourists on an African island , some without their possessions after the private tour they were on ran late.

The group have now made their way by plane, ferry and car to Senegal, over 2,000 miles from São Tomé and Príncipe, where the Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) ship departed without them last Wednesday.

US couple Jill and Jay Campbell, who were among the abandoned eight cruisers have spent more than $7,000 in travel costs to get to the port in Senegal.

“We truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship follows, they follow those rules too rigidly,” Ms. Campbell told NBC’s the Today Show on Tuesday.

“They really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and that the safety is and the wellbeing of their customers should be the first priority and that should be placed first.

“It was a basic duty of care that they have forgotten about. It does concern us.”

Adam Glezer from Consumer Champion told news.com.au it was “ridiculous” the passengers, including a pregnant woman and someone who has a heart condition, weren’t allowed back on — even though the Norwegian Dawn was still at anchor and a São Tomé coastguard took the group on tenders to the vessel.

“Each situation has to be treated on an individual basis — especially the passenger without their medication,” he said.

He said despite the rules, “you need flexibility in situations like this.”

Keep up with The Post's coverage of the Norwegian Cruise debacle

Eight Norwegian Cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition, were stranded on an African island without money and vital medications after the vessel left port without them.
A spokesperson for the cruise line claimed the passengers were left on the island “on their own or with a private tour” and missed the “all-aboard time” by over an hour, according to the company.
Americans Jill Campbell and her husband, Jay Campbell, said they are unsure whether they even want to resume the 20-day voyage after Norwegian Cruise Lines forgot about its “basic duty of care.”
The eight passengers raced through seven different countries over a span of 48 hours to make it to Senegal, where the ship docked Tuesday morning,
Doug and Violeta Sanders, a stranded Australian couple, have spoken out about their ordeal , saying it was “the worst experience of our lives.”
Julie Lenkoff, 80, suffered a stroke during an excursion on the cruise — and was left “alone” and “helpless” to find her way back to the US, according to her family.
COLUMN: Cruise ship was right to ditch the late passengers in Africa

Check out The Post’s tips on what to do if you’re left stranded like the Norwegian Cruise passengers

Jim Walker, a Miami-based maritime lawyer, also called out the cruise liner, accusing it of “making a point by abandoning the guests” because they booked a tour that wasn’t through the cruise.

“The reality is that cruise lines aggressively promote cruise-sponsored shore excursions as a fundamental part of their business model, earning tens of millions of dollars a year in income,” he told news.com.au.

“To promote cruise-sponsored excursions where they receive as much as 50 to 60 percent of the profits, cruise lines state that if their guests paid for a cruise-sponsored excursion, as opposed to an independent excursion, the company will guarantee that if the extrusion is late in returning to the cruise ship, it will wait so that the guests are not abandoned ashore.

“In this particular case, it appears that NCL made a point of abandoning these guests simply because they were on an independent excursion.”

Mr. Walker said NCL’s conduct is not only “harsh and uncaring”, but he believes their act was “mean-spirited and vindictive in nature”.

The debacle has caused a huge divide online with some taking the side of the passengers, while others have defended the cruise’s move in leaving the passengers behind in São Tomé.

“Weird that the captain wouldn’t let them board if it was still in port?” one person wrote on Facebook.

“Don’t feel sorry for them they know the rules. It costs the ships a fortune if they don’t leave on time. We have watched people left behind before in Asia. Last trip to NZ there was a very close call also,” wrote another.

Other cruisers said being on time is a “simple” rule passengers need to follow, adding it’s why they only book tours through the ship.

“This is why you take a risk if you don’t go on a excursion you get through the ship Ruled need too be followed,” a third person wrote, while another added: “That’s why I would never take a cruise or organized tour ever, ever again, no freedom to do what you want, when you want.”

A TikToker and cruiser Candi Thomas unleashed on the passengers saying it was the responsibility of the passengers to make it back to the ship on time.

“For those of you who don’t cruise, let me tell you. Before you get off the ship there’s numerous announcements, You have it in your daily planning letter, there are signs … you have to be on board 60 to 90 minutes before that ship is departing,” she said.

The Campbells, from South Carolina, were the only people to have their bank cards and more than a few dollars on them after being stranded.

According to The Points Guy , if you do not arrive at the port before the boarding window ends, a cruise ship “will most certainly leave without you.”

“Even if you are standing at the pier, waving frantically. That’s because a cruise ship’s departure time is carefully planned and more than just your vacation is at stake.

“Just like airplanes, cruise ships are on tight schedules — much tighter than you may realise.”

Norwegian Cruise Line responds

In a statement provided to news.com.au, the US based Norwegian Cruise Lines said while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour “not organised through us” missed the last tender back to the vessel, “therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3pm local time.”

“While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.”

The spokesperson said when the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol.

The tourists had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul , Gambia on April 1, but the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination “due to adverse weather conditions.”

The spokesperson told news.com.au it contacted the passengers regarding the itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorisation to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available.”

A TikToker and cruiser Candi Thomas unleashed on the passengers saying it was the responsibility of the passengers to make it back to the ship on time.

The Campbells, from South Carolina, were the only people to have their bank cards and more than a few dollars on them. They said they have spent $7500 on accommodation and food for their fellow castaways.

They explained they were late to the cruise because there was an issue on their private tour.

“They [tour] were like: ‘No problem, we can get you back within an hour,’” Mr. Campbell, who is a schoolteacher.

“For those of you who don’t cruise, let me tell you. Before you get off the ship there’s numerous announcements, You have it in your daily planning letter, there are signs … you have to be on board 60 to 90 minutes before that ship is departing,” she said.

The guide contacted the captain to say the group were going to be late . When they got back to port the ship was still anchored just off shore. But staff would not allow the passengers to board.

“The harbour master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call,” Mr. Campbell told ABC 4 News South Carolina .

“We sent emails to NCL, the NCL customer service emergency number, they said ‘Well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them emails, they’re not responding to our emails.’”

Mr. Campbell said it had been a challenging experience, describing it as a “very, very difficult process."

Mr. Campbell said the nation’s coastguard service then put all the passengers on a boat and sailed them out to the cruise ship, but still they were refused permission to board.

He told US broadcaster NBC’s the Today Show on Tuesday that the people of São Tomé and Príncipe had been “very gracious, very hospitable,” and had steered them towards hotels and travel agents.

Nonetheless, he said, it had been a challenging experience, describing it as a “very, very difficult process.”

News.com.au understands the eight guests have now rejoined the cruise in Dakar, Senegal.

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Married couple Jill and Jay Campbell were among the eight passengers who were left behind on a cruise after doing a private tour in Africa.

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Norwegian Cruise says stranded American passengers were over hour late to ship, given passports: report

Jay and jill campbell, a south carolina couple part of the stranded group, said the cruise line 'followed the rules too rigidly,' according to a report.

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Norwegian Cruise passengers, who were stranded on an African island , missed the boarding time by more than an hour, which is why they were left behind, according to reports.

Eight passengers, including six Americans and two Australians, were on a private tour of São Tomé and missed the 3 p.m. all-aboard call on Friday, the cruise line said.

A cruise line spokesperson originally told Sky News the group was late by more than an hour, which was confirmed by the New York Post.

"When they missed the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. by more than an hour, their passports were left with the local port agent for retrieval when they returned to the port from their private tour (not organized by us), per the protocol," a cruise line spokesperson told the Post.

AMERICANS STRANDED BY NORWEGIAN CRUISE SAVE ELDERLY PASSENGER, FAMILY SAYS: SHIP ‘LEFT HER TO DIE’

A Norwegian Cruise Line ship is pictured. Passengers on a recent trip to Africa said the cruise line stranded them there. (Getty Images)

When passengers on excursions or private tours are late, it's the cruise line's right to sail away to stay on time.

Two members of the group – Jay and Jill Campbell, a South Carolina couple – said in news interviews that their tour guide ran late and did not get them back to the ship on time Friday.

The boat was still in sight of the island, and the Coast Guard ferried the group to the ship, but the captain denied them entry.

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"Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel," a spokesperson for the cruise line said.

Jill said the cruise line "followed the rules too rigidly" during a Tuesday morning interview on The Today Show .

"I really feel that they forgot they are people working in the hospitality industry and that really the safety and well-being of their customers should be their first priority," Jill said, and the crew had a "basic duty of care that they had forgotten about."

Jill and Jay Campbell, from South Carolina, were among the eight passengers left behind by a cruise.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from South Carolina, were among the eight passengers left behind by Norwegian Cruise Line after they missed the all-aboard call. (Jill and Jay Campbell)

The Norwegian Cruise Line secured the group's passports, as part of protocol, according to their statement, but didn't grab vital medicines, money or other belongings, according to the Campbells.

Among the group is a paraplegic, a man who has a heart condition and a pregnant Delaware woman and her husband.

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"When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all-aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port," the company said.

After chasing the ship through several countries, the eight stranded passengers finally caught up and boarded the ship by Wednesday morning, Norwegian Cruise Line told Fox News Digital.

The company has been criticized by passengers who said they were recently stranded on an African island. (Reuters/Gary Cameron)

Fox News Digital reached out to the Campbells, and Norwegian Cruise Line said they're working on getting answers to followup questions, including an unrelated incident where an elderly woman had to disembark for medical reasons.

Julie Lenkoff, 80, suffered a stroke and potentially a heart attack during the trip, and the cruise line said they thought it was in her best interest to send her to a local clinic on São Tomé.

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But her family said the cruise line never called Lenkoff's emergency contacts, and left her behind.

That's when the Campbells learned she was on the same island and took care of her.

"They're heroes," Lenkoff's son-in-law, Kurt Gies, told Fox News Digital about the Campbells. "They saved our mother."

Julie Lenkoff smiling before a medical emergency forced her off a Norwegian Cruise on an African island, where she was left behind. (Facebook)

The South Carolina couple helped Lenkoff reach her family in the U.S., and she was eventually flown to the states on a 30-hour flight from São Tomé to Lisbon, Portugal, to Toronto to Stanford Hospital in California "that no one was sure she would even survive."

She's since been admitted to Stanford Hospital, where she's been under constant care, Gies said.

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Norwegian Cruise Line said in statements to Fox News Digital on Tuesday that the unrelated incidents were both "very unfortunate situations."

Chris Eberhart is a crime and US news reporter for Fox News Digital. Email tips to [email protected] or on Twitter @ChrisEberhart48.

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Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

The tourists — six from the U.S. and two from Australia — were aboard the Norwegian Dawn, a Norwegian cruise line ship , which departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day voyage up the coast of Africa set to end in Barcelona, Spain, on April 10.

But on Wednesday, the group of eight tourists was late to return to the ship by more than an hour for the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. from a private excursion on the island, which was not organized by the cruise line.

Jay and Jill Campbell of South Carolina were part of the group that was left behind.

They said that their tour’s operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late to rejoin the ship and that the local Coast Guard tried to get them on the vessel but that they weren’t allowed to board.

As a result, the couple and the rest of the group have been stranded for days on the island off Nigeria, grappling with language, currency issues and complicated travel to catch up with the ship.

“The lovely people of São Tomé were very gracious, very hospitable. They had reached out as much as they could to help us find hotels,” Jay Campbell said on NBC's "TODAY" show Tuesday morning.

“We were able to get to a tour agency there to arrange flights to the next port of call. ... Very difficult process — you’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers, you’re dealing with different currencies ... finding someone that even has dollars ... trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to.

"It’s one of those ‘You can’t get there from here,’" he added.

A Norwegian spokesperson called the incident a “very unfortunate situation” and said, “Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time.”

The cruise line said that after the guests failed to return, their passports were delivered to local port agents, in line with protocol. The company said it was working with local authorities to understand “the requirements and visas needed for the guests to reboard the ship at the next available port of call.”

On Monday, the guests had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship was unable to safely dock there because of “adverse weather conditions” and “tidal restrictions,” Norwegian said. The guests were then contacted and provided with information to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday.

Jill Campbell said they traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to arrive in Senegal on Monday night.

But the couple was reconsidering whether they even wanted to return to the cruise.

"We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. It is in dock here in Senegal," she said. "We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us."

"After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly. I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority," she added.

Ultimately, the eight passengers did rejoin the cruise before 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal, Norwegian told NBC News in an e-mail Tuesday evening, after this story originally published.

Norwegian said the passengers were responsible for making their own travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal," a cruise line spokesperson said in a statement. "We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available."

A silver lining of the catastrophe was that the Campbells were able to connect with another Norwegian Dawn passenger — Julia Lenkoff, 80 — who was also left on the island, but for a medical reason.

Lenkoff was on a different day tour Wednesday. She had "medically disembarked" from the cruise to seek local treatment on that day, Norwegian said.

Norwegian said that its care team tried to call Lenkoff several times and was unable to reach her and that it worked with its port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe for updates on her health.

The Campbells met Lenkoff and were able to put her in contact with her family in California, who flew her home — a move Lenkoff's daughter said "saved her life."

"She's a world traveler. She travels all the time. So this was going to be one of her bucket list trips, because she's been to 120 countries so far, and she wanted to get to 130," her daughter, Lana Lenkoff Geis, said in an interview that aired Tuesday on "TODAY."

Norwegian said Lenkoff was escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, then put in the care of airport staff members to continue her journey back to the U.S., where she has safely returned.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Couple fly through seven countries to catch up cruise ship that left them behind

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Jay and Jim Campbell smiling next to a picture of the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship.

An American couple who flew thousands of miles to rejoin a cruise ship after it abandoned them on a remote African island are now having second thoughts about getting back on board.

Jay Campbell and his wife Jill were among nine passengers abandoned on São Tomé and Príncipe by the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship when they were late to return from a shore excursion on March 27.

But after jet-setting through seven countries in 48 hours to catch up with the ship in Dakar, the couple are beginning to feel disillusioned with the luxury liner.

‘After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly,’ Jill Campbell told USA TODAY .

A map showing São Tomé and Príncipe off the west coast of Africa.

‘I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and that really the safety and the well-being of the customers should be their first priority, and that should be placed first.’

‘We believe there was a basic duty of care that they’ve forgotten about so it does concern us,’ she added.

The couple, from South Carolina, had been eight days into a 21-day cruise from Cape Town to Barcelona when they embarked on a third-party tour of the island, located around 190 miles west of mainland Africa.

But when they arrived back at the port, where the Norwegian Dawn was still docked, the captain refused to let them board as they had missed the 3pm deadline for re-entry.

The São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard then ferried the stranded passengers to the cruise ship, but they were once again denied entry by the captain.

Upon their return to the island, the Campbells encountered a number of additional passengers who had been denied entry and abandoned by the cruise operator, including four elderly passengers, a pregnant woman and a person in a wheelchair.

The group later encountered an 80-year-old woman who had been on a separate tour organised by the cruise line, who had been left behind after becoming hospitalised while suffering a concussion while on the tour.

The Campbells were the only members of the group who had access to credit cards, and say they spent $5000 on accommodation for the group while they planned their next move.

The couple say they were grateful for the hospitality received by the people of São Tomé and Príncipe and had been receiving consular assistance from the US embassy in Angola. They were due to fly to Gambia on Sunday to try to rejoin the cruise.

‘I truly believe sometimes we’re put in certain places for a reason and I believe we were put in this place for the 80-year-old woman that was left alone,’ Campbell told ABC. ‘God forbid, what would have happened to that lady if we were not here.’

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line told the Mail that the eight remaining guests have been provided authorisation to rejoin the ship in Dakar today.

The Norwegian Dawn cruise ship traveling on the sea.

‘Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjul, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal,’ the spokesperson said.

Norwegian Cruise Line said it was the passengers’ responsibility to ensure they returned to the cruise ship on time and that they had returned the group’s passports to the relevant port authorities before departing.

A previous statement from the operator read: ‘While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.

‘Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed if the guests were to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.’

Were you one of the passengers stranded on São Tomé and Príncipe? Contact us at [email protected] and tell us your story.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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