cruise without flights

No Fly Cruises

No fly cruises.

You can choose from a large variety of cruise lines providing no-fly cruise itineraries including world-renowned liners such as MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises, Cunard & Carnival Cruise Line.

No-fly cruises from the UK go to a huge selection of destinations around the world, everything from  relaxing cruises , Mediterranean cruises including  Greek Island Cruises , and as far-flung as Denmark and  Canada .

NO FLY? NO PROBLEM!

Many people believe that you first need to fly abroad to set off on a luxury cruise or sail to an exotic destination, but thanks to the UK’s convenient location, you can keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Leaving directly from ports around the UK, No Fly Cruises are a popular choice for cruise-goers who prefer their holidays as hassle-free as possible.

Removing the stress that comes with airport queues, flight delays and baggage restrictions are just a few of the advantages of a No Fly Cruise and, thanks to Cruise Nation’s wide selection of great deals on No Fly Cruises from the UK to destinations around the world, you won’t find yourself limited on where you can travel to.

WHY CRUISE NATION?

We offer No Fly cruises from a selection of UK ports, with deals on No Fly Cruises from Southampton or Dover. This allows our customers to travel in comfort to a port near home, before easily embarking on their next cruise holiday.

Cruise Nation’s No Fly Cruise Deals are some of the most competitive on the market, and can see you sailing directly from the UK to sun-soaked destinations including the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, as well as the beautiful landscapes of the Baltics and the Norwegian Fjords.

Don’t let a flight get in the way of your perfect cruise holiday – book one of our great value deals on No Fly Cruises in 2022 or 2023 and find out just how far you can go without setting foot on a plane.

WHY BOOK A NO FLY CRUSIE?

There are a variety of different reasons why some of our customers prefer to book a No Fly Cruise over one that requires air travel. For some, the hassle and stress of airports – from spending hours in departures to being restricted on how much baggage they can bring – takes all of the joy out of travelling, whilst for others, a genuine fear of flying might stop them from booking a cruise with airfare included.

When you choose a No Fly Cruise from Cruise Nation, all you need to do is make your way to your chosen port. You can bring as much luggage as you like, with no restrictions on baggage weight or contents. From the moment you step onboard, your holiday can begin, with no queuing or delays.

NO FLY CRUISE DEALS

We know that our customers each have a different idea of their dream cruise, which is why we have one of the biggest and most competitively priced selections of No Fly Cruises in the market.

Whether you are looking for a cheap, three-day No Fly Cruise to the majestic Norwegian Fjords or you want to book a seven-day last minute, No Fly Cruise to the  sunny Canary Islands , we have a great value deal for every holiday style, vacation length and budget.

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No Flying Cruises

Set sail on a cruise from the UK & Ireland without the need to fly. No baggage restrictions & no busy airports! Great deals on all no flying cruises from the UK.

Cruising from the UK & Ireland

No flying cruises departing from UK & Ireland ports are popular now more than ever before. This maybe be due to passengers not wanting the hassle of making their way to and from busy airports or it maybe just a simple fear of flying.

Either way, many cruise lines, including Cunard, P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line offer sailings departing from many UK cruise ports including; Dover, Edinburgh, Greenock, Harwich, Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton. Smaller cruise ships even depart from ports like Bristol Avonmouth, Tilbury, Portsmouth and Hull.

Another good reason to sail from the UK or Ireland is the baggage restrictions. If you have to fly you are limited to what you can take by annoying weight restrictions, usually 1 suitcase per person with a maximum weight of 25 Kg. Without the need to fly you are free to take as much luggage as you like, within reason!

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10 of the best no-fly cruises

Skip the airport queues with this selection of sailings that leave from ports you can reach by car, coach or train.

L ooking for a holiday to remember but put off by the chaos of the airport? A no-fly cruise could be just the thing for you. These trips let you travel to stunning beaches, amble around medieval towns and see the northern lights without setting foot on a plane. Whether you dream of sunning yourself in the Med, cycling in the Netherlands or visiting Monet’s lily pond, there’s plenty to do even before you look at the activities onboard.

Main photo: Alesund, one of the stops on Silversea’s Norway cruise (Alamy)

1. Iceland via Ireland, from Southampton

There are vast contrasts on this voyage from Southampton on the smart Celebrity Silhouette. One day you’ll be admiring the rolling countryside of Ireland and the next gazing at the vistas, waterfalls and volcanic scenery around Akureyri and Reykjavik in Iceland . The ship has a gorgeous spa, a lawn on the upper deck for boules, croquet or a picnic, and 12 places to eat — so you can dine somewhere different each night of the trip.

Details Eleven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,183pp, including drinks, tips and wi-fi, departing on August 29, 2023

• The world’s most luxurious cruise ships • Best cruises from Southampton

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2. France, from Bordeaux

Make your own way to elegant Bordeaux for this voyage on Uniworld’s lavish SS Bon Voyage, with parking at the port included. The cruise explores the bucolic wine regions of the Médoc with some interesting diversions, including village tours, a Bordeaux heritage walking tour, the farmers’ market in Libourne and tastings galore, of course. There’s an infinity pool on deck if the summer heat becomes too intense.

Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,999pp, including all drinks, tips and excursions, departing on August 20, 2023. Drive to Bordeaux

• Best small ship cruises

3. Scottish Highlands and Inner Hebrides, from Oban

Look out for red deer, eagles, otters and other wildlife on this potter through the starkly beautiful western Highlands and Inner Hebrides, from Oban. Your home is the MV Hjalmar Bjorge, which sleeps just 12. Activities include wildlife spotting on the Isle of Mull, with guided excursions provided by Skyefari. From there, depending on the weather and sea conditions, you’ll stop at Tayvallich to see otters or drop anchor in the quiet lochs of Hourn and Nevis.

Details Six nights’ full board from £1,860pp, including activities, departing on October 2, 2023. Take a train to Inverness

hebrideanadventures.co.uk

• Best UK cruises

4. The Rhine, from Basel

Drift through the steep-sided Rhine Gorge, offering some of Germany ’s most enchanting scenery, on a voyage from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the Amadeus Imperial. You’ll have a day in Strasbourg to sample the local classic of an Alsace white with a thin-crust tarte flambée. Other highlights include the wine-growing village of Rüdesheim, deep in the gorge; Roman-era Koblenz; and Cochem, guarded by the turreted Reichsburg Castle.

Details Seven nights’ full board from £1,689pp, including drinks with meals and train travel, departing on June 8, 2023

amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk

• Best river cruises in Europe

5. The Netherlands and Belgium, from Amsterdam

Explore the network of waterways that criss-cross the countryside of the Netherlands and Belgium on the sleek riverboat AmaCerto. You’ll see the parade of old windmills that line the canal bank at Kinderdijk, and have days in Amsterdam and Brussels . The ship has a fleet of bicycles for exploring the conveniently flat countryside, which may be a welcome activity after all the beer and chocolate tastings.

Details Seven nights’ full board from £2,961pp, including drinks with meals, and excursions, departing on June 20, 2023

amawaterways.co.uk

• Best cruise lines for solo travellers

6. The Mediterranean, from Tilbury

Follow the sun south as the days begin to shorten in October. This 32-night epic on Ambassador Cruise Line’s comfortable Ambience whisks you from Tilbury to the furthest eastern reaches of the Mediterranean, visiting Istanbul , Haifa (for Jerusalem) and Alexandria, the jumping-off point for Cairo. Other stops include Athens , Naples , Lisbon and Gibraltar . There is a pub, elegant lounges and an Indian fusion restaurant aboard.

Details Thirty-two nights’ full board from £2,199pp, departing on October 16, 2023

ambassadorcruiseline.com

• This is what it’s really like on a cruise: the myths dispelled

7. The Seine, from Paris

Most cruises on the Seine last a week, but this voyage on the sumptuous Scenic Gem gives you 11 days, including overnights in Rouen and Paris . You’ll see the Somme battlefields and the port of Honfleur, the beauty of which inspired numerous impressionists. Marvel at Monet’s lily pond and take in a classical concert at Château de la Roche-Guyon, a medieval castle carved into an alabaster rock face. Return rail fares from London to Paris are included, too.

Details Ten nights’ all-inclusive from £4,045pp including drinks, tips, activities and rail travel from London, departing on August 7, 2023

scenic.co.uk

8. The Canary Islands, from Southampton

Board the adult-only Aurora in December to soak up some sun before Christmas. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, visiting Madeira , Tenerife , Lanzarote , Vigo and Lisbon . On board there’s masses going on; some of the best venues include Olly Smith’s wine bar, the Glass House, and the sumptuous Oasis spa.

Details Sixteen nights’ full board from £1,299pp, departing on December 1, 2023

• Best things to do in the Canary Islands

9. Scotland, Norway and Iceland, from Southampton

Explore Norway’s fjord-indented coast and Iceland’s rugged terrain in unfettered luxury on the 596-passenger Silver Shadow, a ship where everything from a home pick-up to free-flowing champagne is included. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, with stops in Newcastle and Edinburgh before heading on to Norway and Iceland . Other stops include Bergen, art deco Alesund, whale watching capital Husavilk and Reykjavik .

Details Fourteen nights’ all-inclusive from £7,300pp, including home pick-up, drinks, tips, wi-fi and some excursions, departing on June 21, 2023

silversea.com

• When’s the best time to cruise Norway’s fjords?

10. Mediterranean for the family, from Southampton

Take the kids on Royal Caribbean’s fabulously family-friendly Anthem of the Seas for a Mediterranean adventure which departs during the school holidays. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, visiting destinations including Cadiz, Malaga, Valencia , Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona , Ibiza and Lisbon, each offering the chance for lazy days at the beach, plus museums, galleries and tapas bars galore. On-board thrills include bumper cars, rollerskating and a skydiving simulator.

Details Fourteen nights’ full board from £1,567pp, departing on August 11, 2024

royalcaribbean.com

• Best family-friendly cruise lines • Can I go on a cruise without being vaccinated? • What to pack for a cruise • How to save money on a cruise

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Inspired to book a no-fly cruise? Here are the best options from Imagine Cruising and Princess Cruises .

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Cruise Packages with Flights

Ready to take advantage of world-class itineraries and cruise packages? With flights reserved using Princess EZair® , you’ll benefit from even greater convenience and cost savings. Start your journey with simplified booking and affordable flight options that best complement your cruise by considering where and when you set sail. Whether you’re traveling solo or looking for the best group cruise deals, let Princess help create your best vacation yet.

Princess EZair

Imagine if planning your dream cruise vacation was as seamless as the journey. Princess EZair makes it simple to find flights. With two different pricing options available, you can enjoy the benefits of the EZair program without going beyond your budget. Choose from Flexible Fares or Restricted Fares to best meet your needs. Some benefits of the EZair program include:

• Cost savings : When you book your air travel through EZair, enjoy exclusive low prices that may not be publicly available. Plus, see a comparison of fares to choose the one that makes the most sense for you. 
• Flexibility: If you want the freedom to change your flight, opt for our Flexible Fares option, which can often cost less than Restricted Fares. Life happens, and with this benefit, you have the ability to alter reservations up to 45 days before your departure without any cancellation fees. You’ll only pay for the cost difference of your new flight, unless the price is lower. And you can book your air travel in advance with no amount due until you make your final cruise payment.
• Protection: With so many variables in play, flight delays can happen, but they shouldn’t disrupt your vacation plans. If you experience a flight disruption on the day of travel with EZair, we’ll work with the airline to find the next best flight, so you can still embark on your world adventures. If you miss your flight on the way home due to your cruise or transfer, we’ll even help you make new travel arrangements for your return trip.
• Support: Though specific questions or concerns should be addressed with your airline, like seat assignments, our En Route Desk is available 24/7 as an extra level of support. We’ll help you find flights that fit your cruise with our easy-to-use tool that provides flight suggestions based on when and where you sail. That way you don’t have to worry about whether you've chosen the right flight to get you to your cruise on time. You can also easily modify your reservations if you want more time in port before or after your cruise.

Your cruise vacation is more than just a holiday. It’s the chance to unwind and explore. Princess EZair helps your journey take flight by allowing you to forgo the stress of transportation planning. Similar to putting together ideal cruise and flight packages, EZair makes it easy to coordinate flights, save on fares and ensure you land your ultimate vacation. All that’s left for you to do is sit back, relax and set sail on a dream vacation.

NO. 1 GUIDE TO NO-FLY CRUISES FROM THE UK

Over 80 port guides, news, expert insights.

WHAT’S HOT ON NO-FLY CRUISES 🔥

Cruise News & Features

View our page dedicated to all the latest cruise news & features on no-fly cruises. It’s updated daily!

No Fly Cruise Port Guide 2024

Visit our expert-written no fly cruises port guide featuring the best no fly ports with expert reviews and insights

No-Fly Cruises Vlogcast

Catch up on our regular No Fly Cruises Vlogcast with YouTube star Gary Bembridge

Your Guide to No-Fly Cruises from UK ports

No fly cruises are now one of the most popular cruise choices for people travelling from the UK. This site is the ultimate guide to no fly cruises, offering everything you will need to know before making your choice. With a new era of travel restrictions upon us, more frequent flight disruptions and increased demands for hassle-free and more sustainable travel, no-fly cruises from UK ports are now the cruise holiday of choice for many UK cruise passengers, in 2024 and beyond. NoFlyCruises.co.uk  is the number 1 free guide to no fly cruising from UK ports. We offer information on the ocean and river cruise lines that operate no-fly cruises, rich port guides packed with hints and tips, and all the latest cruise news .

Our guides are written by people that have spent real time in these ports via cruise ships, and we only use amateur photography, so you will see much more than a product brochure will show you. Also, look out for our cruise expert ports that feature comments from some of the world’s most established bloggers, writers, industry executives, crew members and ship lecturer’s. Don’t forget to register for news and offers, and stop by our blog for more cruise updates. We are a community-led site so we are constantly adding to, and improving our port guides . So if some guides seem limited now, they will expand soon!

You can also visit our friends for all the same type of information on Expedition Cruises at Expedition Cruise Hub …

OUR LATEST CRUISE EXPERT PORT GUIDES 🔎

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No-Fly Cruises from UK Ports

The number 1. free guide..

Embark your ship in one of the world’s most iconic ports, explore the beauty of Norway’s fjords, enjoy dramatic evenings in St Petersburg or even traverse the extraordinary Corinth Canal in Greece – you can do all of these things and more on a no fly cruise in 2024 and 2025. There are hundreds of destinations for you explore without having to even think about an airport because you can join your ship in one of many UK ports. At NoFlyCruises we are building the most comprehensible guide to no-fly sailings and we’re filling it with detailed information, maps, cruise expert comments, reviews and much more. If you love cruising, then don’t forget to add NoFlyCruises.co.uk to your favourites list. You can also use the hot-keys below to jump to our Port Guide regions. You can also travel in a more sustainable way by avoiding air travel.

England & Wales Port Guides  ~  Scotland & Islands Port Guides  ~  Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland Port Guides  ~  France & Monaco Port Guides  ~  Spain, Portugal & Islands Port Guides  ~  Norway, The Fjords & North Cape Port Guides  ~  Iceland & Greenland Port Guides  ~  Northern Europe Cities Port Guides  ~  Baltic States & Russia Port Guides  ~  Caribbean Port Guides

LATEST NEWS & ARTICLES  📰

Looking for an adult only no fly cruise in 2024.

by Seb | 1st April 2024 | Azamara | 0 Comments

How about no-fly cruises from the UK that are all inclusive in 2024?

by Seb | 17th March 2024 | Ambassador Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , Luxury Cruise , Princess Cruises | 0 Comments

Can I do a river cruise without flying?

by Seb | 30th January 2024 | No Fly River Cruises | 0 Comments

What is the most popular cruise line in the UK?

by J D | 30th January 2024 | P&O Cruises | 0 Comments

Can you cruise to the Caribbean without flying?

by Sam | 28th January 2024 | Cunard , Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , No Fly Cruise Blog , No Fly Cruise facts , P&O Cruises | 0 Comments

Is there a cruise that goes around the British Isles?

by J D | 17th January 2024 | Celebrity Cruises , Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , Hurtigruten , Oceania Cruises , Royal Caribbean | 0 Comments

Which cruise lines leave from the UK?

by Keith | 14th January 2024 | Ambassador Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , No Fly Cruise Blog , P&O Cruises , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean | 0 Comments

Do any cruises depart from Scotland?

by Seb | 8th January 2024 | No Fly Cruises , No Fly Cruises Blog | 0 Comments

Fred Olsen V’s Ambassador Cruise Line’s No Fly Cruises in 2024

by Keith | 31st December 2023 | Ambassador Cruise Line , Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines | 0 Comments

The best no fly cruises and cruise deals in 2024

by Seb | 30th December 2023 | Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , No Fly Cruise Blog , P&O Cruises , Princess Cruises | 0 Comments

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Carnival's Fly2Fun Air Program

What are the benefits of booking Carnivals new Fly2Fun® Air Program? There are several benefits to booking Carnival's Fly2Fun Program. Our new air program allows you to select air options from major carries and flights departing from U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America and Europe. Carnival also provides Flight Protection in the event of flight disruptions, providing reassurance that Carnival will make alternate arrangements as needed for guests to meet the ship at the port of embarkation in time to board the ship or to the first port of call (without violating the Jones Act). If no viable options are available to join the ship, guest will be given a Future Cruise Credit to apply towards a future Carnival cruise.

Where do I go to book air in Carnival.com? Login into Manage My Account and select Fly2Fun from 'Shop by Category'. 

• Guest who chose Flexible Fares can pay for their air at the time of cruise final payment and will not incur fees if changes ( * ) are made prior to 60 days of cruise departure. Within 60 days of cruise departure, a $200 change fee will be applied plus any additional air costs.  
• For Restricted Fares, airline payment is required once the air reservation is made and tickets are non-refundable.

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No Fly Cruises

Perfect for those who don’t enjoy flying or wish to control the total cost of their holiday; no fly-cruises allow holidaymakers to experience new lands and cultures without having to take to the skies. The UK’s position gives cruise fans a chance to explore a large number of different destinations, whether travelling east to the beautiful cities of the Mediterranean , north to  stunning Scandinavia  or west to exciting New York . For more help developing your perfect no fly-cruise, please  get in touch  or explore no-fly cruise deals from the UK below.

No Fly Cruise Deals

• Royal Caribbean

Advantages of a No-Fly Cruise

One of the great benefits of going on a no-fly cruise is the opportunity to avoid airport stresses and crowds. The freedom provided by a no fly-cruise ensures you are not restricted by airline rules, baggage allowances and flight times. Not to mention how much money and time you are to save not going to the airport. No-fly cruises are perfect when you travel with kids as well. And the high number of cruise ships departing from the nation’s ports every day opens up a huge number of no-fly-cruise deals for UK cruise fans.  

No-Fly Cruises Destinations

Did you know that you can travel the world on a no-fly cruise, depart from a home port and save lots of money, as you don't have to buy tickets and think about transfers? You can cruise around British Islands or go north and discover magnificent destinations like Norway Fjords, Iceland and Scandinavia. You can travel south and explore the best counties of the Mediterranean sea, like Spain, Portugal and Italy or sail to the Canary Islands and learn more about its volcanic nature. You can even cross the transatlantic and enjoy some Caribbean sun. The choice is yours, and we are here to help you book the best cruise deals with Cruise1st.

No-Fly Cruises Departures

• Southampton  
• London Tilbury
• Greenock (Glasgow)
• Rosyth 
• Edinburgh-Leith

Cruise Lines for No-Fly Cruises

No Flying River Cruises

European river cruises by rail or coach.

At River Cruising, we understand that not everyone likes the idea of flying – which is what makes cruising an attractive alternative for many travellers. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of no-fly river cruises – so you can travel to the most beautiful and captivating destinations without setting foot on an aeroplane.

With exciting travel options from luxury operators and the biggest names in river cruising, you’ll find the perfect itinerary for you. Travel with national rail and Eurostar to your first port and enjoy a relaxed, scenic train journey before embarking on your river voyage.

One of our River Cruise Experts, Lisa, regaled us with details of her  no flying river cruise experience with Riviera Travel . She travelled by Eurostar to Paris for their Paris & Normandy itinerary. You can read all about her experience  here .

Many of the tour operators featured on our website offer a no-flying option, which provides the exact same service and inclusivity as the flying kind. The only difference is how you choose to get there.

To find out more about our no-flying river cruises, select a cruise line below to see where the journey will take you. Our team of UK based river cruise experts are available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays, to help plan your river cruise holiday! Recently awarded the UK & Ireland's NUMBER ONE River Cruise Agency, you can trust our 4th generation, family business to look after you! All of our holidays are protected by ABTA & ATOL for financial protection and 100% peace of mind. We are also proud to boast the 5* Platinum Feefo Trusted Service Award for our customer care, both before and after booking! Read more about our award-winning company here and we look forward to speaking with you soon!

No Flying Uniworld River Cruises

You can now book a range of Uniworld European itineraries via Eurostar! Subject to availability on the following sailings: Brilliant Bordeaux, Paris & Normandy, Burgundy & Provence, Castles along the Rhine, Dutch Delights, Tulips & Windmills, Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time, Rhine & Moselle and Classic Germany & Amsterdam!

No Fly Riviera Travel River Cruises

For those of you who prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can travel via Eurostar on selected tours and river cruises in Europe, such as Paris, Bruges, and many more. Travelling by train is the ideal solution if you don’t like flying, cannot fly for medical reasons or simply want fewer restrictions on luggage.

NO FLYING River Cruise Itineraries

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• Onboard Activities
• What to Expect

Places to Cruise Without a Passport

By Carnival Cruise Line

The Bahamas

New England and Canada

• The Caribbean

Baja, Mexico

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

For “closed-loop” cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide:

• A boarding pass
• A government photo I.D. if 16 years of age or older
• And a certified birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization

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

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

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

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

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

The Caribbean  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related articles

Plan for fun.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx

Protect Your Trip »

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?

Getty Images

A passport isn't always required for cruising.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to cruise without a passport

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

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

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

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

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

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

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

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

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

U.S. citizens 16 and older

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

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

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

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

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

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

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

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

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

Unacceptable forms of ID

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

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

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

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Booking airfare through NCL - no or go?

By Lucky Dude 2101 , November 2, 2021 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

Lucky Dude 2101

Greetings all!  Currently looking at booking a cruise for early 2022 and NCL has a special going on where the 2nd passenger flies free.  Being a little controlling on my own travel itinerary 😁 , I'm a little leery on the process and how NCL typically books it's passengers on airlines, hotels, etc. Certainly if issues arise, it's on NCL I would imagine. I understand I may be able to pay an additional fee and arrive in the port city the day before sailing?  How do the hotels work since NCL will handle transfers to/from the airport?  Are there any choices available to me as the passenger, of course for a fee, when it comes to airfare, hotel and transfers?

Anyone have experience with this? Am I being overly concerned?  Appreciate any and all feedback - thank you in advance!

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MeHeartCruising

In case you haven't already, read and understand the terms and conditions of the offer here:

Promotional Terms & Conditions | Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com)

NCL doesn't give you much flexibility to pick anything other than your desired dates of travel (per the conditions in the promotion) and your starting airport.  They pick the flight times and any connections.  You may get a very early morning flight or a late flight on your travel days.  You do not get to pick your airline or your seats.  Once NCL books your tickets and notifies you, you can then contact the airline and PERHAPS change seats, upgrade, etc. if that airline permits such things.  If they don't, then you are stuck with what NCL purchased for you.  

It is a nice offer when you're open to being fully flexible in what NCL might set you up with.  However, if you're going to be miserable if you are stuck in middle seats for a return flight from Miami that doesn't leave until 6pm and have to make a connection somewhere rather than a direct flight, then you might consider just booking on your own.  That's just an example, of course.  

Roll the dice or not.  Many people take advantage of the offer and have been very happy.  Some have a different opinion.

If you are looking at anything before early February, you are out of luck.  The bogo only applies to cruises booked more than 90 days in advance.

GeezerCouple

12 minutes ago, MeHeartCruising said: In case you haven't already, read and understand the terms and conditions of the offer here:   Promotional Terms & Conditions | Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com)   NCL doesn't give you much flexibility to pick anything other than your desired dates of travel (per the conditions in the promotion) and your starting airport.  They pick the flight times and any connections.  You may get a very early morning flight or a late flight on your travel days.  You do not get to pick your airline or your seats.  Once NCL books your tickets and notifies you, you can then contact the airline and PERHAPS change seats, upgrade, etc. if that airline permits such things.  If they don't, then you are stuck with what NCL purchased for you.     It is a nice offer when you're open to being fully flexible in what NCL might set you up with.  However, if you're going to be miserable if you are stuck in middle seats for a return flight from Miami that doesn't leave until 6pm and have to make a connection somewhere rather than a direct flight, then you might consider just booking on your own.  That's just an example, of course.     Roll the dice or not.  Many people take advantage of the offer and have been very happy.  Some have a different opinion.

Read those terms again.

For extra cost, one can request a "deviation", wherein you can specify particular flights, etc.

10 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:   Read those terms again.   For extra cost, one can request a "deviation", wherein you can specify particular flights, etc.   GC

You can request a date deviation with the bogo promo. They choose your flights.  Nowhere in the t&c does it say you can specify flights - and you can't.  Many have tried without success.

6 minutes ago, julig22 said: You can request a date deviation with the bogo promo. They choose your flights.  Nowhere in the t&c does it say you can specify flights - and you can't.  Many have tried without success.

Sorry... apparently this offer doesn't include flight requests.

But it's worth asking.

We did it, but it was a few years ago. 

After that, we always use awards and select all of our own air reservations.

We've decided that the hassle of any changes or delays or waiting for a bus to fill up before we could head to hotel (or airport) wasn't for us anymore.  Of course, if one IS able to select specific flights (again, apparently not with this offer), it's much less likely that there would be bus-loads of others with you.

And of course, for those who don't feel comfortable making all of the arrangements, or just don't want to bother, then having it all done for you is obviously an advantage.

CruisinNewbie11

You may ask to arrive several days before or after your cruise, but you can't choose your flight.  Once tickets are issued usually at the 45 day mark, you can contact the airline involved and choose seats and sometimes ask for an upgrade.   I have used NCL several times and have always been satisfied.  Pretty decent schedule, no complaints thus far.

Crazy planning mom

I booked my cruise last year and got a reduced airfare promo.  I dont have control over the flights except I paid  a small flight deiviation fee to arrive 2 days early.  They arent booking the hotel for me only the flight.  I am taking care of the hotel and transportation to the port.  They will provide transportation from the ship back to the hotel.

I had no issues - requested two days prior and two days after cruise - it would have cost me nearly $600 per ticket to get from Orlando to LA this December yet we got the entire 7-day cruise Balcony cabin and all for around $2K - and $1200 would have been just the airfare.

We are on a 7am flight to LA and on a red-eye home both are direct on Delta, that works well for us as we can maximize our time in LA.... but even if we didn't we are saving $1200.

I asked my PCC about this yesterday, and for the cruise we want, she said flying in two or three days earlier is only possible if we also purchase their hotel and their transport, neither of which are appealing. (Also that doesn't appear to follow the promo terms as linked, which states hotel does not need to be included, but it also says you can request flights only 2 days before.)

CruizinKittie40

We did the BOGO flights for our cruise a couple of weeks ago and it worked out very well. We were able to pick our seats through the Delta website  No regrets

1 hour ago, GeezerCouple said:   Sorry... apparently this offer doesn't include flight requests. But it's worth asking. We did it, but it was a few years ago.    After that, we always use awards and select all of our own air reservations.   We've decided that the hassle of any changes or delays or waiting for a bus to fill up before we could head to hotel (or airport) wasn't for us anymore.  Of course, if one IS able to select specific flights (again, apparently not with this offer), it's much less likely that there would be bus-loads of others with you. And of course, for those who don't feel comfortable making all of the arrangements, or just don't want to bother, then having it all done for you is obviously an advantage.   GC

You may of used this service that NCL also apparently offers…Premium Air.

https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/premium-air

However, it is not the same service you get with the Free/Reduced airfare promotions that we’ve been seeing for the last year or so.

2 different service offerings. 

1 hour ago, wampuscat7 said: I asked my PCC about this yesterday, and for the cruise we want, she said flying in two or three days earlier is only possible if we also purchase their hotel and their transport, neither of which are appealing. (Also that doesn't appear to follow the promo terms as linked, which states hotel does not need to be included, but it also says you can request flights only 2 days before.)

I only took the two days early flight deviation and was fine getting Bogo without the hotel. 

17 minutes ago, MeHeartCruising said: You may of used this service that NCL also apparently offers…Premium Air.   https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/premium-air   However, it is not the same service you get with the Free/Reduced airfare promotions that we’ve been seeing for the last year or so.   2 different service offerings. 

Thanks.  That could very well be how our "customized" air tickets were done.  It would fit.

So IF this is the same as the service we used through NCL (the air and cruise were billed together through NCL), it would indeed allow one to select specific flights on specific days.  We were able to get confirmation that we had the specific flights we wanted (a non-stop) *before* we were obligated to pay for the air tickets.

And, importantly, it did save money vs. what we'd have had to pay for those same tickets purchased at the same time.  However, the cancellation schedule then became what NCL states, which is not the same as if we had purchased directly from the airline.

Now, we've got lots of awards/points, and for premium international air travel, that's (for us; not necessarily others) the best use of awards by far.

We opted for NCL and totally expect a red-eye traveling from California to NYC, but at $100 pp each way, it couldn't be beat. I'll take a little inconvenience for the massive savings. However, we were limited to arriving 3 days early. There was no option to arrive earlier using NCL's cruise and hotel package.

used them before was able to pay $50 more to come in the day before

Sailing12Away

It all depends on where you're traveling to. For domestic travels we've always been told it's limited to 1 day pre and/or post. When we originally booked on a New Zealand cruise pre-Covid, we were told we could use 3 days pre/post to deviate from the sailing date. Never bothered to ask if that was based on arrival date or departure date as leaving NY it would take 3 days just to actually get to NZ, but we wanted more time post cruise anyway.

Do a mock booking on any travel site (kayak, expedia, google) and see what flight prices currently look at. Chances are NCL will have better pricing, but how much better and if it's worth giving up control is up to you. It's always worked in our favor so far, and we only had an issue once in the 4 times we've used it.

I took the BOGO offer because I’m not to fussed about control over flights as it’s only a 1.5 hour flight from Toronto to New York. I do want to arrive a day early but I’m not sure how the transportation from the airport to the hotel to the port will work. Do I have to book a certain hotel and will all transportation be covered in the fee that was already included?

15 minutes ago, Cilosgirl said: I took the BOGO offer because I’m not to fussed about control over flights as it’s only a 1.5 hour flight from Toronto to New York. I do want to arrive a day early but I’m not sure how the transportation from the airport to the hotel to the port will work. Do I have to book a certain hotel and will all transportation be covered in the fee that was already included?

If you fly in early, transportation is on your own.  You can remove the transfer fee or you can return to the airport on cruise day and get to the port on the NCL busses - you just have to give them a time.  Airport to hotel isn't included, although if you book your hotel through NCL they will probably arrange transportation.

Thanks to all for input!

It all depends on your threshold for pain.  You should assume that the BOGO flights you'll get are not the ones you'd prefer.  Friends got an OK flight into the port, later on the day before the cruise.  Their return is a red eye, so they have an entire day to kill.  It also has a 2.5 hour layover, so not ideal.  They're thinking about booking their own return as a result, so effectively losing the benefit of the good price.

The cruise ship has to do what is best for them to ensure you don't miss the ship or miss your flight home. So they get you in as early as possible, and send you home as late as possible. 

If you've got a late flight, they usually offer some type of city tour excursion with airport drop off. Use the $50 excursion credit and do that to kill time, or find something else to do (depending on your port). In Miami we found an animal sanctuary to visit - took a cab there with our luggage, and they stored our suitcases in the front office for us while we visited with the animals. All I had to do was reach out to them ahead of time via email and ask. Then called for an Uber to the airport when we were done.

Just got the info for my December cruise and our flight home leaves at 7:05PM, even with excursions that is crazy late.  I am going to call and nicely ask if there is anything we can do.  My guess is no, but it is worth it to ask.  If not, we will actually not get back to the house until after midnight....I can drive it from the port in less time.  I wonder what a rental would cost me one way....

50 minutes ago, oteixeira said: Just got the info for my December cruise and our flight home leaves at 7:05PM, even with excursions that is crazy late.  I am going to call and nicely ask if there is anything we can do.  My guess is no, but it is worth it to ask.  If not, we will actually not get back to the house until after midnight....I can drive it from the port in less time.  I wonder what a rental would cost me one way....

  Check on the airlines site. Delta does no fee changes for sure (just pay the difference in flight cost if any). We used NCL air for our recent cruise out of LA and were able to change our departure time on the outbound leg for 10 bucks. Our return flights were surprisingly good with a direct flight leaving at 1PM.

4 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:  So they get you in as early as possible, and send you home as late as possible. 

If only that were true.  I wish I would get later flights so I could take a post cruise excursion once in awhile!  I've started booking the excursions ahead of time so they'll look at later flights - fingers crossed it works.

Yes, they choose cheap when they can but It also depends on where you live, as well as the destination. Their policy is no more than 2 layovers which they will use to their benefit, not yours.  Works in my favor for those of us who fly from outlying areas, against those who fly from a major hub, in that I often get the available "direct" flight to the port.  But have to take a redeye to start.

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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.

Douro River Cruises

We found you 73 cruise s

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Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

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