Passports Requirements for a Cruise

Although passports are not required when traveling domestically, we strongly recommend that you take your passport aboard with you when you go on a vacation cruise. While you are on a cruise, it is very important to have compliant travel documents that are listed by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Passports Requirements

We know traveling documents are the last thing on your mind when you're preparing to go on a cruise, but it is best that you make them a priority.

Cruise Planners - Grandmastertravel will assist you with your preparation and booking when going on your next cruise, whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruiser. Before you go on your next cruise to the Bahamas, please view our cruise packing tips & checklist.

Are Passports & Travel Documents Required When Cruising?

The simple answer is no.  However, it is strongly recommended that you travel with your passport when taking cruises especially when the cruise ship touches international waters. Cruise lines strongly suggest that travelers have their passports on hand while traveling. Below is a list of approved Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative trusted documents.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Compliant Documents

When cruising you should have at least 2 forms of the below documents with you. U.S. citizens traveling to and from U.S. ports are required to travel with at least one Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document. When traveling abroad, have your passport and another form of ID available.

• Valid U.S. Passport
• Passport Card
• An original or suitable quality copy of a Birth Certificate (Issued by a government agency: state/county/city)  and a government-issued photo ID if 16 years of age and older.
• Original Certificate of Naturalization
• Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card,  e.g., Nexus Card, Sentri Card, or Fast Card
• Enhanced Tribal Card
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) - only acceptable at land and sea ports of entry.  It cannot be used for air travel outside the U.S.  The word 'Enhanced' must appear on the driver's license. The following five states currently issue an EDL:     Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.

Copies of U.S. passports and naturalization papers, hospital and baptismal certificates are not WHTI-compliant documents, therefore, are NOT acceptable.