Do I have to go through customs on a cruise?

Do I have to go through customs on a cruise? Ships that terminate in U.S. ports may require passengers to fill out Customs forms and show their passports to border control in the cruise terminal. Some passengers might be required to meet with immigration officials on board prior to getting off the ship.

Can you open carry-on a cruise?

All weapons are prohibited on cruises due to cruise ship security regulations. Guns are not allowed, with or without a concealed carry permit. Mace, pepper sprays and knives of any type are prohibited. The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc.

Where can you go on a cruise without a passport?

Do I take my passport with me off the cruise ship?

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.

Do you go through customs when going on a cruise?

For the most part, customs and immigration is a practically imperceptible process handled by cruise line officials on your behalf, often in the early hours of the morning. Occasionally, you might have to meet face-to-face.

Do I need a passport to go to Bahamas on Royal Caribbean cruise?

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

Do you go through customs on a cruise to the Bahamas?

When you arrive in The Bahamas by boat, you will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep until you leave. You must go through Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry, show the yellow quarantine flag, and inform Customs about your arrival.

Is backpack considered carry-on in cruise?

You might be stuck carrying or toting this bag around for several hours, so keep it to a minimum. Our favorite carry-on bags are backpacks (these lightweight backpacks are our FAVORITE for travel day bags!) or small rolling bags.

Why can you go to The Bahamas without a passport?

You don't need a passport if you travel to the Bahamas on a closed-loop cruise. However, you can provide one of the following documents: A passport card. A trusted traveler card.

Do cruises check carry-on bags?

When you arrive at the Port Authority Security in the cruise terminal, you will pass a security checkpoint where all carry-on luggage goes through X-rays and other baggage is checked in. All checked bags on cruise ships are scanned.

Do cruises follow TSA rules?

Basically, everyone will be screened at the security checkpoints. You are encouraged to remove all items from your clothing. Unless you a child or over 75, you will need to remove your shoes that will then be screened along with any carry-on items. Review the TSA website videos ahead of time so you know what to expect.

Do I take my passport on shore excursions?

Taking Your Passport Should you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.

How much money can I bring on a cruise?

Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences. Here are some guidelines to help you decide how much money to bring on a cruise.

Can I get off the cruise ship in the Bahamas without a passport?

If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you'll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

Can I cruise from the US to The Bahamas without a passport?

U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.

Can you disembark a cruise without a passport?

You Need a Passport for Cruises To and From Foreign Ports If you are a U.S. citizen and your cruise embarks or disembarks in a foreign country, including Canada, you will always need your passport for the cruise (in some cases a passport card will suffice).

What is TSA like on cruise?

You will need to pass through an x-ray machine and have your carry-ons scanned, but the process is not as rigorous as at the airport. (You likely won't need to remove your shoes, for example.) Then you'll enter a large open space with roped-off lines and check-in stations.

Can I get off the cruise ship in the Caribbean without a passport?

More often than not, the answer is no. U.S. citizens don't need a passport if the cruise starts and ends in the same U.S. city. This is known as a closed-loop cruise. That said, some may require a passport if you want to disembark at ports in any Caribbean destination.

Can I go on a cruise to Mexico without a passport?

All travelers are advised to carry a valid passport with them when taking a cruise to Mexico, regardless of their nationality and port of departure. US citizens on closed-loop cruises, meaning they begin and end at the same US port, can travel to Mexico with proof of citizenship other than a passport.

What can you not bring into The Bahamas?

Anything except fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products can be brought into The Bahamas. All meats must be canned or frozen.