Do you need a passport for a closed-loop Royal Caribbean cruise?

Do you need a passport for a closed-loop Royal Caribbean cruise? U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth.

Can you go on a closed loop cruise without a passport?

Despite these international stops, only open-loop sailing requires a passport for all travelers. For U.S. citizens, closed-loop sailing typically doesn't require anything more than personal identification, like a state-issued driver's license, and a birth certificate proving citizenship.

Do I need a passport for CocoCay?

Royal Caribbean cruisers don't need a passport to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas since it is a “private” island. However, guests are required to follow their cruise itinerary.

Why get a Caribbean passport?

A Caribbean passport is your ticket to up to 156 countries of the world where you don't need a visa or a visa is given on arrival. Nationals of Caribbean states can travel freely to the EU, the UK, Singapore and apply for a business visa to the USA.

Does a cruise count as leaving the country?

If you left the United States and cleared into another country, the time outside the USA counts even on a cruise where you don't leave the ship. It doesn't hurt to list any trip you feel you left the USA and simply let the officer decide if it counts.

What happens if your cruise ship leaves you in another country?

Find a port agent. In cases when cruisers are late returning to the vessel, the ship's crew will often remove the passengers' essential items -- passports, cell phones and medication -- from the ship to leave with the port agents. These officials can help you with contacting your ship and making travel arrangements.

What Caribbean countries require a passport?

However, with the full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), passports are now essential for most travel to the Caribbean. The new passport requirements apply to travel to the following countries: Anguilla. Antigua and Barbuda.

What cruise can you take without a passport?

Are passports checked on cruises?

Immigration officials will often come onboard cruise ships to check documentation and the process of keeping the passports centrally makes it much easier and faster for the cruise line and passengers.

How close to expired passport can you travel?

Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

Which Caribbean cruises do not require a passport?

Can you cruise with real ID instead of passport?

Even if you have a Real ID, you'll still need to bring a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship for a closed-loop cruise.

What is a closed loop cruise?

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

Does Royal Caribbean have free WIFI?

Although Royal Caribbean does not give free wifi to every passenger, there are a few ways to get free wifi onboard. It's no secret that wifi on a cruise is expensive. You should expect to pay around $20 per day for Royal Caribbean's wifi package, and that's only for use on one device at a time.

What happens if you get left behind on a cruise without a passport?

It will be necessary to visit the U.S. Embassy and get an emergency passport to be able to come home. And this process will be time-consuming, complicated, and expensive. Guaranteed.

What forms of ID are acceptable for a cruise?

For U.S. Sailings only, U.S. Citizens may cruise using an official US state-issued Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID, like a driver's license or an identity card.

What if I forgot my birth certificate for a cruise?

If you no longer have your birth certificate, you can get in touch with the city or county you were born to get a certified official copy to use on your cruise. There's usually a small fee and waiting period, but it's faster than getting a passport.

What documents do I need to get off a cruise ship at port?

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.

Does Royal Caribbean check passports?

A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America. For additional passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov. Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise.

Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Do I need a passport? We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.