What is 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.

Do closed loop cruises go through customs?

If you are on a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends at the same port in the United States and visits Canada, Mexico, or much of the Caribbean, you do not need a valid passport. According to CBP, all you need is documentation proving you are a U.S. citizen.

What is an example of a closed loop cruise?

A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs and ends in the same U.S. port, for example, Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale, or round-trip to Alaska from Seattle.

Is The Bahamas a closed loop cruise?

Bahamas: There are numerous closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas from ports up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Bermuda: Sail to Bermuda on closed-loop cruises from East Coast ports, including Baltimore, Boston, New York City, and Port Canaveral, Florida.

Can I go on a Royal Caribbean cruise without a passport?

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.

Is Disney a closed loop cruise?

Many Disney Cruise Line itineraries are closed-loop cruises that sail in and out of the same port. Of course, the exact departure and arrival ports are determined by the itinerary of each ship, which often changes throughout the year.

Can you get off a cruise ship in another country without a passport?

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.

Do I need a passport to go on a closed loop cruise to the Bahamas?

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.

Which Caribbean cruises do not require a passport?

Is a closed loop cruise considered leaving the country?

A closed-loop cruise is an itinerary that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. For U.S. citizens traveling to Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean islands and Mexico, closed-loop cruises are an exception to typical U.S. Customs and Border Protection passport requirements.

What is the difference between open loop and closed loop cruises?

Cruises that don't begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. An example would be one that starts in Florida and ends in the Bahamas. Typically, closed-loop cruises may leave from Miami, Florida, and travel to Bermuda before returning to the same port in Miami.

What is the longest closed loop cruise?

NEW YORK -- Royal Caribbean is planning for what it calls the longest and most comprehensive world cruise ever. Passengers will be onboard the Serenade of the Seas for 274 nights - that's nine months!

Is passport required for closed loop 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.

What ID do you need for a closed loop cruise?

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license that has your photo, name and date of birth. In addition to a driver's license, you must also present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship.

Can a non US citizen go on a cruise to The Bahamas?

Citizens from countries other than the U.S. and Canada are required to present a valid passport To enter The Bahamas, which must be current up to your travel period, and some countries are also required to have a Bahamas visa.

Can you 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.