What's a closed loop cruise?


What's 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.


Can I go on a cruise with just a passport?

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.


Is a closed-loop cruise considered leaving the country?

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.


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.


Can you cruise from Vancouver without a passport?

Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of the U.S. and Canada, who enter or re-enter the U.S. by air, land or sea.


What do I need to enter Canada from a cruise ship?

Passengers with a passport issued by any of the countries eligible for the eTA do not need a visa to disembark the ship in Canada. Individuals from other countries must have a valid Canadian visitor visa to disembark on Canadian soil.


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.


What happens if you miss your cruise in a different country?

If you miss the ship, you'll have to either meet it in a subsequent port of call or call it a wash and head home. Your cruise line, travel agent or travel insurance provider might be able to help you make the plans; otherwise, you'll have to make arrangements on your own.


Can you use a copy of your birth certificate for a cruise?

Birth Certificate Information The following are acceptable: An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics.


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!


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 you go on a cruise without a passport and birth certificate?

If you're a United States citizen going on a “closed loop” cruise, you'll only need to present: Government issued photo identification. Proof of citizenship (an original or copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization)