Why do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?


Why do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise? Alaska is part of the United States, but some cruises either depart from a Canadian port like Vancouver or make a stop in a Canadian port like Victoria. In these cases, it is necessary to have a passport or passport card with you as identification.


Do you go through customs on an Alaskan cruise?

All ships that leave Vancouver heading for Alaska (or Seattle, San Francisco, LA, Hawaii or San Diego) will pre-clear US Immigration at the Cruise Ship terminal. When you reach your final US destination, you will still fill out and hand in a US Customs Card.


Do I need a passport to go to Alaska from Seattle?

U.S. citizens flying between another state and Alaska do not need a passport. However, those driving through Canada or traveling on a ferry or cruise ship with stops in Canada are required to carry one. All non U.S. citizens will need a passport and possibly other documents to enter.


What is the quickest way to get a passport?

Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. You cannot walk-in. We do not charge a fee to make an appointment. You can only make an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778.


Can I book a cruise before I get my passport?

On closed-loop cruises, a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID are all that's required. Check with your cruise line before departure to see what documents are needed instead of a passport. Many require a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate if you don't have a passport.


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 you need a passport for an Alaskan cruise on Carnival?

If a cruise begins and ends in different U.S. ports, or begins and ends in a foreign port (such as our Alaska cruises and Hawaii cruises) a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is required if you are traveling on any of our Europe cruises.


Will a birth certificate work for a cruise?

Cruising with a birth certificate is permitted for U.S. citizens, but only in specific cases. The only time U.S. citizens can cruise with a birth certificate (and ID) as their official identification is on sailings departing from U.S. homeports. These must be roundtrip sailings starting and ending in the U.S.


Can I use my birth certificate to go on a Carnival 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.


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 you drive to Alaska without a passport?

The only way to drive to Alaska without a passport is if you are a U.S. citizen with a NEXUS membership card, an enhanced driver's license, or you have special authorization via the military or government affiliations.


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 cruise line does not require a passport?

Carnival offers many Caribbean cruise options including sailings that depart and return to U.S. ports like Baltimore, Norfolk and New Orleans. These don't require a passport as they are closed-loop sailings.


How much is an all inclusive cruise?

All-inclusive European river cruise deals land in the $350 to $450 range per person, per night as well. All-inclusive river cruises within the U.S. trend a bit higher, so anything under $600 per person, per night is a good deal.