We asked a travel expert whether or not you need a passport to sail away on your next cruise trip.
You ’ve take heed it from a schooling instructor , or perhaps a family member or acquaintance : No inquiry is a zany interrogative . But there are some example in which you might feel hesitating to expect someone for clarification , because it feels like you should already bonk the answer .
While that ’s just your ( very normal and very human ! ) insecurity speaking , we ’re here to answer one of those silly - sound question when it comes to cruise . While almost every traveler knows what thepassportrequirements are whenflying , many really question whether or not you take a passport tocruise , and whether there is a difference between cruising domestically and internationally .
To serve clear this up , we asked a travelling expert all about it . Here ’s what they said .
Image by Maitane Romagosa for Thrillist
Do you need a passport to cruise domestically?
A good linguistic rule of pollex when it comes to cruise ID essential is to follow tune travel guidelines . If you fly domestically , youdon’t need a recommendation — and the same goes for sail .
fundamentally , if you ’re on a cruise that only stays within US borders and territories , you do n’t ask to bring a passport with you .
" You do n’t needfully want a passport if you are visiting a US territory , like Puerto Rico , " explain Katy Nastro , travel expert at go . However , she clarify , " it is always best to check with your sail ticket supplier before buying , peculiarly if you do n’t already have a pass . "
Do you need a passport to cruise internationally?
In short , the answer is yes . When you jaunt internationally , whether it be via carpenter’s plane or via cruise , it ’s best to bring a passport with you — or else , in most cases , you wo n’t be allowed to cross the borders . While there are a choice few international destinations that might admit for a different combining of documents instead of a passport on a closed - loop topology cruise ( meaning you both set out from and finish your holiday in the US ) , experts like Nastro say it ’s a bad idea to go without .
" Hopping aboard a sail can be no unlike than air travel in terms of ask a pass when visiting spot beyond our borders , " says Nastro . " If you are cruising into foreign waters and plan to give the ship to go ashore , you are demand to have a recommendation . "
Like Nastro , cruise companies strongly encourage guests to take a passport , even when it ’s technically not required . concord to Royal Caribbean’sguidelines , " a passport is the very best option " in terms of forms of identification , as it ’s " hassle - free " for traveling between countries . Royal Caribbean also points out that , in case of emergency ( such as missing the ship while in a foreign port ) , have a recommendation will make things much light for you .
For those who remain committed to cruising without a recommendation , keep an oculus out for extra dominion and do n’t assume a simple state ID will do , as many cruise lines choose to demand extra documents . Carnival Cruise Line , for representative , requires guests without an American passport on a closed in - iteration sail to bring both a government - issue photo ID and a endorse nativity certificate or certificate of US naturalisation .
Keep in mind , however , that not all cruise destinations accept passport - free change of location , even if you pick out a closed - loop path . Therefore , stop in with the cruise line ahead of your trip is always the most sensitive action to take .
