Travel Documentation for Cruises

If you are confused on the current travel document requirements for your cruise, you’re not alone! Keeping on top of the changes in travel documentation for U.S. travelers within the Western Hemisphere has become a full-time job and here is some info from CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association) The very best advice is to check with the cruise line directly, as travel documentation varies by line and itinerary. Overall, you are encouraged to apply for a passport if you do not already have one.

While U.S. residents are not yet required to obtain passports for cruise travel from U.S. ports within the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico, they still must show proof of identity and citizenship in order to board a cruise ship. At the point of embarkation, cruise passengers are asked to present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) along with proof of citizenship in the form of a:
Passport (or official proof of application*)
Original or certified copy of birth certificate
Naturalization papers (for U.S. Naturalized citizens)
*Cruise lines are allowing official proof of passport application as an acceptable proof of citizenship; this has changed since a previous e-mail.

This information is provided from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)