Cruises You Can Take Without a Passport

Cruising is back after a few years of rough seas, figuratively speaking. Cruise lines have been planning for their return to the world’s waterways by developing new ships, introducing creative amenities, and creating engaging shore excursions alongside meticulous health protocols. Consequently, this resurgence is attracting both first-time travelers and long-time cruise fans. From mega-ships to smaller expedition vessels, there’s a voyage suitable for every type of traveler.

Cruising Overview

If you’ve been considering a cruise—perhaps you received an invitation from a friend to join an upcoming trip or spotted a last-minute cruise bargain—you’ll want to ensure you have all necessary travel documents in order. If your passport has been gathering dust for the last two years, it may indeed be expired. However, does that mean you won’t be able to take the cruise? Not necessarily. Here’s what you need to know about cruising without a passport.

You can cruise to numerous destinations without a passport, provided you have proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID. Various documents are accepted as proof of citizenship, including a state-certified U.S. birth certificate. A complete list is offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Their recent publication also details the requirements for taking a cruise without a passport. Be aware that enhanced driver’s licenses are issued in very few states, so it’s essential to confirm yours qualifies as identification and proof of citizenship.

It’s important to note that the cruises must be “closed-loop,” meaning they begin and end at the same U.S. port. A one-way cruise that boards in a U.S. port and disembarks in another U.S. port doesn’t qualify. While you may leave and re-enter the United States on a closed-loop cruise with the required identification and proof of citizenship, some countries on your itinerary may still require a passport. Your cruise line should provide that information prior to departure. Therefore, even if your passport is not up to date, we’ve highlighted eight destinations to consider cruising to without a passport.

Places to Cruise Without a Passport

The good news is that you can explore a variety of popular destinations without a passport, including:

• Alaska
• The Bahamas
• Mexico
• Bermuda
• Hawaii
• The Caribbean
• Canada
• New England

Just be sure that your cruise begins and ends in the same U.S. port and double-check your identification and proof of citizenship documents before sailing.

Specific Destinations

Alaska

The majority of closed-loop cruises to Alaska originate and return to Seattle. However, American Cruise Lines offers a Southeast Alaska cruise that boards in Juneau and returns to the same port after visiting Glacier Bay and several Alaskan towns. Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line provides a seven-day cruise from Seattle that stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, and Victoria before returning to Seattle. Additionally, Holland America Line features a seven-day Alaskan Explorer that departs from Seattle and cruises through the Puget Sound and Stephens Passage.

Bahamas

Florida’s ports, including Miami, Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale), and Port Canaveral (about an hour east of Orlando), facilitate the majority of closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas. Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line offers services from Florida ports in Jacksonville and Tampa, while Royal Caribbean has departures from various ports including Tampa, Baltimore, Cape Liberty, NJ, and Galveston, TX. Notably, Disney Cruise Line features a three-night Bahamian cruise aboard the stunning Disney Wish, spending a day in Nassau and a day at Disney Castaway Cay.

Mexico

Closed-loop cruises to Mexico depart from various ports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Galveston. From East Coast ports, ships often visit the Yucatan Peninsula’s Costa Maya and the island of Cozumel. West Coast cruises typically stop at popular destinations along the Pacific Ocean, such as Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Manzanillo, and more. For instance, Celebrity Cruises offers a 12-night New Orleans & the Caribbean cruise that returns to Tampa after visiting several exciting destinations.

Bermuda

Located 570 miles east of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is a convenient cruise destination from various East Coast ports, including New York City, Baltimore, Charleston, Boston, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Norfolk, Virginia. Notably, Carnival’s six-day Bermuda cruise from Norfolk includes two days at sea and three days in Bermuda.

Hawaii

The Hawaiian islands are approximately 3,700 miles from the West Coast, leading to four or five days at sea in each direction for cruises from the mainland. Closed-loop cruises depart from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego, with some originating in Honolulu and touring other islands.

For instance, Princess Cruises’ 16-day Hawaiian Islands voyage from San Francisco stops at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui before returning. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a seven-day Hawaii inter-island cruise that visits multiple islands.

The Caribbean

Departure ports for closed-loop Caribbean cruises include Tampa, Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Baltimore, New Orleans, and New York City, with services also departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. For instance, Regent Seven Seas offers the Wonders in the Caribbean cruise departing from Miami, visiting the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Key West.

Canada and New England

Canada and New England are often paired in itineraries that start in Boston, New York City, and Cape Liberty, New Jersey. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line provides a seven-day Canada & New England cruise from New York City, visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine, before a day at sea and return to New York City.