Cruise ship sailing in open waters with a beach and palm tree frond framing the photo. A passport graphic with a ban or no sign overlaying it.

5 Epic Cruises That Don’t Require a Passport

Many cruise lines require you to have a passport before you can set sail. However, some epic cruises don’t require you to have a passport.

One of these adventures may be your best bet if you want to hit the open seas for your next vacation. You can make some priceless memories and have the time of your life.

Today, we’re sharing five epic cruises that don’t require you to have a passport. Ready to climb aboard?

Let’s set sail!

Can You Go on a Cruise Without a Passport?

Yes, you can go on a cruise without a passport. However, it’s not always possible on every cruise. Some cruise lines require passengers to have a passport or passport card, and others don’t. You’ll want to check with your cruise line regarding the policies for your specific cruise.

A cruise that starts and ends at the same port is called a closed-loop cruise. You may not need a passport if you’re a U.S. citizen on a closed-loop cruise that sets sail from the United States. In some instances, all you’ll need is a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship. An original birth certificate or other paperwork will suffice to prove citizenship.

Cruise ship docked at port with people standing on dock in a tropical desitantion with clear blue waters and a clear blue sky.

Why Should You Cruise with a Passport?

While you may not need a passport to travel by sea, it’s still a good thing to have. Having a passport makes navigating security and customs easier. Some screening areas use high-tech equipment that uses advanced facial recognition. This makes getting in and out incredibly easy without sacrificing screening quality.

However, the biggest reason to have a passport while cruising is because of unexpected emergencies. Unfortunately, these situations don’t wait for the most convenient times. If you must abandon ship and fly home at the next port, you’ll be out of luck without a passport. 

Flying internationally requires a passport. You’ll have to contact the nearest American embassy to help you arrange transportation home. Is it possible? Yes, but it’s not very easy and could cost you a fortune.

Additionally, having a passport unlocks nearly the entire world for you. If a travel opportunity presents itself, you won’t have to turn it down because you can’t get your passport in time.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport?

The time it takes to get a passport varies based on several factors. Generally, routine processing for a U.S. passport can take approximately six to eight weeks from application submission to receiving your passport in the mail. However, the demand has increased significantly in recent years, and the process can take more than 10 weeks.

For those needing a passport more urgently, expedited processing is available. This can reduce the processing time by a few weeks. However, expedited processing requires an additional fee. If there’s a chance you’ll be traveling internationally any time soon, go ahead and get your passport. It’ll be one less thing you have to worry or stress about.

Calendar with a neon yellow background.

5 Epic Cruises That Don’t Require a Passport

So, where can you sail if you don’t have a passport? Here are some epic adventures you can take. However, check the cruise line’s requirements, as they can vary from one cruise line to the next.

1. Alaska

Alaska is one of the most epic cruising experiences. Despite being in the United States, almost all these cruises stop in Canada. However, they are closed-loop voyages, so visiting without a passport is possible.

If you’ve never visited Alaska, it’s full of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife. Setting sail on one of the Inside Passage cruises lets you get close to massive glaciers and experience charming coastal towns.

For those who enjoy visiting national parks, this is your chance to visit Glacier Bay National Park. Chat with rangers and learn as much as you can about this unique environment. You may even spot a humpback or orca whale.

It’s also possible to jump on an excursion to explore the state’s interior. Epic places like Denali National Park allow you to see the massive Denali and the wildlife in the park. You’ll get a taste of the rugged nature of this incredible landscape.

Royal Princess cruise ship Skagway, AK

2. Mexico

Mexico is another popular cruising destination that doesn’t require a passport. Some of the most popular ports in Mexico include Cozumel, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco. Many of these are stops along the way of closed-loop itineraries. Each is unique and offers a flavoring of experiences and culture of this incredible country.

Western Caribbean cruises often stop somewhere in Mexico. One of the most beloved cruising ports is Cozumel, Mexico. Passengers sign up for excursions to explore ancient Mayan ruins, snorkel, and taste the delicious local cuisine. Even if you’ve visited Mexico previously, these ports are worth experiencing.

Beach and waterfront in Mazatlan Sinaloa Mexico

3. Bermuda

If you’ve wanted to explore Bermuda’s pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters, this is your chance. Luckily, it won’t require you to have a passport. Again, this is another popular stop along closed-loop cruises. You can disembark, explore the area, and enjoy a bit of island paradise at port.

Horseshoe Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Bermuda. The soft, pink sand provides the perfect partner to the crystal-clear ocean. You can walk through the city of Hamilton and discover the island’s history and beauty. Visit one of the multiple historic forts and smell the pleasant aromas of the lush gardens.

Photo of Hamilton, Bermuda.

4. The Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the most popular closed-loop cruises, especially for sailings out of Florida. Because they aren’t far, there are many shorter sailings to these islands. You can find two, three, and five-night adventures that make stops here.

Closed-loop cruises allow you to explore the islands of the Bahamas without a passport. They often make stops in Nassau, Freeport, and Great Stirrup Cay. Additionally, many cruise lines have created luxurious private islands. There’s no shortage of sandy beaches to walk and soak up the sun in the Bahamas.

Nassau Bahamas Port.

HOT TIP
Be sure to read What to Pack to a Cruise to the Bahamas before booking your next trip!

5. Other Caribbean Islands

Other popular closed-loop cruise destinations include Jamaica, Aruba, and St. Martin. The stunning beaches and unique cultures make for a memorable experience. Whether you have a passport or not, you can have an incredible cruising adventure.

The waters surrounding these Caribbean islands are turquoise and clear. This makes it perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the water. Whether you go for a swim, cast a line, or paddle a kayak, these waters are refreshing.

Castries, St Lucia, Caribbean.

Should You Cruise Without a Passport?

Just because you can cruise without a passport doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. Having one makes it easy to embark and disembark the ship. Additionally, you never know when an emergency could occur, and you’ll need to fly home. We strongly encourage you to get a passport before setting sail, but we’re more than happy to provide you with a few cruises that don’t require a passport in the meantime!

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