3 Reasons This Travel Pro Thinks You Should Carry a Passport on Your Next Cruise
Do you need a passport to go on a cruise?
Well, not necessarily. But I strongly encourage my clients to carry theirs with them anyway.
Keep reading to learn:
When a passport is required to go on a cruise
3 Reasons I think every traveler should carry their passport on their next cruise, and
Documentation basics
(Note: This blog post assumes that you are a U.S. citizen. If you aren’t a U.S. Citizen, this advice might not apply to you, so check with your knowledgeable travel professional regarding the documentation you’ll need to cruise.)
When is a Passport Required?
A passport is always required when a cruise departs from a non-US port or if the cruise ends in a non-U.S. Port.
For example, this 14 night Royal Caribbean cruise departs from Miami and ends in Rome, which means you’ll need a passport to return home.
However, a passport isn’t required for “closed loop” sailings, which means the cruise itinerary starts and ends in the US–even if it makes port visits in other countries like the Bahamas or Mexico.
That said, I always recommend my clients obtain a passport for their cruise vacation.
Reason #1: You Could Get Stuck in a Foreign Port
It’s not fun to think about, but if you need medical attention beyond what the ship’s physician can offer, you may be left in a port or transported off the ship to the closest port.
And the same could happen if you get into a legal situation while on board or in port.
Without a passport, you might not be able to immediately return to the U.S., which means you’ll be stuck in a foreign port until you secure a temporary passport or travel visa with the U.S. Embassy.
Reason #2: Last Minute Rule Changes
Some ports may require a passport to get off the ship in port.
And get this, the host nation can change its requirements at any time without any notice.
In other words, the ship may not require a passport for you to sail, and the port might not have previously required travelers to show their passports.
But if the rules change and you don’t have your passport, you might have to remain on the ship during port visits.
Reason #3: You Might Miss The Boat–Completely
If you miss your ship’s departure, you can catch up with the ship at its first port visit, but only if you have a passport.
Because even if your ship departed from the U.S., you’ll have to fly to a foreign port, which requires a passport.
Related: 3 Reasons You Should Book a Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay
Documentation Basics
First, it’s always a good idea to check with your cruise line about the documentation they require for their passengers.
For example, Virgin Voyages require passports regardless of their ships’ itineraries.
Secondly, if you don’t have a passport, a government issued I.D. and your birth certificate might work, but it’s worth repeating: always review your cruise line’s documentation requirements or speak with your knowledgeable travel professional for guidance.
Don’t Wait to Apply For Your Passport
The current processing time for passports (as of July 2021) is around 18 weeks for routine service and 12 weeks for expedited service.
Pandemic-related mail delays, reduced staffing, and a significant increase in applications all contribute to longer processing times.
Wrapping Up
Bottom line? I always recommend bringing your passport on your cruise.
And if you don’t have one (or if yours has expired or will expire within six months of the end date of your cruise) you should apply for one at least 5 months before your cruise departs.
Why?
Without a passport, you could be stuck in a foreign port if you get into legal trouble or become injured or sick while traveling.
A port’s host nation can change its documentation requirements at any time without notice, so if that happens and you don’t have your passport, you could be stuck on the ship while your cruise is at port.
If you miss your cruise’s departure, you won’t be able to fly to your ship’s first port if you don’t have your passport.
I realize documentation can be a tricky thing to navigate while traveling, which is why I recommend hiring a knowledgeable travel pro to help you plan your cruise vacations!
If you’d like to learn more about my (free!) services, reach out. I’m happy to chat!