While the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires valid passports for land and sea travel, a final ruling was issued allowing leniency for “closed-loop” cruises, i.e., sailings that both originate and terminate in the same U.S. port.
U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport but will need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver’s license. Children will also be required to carry a birth certificate and a photo ID if over the age of 15.
Although a passport is not required for “closed loop” cruises, we strongly recommend all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel), a passport card or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). Having these documents will enable them to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event they miss their scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if they need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.
If a cruise begins and ends in different U.S. ports or begins and ends in a foreign port, a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is required if you are traveling on any of our Europe cruises.
We also strongly encourages its guests to visit the Department of Homeland Security web site (www.dhs.gov) and the United States Department of State web site (www.travel.state.gov) for the most up-to-date traveler information including passport and visa requirements as well as travel advisories and safety recommendations.
Please Note:
We is not responsible for advising guests of required travel documents or of travel advisories. Guests who fail to have the required documents for vessel security and immigration may be denied boarding and such guests shall not be entitled to any refund nor shall we have any further liability to such guests.