Do You Need A Passport To Go On A Cruise?
The Pros And Cons Of Cruising With A Passport
Traveling WITHOUT A Passport
Do you need a passport to cruise? The short answer is no. Travelers age 16 or older can travel on a cruise that begins and ends (closed loop) at the same US port with just a birth certificate and a valid government issued ID. But there is more to it than that. If the cruise beings at one port and ends at another port (open loop) a passport is needed.
Imagine you leaving on a cruise you have looked forward to for months or years! Now think about those excursions you plan on taking. What if you were injured and had to be left behind by the cruise ship? This happened to someone on one of my cruises! We were on a zipline excursion and a lady broke her legs. The injuries were not something the medical team on the ship could handle. So the ship left her in the Dominican Republic for medical care. Do not let this happen to you! You will have to obtain a passport before returning to the United States! You would have to contact the nearest US Embassy or consulate for assistance. This could take days or more and cost you a significant amount of money. Way more than if you had just gotten your passport before your travel!
Traveling WITH A Passport
Should you get a passport to go on a cruise? Yes! If the cruise beings at one port and ends at another port (open loop) a passport is required. A passport allows you more freedom when cruising and traveling internationally!
Now, imagine the same scenario above. If you were injured and had to be left behind by the cruise ship you would now have an easier time traveling back to the United States. You wouldn’t have the added cost to get back to the United States. You would also return in a much quicker timeframe! Having travelers insurance is the next piece of the traveling puzzle. You can view information on travel insurance here!
Some Other Things To Keep In Mind While Traveling
- U.S. credit and debit cards do NOT work in Cuba. Bring enough cash to cover your stay. This includes payment for hotels, restaurants, taxis, souvenir shops, etc. 1
- You may have to pay out of pocket for medical care! Even though there are cases where hospitals do not charge tourists for minor treatment, there’s really no country that offers free healthcare for short-term visitors.2