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Maritime laws do require that a foreign port of call is included for ships not flagged in the U.S., which explains why most Alaska cruises make a stop in Canada. A common closed loop sailing might include embarkation in New York with a call in Bermuda, before returning to New York. For those who have a longing to escape to a tropical destination or attend an exciting Alaskan adventure yet don’t have a valid passport, you may want to consider a closed-loop cruise.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Passport Requirements for Cruises
In general, Caribbean islands only require photo ID from a U.S. citizen. For U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), you must have your photo ID plus your Permanent Resident Card (I-551/Green Card). Those sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean don’t need to be concerned with fulfilling this requirement. It has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. Travel by train, vehicle, or airplane has its perks, but adventurers looking for time on the waves often choose to cruise instead.
Travel document requirements for sailings from Canadian homeports
What is a closed loop cruise can simply be phrased as any cruise ship debarking from and returning to the same point. To qualify, the ship must return to the exact same port they left from. Ships cannot depart Fort Lauderdale and return to Miami, even though both ports are in Florida. Got a few free days and looking to go on a trip, but don’t have a passport? If you passport has expired, or you never got a passport in the first place, you are still able to visit several foreign countries as a U.S. citizen. Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship based on their nationality/country of citizenship.
Do Children Need a Passport for a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
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All travelers, including children, are highly encouraged to have a royal Caribbean passport. Please check directly with your cruise line company for their passport requirement if you do not plan on bringing a valid passport. If your cruise begins and ends in the same U.S. port -- for example, sailing roundtrip Miami to Miami -- then you are embarking on what is considered a closed loop cruise, according to the WHTI. If you begin your cruise in one U.S. port (e.g. San Diego) and end your cruise in a different U.S. port (say, Fort Lauderdale), it will not count as a closed loop. While LPRs are not required to have passports, other destinations may contain different rules.
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We discuss what is a closed-loop cruise and why they are so popular. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. The peace of mind of having the passport is worth far more than the effort to getting it. Also, you might be wondering if Royal Up is worthwhile if you’re thinking about upgrading your stateroom on a Royal Caribbean trip.
Passport Requirements for Royal Caribbean Cruises
However, as we mentioned previously, you will have better protections in the event of an emergency or a change of travel plans simply by carrying a valid passport. Remember that travel plans change and you may need to fly out of the United States to meet your ship at the next available port if you miss the scheduled embarkation. Additionally, if travels need to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, you will need a passport.
The passport card is an option the United States government provides that is a lower cost alternative to the passport book. It is for travelers who are not going to leave the country by airplane, and plan to only leave the United States via land or sea. The exact travel documentation required depends on what citizenship you hold, as well as where your cruise is sailing from and to.
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Accepted Identification for European Citizens
Exploring Alaska, Mexico, Grand Cayman, the Caribbean, or the Bahamas on a closed-loop cruise can be thrilling. It can also be a convenient option when passport-free travel is a priority. That said, there are always important exceptions to consider when it comes to passport requirements and a closed-loop cruise is no different. There are some real advantages for travelers booking a closed-loop cruise. Because these cruises start and end at the same port, those flying in to board their ship can easily book round-trip flights. Passengers driving in will find that options to park directly at the point of departure can make the trip that much more convenient.
What travel documents are required to board a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Ships within this category must satisfy strict regulations to achieve closed-loop status. Once they do, it's a cruise option that can be a viable solution for those who aren't passport holders. I always advise people to call the cruise line and confirm documentation with them. Ultimately they are the ones that will decide if you board and no stranger on an internet forum is going to assist you or be responsible if there is some nuance or special circumstance in your case. Be aware that hospital-issued certificates and baptismal records are not accepted. Want to take a short cruise to an exotic island without the hassle?
If that’s the case, your cruise line might already require you to have a passport to board the ship—even if U.S. This is longer than any other ID in the USA and it proves both identity AND citizenship. I've used my passport before for employment to satisfy both requirements in one document rather than the usual social security card and drivers license.
Blessed with near-perpetual sunshine and stunning beaches, the Bahamas are one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations. As a Caribbean island nation, it’s an excellent place to visit without a passport on closed loop cruises. Departure ports include Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Miami and other southeastern U.S. cities. It’s your responsibility to ensure you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries your cruise visits. And government authorities may require you to have a visa or meet other requirements. Yes, Children do require passports for Royal Caribbean cruises departing from foreign ports.
Passengers should also note that for some ports, you may require a passport to gain entrance. You must remain on the ship if you don’t have your passport. Therefore, always make sure to know whether you need your passport or not before going on your cruise. Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of U.S. and Canada, who enter or re-enter the United States by air, land or sea. Not having a passport means you will need to travel to a U.S. embassy or consulate in a foreign country to apply for a temporary visa to re-enter the country. Not all embassies/consulates are located near the cruise ports and moreover, the time it takes for the entire process to occur is not quick.
An LPR is required to present an I-551 (Green Card) for reentry into the U.S. You might have heard the term "closed loop cruise" in reference to a sailing and wondered what it meant. While it does have to do with the ports on the itinerary -- forming a complete loop, if you will -- it's a bit more complicated than that. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.
Using the Royal Up program, visitors can place a bid to be upgraded to a cabin of a higher category.
In case of emergency, or if you need to return by air, you must provide a passport to board. Additionally, vacation planning for guests booking round-trip flights is also made easier. For cruise passengers driving to their port, their vehicle will be available when they disembark. We are a nationally recognized US Passport and visa service by the Washington Post, New York Times and USA Today.
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