Passport Card

• With this wallet-sized card, U.S. citizens can cruise among Canada, Mexico and 17 Caribbean nations. Although valid only for ground and sea travel--not air travel--a passport card is a cheaper (by half) and more convenient alternative to a full passport.
  
  

Closed-Loop Cruises

• Passengers on closed-loop cruises--those that begin and end in the same U.S. port--are often able to get by without a passport. Many of these cruises do make stops in foreign ports, however, and passengers without proper ID will not be allowed to disembark in these locations.
  
  

U.S. Virgin Islands

• As a U.S. commonwealth, the U.S. Virgin Islands are passport- and customs-free for travelers from the mainland, and these islands are some of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean.
  
  

Puerto Rico

• Any American can cruise (or fly) to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with just a state ID, as long as travel to other countries is not part of the itinerary.
  
  

Bahamas

• Many day cruises from Florida to the Bahamas do not require passports, but a more lengthy stay requires at least a passport card.
  
  

Warning

• Cruise passengers without proper ID will not be allowed onto the ship. Cruise Direct Online strongly recommends that all cruise passengers either bring a passport or contact the cruise line or their travel agent to confirm passport requirements.