One of the many great values travel agents offer clients is the expertise and guidance on “what you will need” to board a cruise. This is the kind of information that is not always easily clear to even the most experienced cruisers, who may have sailed with different documents in the past. So, as a reminder, please note that U.S. citizens must bring one of the following WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) compliant documents in order to sail on a cruise that departs and ends from the same U.S. port:
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Passport Card
- Original or legible copy of a Birth Certificate (issued by the Department of Vital Statistics)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (i.e. Nexus Card, Sentri Card or Fast Card)
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Copies of the following will NOT be allowed:
- US Passports
- Naturalization Papers
Originals, or copies will NOT be allowed:
- Baptismal Certificates
- Hospital issued “Certificate of Birth”
As always, we recommend that all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel). Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port, traveling with a passport facilitates your disembarkation experience. It also makes it easier for you to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port should you miss your scheduled embarkation or need to fly back to the U.S. for an emergency.
By ensuring you are clear on what you will need before you board, it will help make your overall cruise experience more enjoyable by having a stress free check-in so you can quickly board the ship and start enjoying your cruise.
Bon Voyage!
