Before you sail

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The closed-loop rule

A closed-loop cruise starts and ends at the same US port. US Customs and Border Protection publishes this: "U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID."

CBP's full list of accepted documents for US citizens: US passports, the US passport card, Enhanced Driver's Licenses, an Enhanced Tribal card, Trusted Traveler cards (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST), or military identification with official orders.

Why the State Department still says bring a passport

Because the cruise is not the risk. Flying home is. The State Department writes: "We strongly recommend all cruise passengers travel with a passport book, even if not required by the cruise line, in case you need to fly home because of an emergency." And: "if you cannot return on the cruise ship and need to fly back to the United States for any reason, you will need a passport book."

The scenarios they name are a medical emergency ashore, a hospital stay, or the ship having mechanical trouble. Your cruise line may also require a passport even when the government does not.

Passport card versus passport book

The card works for entering the US from Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean destinations and Bermuda by land or sea. It is not valid for international air travel. It is valid for domestic flights as an alternative to REAL ID.

The six-month rule

The State Department advises making sure your passport is "valid at least 6 months beyond your travel dates" with two or more blank pages, and notes that some countries, especially in Europe, require it. Royal Caribbean requires passports valid at least six months after your cruise ends.

Children

CBP states that US and Canadian citizen children under 16, or under 19 travelling with a school, religious or other youth group, need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship.

Royal Caribbean publishes a useful list of what does not count: copies or photos of documents, a hospital certificate or hospital-issued birth notice, a Certificate of Live Birth, baptismal papers, a voter registration card, and a driver's licence on its own, REAL ID included. What they accept is an original state-certified birth certificate, or an original Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A minor 17 or under travelling without a legal guardian needs a notarised form signed by the guardian.

Accessibility deadlines, which are earlier than people expect

Princess accepts the Mobility Questionnaire by mail, by email to [email protected], or by fax. Their dietary requests run through the Princess app, which they suggest downloading 90 days before you sail.

Health

The CDC's published cruise guidance asks travellers to be up to date on routine vaccines, get the annual flu shot, stay current on COVID-19 vaccines and check RSV eligibility, and to see a provider or travel health specialist four to six weeks before leaving. If you fall ill on board, report symptoms to the ship's medical centre and follow their advice, and do not travel until symptoms are improving and you have had no fever for 24 hours.

Flying to your cruise

TSA's liquids rule is 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less per item, in a single quart-sized bag per carry-on. On identification, TSA publishes that since 7 May 2025, air travellers 18 and over need a REAL ID-compliant licence, a state-issued enhanced licence, or another acceptable ID such as a valid passport or military ID, and that anyone unable to verify their identity will not be allowed through the checkpoint.