Cruise Destinations That Don’t Require a Passport

You find yourself with some unexpected free days and a desire to explore somewhere exotic. Don’t let the absence of a passport hold you back. Think about taking a cruise. By choosing closed-loop cruises (where your journey starts and finishes at a U.S. port), you can enjoy a range of beautiful destinations as a U.S. citizen without needing a passport.

For U.S. citizens on “closed-loop” cruises, the following documents are necessary:

• A boarding pass
• A government-issued photo I.D. for individuals aged 16 or older
• A certified birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization

Alaska

Embarking from either Seattle or San Francisco, an Alaskan cruise whisks you away to delightful waterfront towns and villages such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. In Alaska, famously known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, you can witness breathtaking glaciers via boat or seaplane, spot whales, and even try your skills at dog sledding.

A visit to Victoria, British Columbia opens up a brand-new realm of adventures. Explore majestic castles, enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, wander through the stunning Butchart Gardens, or indulge in shopping and dining in the downtown area. Once you return to Seattle or San Francisco, take some time to discover more of these cities for additional vacation excitement.

The Bahamas

Cruises to The Bahamas are available from several U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. Situated just southeast of Miami in the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas presents the perfect island escape. With its powdery soft beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and pastel-hued British colonial architecture, Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, serves as a popular stop for cruisers. In Freeport, you can shop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace or paddle through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park. At the southern tip of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers a luxurious island resort experience.

Bermuda

For those seeking cruises that don’t need a passport, consider a round trip sailing to Bermuda from New York City, Baltimore, Charleston, or one of two ports in Florida. As the oldest colony of Britain, Bermuda is rich in historic attractions and brimming with fun in the sun. Its pink-sand beaches, stunning blue waters, and vibrant coral reefs create the ideal setting for sunbathing, swimming, sailing, and snorkeling. End your adventurous day in Bermuda with a relaxing sunset rum-tasting cruise.

New England and Canada

If you seek a unique cruise experience, consider exploring the enchanting regions of New England and Canada, starting and ending your journey in the vibrant New York City. Spend a day immersing yourself in history in Boston, Massachusetts, where you can tour the Charles River on an amphibious duck vehicle. Delight in the scenic lighthouses, lobster bakes, and rugged sea cliffs of Portland, Maine, and visit the picturesque city of Saint John on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. Don’t miss the charming fishing village of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with its lovely gardens, delectable seafood, and double-decker bus tours. Once you dock back in the Big Apple, be sure to catch a Broadway show, visit the iconic Empire State Building, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through Central Park.

The Caribbean 

The Caribbean is a favored destination for those considering a tropical cruise. For a convenient round trip, you can start and end your journey in various U.S. cities, including New York City, Galveston, Mobile, New Orleans, and Tampa.

The Western Caribbean destinations in Mexico, such as Yucatán and Cozumel, offer thrilling attractions, ranging from ancient Mayan ruins to stunning flamingo lagoons. Engage in activities like swimming with dolphins, dune buggy rides, sailing, snorkeling, diving, and zip lining.

In the Eastern Caribbean, discover paradise destinations such as Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands. At Amber Cove, you can embark on a journey through the Dominican wilderness, bask on the sandy shores of Coconut Cove Beach, or experience the thrilling Waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua. On Grand Turk, immerse yourself in activities like swimming with stingrays, horseback riding along the shoreline, or exploring the island on an ATV. The adventure possibilities on a Caribbean cruise are limitless.

Hawaii

For domestic cruises, nothing compares to a voyage to Hawaii. Discover stunning locations across Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes that only Hawaii can offer. During this unforgettable trip, you can go deep-sea fishing for marlin, explore lush forest caves and cascading waterfalls, relax on a black-sand beach, and participate in a traditional luau. Major U.S. ports for these delightful Hawaiian cruises include San Francisco, San Diego, Long Beach, and Honolulu.

Baja, Mexico

Set sail from Californian cities like San Francisco, San Diego, or Long Beach for a quick yet unforgettable cruise to the Baja Peninsula in northern Mexico. Along the way, make a stop at Catalina Island for a day brimming with outdoor adventures. Paddle through hidden coves in a kayak, soar through the trees on a zip line, or experience the thrill of parasailing. In Ensenada, often called the “Cinderella of the Pacific,” you can ride horses along scenic mountain trails, explore the wine region, shop for unique souvenirs, and savor the local tequila.

When traveling outside the U.S., it's always wise to have a passport, but cruises are an exception. If you book a closed-loop cruise, you can visit specific destinations without one. However, international cruises to Europe and Asia require air travel and thus, a passport. When you set off on maritime adventures that don't necessitate a passport, ensure you have the correct cruise documentation.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may differ by ship and destination.