Closed Loop Cruise: Passport Requirements & Destinations

closed loop cruise no passport

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada. What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet?

closed loop cruise no passport

Closed-Loop Cruises: The One Passport-Required Exception

Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year. The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S.

Related Itineraries

closed loop cruise no passport

With a little planning, you can have a wonderful cruise vacation without a passport. The best time to book a cruise without a passport is during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October). During this time, prices are typically lower and there are fewer crowds.

Why It’s Best to Travel With a Passport

In Skagway, you’ll have the chance to ride the spectacular White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, heading high over rugged passes, following the trail of hardy prospectors from the Gold Rush days. After a day at sea to enjoy the ship and its magnificent Resort Deck, you’ll arrive at Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. A vast array of choices beckons here, like relaxed tubing at the freshwater Bacalar Lagoon, where you’ll drift over cenote-fed water that’s an astonishing shade of aquamarine. If you do choose to take advantage of this opportunity to travel without a passport, there are a couple of warnings to bear in mind.

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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. Hawaii’s dramatic landscapes, from its black sand beaches to lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls, are just the beginning. Attend a traditional luau, visit historic sites like Pearl Harbor, or just relax on the sun-soaked beaches of Maui. And with departure ports like San Francisco, San Diego, and Long Beach, your tropical getaway is closer than you think. Princess Cruises and Holland America require that at least one parent carry a passport, even if you're on a closed-loop sailing.

The main disadvantage is that fewer ports of call are available to you. Along with this, depending on your taste and travel preferences, your experience diving into different cultures and historical sites is lessened if you can only explore closed-loop cruise options. Rather, you’ll see terms like “return trip cruise” or “two-way cruises.” Check each itinerary very closely. Some of these itineraries even stop in Bermuda if you take a closed loop cruise from Boston, Manhattan, Baltimore, or Cape Liberty.

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You don't have to wait for a passport to travel: What to know about closed-loop cruises

Explore the rugged coasts of Alaska on a closed loop cruise from cities like Seattle and San Francisco. Visit the historic coastal towns of Skagway, Sitka and Juneau, and see iconic wildlife, from orcas and whales to brown bears and bald eagles. You don’t need a passport to sail through Canadian ports en route to Alaska as long as you start and end your cruise at the same U.S. port. Whether it’s the spice of local cuisines, the thrill of zip-lining through forests, or the calm of secluded beaches, these islands are jewels in the Caribbean crown. As the sun sets, find yourself mesmerized by the bioluminescent bays or the rhythms of bomba and salsa.

Where do closed-loop cruises sail?

Additionally, travel insurance is indispensable for covering unexpected medical expenses while at sea or in foreign ports, offering peace of mind in case of illness, injury, or emergency evacuations. In essence, it's your safety net, ensuring your cruise remains a memorable and worry-free experience, even when traveling without a passport. This flexibility can be a convenient option for travelers, as it simplifies the documentation process and may save both time and money. Double-check the specific requirements for your chosen cruise destination, as regulations can vary depending on the itinerary. Being well-prepared with the right documents ensures you can set sail on your closed-loop cruise adventure with confidence and peace of mind. Closed-loop cruising, or roundtrip cruising is a type of cruise where your journey starts and ends at the same port, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to cruise without a passport.

For U.S. citizens, you can enjoy traveling without a passport requirement. However, it is recommended that you take it with you since you may need it at foreign ports or in case of an emergency. Convenience is the main reason that people take closed-loop cruises. The United States isn’t the only region that offers closed loop cruises. Numerous cities in Europe also have such itineraries, although they aren’t always referred to as a closed loop cruise in marketing material.

Be sure to look into your specific cruise before booking to make sure you know what the specifications are for your trip. Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

You can't cruise just anywhere on a closed-loop sailing, but the choices are more interesting than you might expect. Below, we've compiled a list of seven places to visit without a passport, from scenic Alaska to the beachy Caribbean. If you’re itching for an adventure but don’t want to dig out your passport or deal with all the paperwork, no-passport cruises are your ticket to paradise. The U.S. Virgin Islands, a sprinkle of American paradise in the Caribbean Sea, is another haven for travelers without a passport. Dive into duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie, embrace the tranquility of St. John’s untouched forests, or delve into the rich history of St. Croix. Here, the United States feels both familiar and thrillingly different.

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I’m Bobby Pham, but you can call me “Bobby on Cruise.” I’ve been cruising the high seas and exploring the world for years, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with you. Did you know the tranquil and thrilling Pacific awaits you, even without a passport? That’s right, you can dive into diverse cultures, stunning natural beauty, and intriguing history on a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. Get a view of Kaua‘i’s stunning landscapes from the vantage point of the sea on any number of Hawai‘i cruises.

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