Travel Documents & Requirements

Table Of Content

• Travel document requirements for sailings from U.S. homeports (excluding Honoulu, Hawaii & Seward, Alaska)
• Certain repositioning cruises
• Health and Medical Information
• Special Considerations For Emergencies That Require Air Travel Back To The U.S.
• Passports for Cruises FAQ
• Non-U.S. Citizens Passport Guidelines

While alternative documents are accepted for cruise travel, obtaining a passport for your Bahamas cruise is strongly recommended. This recommendation is for preparedness for unexpected emergencies that might require you to disembark and return by air, where a passport becomes essential. Citizens will require a passport or documentation specific to the status they’re seeking when entering the U.S., though there are some exceptions for those traveling to the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program. If you’re bringing a birth certificate for proof of citizenship, it must be issued by the Vital Records Department of the state in which you were born. A hospital certificate of birth or baptismal papers don’t qualify. If you're traveling on a 7-night cruise to The Bahamas from a northern port, such as New York, your itinerary will likely include a day in Port Canaveral, Florida.

Travel document requirements for sailings from U.S. homeports (excluding Honoulu, Hawaii & Seward, Alaska)

Before embarking on a Bahamas cruise, discover if you require a passport and get all the information you need for a stress-free journey. You’re about to embark on an exciting journey, but first, let’s talk about the necessary travel documents you’ll need. The benefits of a closed-loop cruise extend beyond passport exemptions.

Certain repositioning cruises

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If you’re cruising outside of the U.S. — such as a jaunt through the Mediterranean — you’ll need to have your passport with you. As you plan, make sure your itinerary includes transportation to the cruise terminal and that you arrive well ahead of time for your departure. Carnival makes things easy with airport transportation, so you can just relax and enjoy the ride. A passport necklace is similar, but is worn around your neck and inside your shirt instead. It’s not usually as discreet as a money belt, but is often more convenient and allows for easier access to your travel documents and money. The most popular way to keep your passport safe while on a cruise is to store it inside a money belt or passport necklace.

Health and Medical Information

However, this option is only available for cruises that do not stop at any foreign ports. It is important to note that some cruise lines may still require a passport, so it is best to check with your cruise line before booking. As explained earlier, you don’t need a passport to travel to The Bahamas by sea, whether this is on a private charter, party boat, fishing boat, or star cruise/liner. WHTI-compliant documents such as your passport card, passport book, EDL, Nexus card, and citizenship/naturalization certification supported by a government-issued photo ID are sufficient to prove your citizenship. The Bahamas entry requirements state that everyone entering The Bahamas must have a valid passport.

Special Considerations For Emergencies That Require Air Travel Back To The U.S.

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In August 2025, a 4-night cruise onboard Carnival Freedom starts at $364 per person. In comparison, a 7-night voyage from Baltimore on Carnival Pride starts at $814 per person. The cost of a cruise depends on numerous factors including, but not limited to, your chosen sail date, stateroom category, duration, and add-ons. A 3-night cruise in an inside cabin will be much cheaper than a 7-night cruise in a balcony. The overall cost for short cruises tends to be less than longer ones, albeit they usually have a higher cost per night. If you want to splurge on add-ons, a 3- or 4-night cruise to The Bahamas could be a good compromise, as you will have extra money to spend on things like drink packages, shore excursions, specialty dining, and more.

Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications. Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities. Commercial watercraft operators have discretion to operate their vessels regardless of weather forecasts; injuries and fatalities have occurred. Due to these safety concerns, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.

Travel Advisory

Nassau Paradise Island is one of the few Caribbean destinations that provides pre-clearance for U.S. Customs and Immigration services, allowing flights from Nassau Paradise Island to enter the United States and bypass the normal U.S. Customs and Immigration clearance encountered on most returns from an international destination. The Lynden Pindling International Airport is also the first airport outside of the U.S. to implement TSA PreCheck. It is also important for travelers to have travel insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an emergency.

Passports for Cruises FAQ

If, however, you live near a northern port and can save on airfare by driving, the cost of the cruise might not be as much once you factor in plane tickets to Florida and a pre-cruise hotel for a 3- or 4-night voyage. Thankfully, there are numerous closed-loop cruises to The Bahamas to choose from if you don't have a passport, ranging from short weekend trips out of South Florida to 10-night journeys from New York. When choosing a port, you should consider the relative ease of arrival and the possibility of extending your vacation to explore the port city before or after your trip. Look for discounts on direct flights to save, and consider arriving a day early so that you won’t be stressed about getting to the ship on time.

Non-U.S. Citizens Passport Guidelines

This is because the majority of cruises that you’ll find taking off from the U.S. and heading down to the Bahamas operate on a closed loop. Closed-loop cruises are those that take off from a U.S. port, visit at least one foreign port of call and then return to that same port. Passports are required for cruise travel to all International destinations not mentioned above, and for cruises that involve air travel that begins or ends outside of the U.S.

Even if you are on a closed-loop cruise, though, you will still need to bring identification documentation in lieu of a passport. Let’s take a look at whether you need a passport for a Bahamas cruise, what other types of documentation you can use and how it differs when you’re flying versus cruising. Guests who do not bring required documents may be denied boarding.

You may also need to provide proof of your planned departure from the Bahamas, like a return flight ticket. Passport cards are a wallet-sized alternative to traditional passports. They are less expensive than a full passport and are valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, passport cards are not valid for air travel, so if your cruise includes a flight, you will still need a traditional passport. If you’re planning a Bahamas cruise, you might be wondering if you need a passport. While a passport is the most commonly accepted form of identification for international travel, there are alternative travel documents that may be accepted.

Regular processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2-3 weeks. If you need the passport cards in less than 2 weeks, you’ll need to visit a regional agency or use a professional expediter. So, before you book that flight, make sure your passport book is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date so that it is ready for your trip and your return home. For leisure travelers heading to the Bahamas, there is generally no need for a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, travelers with extended plans or different purposes should always check the latest visa requirements. Always check the State Department’s website for travel advisories and up-to-date information.

The Bahamas is one of the most popular year-round vacation destinations. From gorgeous turquoise beaches to delicious authentic cuisine, there's so much to experience, even if you're on a short 3-night cruise from Florida. Carnival offers a wide range of shore excursions that get you up close and personal with the scenery and culture of The Bahamas. You’ll have your choice of activities that bring you wonderful things to eat, water sports, adventures and more.