Bahamas Cruises: Award-Winning Cruises to The Bahamas

Table Of Content

• The 5 Most Relaxing Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay
• The risks of not bringing a passport on a closed-loop cruise
• Celebrity Blog
• Border Security
• For Non-U.S. Citizens

As per the US Government's regulations, documents proving voter registration and social security cards are not recognized as proof of identity. For example, this has made Hawaiian Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Alaska cruises very popular. Cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and soak up that glorious tropical sunshine. See waterfalls and rainbows, enjoy amazing Polynesian food and hit the waves on a surfboard. Cruises to Hawaii start in most major West Coast cities, such as San Diego, Los Angeles and Seattle. Ships within this category must satisfy strict regulations to achieve closed-loop status.

The 5 Most Relaxing Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay

When embarking on adventures by sea that don’t require a passport, make sure you have the proper cruise documentation. If you’re looking for cruises that don’t require a passport, take a round trip sail to Bermuda from New York City, Baltimore, Charleston or one of two Florida ports of call. As Britain’s oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun.

The risks of not bringing a passport on a closed-loop cruise

If you’re looking for a different kind of cruise, explore parts of New England and Canada with New York City as an exciting starting and ending point. Spend a day soaking up history in Boston, Massachusetts, and tour the Charles River aboard an amphibious duck vehicle. Experience lighthouses, lobster bakes and craggy sea cliffs in Portland, Maine, and enjoy a trip to Saint John, a beautiful city on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. A stop in the charming fishing village of Halifax, Nova Scotia offers beautiful gardens, more delicious seafood and double-decker bus tours. After you pull into port in the Big Apple, make sure to see a Broadway show, visit the Empire State Building and take a stroll through Central Park.

Celebrity Blog

Department of State website, or a cruise line representative before embarkation. Purchasing cruise travel insurance can also mitigate the risks of travel emergencies. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.

Swimming in the tranquil waters of the pristine Bacalar Lake, where you will float over cenote-fed water which is an incredible shade of aquamarine, is just one of the many options that await you in this area. Cruise lines typically provide guidance for travelers on the requirements of their sailing, according to Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of travel agency franchise Dream Vacations. In many cases, travelers can sail without a passport on round-trip voyages from the U.S.

Why Cruise to the Bahamas with Celebrity Cruises

This was a significant difference as not all Americans want the hassle or expense of getting a passport. Being able to travel without a passport encourages international exploration. Keep a few things to keep in mind if you travel on a closed-loop cruise without a passport. If you want a very short, low-cost cruise option that sails from the Port of Palm Beach, look into Margaritaville at Sea. Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida, are popular ports for Celebrity Cruises.

Caribbean Cruise

Entry regulations for other foreign nationals vary, so researching beforehand is crucial to avoid complications. You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. Located just southeast of Miami in the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas offers an ideal island getaway. With soft-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and pastel-colored British colonial architecture, the Bahamian capital of Nassau makes a popular port of call for cruisers. In Freeport, you can shop till you drop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace or kayak through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park.

Carnival Cruise line reveals name of new Bahamas destination Loop Caribbean News - Loop News Caribbean

Carnival Cruise line reveals name of new Bahamas destination Loop Caribbean News.

Posted: Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

You can travel to Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean from here. With Princess Cruises, you can travel to Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, Mexico, or the Bahamas from the United States. They operate many cruises from Fort Lauderdale or off the West Coast, where you can sail from Los Angeles to Mexico or Hawaii. While U.S. Customs recommend an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) as a passport alternative, very few states offer this form of government-issued ID. Perhaps you’d prefer to explore beyond the destinations of a closed-loop cruise.

Best Restaurants at Perfect Day At CocoCay

22 Amazing Places to Travel Without a Passport - Los Angeles Times

22 Amazing Places to Travel Without a Passport.

Posted: Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:09:59 GMT [source]

If you want to unwind, head to Chill Island on the east side of CocoCay. Or visit the Oasis Lagoon or the Thrill Waterpark to get on the side of adventure. Saunter the lively streets of Nassau, chill by a freshwater pool in Perfect Day at CocoCay, or get a history lesson at the Heritage Museum during your cruise to the Bahamas. Soak up island views and aquatic adventures with a cruise to the Bahamas. Department of State for current travel advisories and requirements. The rules vary depending on your nationality and mode of transport.

Hurricane season is typically from June to November although, fortunately, The Bahamas is rarely affected by hurricanes. Celebrity’s state-of-the-art ships are built for stability, keeping movement in rough seas to a minimum. Discover two tropical destinations in one vacation on a Miami to Nassau cruise that includes a stop in Key West.

Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. They are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. EDLs are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. If you aren’t sure, please ask your cruise line about this in advance. A closed loop cruise refers only to U.S. immigration regulations and passport requirements for U.S. citizens. It does not reflect those of the destinations on the closed loop cruise.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection defines a closed-loop cruise as one that both begins and ends at the same U.S. port. As long as these cruises return to the place they started, they can cruise to destinations such as islands and territories that are within proximity to the continental United States. These destinations often include Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Travelers can also enjoy a variety related to the type of cruise they book with ocean cruises, river cruises, and casual, and luxury experiences alike all readily available. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world.

U.S. citizens younger than 16 may use an original, notarized or certified copy of their birth certificate to go on a closed loop cruise. You can cruise for as short as two days or as long as a week, depending on which ports you’d like to visit. If you have limited time, you may wish to narrow your options by duration first. If you’re flexible on the timing, you have the leeway to research itineraries based on things to do and places to visit in each port of call. 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.

Explore without a passport: What to know about closed-loop cruises

Table Of Content

• Places You Can Go on a Closed Loop Cruise (Without a Passport)
• Canada and New England
• THIS IS YOUR PERFECT DAY
• Sign Up for Special Offers
• BEYOND THE BEACH
• Buying a Watch on a Cruise Ship: 18 Things You Need to Know
• WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Bahamas Cruises Insider

The application cost varies by state but is typically USD in addition to the price of a primary driver’s license. It’s easy to book multiple (back-to-back) cruises in regions like the Caribbean. Book a 2nd cruise with a different itinerary leaving from the same port.

Places You Can Go on a Closed Loop Cruise (Without a Passport)

As a United States resident, you may benefit from the ease of a so-called closed-loop cruise and not need a passport for a cruise vacation at all. The temperatures in The Bahamas are steadily warm year-round, so you can enjoy days in the 80s for most of the year, though wintertime temperatures may hover in the high 70s. You might see some rain during the summer, though most storms blow through quickly. For those on the Visa Waiver Program, you can use the I-94W (your immigration stamp received when first entering the United States) when you re-enter at disembarkment. Your cruise must end before the 90-day period for admission has passed.

Canada and New England

A “closed-loop” cruise is an option that is advantageous for those who are citizens of the United States since it does not need a passport. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),” according to Customs and Border Protection’s website. It is the responsibility of each guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available at the pier when necessary. Before leaving home, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship.

THIS IS YOUR PERFECT DAY

Norwegian’s Pride of America is one cruise ship that maintains U.S. documentation and registration. This ship cruises exclusively around the Hawaiian Islands but is considered a U.S.-based cruise ship and not within the restrictions of the Jones Act. However, passports may be unnecessary for millions of Americans born and raised in states such as Florida, California, or Texas. They could drive to the nearest cruise port, take a closed-loop cruise, and see another part of the world.

Sign Up for Special Offers

On Celebrity’s ships, you can enjoy a different restaurant for every meal, with menus designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Marvel at the antics of the enchanting animated character, Le Petit Chef. Breathe in the scent of fresh grass as you relax at The Lawn Club on Solstice Series ships, or awaken your endorphins with a class in The Fitness Center.. Bahamas & Key West vacation getaways are perfect for travelers looking for pristine beaches, rich history, delicious food, & stunning wildlife encounters. Shake off the sand and delve deep into towns like Nassau and Freeport and the remote island of CocoCay.

As long as you're on a closed-loop cruise, you’ll be able to skip the passport in favor of other government-issued IDs. Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer. The Carnival Company possesses a significant number of the most well-known cruise companies in the market at the present time. The types of documentation that are required in order to go on a trip will typically vary from cruise line to cruise line.

These cruises would likely include ports beyond the Western Hemisphere. A cruise company that does not register its ships in the U.S. must include an international port in its itinerary if it departs and returns from a U.S. port. A typical example of this is Alaska cruises that sail out of Seattle. 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. Most Disney Cruises in the United States set sail from the East Coast, with the most popular ports being Port Canaveral and Miami.

If you miss your ship at a port, you will need to find a way to catch up to the cruise or return home. Also, it is advisable to always travel with some form of identification. Passengers should also note that for some ports, you may require a passport to gain entrance. Therefore, always make sure to know whether you need your passport or not before going on your cruise.

There are so many potential destinations that you could do 10 or 20 closed-loop cruises that were all different. A world cruise is on the bucket list for many cruisers, but the cost can be prohibitive. Many world cruises start and end at the same U.S. port, such as Los Angeles, Miami, or Fort Lauderdale. If you live within driving distance of the cruise port, you can have your car waiting when you disembark. They are easy to travel to since you need just a round-trip flight.

Or elevate your experience with a luxurious private cabana, either on the powdery beach at Chill Island or perched directly over the aquamarine water. The peak season is from December to early spring, while May and June tend to be wetter. Rain tends to fall in the late afternoon in short, sharp showers, so this shouldn’t be a deterrent from traveling.

Do you need a passport to cruise to The Bahamas?... - The US Sun

Do you need a passport to cruise to The Bahamas?....

Posted: Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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. You’ll visit pretty Ketchikan, from where you could join a bear-spotting tour, try kayaking, join an expedition to fish for king crab, or just explore the colorful town. The spectacle of this vast river of ice meeting the sea is a highlight of the day.

A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown. When you arrive back in Seattle or San Francisco, take time to explore those cities for even more vacation fun. Charge your champagne glass and raise a toast to Lady Liberty on this seven-night voyage from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to chic Bermuda and back.

Slightly longer voyages of five nights visit Key West, Bimini, and CocoCay. On a six-night voyage from Tampa, meanwhile, you will visit Nassau and Bimini and have three full days to enjoy the luxurious amenities of the ship. Fill your days on a short escape with Oasis Class thrills — onboard Allure of the Seas®. All while sailing to the picture-perfect shores of The Bahamas and our private destination Perfect Day at CocoCay. Kids do not need a passport if they are sailing on a closed-loop cruise.

Additionally, there must be a destination to a foreign location to qualify as a closed-loop cruise. Therefore, you tend to see more cruise ships sailing with a foreign flag. Canadian and U.S. children under 16 must only present birth certificates (notarized, original, or certified copy), Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, Certificates of Naturalization, or proof of citizenship. Social Security Cards and Voter Registration cannot be used as a form of citizenship. Passports can be used as your form of identification but the fact that they aren’t mandatory is why closed-loop cruises are popular. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port.

Cruises For First Timers - Virgin Voyages

Cruises For First Timers.

Posted: Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

For those without a passport, a closed-loop cruise can be a great option. While the Caribbean and the Bahamas top the list of popular destinations, the Mediterranean follows closely behind, as well as Alaska, Australasia, and mainland Europe. In general, Caribbean islands only require photo ID from a U.S. citizen. For U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), you must have your photo ID plus your Permanent Resident Card (I-551/Green Card). The Caribbean includes over a dozen different countries and territories, so don’t think that you’re limited.