Your cruise line or travel agent can alert you to some of the cruise rules, regulations and restrictions that you need to know about for your next vacation at sea, but you can't count on them to tell you everything. It's best to educate yourself on the latest travel guidelines, including any travel documents required, before your next sailing -- especially as getting things wrong can lead to more travel hassles, extra expenses and possibly being denied boarding at the pier.
At best, the overview provided here is a snapshot. You'll want to double-check the current guidelines (with a site like travel.state.gov for U.S. citizens) as they pertain to your specific travel plans. To that end, we've provided you with your very own toolbox of internet resources, in addition to our general overview.
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What Documents Do I Need for a Cruise?
PassportsFor U.S. citizens, passports are necessary for travel by land, sea or air anywhere outside the United States. American citizens may opt instead to use a U.S. Passport Card when traveling by land or sea (not air) between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. Approved by the U.S. Department of State, the card is a limited-use passport reduced down to the size of a driver's license. Most cruise lines require that the passport or passport card be valid for at least six months following the completion of your travels.One exception to the passport or passport card rule applies to "closed-loop" cruises -- itineraries that begin and end at the same U.S. port. Passengers on these cruises still need to present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate), but they are not required to carry passports. Note that for kids younger than 16 years of age, a birth certificate (or its equivalent) alone will suffice. However, we recommend passports even for closed-loop sailings because in the case of an emergency -- such as an injury or illness that forces you to debark early in a foreign port -- a passport will make it much easier to handle unexpected return travel by air. Also, some ports, like Martinique and Guadeloupe, will not allow you to enter the country without a passport, even on a closed-loop cruise. Passengers without acceptable identification will not be allowed onboard and will not receive a refund if they miss the cruise for lack of correct documentation.For more information, check out our sister website SmarterTravel.com's Passport Center
.
U.S. Department of State
to verify what documentation is needed by country.Also, if you plan to cruise while pregnant, many cruise lines require written approval from a doctor. See our mini-guide to cruising while pregnant for more.Useful websites:Passport Application
Foreign Entry Requirements by Country
Center for Disease Control
Cruise Rules, Regulations and Restrictions
Passenger LimitationsMost cruise lines will not allow women to sail in the third trimester of pregnancy; you must typically be 24 weeks pregnant or less on the day of disembarkation in order to cruise.Babies must typically be at least 12 months old for trans-ocean, "exotic" or world cruises and 6 months old for all other cruise destinations (with some exceptions). Some adult-oriented ships don't allow children at all.Note that on most cruise lines, passengers must be at least 18 or 21 years of age in order to travel on their own, without the accompaniment of a parent or guardian. Read up on such age restrictions in our Cruise Line Age Policies.Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Requirements and Customs ClearanceThe DHS requires cruise lines to provide a final passenger manifest at least an hour before departure. The deadline is one reason why cruise lines have encouraged passengers to provide their personal information well in advance of sailing via online check-in.DHS also manages the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, in charge of processing passengers as they disembark the ship back in the U.S. For clearance, you'll be required to fill out a customs form and present your passport to immigration officials, either on the ship or in the cruise terminal. Be sure to hold on to receipts in order to declare goods purchased aboard, and to adhere to allowances for purchases of popular items like alcohol, cigarettes and cigars.U.S. citizens and permanent residents looking for a shortcut on the customs line can apply for the Global Entry card ahead of their sailing, which allows for expedited customs clearance via an automated kiosk; at press time, however, note that Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is the only cruise port equipped to accept Global Entry passengers. Also at Port Everglades, cruisers can opt to speed up their entry through customs by downloading the free official Mobile Passport app, which allows them access to a specially designated (and often short) passport control line.Note that local custom and immigration officials in other countries have their own clearance procedures in place for debarkation, which can vary based on the port of call and the nationality of disembarking passengers; your cruise line will provide related instructions for local protocol and practices aboard the ship, ahead of arrival.Deposit and Booking RequirementsNote that cruises can typically be booked as far as 18 months in advance to as little as a week ahead of the scheduled sailing date. Lines do not require that you pay in full when booking. Rather, an initial deposit is required, which typically ranges in the amount of $250 to $1,000. The balance must usually be paid one to three months in advance of the sailing. Deposits are normally fully refundable if you cancel your sailing before the final payment is due. Likewise, advance cruise payments can usually be fully or partially refunded (sometimes minus a service fee) if the trip is canceled well in advance of the sail date. (Precise time frames vary by cruise line.)For more, see What to Expect on a Cruise: Booking a Cruise and Cruise Line Cancellation Policies: A Closer Look.Luggage Restrictions and Dress CodesNote that, although there are no strict rules on the amount of luggage passengers can bring onboard a cruise, most line recommend no more than two checked bags per person. Cruise lines also have restrictions on items that passengers can bring on the ship with them, like travel irons and alcohol. (See What Not to Pack: 5 Things You Want to Bring on a Cruise -- But Shouldn't.) Also keep in mind that certain cruise lines have dress codes: See our Cruise Line Dress Codes story for more insight on just what to pack in the clothing department, by cruise line.
Department of Homeland Security
Air Travel Information for Your Cruise
Be forewarned: Airline regulations vary wildly. Here we're offering a sampling, culled from American and Delta. (If you're flying with another airline, check for their own specifics.) For more information, check out SmarterTravel.com's What to Expect at the Airport
article.Checking InThe recommended time to arrive at the airport is currently 90 minutes to two hours before departure for domestic and three hours before departure for most international flights. (Baggage check-in cutoff times depend on the airport and whether you're traveling in the U.S. or internationally.) While the airlines officially state that a passenger (with baggage to check) must have checked in at least 30 to 60 minutes in advance of flight time for a domestic flight, you might want to allow for more time, especially during busy holiday seasons.Just remember: Requirements can change at a moment's notice. If you are returning to the States from any foreign destination, check with your airline for its current requirements; international airports and airlines often have different rules and procedures for check-in.Carry-On RestrictionsIn accordance with TSA (the agency responsible for airport security) regulations, all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes being carried on must be in 3.4-ounce or smaller containers, and they must be packed in a single one-quart-sized clear, re-sealable plastic bag. Exceptions include liquid medicines and baby food/milk. For more information, read the Airport Security Q
&
A
from SmarterTravel.com.Other rules: Most U.S. airlines limit carry-ons to one, plus one personal item. Personal items include computer and camera bags, purses, briefcases and other small bags that can fit under the seat in front of you. Items including crutches, canes, wheelchairs, walkers, purchased food (for onboard consumption) and outer garments are exempt. Many airlines also do not count items for lap infants, such as umbrella strollers or safety seats; check with your airline for its specific regulations. (Strollers and car seats can often be gate-checked free of charge.)Anticipate a size restriction for your main carry-on. Maximum linear size (length + width + height) for the carry-on will vary by airline, but it's generally about 45 inches. International flights and carriers may have different (often more restrictive) carry-on rules than domestic ones; first and business classes often have different restrictions than coach. Be sure to check with your airline regarding your specific situation.
TSA
ahead of your trip.Useful websites:Airline 800 Numbers and Websites
Security Administration
Updated January 08, 2020
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