Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?
Table Of Content
When it’s warm and sunny, it is literally t-shirt and shorts weather. But cool and rainy… along with wind while the ship is moving? You’ll want to be bundled up with a hat, gloves, and jacket. It’s well-known, but dressing in layers is a must when you head to Alaska. Head to the Caribbean and you’re likely to have a big sail away party, pumping music, free-flowing drinks, dancing, and more.
Limited Shore Excursions
If you’re doing any international air travel to get to your cruise, then you are required to bring a valid U.S. passport book in order to board the plane. It’s your responsibility to ensure you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries your cruise visits. And government authorities may require you to have a visa or meet other requirements. What's the downside of going on a cruise without a passport? If an emergency arises, only an official passport will allow you to fly home quickly from a foreign port.
Alaska Cruise Passport Requirements
If you fall into this category, a valid passport is a must. Additionally, you may need a multiple reentry visa (B-2 Visitor’s Visa) or an ESTA if you’re from a Visa Waiver Program country. Always check the specific visa requirements for your nationality. These cruises start and end in the same U.S. port, such as Seattle or San Francisco.
APPLYING FOR A VISA
If you are applying for a Passport in person and select"Routine Service" you will receive your passport in the mail in about6 (six) weeks. If you apply in person (or by mail if renewing a passport)and select "Expedited Service" you will receive your passport in themail in about 2 (two) weeks. "Expedited Service" requiresan additional "rush" fee plus the cost of overnight delivery services.
What Alaska Cruise Itinerary to Choose Without a Passport?
Plus, we’ve attached a free PDF checklist to make your packing process easier. It’s called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and the rule has a section for “closed-loop cruises.” These are cruises that begin and end at the same port. So if you sail from Seattle, head to Alaska and Canada, and then return to Seattle, you are on a closed-loop cruise. If you're a U.S. citizen and don't have a passport, you actually have quite a few cruise options.
Cruise lines erroneously site the reason for stopping in for example, Vancouver or Ensenada, as the Jones Act of 1920. It’s crucial to remember that these guidelines can vary depending on the cruise line’s policies and the specific itinerary of your trip. Always double-check with your cruise provider to ensure you have the required documents. In this guide, we’ll clarify passport requirements, explain why many Alaskan cruises stop in Canada and help you prepare for your adventure.
CardMatch
Chances are your Alaska cruise will make a stop in Canada due to U.S. law that says that foreign-registered cruises cannot sail between most U.S. ports without making a stop in another country along the way. You will also need to have a passport size photo taken and pay the required fees. While this type of passport can be issued within as little as a day, it could take up to a week to receive it. If you are cruising with kids under age 16 on a closed-loop cruise, you'll need to bring a certified copy of their original birth certificate for identification. You may be surprised to learn that U.S. citizens don't need a passport to sail on "closed-loop" cruises with lines like Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and others.
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. Regardless of whether you need one or not, we recommend always cruising with a passport.
Repositioning cruises 2024 and 2025: A guide to one-way, seasonal cruise travel - The Points Guy
Repositioning cruises 2024 and 2025: A guide to one-way, seasonal cruise travel.
Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Non-U.S. Citizens & U.S. Resident Aliens
Technically, U.S. citizens do not need a passport for these types of cruises. However, carrying one for unforeseen circumstances like emergency disembarkations in foreign ports is highly recommended. That’s because laws state that foreign-flagged ships (which almost all cruise ships are) can’t usually take passengers from one U.S. port to another without making a stop somewhere along the way in another country. The rules surrounding identification and border crossings can be hairy.
We provide expert advice, insightful reviews, and comprehensive guides to help seasoned and novice cruisers create their ideal sea journeys. Whether you desire adventure, luxury, or exploration, High Seas Cruising is your compass to unforgettable cruise vacations. If you miss your cruise departure in Canada, for example, you’ll need a passport to fly or drive back to the U.S. Even if your Alaskan cruise is a closed-loop one and doesn’t include a stop in Canada, and you technically don’t need a passport, we always recommend traveling with your passport. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, you don’t need to bring a passport on closed-loop cruises, even if your ship stops in Canada. You’re planning an Alaskan cruise, and you’re not sure if you need a passport.
The cost for a first-time passport holder is $165, plus the photo fee; the steep fee alone is why many Americans choose to go without one. The good news is that an adult passport is valid for 10 years – and you can travel to most places in the world with just a passport and no visa. No matter which documents you bring, it's a smart idea to take copies of them (either paper ones or photos on your phone) when you leave the ship, in case something happens while you're ashore. Always carry some type of photo identification, like a driver's license, when you head into port.
That’s because no matter how many photos or videos you see, it simply doesn’t do it justice. If you don’t know which month to choose for cruising, check out our Alaska cruise season tips when we tell you which month is the best. If you haven’t decided which Alaska cruise to take, we invite you to read our detailed review of our 10-day Alaska cruise. We also have a special review of the Norwegian Sun ship, the vessel we enjoyed sailing on. For a complete guide on what to pack for your Alaska cruise, don’t miss our packing list with a free PDF checklist. In addition to the essentials, we cover what you cannot take on board, what to wear on an Alaska cruise, and offer valuable tips.
While Bahamas and Caribbean cruises are popular year-round, the Alaska cruise season is short-lived. Sailings typically begin in late April and go through early October. Balconies Are Worth It, But Don’t FretYes, if you’re going to get a balcony cabin, then Alaska is a great place to do it.
Comments
Post a Comment