travel cruise requirements

Situation in Haiti April 13, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update april 12, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents, before you go.

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready

What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis

Information for U.S. Citizens about a U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuation

Traveler's Checklist

Safety and Security Messaging

Best Practices for Traveler Safety

Staying Connected

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Traveler Information

LGBTQI+ Travelers

Adventure Travel

High-Risk Area Travelers

Travelers with Dual Nationality

Journalist Travelers

Faith-Based Travelers

Pilgrimage Travelers (Hajj and Umrah)

U.S. Students Abroad

Cruise Ship Passengers

Women Travelers

Travelers with Disabilities

Older Travelers

U.S. Volunteers Abroad

Travelers with Pets

Travelers With Firearms

Travel Agents

Travel Safety - Race and Ethnicity

U.S. Travelers in Europe's Schengen Area

Your Health Abroad

Insurance Coverage Overseas

Driving and Road Safety Abroad

Customs and Import Restrictions

Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia

Lodging Safety

Consider downloading this  Cruise Ship Travel Tips PDF  to take with you while you travel.  

Special Notes for Cuba Travel: 

• Ensure shore excursions and purchases comply with  U.S. regulations . 
• U.S. credit and debit cards do NOT work in  Cuba . Bring enough cash to cover your stay. This includes payment for hotels, restaurants, taxis, souvenir shops, etc. 

Before your cruise: 

• Make sure you review the latest  CDC guidance on cruise ship travel . 
• Read our  Traveler’s Checklist  . 
• Check our  country information pages for the countries you will be visiting to learn about important health and safety precautions to take. Write down the contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in case of an emergency. 
• Always carry your passport book with you in case of an emergency. You may need your passport in the event of an unexpected medical evacuation or if the ship docks at an alternate port. You should bring your passport even if your cruise says you won’t need it. 
• Apply early for your  passport , or make sure your current one will be valid at least six months beyond your travel dates and has two or more blank pages. Your cruise company may also require you to have a passport even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or foreign port of entry does not. 
• Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . You will get important safety and security info. Follow us @TravelGov on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram for travel and security information. 
• Make sure you have medical and emergency evacuation insurance that will cover your trip. Consider buying supplemental insurance. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. 
• You may also need other insurance for unexpected travel expenses when abroad. Check with your cruise line or travel agency to see if they provide such coverage. You can also check with your health or homeowner’s insurance providers and credit card companies, which sometimes provide this coverage overseas. If not, consider buying supplemental insurance.
• Have a contingency plan for returning home if you must remain in a foreign country longer than expected. Make color copies of your passport photo page, foreign visas, and itinerary. Leave one copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry one separately from your actual documents. Make sure to take a photo of your travel documents with your phone to have electronic copies as well.

Medication and vaccination requirements: 

• Check with your doctor to make sure that traveling abroad to your destinations is  medically safe  for you and whether you need any vaccinations and/or assistive devices on your trip.  
• Check with the foreign country's embassy in the United States. They can tell you whether your medications are legal in each country you visit. Also, find out if there are limits or special instructions for bringing them in. For some medications, you may need a letter from your doctor. Carrying it in the prescription bottle might not be enough “proof.” Remember, you are required to follow the local laws of the countries you visit, including with respect to medications, even if those laws differ from the laws of the United States.
• Ensure you have enough of your  prescription medications  to last beyond your trip dates, in case of possible delays. Some countries may not have equivalents of your prescription and over-the-counter medications. 
• Carry a written copy of all your prescriptions with you in case a country requires it, or you need to replace your medications. 

Ask Your Cruise Line: 

• What their procedures are in case of emergency. 
• How family members can contact you in an emergency, such as cell or satellite phone coverage and/or an e-mail address for emergencies. 
• What types of medical services your ship can provide, such as basic or urgent care, hospitalization, dialysis, etc. 
• Check your cruise line’s prohibited items list when considering what to take with you. 

During Your Cruise: 

• Remain vigilant and exercise normal precautions aboard a cruise ship and on shore, as you would whenever traveling abroad. 
• Limit your alcohol intake.  
• Ensure cabin safety and make sure the door and balcony are properly locked at all times.  
• Consider storing your travel documents and other valuables in a secure spot, such as a safe in your room or the ship’s safe. 
• Talk to the security personnel on board if you are the victim of a crime. The cruise ship should have procedures in place for handling a crime onboard. 
• Follow local laws and customs. If you break the law, you may be arrested and prosecuted.
• If you are the  victim of a crime on shore , report it to local authorities, the nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate , and to cruise ship security personnel. 
• If you lose your passport, report it right away to the nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate . Make plans to get a new passport as soon as possible.  
• Follow  CDC guidance  after you disembark.

Other Things to Keep in Mind:

Check our travelers page to learn more about specific issues you might face abroad. These include special considerations for older travelers, those with disabilities, women, and LGBTQI+ travelers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I heard you can use a passport card for a cruise, is that true.

You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at seaports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, if you cannot return on the cruise ship for any reason, you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States. 

Unexpected circumstances that can make it important you have a passport book include:

• Illness or Injury – Depending on how severe your illness or injury is, you may have to be admitted to a local hospital overseas. If you cannot be discharged before the cruise ship is scheduled to depart, the cruise ship may leave without you. In this case, you would need a U.S. passport to fly home upon clearance from your doctor. 
• Damage to cruise ship – Occasionally cruise ships are damaged or have mechanical issues that cannot be fixed during your trip. In these cases, you might need to go ashore in a country which requires a passport and/or you would need a U.S passport book to fly home.

Your cruise company also may require you to have a passport, even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the foreign country’s border agency does not. 

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Learn about your destination

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Traveling with medications

Medications that are legally prescribed in the United States are not always legal abroad. Check with the destination country’s embassy or consulate about local laws regarding your prescribed medicines.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Cruise Ship Travel

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance has been updated. The content of this page will be updated soon.

While cruising is a popular way to travel, there are some health concerns to be aware of. Find out more about health issues on cruises and steps you can take to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

If you are feeling sick before your voyage, do not travel and ask your cruise line about rescheduling or reimbursement options. If you feel sick during your voyage, report your symptoms to the ship’s medical center and follow their recommendations.

Common Health Concerns During Cruise Travel and what You Can Do to Prevent Illness

• Respiratory illnesses like influenza , COVID-19 , and the common cold. Get your annual flu shot and get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines . Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. If you have a weakened immune system , talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer . When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue to prevent spreading germs. Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas.
• Norovirus. Symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, primarily caused by outbreaks of norovirus, have been reported. To prevent norovirus , wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching things that other people have touched, such as stair railings. Avoid touching your face. For more information, visit CDC’s  Vessel Sanitation Program  website.
• Seasickness. Cruise ship passengers may experience seasickness or motion sickness. If you know you get seasick or think you may be likely to get seasick, talk to your healthcare provider about medicine to reduce your symptoms. Some common medications, including some antidepressants, painkillers, and birth control pills, can make seasickness worse.
• Sunburns. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold.
• Bug bites. On your trip, use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes and ticks, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. Many ships visit ports where these diseases are a concern.

Before Your Trip

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make sure you are up to date with all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases  that can spread quickly in groups of people. Outbreaks of chickenpox, influenza, and COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships.

Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries. Crew members and fellow travelers often board a cruise ship from destinations where some diseases are more common than in the United States or where vaccination is not routine.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Plan for the Unexpected

Prepare for any unexpected issues during your cruise ship travels with the following steps:

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

Get travel insurance.  Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to  get care overseas , in case you need it. Consider buying  additional insurance  that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.

More Information

• Cruise Ship Travel in CDC Yellow Book
• Information for Cruise Ship Travelers
• Maritime Guidance

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing

A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing.

Cruise lines have shifted their requirements for passengers, making cruising accessible to practically everyone. Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing.

The changes began shortly after the CDC ended a pandemic-era policy of publicly displaying COVID-19 cases onboard, different cruise lines to the public in July 2022. For those looking to check current COVID-19 trends onboard the CDC urges direct contact with the cruise line, and the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships.

Below, we break down each line's list of regulations to sail as well as what travelers need to know to plan.

American Queen Voyages

Where they sail:

American Queen Voyages is known for its Mississippi River cruises as well as sailings down other U.S. rivers like the Columbia and Snake rivers, using classic paddle wheeler ships for a throwback, romantic vibe.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated (14 days after their final shot).

What other safety measures are in place: Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging.

Find out more : American Queen Voyages

Avalon Waterways

Where they sail: These small-ship river cruises sail throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and down the Nile River in Egypt.

Who needs the vaccine: All international travelers from the U.S. must be fully vaccinated before boarding. Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged).

What other safety measures are in place: All guests will undergo a health screening upon arrival and luggage will be disinfected. Avalon will provide COVID-19 testing for travelers who need to show proof of a negative test to return home at no extra cost. Depending on the location of the cruise a pre-departure COVID-19 test may or may not be required.

Find out more: Avalon Waterways

Where they sail : Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents.

Who needs the vaccine : All guests and crew 12 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding a ship. Beginning Dec. 1, 2022, the company plans to drop the vaccine requirement for departures from the U.S. and Europe.

What other safety measures are in place : Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. For a full list of ports and whether they require a test guests can check online .

Azamara's ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship.

Find out more : Azamara

Carnival Cruises

Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are encouraged to be vaccinated but unvaccinated travelers, or vaccinated guests without proof of vaccination, will have to present the negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken no earlier than 3 days before sailing.

What other safety measures are in place: For cruises five days or less, there will no longer be pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers unless a specific port requires it. Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. All guests will also be required to fill out a health screening 72 hours before embarkation and undergo health screenings prior to boarding. Unvaccinated travelers on a cruise to Bermuda will be required to purchase travel insurance (children under 12 are exempt as long as they are traveling with vaccinated parents).

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of their sailing date, do not need the required pre-cruise COVID test before embarkation, only if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, have no symptoms and present documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from their healthcare provider.

Find out more: Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world.

Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. A vaccine is required for sailings visiting Canada.

What other safety measures are in place: A pre-embarkation test is no longer required for vaccinated guests on sailings nine days or less. Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to test three days prior to sailing. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada.

Find out more : Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Cunard, which sails all over the world, is known for its transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 18 and older must be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure.

What other safety measures are in place: Cunard has "enhanced" their onboard ventilation systems and implemented mandatory mask-wearing policies indoors. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board.

Find out more: Cunard

Disney Cruise Line

Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccination is no longer required by highly suggested.

What other safety measures are in place: Unvaccinated guests must provide results of a COVID-19 test taken 1 to 2 days before sail date, at home tests are not accepted. The Cruise line also has a full list of enhanced cleaning protocols.

Find out more: Disney Cruise Line

Grand Circle Cruise Line

Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot.

What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel , and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel.

Find out mor e: Grand Circle Cruise Line

Holland America

Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more.

Who needs the vaccine: Unvaccinated guests are welcome but will be required to self-test three days before cruising.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated passengers traveling on ships for less than 16 days excluding itineraries with the Panama Canal, trans-ocean, and other selected itineraries will no longer be required to test.

Find out more: Holland America

Lindblad Expeditions

Where they sail: Lindblad Expeditions is known for its adventurous trips to hard-to-reach destinations like Antarctica and the Russian Far East, partnering with National Geographic to add to the experience.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. Boosters are recommended but not required.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination.

Find out more : Lindblad Expeditions

Margaritaville at Sea

Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. The cruise line also offers the opportunity to take the ship one way to the Bahamas to allow guests to stay at the Margaritaville resort, and then take the ship back to the Bahamas at a later date.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line.

What other safety measures are in place: All crew members must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the cruise line states there are vaccination requirements on board (but does not specify).

Find out more: Margaritaville at Sea

MSC Cruises

Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are recommended but no longer required.

What other safety measures are in place: Fully-vaccinated passengers are no longer required to show proof of a negative test unless it is required of the destination. Unvaccinated children must show proof of a negative PCR test.

Find out more: MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Where they sail: Norwegian sails big ocean cruises all around the world, including popular itineraries all throughout the Caribbean and Greece.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required for any passenger regardless of vaccination status with the exception of local government mandates.

Find out more : Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers regardless of vaccination status are allowed to sail.

What other safety measures are in place: Only unvaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt.

Find out more : Oceania Cruises

P&O Cruises

Where they sail: The UK-based cruise line sails around Europe, including to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Caribbean from Southampton in the UK.

Who needs the vaccine: Although P&O Cruises' policy states that passengers over the age of 15 are required to be vaccinated, the latest update on its website says guests will be contacted directly in regards to vaccination protocol.

What other safety measures are in place: All guests are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the terminal. Masks will be required on board indoors, and all shore excursions will be with vetted operators.

Find out more : P&O Cruises

Princess Cruises

Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports.

Find out more : Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Where they sail: Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive luxury cruises around the globe, which include perks like free airfare, free excursions, and complimentary unlimited drinks on board.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are now welcome. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Currently cruises leaving from Bermuda, Canada, and Greece will require a test.

Find out more : Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia.

Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated.

W hat other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated travelers will no longer need a negative test on sailings shorter than 10 nights. Unvaccinated travelers aged 5 and older will need to take a test within 3 days of boarding. Self-administered tests are accepted.

Find out more : Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot at least 14 days before boarding a ship. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy.

What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions.

Find out more : Saga

Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are not required on most cruise itineraries, unvaccinated guests will be required to present a negative test taken within three days of embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized.

Find out more : Seabourn

Where they sail: Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style , including to the Galapagos and Antarctica .

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome, however, unvaccinated guests may not be welcome on all sailings depending on local regulations.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated guests do not need a pre-departure test unless local regulations such as cruises leaving from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, or Greece require it. Unvaccinated travelers will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of embarkation.

Find out more : Silversea

UnCruise Adventures

Where they sail: This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding. At least one booster is required to sail.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests are not required, but requested to test before departing from home (this policy is subject to change as COVID-19 trends change,) as the company states passengers should test to "be a good citizen". Each ship can perform rapid molecular tests on board. The cruise states they will not visit any destinations where vaccine rates are low.

Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted.

Find out more : UnCruise Adventures

Victory Cruise Lines

Where they sail: Victory Cruise Lines is known for its Great Lakes cruises, providing all-inclusive sailings to see breathtaking sights from Niagara Falls to the iconic architecture of Chicago from Lake Michigan. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew will be required to be vaccinated before boarding, and will be required to show physical proof prior to boarding.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required on any river cruise.

Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board.

Find out more : Victory Cruise Lines

Viking Cruises

Where they sail: Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. Guests who are eligible must have a booster.

What other safety measures are in place: In addition to vaccines, all guests may be required to undergo a saliva PCR test at embarkation as well as "frequent" testing throughout the journey. All staterooms are equipped with independent air handling units.

Find out more : Viking Cruises

Virgin Voyages

Where they sail: The brand-new cruise line is launching mini sailings from England for UK residents, and has cruises throughout the Caribbean, and transatlantic options.

Who needs the vaccine: All are welcome regardless of vaccination status, unvaccinated passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing for vaccinated guests. The cruise line will continue to work with an advisory board to help ensure health and safety on board at all times, including the use of air filtration systems and sanitization of high touch surface areas.

Find out more : Virgin Voyages

Windstar Cruises

Where they sail: Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America .

Who needs the vaccine: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding one of Windstar's yachts. Boosters are highly encouraged and are recommended to be administered at least one week prior to travel.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it.

Find out more : Windstar Cruises

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Book a Flight
• Book a Hotel
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Required Travel Documents
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Transportation
• Royal Gifts
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Questions related to Travel Documentation

Still need help contact us, get support by phone or email.

Email Your Questions

Locate a Travel Agent

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

• Today's Deals
• Sign Up & Save!

• Top Cruise Destinations
• Alaska Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises
• Bermuda Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises
• Europe Cruises
• Mexico Cruises
• 1.800.764.7419

Never Miss a Cruise Deal

• Thank you for signing up! 
• Click here to learn more about our specials.

Have Fun. Be Safe

• Health Protocols and Requirements for Sailing

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

• Travel Documents
• Online Check-In

Getting There

• Cruise Terminal Information and Parking
• Airport and Pier Transportation
• Air Information

Before You Board

• Embarkation Day Check-In

Youth and Family

• Youth Programs (Under 2 and 2-11 years old)
• Teen Programs (12-17 years old)
• Carnival's Seuss at Sea
• Age Policies

Things to Know

Onboard experiences.

• Shore - Excursions
• Spa and Fitness
• Outdoor Fun
• Entertainment and Activities
• For Your Convenience
• Onboard Guidelines and Policies
• Past Guest Recognition Programs

Onboard Celebrations

• The Fun Shops
• Special Occasions
• Wedding Cruises and Vow Renewals

Dining and Beverages

• Dining and Snacking Options
• Dining Rooms
• CHEERS! Beverage Program
• Liquor and Beverage Policy

Onboard Communication

• WI FI Service and Carnivals HUB App
• Staying Connected

Money and Gratuities

• Gratuities (Tips)
• Sail & Sign Onboard Account
• Forms of Payment
• Cruise Cash/Bar/Photo
• Financial Access

Shipboard Health and Safety

• Passenger Bill of Rights
• Guest Screening Policy
• Safety and Security
• Safety Briefing - Muster Station Drill
• General Health Information
• Privacy Notice
• What to Pack
• Cruise Ticket Contract
• Carnival Vacation Protection
• Guests with Disabilities
• Choosing Your Cruise
• Tech Support
• Early Saver Promotion
• Minors / Infants / Pregnancy
• Making changes to your booking
• Carnival EasyPay
• Financing Powered by Uplift
• US Department of State Travel Tips
• And more things to know....

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

• Preparing to Go Home
• Post Cruise Inquiries

Travel Documentation: U.S. Permanent Residents

Domestic Cruises In addition to required documents stated below, guests  must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements.   

• Cruises Sailing from One U.S Port to a Different U.S Port :  Guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• Cruises Sailing from One U.S Port to Same U.S Port:    Guests are required to carry a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• For cruises that include a visit to Colombia  or Greenland , g uests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• For cruises that include a visit to Bermuda , g uests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• U.S Permanent Residents may require a Canadian Visa depending on their nationality.
• Guests who are not citizens of the United States, Canada, U.K., Australia or New Zealand, may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit or transit Canada.
• Visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include travelers with a valid Canadian visa.
• If guests are required to have a visa, it must be obtained in advance regardless of whether you choose to remain onboard or go ashore. Processing times vary by citizenship and may take up to 45 days. For more information regarding travel documentation requirements, please contact your local Canadian consulate or visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp .
• Entry into Canada: Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada - for more information, click here .
• A Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) is also  known as ARC or a Green Card. 
• If a Permanent Resident Card does not have an expiration date on the front, then it is a very old version and it is recommended that the guest applies to renew it. Filing instructions and forms are available at www.uscis.gov .
• Photo I.D. Information: If the Permanent Resident Card does not include a photo I.D., a non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is required of all guests 16 years of age or older such as a Driver’s License, Driver’s Permit or government-issued identification card (city/state/federal).  A Mobile/Digital version of a photo ID is not an acceptable form of identification.
• On occasion, U.S. Permanent Residents may be asked to surrender their Permanent Resident Card and/or passport at time of check-in. This document will be returned upon completion of the immigration inspection at the time of debarkation.
• Guests a re required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• For cruises visiting Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Transpacific cruises, visas and/or specific travel documentation may be required for some destinations.

Europe and Transatlantic Cruises U.S Permanent Residents must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of Immigration requirements.

• Guests are required to carry a Passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel, from their country of citizenship  AND  a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), that includes a photo I.D.
• U.S Permanent Residents may require a Schengen Visa for countries listed below. 
• For itineraries that include countries which are not part of the Schengen agreement, additional visas may be required for citizens of certain countries, including U.S Permanent Residents.

Schengen Visa Requirements Under the Schengen regulations, citizens of certain countries will need a valid visa to visit or transit through any country in the Schengen area. There are currently 26 European countries that participate in the Schengen Agreement. The agreement eliminates all internal border controls between the participating countries. Once you enter a Schengen country, you may travel continuously for up to 90 days within the member countries. 

The following countries are party to the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, (including Monaco), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Visa requirements vary depending on the passport under which you are traveling and the countries being visited.  Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. We strongly suggest that guests visit www.schengenvisa.cc for additional Schengen Visa information and check with the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Be sure to provide the complete itinerary of the cruise so the embassy or consulate can provide the correct information. Guests may also contact a visa service agency for assistance.

Air Travel within the U.S. - REAL ID Homeland Security Requirements   Effective May 7, 2025 , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require every state and territory resident to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license, to go through airport security and board a flight within the U.S. If you will be flying to one of our cruise homeports within the U.S. on/after this implementation date, please ensure you have an acceptable document for your air travel. Visit www.tsa.gov/real-id  more information. This requirement applies to air travelers 18 years of age and older. 

Real ID-compliant cards will have a star on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity for air travel within the U.S.  

Names on Travel Documentation It is important that the guest’s full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest’s non-expired government-issued photo I.D. they plan to use for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest’s photo I.D. as a result of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denied boarding.

Please Note: For those about to or recently have been married, we strongly recommend that if the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, the cruise booking be made in the maiden name (do not include the married name); If the reservation was made in the married name, but the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate or marriage license. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denied boarding.

Traveling with Minors When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

Was this answer helpful?

Answers others found helpful.

• Travel Documentation: U.S. Citizens
• Travel Documentation: Non-U.S. Citizens
• Travel Documentation: Canadian Citizens
• U.S. Passport Card
• VisaCentral Passport & Visa Service

PLAN A CRUISE

• Search Cruises
• Travel Agent Finder
• Weddings & Occasions

• Carnival Mastercard
• Away We Go Blog

Group Travel

• Group Shore Excursions

Already Booked

• Manage My Cruises
• Shore Excursions
• In-Room Gifts & Shopping
• Spa & Salon Services
• Internet Plans
• Beverage Packages

• Airport Transportation

Customer Service

• Have Fun. Be Safe.
• Early Saver Price Protection Form
• Lowest Price Guarantee Claim Form
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Legal Notices for EU & UK Guests
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

About Carnival

• Passenger Bill Of Rights

• Legal Notices  
• Privacy & Cookies  
• Site Map  

• © Carnival Corporation. All rights reserved.

What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

Boarding a cruise ship isn't like boarding a city bus or hopping on the subway. Because cruises involve international travel, you won't be allowed to sail if you don't have all the proper cruise documents and identification. That means you'll want to know exactly what to take with you and, once you have a list, double and triple check it to ensure you haven't forgotten anything.

The check-in process can be intimidating if you haven't gone through it before. You might be wondering what, exactly, cruise documents are, which ones you need and how you obtain them.

Gear up for a successful and stress-free embarkation day, and make sure you have all the necessary items on hand and ready to go with this guide.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What are cruise documents?

Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification, proof of your booking number and boarding information, and confirmation that you aren't ill. You must present these upon arrival at the port.

Only after port officials check and verify each of these at the terminal will you be permitted to board your ship.

At a time when eco-friendliness is top of mind and nearly every traveler has a mobile phone, it's easy to rely on apps to keep everything in one spot and avoid wasting paper. However, what would happen if your phone was lost, stolen or broken during your travels? For that reason, I always advise printing hard copies of anything you might need in a pinch, using as little paper as possible.

Pack all necessary travel documents in your carry-on luggage so you have them on hand when needed.

Documents needed for cruisers to board a ship

Identification.

For most cruises, you'll need a passport book that's valid for at least six months from the day your sailing ends. In some cases, you can use a passport card instead of a passport book , but that will only work if you plan to reenter the United States via your ship from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean.

Similarly, if your cruise is a closed-loop voyage (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port and visits destinations in the Western Hemisphere, with a few exceptions), you can embark using an original birth certificate and driver's license if your cruise line allows it.

However, neither a passport card nor the combination of a birth certificate and license will allow you to fly to a foreign country or return to the U.S. from a foreign country by air. If you must fly to a foreign port for embarkation or if something unforeseen happens on your sailing and you need to cut your cruise short and fly home from a foreign port, you will need a passport book for identification.

Additionally, if you are a U.S. permanent resident, you must carry your green card. You can use it instead of a passport on closed-loop sailings, but carrying a passport from your country of citizenship is highly recommended. Also note that if your green card is expired, you likely will not be allowed back into the U.S. You are responsible for contacting the embassies in the places you'll be visiting to make sure there is no additional paperwork required.

Boarding passes

Similar to what you'd need for a flight, a cruise boarding pass is the document that shows you've checked in for your sailing, set up an onboard charge account for purchases and chosen a boarding time . It also includes relevant information like your name, booking number and cabin number.

Most cruise lines now have mobile apps that allow you to check in prior to arriving at the terminal and pull up your boarding passes electronically. If you don't plan on using the app, come prepared with a printed copy of your boarding pass; having one will speed up the check-in process on boarding day.

If you arrive without a boarding pass, don't worry. In a pinch, the check-in desk can look up your reservation in the system when you arrive, but it will add to the time you spend in the terminal before boarding your ship and beginning your vacation.

Health information

For years, cruise lines have required passengers to fill out health forms before boarding in an effort to prevent the spread of norovirus on board . Following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, lines have expanded health screenings to include questions about coronavirus symptoms.

Some cruise lines will ask you to complete a paper form at the terminal on embarkation day, while others will allow you to complete it a few hours before you arrive. If you fill it out in advance, whether or not you'll need to print out confirmation depends on your cruise line and whether the form is completed online or through a mobile app.

Although most cruise lines have rescinded their COVID-19 vaccination mandates , a handful of lines still require passengers to show proof that they have received their shots. Check with your cruise line directly for the most current details, and be sure to have your original vaccine card on hand if your sailing requires verification.

Likewise, check to see if any of the destinations you're visiting requires specific inoculations for entry; if they do, carry proof that you've received them.

Visas and other destination-specific documents

Depending on the destinations your cruise is visiting, you might be required to obtain visas or other documents that grant you permission to enter and stay in a specific country or region. As a passenger, it's your responsibility to know when you need to apply for a visa, how much it will cost you and how much time you need to allow for processing.

Sometimes your cruise line will take care of visa procurement on passengers' behalf and cover any associated fees. Check the official websites of the countries on your itinerary to see what's required, and contact your cruise line directly to ask if it can take care of applying for you. Keep all required documents with you for your trip.

Cruise line luggage tags

If you're planning to leave luggage with porters when you arrive at the terminal, make sure you print out the paper luggage tags — one per bag — provided by your cruise line when you receive your check-in documents. The tags are prefilled with information like your name and cabin number, so the ship's crew knows where to deliver your belongings after suitcases are loaded onto the vessel by the porters.

If you're driving to your embarkation port, you can attach the tags before you leave home. If you're flying in, I suggest packing a small roll of duct tape in your bag and attaching the tags after you land so they aren't accidentally ripped off during transit.

Permission to travel

If you're pregnant, most cruise lines require you to disclose that and provide a note from your doctor verifying your due date and that you're fit to travel. No cruise line will allow you to sail if you are more than 24 weeks along before the conclusion of the voyage.

In a similar vein, if you're planning to travel with someone else's kids and they won't have a parent or guardian on the cruise, you will also need a notarized letter granting you permission to take them out of the country and consent to medical care on their behalf in the event of an emergency. You might also want to have a similar letter handy for your own children if you will be traveling with them alone and their last name does not match yours.

Useful information to carry while cruising

Other travel information

If you're flying in for your cruise, flying home after or staying at a hotel before or after your sailing, it's not a bad idea to have information like airport and hotel addresses, flight numbers, confirmation numbers and boarding passes printed for reference (and as a backup if you lose your phone or charger).

Emergency contacts

In case something goes wrong while traveling, you'll want to carry a printed list of emergency contacts and their phone numbers, as well as contact information for your doctor, credit card companies and bank, and the local embassies or consulates for the countries you're visiting.

Having these easily accessible ensures you'll know what to do if you have an emergency, lose your passport or find a hold on your travel funds.

Travel insurance information

For me, travel insurance isn't negotiable; it's a necessity. With the pandemic and how overbooked flights and hotels can be these days, I like the peace of mind that comes with knowing I'm covered if something goes wrong.

If you've purchased travel insurance for your cruise, you should print out and carry the policy card listing your policy number and the phone number of the insurance company. If your trip is interrupted or canceled, or you experience a medical emergency, you'll have the key information handy so you can get help immediately.

Photocopies of important documents

Although you should always take steps to protect your personal documents and only take them out with you when necessary, you also want to be prepared in case your wallet or passport is stolen or misplaced.

Make photocopies of the information page of your passport or passport card, the front and back of your driver's license and birth certificate (if using it for a closed-loop voyage), and the front and back of each credit card. Keep them in a safe place, separate from the originals, when in transit and in your hotel room or cruise cabin safe when you get to your destination.

These copies won't replace the real things, but they could help to speed up the process if you have to procure replacements.

Bottom line

Cruise documents provide the verification you'll need to board your vessel on embarkation day. They include identification, boarding passes, health forms and any required visas, which you should always keep handy in your carry-on bag or personal item.

You'll need to keep track of several documents, but if you plan ahead and follow the list above, you should have no problem ensuring you have everything you'll need for a successful and seamless boarding experience.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• More banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

Have Fun. Be Safe.

• Have Fun. Be Safe. Guidelines

Cruising with Carnival is easy! Vaccines and testing are not required for most U.S. and European departures.*

Guests sailing to and from Australia must visit the Australia Have Fun. Be Safe. page for protocols specific to those cruises.

VACCINATION & TESTING

Although vaccines are not required, we encourage all guests, 5 years of age and older, to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, when eligible, and carry proof of vaccination. Testing is not required for either vaccinated or unvaccinated guests. However, we encourage all guests, 5 years and older, to take a pre-cruise COVID-19 test within three days of their cruise.

*Carnival Luminosa - 9/14/2023: This Carnival Journeys Transpacific voyage will be calling on certain destinations (including Australia) which are still observing COVID-19 protocols. Below are more details regarding vaccination and testing requirements for this voyage:

• Guests, aged 12 years and older, must be fully vaccinated to sail. Additionally, we strongly recommend that guests get a booster, if eligible.
• All guests, aged two years and above, regardless of vaccination status, are required to take a self-administered Rapid-Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of boarding or a PCR test within 48 hours prior to boarding. Evidence of a negative result is required to cruise.
• Vaccine exemptions are required for guests, aged 12 years and older, with medical conditions preventing vaccination. If you, or a member of your party, meet the criteria for a vaccine exemption, you may apply here .
• Full details regarding vaccination and testing requirements and FAQs are available on the Australia Have Fun. Be Safe. page .

DESTINATION REQUIREMENTS

We will continue to monitor the protocols and requirements of the destinations we visit and will update our guests directly and this page of any changes.

Have questions? Check out our Have Fun. Be Safe. FAQs for all sailings, except Carnival Luminosa’s 09/14/2023 voyage.

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

Pre-Cruise FAQ

Onboard faq, post-cruise faq, cruisetours faq.

• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

From travel document requirements to tips on what to pack, find out what to know before you go.

• Prepare for Your Cruise

An overview of the latest passport, customs, health and other essential requirements to help you prepare for your vacation.

The OceanReady® Process

Get ready for your Princess Cruise with the OceanReady® steps

Princess® MedallionClass makes cruising effortless. It all begins with the Medallion®, a quarter-sized device that never needs to be turned on or off. Download the Princess® Cruises App to complete the OceanReady® steps before you sail. You'll want to complete the following steps to ensure access to the Green Lane in the terminal for faster check-in with less waiting:

• Order and Customize your Medallion*
• Personal Information & Travel Docs
• Payment Information

Passage Contract

• Security & Profile Photos
• Emergency Information

*Currently, only available for shipping to addresses within the United States and Puerto Rico. Medallions will be available for pick-up at the terminal if one was not mailed to you.

Guests who don't complete all of the above steps in the app will access the Blue Lane for check-in, where our Navigators will help ensure all steps are complete and issue guest Medallions.

Visit  Cruise Personalizer®   to book flights and transfers, reserve shore excursions and make spa appointments, and purchase any packages if they are not already included in your booking. Before you leave for your cruise, you can print your luggage tags from Cruise Personalizer.

When you enter your personal information and upload your travel documents in the app make sure your name appears in your OceanReady® Profile exactly as entered in your passport. If the name does not match, it's important you contact your Travel Advisor or the Princess Reservations Department at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) to correct this information. Also, verify that your passport details and emergency contact information are complete and correct.

Princess Future Cruise Packages and Princess Promotions

• What are Princess Future Cruise Packages? Princess Future Cruise Packages are the newest, most flexible way to bundle your next Princess cruise, even if you aren’t sure when or where you want to go! Each Princess Future Cruise Package includes a fixed amount of Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) to use when you are ready to book your future Princess Cruise, pre/post hotel certificates when you cruise, Onboard Credits (OBCs), 5- to 7-night land vacation certificates, and more.
• What are the Future Cruise Credits (FCC) included in the Princess Future Cruise Packages? The Future Cruise Credits you receive in your Princess Future Cruise Package allow you to purchase your Princess cruise(s) once you are ready to book. Each FCC is worth $1, can be used toward any future cruise booking with Princess, and may be applied to one cruise or multiple cruises.
• How do I redeem the Future Cruise Credits (FCC) I received with my Princess Future Cruise Package? Your FCC balance can be found in your  My Princess account  and may be redeemed directly on our website or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS. If you have a travel advisor or Cruise Vacation Planner, you can contact them directly to use your Future Cruise Credits.
• What is Princess Promotions? At Princess, we are always looking for ways to provide our guests with the best value while creating new and innovative cruise products, experiences, and programs. Princess Promotions is a new program that offers guests access to products that add value to your Princess vacation and complementary products like pre- and post-hotel stays, Onboard Credits, and more!
• How do I redeem my Princess Future Cruise Package Stays Certificates and Hotel Credits? Once you purchase a Princess Future Cruise Package, you can redeem your certificates and Hotel Credits by calling 1-800-PRINCESS and choosing option 5.
• Do my Future Cruise Credits (FCC) and Stay Certificates expire? FCCs and Stay Certificates purchased as part of a Princess Future Cruise Package must be booked within 18 months of the package purchase date. However, you can travel up to 24 months from when you purchased the package.
• What are Princess Future Cruise Packages Hotel Credits? Hotel Credits are the easiest way to save on all your hotel stays. Each Hotel Credit is equal to $1 and can be redeemed for significant savings on hotel rooms booked on our hotel booking engine or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS. Choose from thousands of hotels worldwide with exclusive savings available only through Princess.
• Can I cancel my Future Princess Promotions Package? You have seven (7) business days after the purchase of the package to cancel (Florida residents have thirty (30) business days to cancel the package). Cancellations can be made by calling 1-800-PRINCESS and choosing option 5.
• Princess Vacation Protection

Enjoy some peace of mind with Princess Vacation Protection, which provides both a cancellation fee waiver and travel insurance benefits as a simple way to ease your worries before setting sail.

Cancellation Policy

For guests that have Future Cruise Credits, visit our  Princess® Cruise Credits page  to learn about how to use them.

For the latest updates regarding cancelled cruises, view the  Impacted & Cancelled Cruises page  for more information.

Visa requirements for U.S. and Canadian citizens are  listed on the guest's Travel Summary  under "Notices," if applicable. All other nationalities, including those with U.S. or Canadian resident status, are responsible for verifying visa requirements for each port visited during the cruise.

Visas may be obtained directly from the consulate of the countries visited. Some visas are available to be obtained on board. Passport holders of the United States, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom may obtain visas through  CIBTvisas . Australian and New Zealand passport holders, please use  http://visalink.com.au .

IMPORTANT: Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Guests should check with the consulate of each country they will visit or a visa service to verify current regulations. It is the guest's responsibility to have proper travel documentation. They should reconfirm visa requirements with the consulate 14 to 30 days prior to the cruise.

The following information is provided as general guidance for U.S. and Canadian passport holders. Because governmental travel requirements change periodically, you must check with your Travel Advisor or the government authorities for all countries you will visit to determine or verify the actual requirements at the time of sailing. Princess assumes no responsibility for advising guests of such requirements.

Visa fees and requirements are subject to change without notice

Travel Document Requirements

Travel Document Requirements*

Nothing gets in the way of a good trip like paperwork issues. So we want to make sure you know you’re responsible for meeting all the documentation and proof-of-citizenship requirements for your travel. Check out the guidelines below, as the last thing we want is for you to be denied boarding.

In many cases, you’ll need a valid passport, but even if you don’t, we really recommend traveling with one. You never know when the unexpected might happen – like leaving your ship before the end of your cruise – and it’s always better to be prepared.

General guidelines

Make sure the name on your booking matches the name on your travel document exactly. If the names do not match, contact your Travel Advisor (for bookings through a travel agency) or the Princess Cruises Reservations Department (for direct bookings) at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237). To avoid check-in delays or even denied boarding, please provide Princess Cruises with this information at least 45 days before your cruise.

For non-U.S. passport holders or non-U.S. permanent residents disembarking in a U.S. Port, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that before your cruise, you provide the address at which you will be staying in the U.S., post-cruise.

Travel document requirements vary by destination and citizenship. Below are document guidelines for both domestic and international voyages. Once a booking is made, you may view voyage-specific requirements on the Cruise Personalizer.

Document Requirements for U.S. and Canadian Citizens/Nationals

International itineraries

A valid passport book is required  for all international itineraries including:

• Australia & New Zealand
• Central and South America
• Panama Canal (partial and full transit)
• Caribbean (any sailings that visit Martinique or Guadeloupe)
• South Pacific & Tahiti
• World Cruises

If your cruise involves international air travel (including flights between the U.S. and Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda or Mexico) you will be required to present a valid passport when departing from or returning to the U.S. by air.

Domestic itineraries

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) governs acceptable travel documents for entry into the U.S. by sea from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico or within the United States.  We highly recommend a passport. We also require a passport for all guests in a travel party when minors are traveling with only one adult (21 years and older). † However, for U.S. and Canadian citizens/nationals on select itineraries a passport is not always required. In lieu of a passport book, these individuals must present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant travel documents at cruise check-in:

• U.S. Passport Card
• U.S. or Canadian Issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) (A REAL ID is not the same and doesn’t fulfill this requirement.)
• U.S. or Canadian Issued Identification Card (issued to minors and non-drivers)
• NEXUS Card Air travel is limited to participating airports (for entry to Canada)
• SENTRI (for entry to Mexico) and FAST cards
• I-872 American Indian Card or Enhanced Tribal ID Card (ETC)

†We have implemented this requirement because we want to ensure that your party remains together should an emergency arise that requires one or more members to be disembarked in a non-U.S. port. We cannot guarantee that all members of your party will be allowed to disembark with just a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate. Failure to present a valid passport for all guests traveling together will result in denial of boarding without refund of the cruise or cruisetour fare.

On select U.S. roundtrip (sometimes called “closed-loop”) voyages, U.S. citizens ages 16 and above may also travel with an  original or certified copy U.S. birth certificate (or U.S. Certificate of Naturalization if foreign born) presented together with a valid U.S. government-issued photo identification . U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 15 and younger may travel with a birth certificate.

• Alaska roundtrip from San Francisco, Los Angeles or Seattle (roundtrip Seattle cruisetours excluded)
• Canada/New England roundtrip from New York
• Caribbean roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale^, Galveston^ or New York (voyages that do  not  call to Martinque or Guadeloupe only)
• Hawaii roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or Seattle
• Mexico roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego

^Voyages that call to Central or South America are excluded and only passports are accepted. All voyages that call to Martinique or Guadeloupe require a passport.

For information regarding WHTI-compliant documents,  visit the US Customs and Border Protection website .

U.S. Permanent Residents are required to present one of the following at cruise check-in:

• Permanent Resident Card (ARC/I-55 card)
• Temporary ARC/I-55 card and valid government-issued photo identification
• Expired ARC/I-55 card and form I-797 and valid government-issued photo identification
• Passport with “ARC” stamp

Canadian Permanent Residents are required to present a valid passport and Landed Permanent Resident Card at cruise check-in.

Non-U.S./Non-Canadian Passport Holders: A valid passport is required for all non-U.S. and non-Canadian citizens for all itineraries.

Passport validity

Many countries require passports be valid for six months after the completion of your travel. Check your passport to verify it will be valid for this period of time. Additionally, make certain that your passport contains blank pages for entry and exit endorsements and any visas that may be required. If necessary, allow sufficient time to renew your passport and/or obtain additional pages. (It may take longer than you think it will!) U.S. and Canadian passport holders sailing on a domestic cruise should ensure passports or other travel documents are valid through the completion of travel. There may be occasions where we retain your passport at check-in. This is to ensure that you are not inconvenienced by immigration clearance during your cruise and where face-to-face inspection is not required. We recommend you bring a second government-issued photo ID if you want to have one with you while in port.

There are over 7,000 Passport Application Acceptance locations in the U.S. You may locate the one closest to you by  going to the U.S. Department of State website . The United States Postal Service also provides passport services. Visit the U.S. Postal website to find a post office location, get a list of fees and download a  passport application .

For information regarding passport applications, please visit the U.S.  Department of State travel website  or call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 (M-F, 5 a.m.–5 p.m. PST).

*This information is provided as general guidance. Because governmental travel requirements change periodically, you must check with your Travel Advisor or the government authorities for all countries you will visit to determine or verify the actual requirements at the time of sailing. Princess assumes no responsibility for advising guests of such requirements.

Prohibited Items

Guests are advised not to bring any prohibited items to the ship. Prohibited items will not be allowed or stored on board the vessel with no exceptions. Guests are fully responsible for either storing these items ashore or disposing of them prior to embarkation.

The following items will not be allowed on board without a valid lawful reason:

• All firearms including non-firing weapons. An exception to this rule is law enforcement agents acting in an official capacity and certified armed security guards acting in an official capacity (with full permission of the ship’s Master).
• All forms of ammunition, explosive materials and propellants, projectiles of all kinds, cartridges.
• All imitation or replica weapons including de-commissioned weapons, those not capable of being fired and realistic imitation/toy weapons.
• Air/Pellet guns or any other variety of projectile firing weapon.
• Stun Guns, Tasers or any other electroshock device.
• All explosives and explosive device components including but not limited to military, civilian and safety devices, detonators, detonation cords, blasting caps, smoke cartridges, grenades, mines, imitation explosives/devices.
• Fireworks, Flares and Pyrotechnics
• Knives (with a blade over 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches), or 1.25 cm (½ inch) at widest point). bladed weapons, sharp pointed weapons, daggers, sabers, swords, axes, ice axes, hatchets, straight razors (shaving safety razors are allowed), razor blades not in a cartridge, box cutters, ice picks, meat cleavers, and utility knives, (unless specifically authorized for personnel who in the normal course of their duties on board the ship require to be in possession of a knife with a more substantial blade i.e. Galley Staff and Deck Ratings).
• Flick knives, gravity knives, switchblades or lock knives. Small locking pocket-knife with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed.
• Concealed bladed weapons such as belt buckles knives, cane and umbrella knives/swords, pen knives and credit card knives.
• Recreational Diver’s Knives unless accompanied by other diving/snorkeling equipment and a valid diving ID card/license (must be held in the custody of the Security Officer). Dive knives may be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise whereby 24 hours’ notice is provided.
• Diver’s spears and spear guns/slings.
• Ceremonial knives/swords as well as entertainment props are at times permitted with prior notification from the Fleet Security Department (must be held on-board in the same manner as dive knives).
• Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches.
• Telescopic or regular truncheons/batons/clubs/coshes/nightsticks/billy clubs/blow pipes/ASPs and or any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon.
• Archery equipment including crossbows and bolts.
• Martial Arts Equipment including flails, throwing stars, nunchakus/nunchucks, kubatons, bostaff, etc.
• Knuckle Dusters, brass knuckles, or any other item constructed for use as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
• Items containing Incapacitating Substances such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, pepper/mace cartridges, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable.
• Flammable Liquids and hazardous chemicals/substances including gasoline/petrol, cooking fuel, acid, spill able batteries (except those in wheelchairs), phosphorous, oil, lighter fluid (common lighters are permitted), methylated spirits, paint thinners, acid, turpentine, spray paint, chlorine, bleach, spray paint and any other dangerous chemicals that could burn, maim, incapacitate or disable.
• Compressed gas bottles/cylinders including propane tanks and aerosol cans (except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities). Dive Tanks are not permitted, empty or full. Medical gas bottles are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to Guest Services and stored in a designated safe area. Oxygen cylinders are not x-rayed.
• Drones also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), and any other remote-controlled aerial devices/toys. (The exception is when permitted for company sponsored events when approved in advance by Fleet Security).
• Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as a weapon.
• Hookah and Water Hookah Pipes, candles and incense, strike-anywhere matches.
• Items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to: immersion heaters, heating blankets, flat irons, water heaters, coffee machines with heating / hot plates, etc.
• Alcohol in violation of the company alcohol policy.
• All illegal drugs, including medications without proper prescriptions.This includes legal intoxicant synthetic or “designer” drugs also known as “Legal Highs” such as Lysergamides, Opioids, Methoxetamine, Synthetic Cannabis, Betel Nuts or Kava (Cava).
• Medical Marijuana
• Noxious Items
• Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, and skateboards.
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Ham radios, transformers, lasers, laser pointers.
• Bicycles, including electric bicycles
• Tools of trade/hobby including any type of hand or power tool. This includes hammers, drills, drill bits, crow bars, saws, power saws, chef/cooking knives/utensils, tools greater than 7 inches in length such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers (unless prior authorization is provided by Corporate Headquarters and strict controls are maintained on-board).
• Surfboards – (Boogie boards no longer than 42 inches in length are allowed).
• Boats/canoes/kayaks
• Coolers - only coolers approximately 12 x 12 x 12 in size (holds 6-12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages) are allowed. Guests carrying larger sizes will be directed to return them to their vehicle. If the guest is without a vehicle, the cooler will be destroyed in the same manner as other prohibited items. Exception: if the cooler is larger and contains baby food/formula, kosher food/special dietary food or medication - these must be hand-carried. Coolers cannot be accepted as checked baggage. Whenever there is doubt an embarkation supervisor or shipboard personnel can be contacted to make the decision.
• Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility), boats/canoes/kayaks, Segways (only permitted ashore if used for mobility limitations – cannot be used on board the ship), Heely Shoes, Hoverboards/self-balancing scooters.

The above list is not exhaustive. The Ship Security Officer and Staff Captain are authorized to make a professional judgment as to the legality of any item, declared, detected or discovered.

*Electrical devices such as small fans, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, power strips/extension cords without surge protectors and electric extension cords with surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution and following inspection/tests from the onboard electrical department. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard then they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

As our guest, please follow the above precautions while traveling on any of our ships, and please refrain from taking these devices with you on board.

Cashless Cruising

One of the best things about cruising with Princess is the convenience of being able to charge all your onboard expenses to your stateroom.

You will receive your OceanMedallion before you board. Guests will either receive it in the mail or pick it up in the terminal during the check-in process. The Medallion allows you to make TrulyTouchless™ purchases on board and is linked to your personal shipboard account where all purchases are charged.

Guests who have a credit card on file for their shipboard account, an authorization hold of $100 is placed on the credit card to ensure validity of the account. While you are on board, your daily charges will be authorized at close of business each day with your card provider. These authorizations can remain on your card for up to 30 days. Due to this, on extended voyages (in excess of 30 days) your credit card on file will need to be settled at or before the 30-day mark as a result of this authorization timing limit. Following this mid-voyage settlement, a new authorization will be placed on your credit card on file and be settled again at the end of your voyage. 3rd party credit cards will not be accepted for charges on board since the cardholder needs to sign for the charges.

Card must be valid for the length of the cruise. This information will be kept confidential. Princess Cruises use a “pre-authorization” system to charge credit and debit cards for onboard spend. This is standard hotel practice and places a “hold” on your credit or debit card, although your bank does not actually release any money to us. At the end of your cruise, your onboard spend will be charged in one transaction, and the holds will then be released by your issuing bank. Please note, some banks hold pre-authorized funds for up to 30 days limiting the funds available in your debit or credit account. We strongly recommend you check your bank’s pre-authorization process if you have any concerns about this system. To avoid your bank or credit card company blocking onboard transactions, please alert them of your travel plans ahead of time.

An itemized statement will be emailed to you post cruise. By providing your credit card in advance, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. There is no need to visit the Guest Services Desk to settle your account. We accept all major credit cards in most currencies. Those paying by traveler's checks or cash will be required to leave a cash deposit with the Guest Services staff at the beginning of the cruise.

Onboard charges are in United States Dollars (USD) with the following exceptions: for guests on sailings operating roundtrip from Australia, all onboard charges are in Australian Dollars (AUD)

If you are using a credit card to pay for your onboard charges on an AUD currency sailing, a surcharge fee of 1.1% will be applied (regardless of cardholder nationality). Debit cards do not incur a surcharge.

Princess EZpay Cruise Payment Plan

The Princess EZpay Cruise Payment Plan allows you to spread out the cost of your cruise with monthly installments and budget your vacation the easy way – with no extra fees! It’s easy to enroll in and easy to use; Princess EZpay simply charges the credit card on file every month until final payment is due – you can set it and forget it.

Casino Charges

Charges for obtaining chips and tokens in the casino are limited to $3,000 USD per day, up to a total limit of $21,000 USD per person, per cruise and are only available if you have pre-registered a credit card with the Guest Service Desk for Express Check-Out.

Guests requiring extensions to daily or cruises limits should contact our Casino Department on 1-888-772-6697 prior to cruising for further details. Information and application forms for a casino credit line can be found at  Ocean Players Club website  under 'VIP Services'.

The minimum age for gambling on board is 18* years old.

*20 years old in Japan

Luggage Valet

Princess Luggage Valet delivers your bags from your home to your stateroom, and then back home again. The service is offered in partnership with Luggage Forward® in order to make your travel experience easier. No more hauling baggage through the airport, no more long check-in lines or waiting for your luggage to arrive at baggage claim, and no more risk of being held up in lengthy bag inspections at Customs. With Princess Luggage Valet you can enjoy the ultimate in ease and convenience when you travel. Make it a carefree escape with the new Princess Luggage Valet Service.

Luggage Valet includes:

• Worldwide service to and from more than 170 ports
• All-inclusive rates charged at the time of booking, no hidden fees
• Guaranteed to arrive on time or a refund of double what you paid to ship the bag

To book,  visit the Luggage Forward web site . Inquiries can be sent via email to  [email protected]  or you can call Luggage Forward directly at: 1-860-866-4172.

Please review our Passage Contract  for full details. You’ll need to accept the terms and conditions of the Passage Contract before your cruise.

Pre-/Post-Cruise Hotel Packages

Pre- or post-cruise packages offer hotels chosen for their excellent service and prime location, close to major attractions — and near to your embarkation port so you’ll be sure to board your ship on time.

You’ll be met by a Princess® representative who ensures all transfers and baggage handling are taken care of. You can also choose to stay on after your voyage to do some sightseeing. Either way, it’s a great option for extending your vacation with the peace of mind that Princess has handled all the details.

See your Travel Advisor,  contact Princess , or  visit Cruise Personalizer  for details.

Health & Accessibility

Accessible cruising.

Spend your time onboard focused on relaxing, experiencing all the benefits of MedallionClass® cruising and creating lasting memories with your family and friends. The following information and resources are available to help you plan for your Princess vacation.

Accessible Accommodations

Our ships offer accessible staterooms designed for wheelchair maneuverability and feature wider doorways than a standard stateroom in both the stateroom and the bathroom. Bathrooms are equipped with a roll-in shower with a fold-down bench seat, a distress alarm, handheld shower head and grab bars. The stateroom also has an easy access closet and writing desk with wheelchair access. Additionally, all staterooms feature Medallion touchless entry, which unlocks the door as you approach.

We can help you with your accessible stateroom request by calling us at:

United States:  1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) Canada : 1-800-LOVEBOAT (1-800-568-3262) United Kingdom:  0344 3388 674 Australia:  13 24 88 New Zealand:  0800 780 717

Or contact your Travel Advisor.

Tip: Additional amenities can be requested for standard non-accessible staterooms including handheld shower heads, shower stools and raised toilet seats. For your convenience, these can be requested directly in the Princess® Cruises App under Preferences.

• Onboard Experience

Access-friendly design across our fleet makes it easy to enjoy each vessel's restaurants, theaters, spas, lounges, and open deck space. Elevators have 36- to 42-inch doorways, and wheelchair seating is available in show lounges and other public spaces. Onboard, make reservations and requests using the Princess® Cruises App  on your personal electronic device or interactive in-stateroom TV.

Visual Accommodations

We have a designated computer terminal equipped with JAWS Professional software equipped with a reader program available in the Internet Café. A headset is available upon request. For assistance, contact the Internet Café team once on board.

Braille/tactile signage is available on all ships. Large print, Braille, and electronic menus are available upon request with 60 days advance notice. If you prefer to have items read to you, please do not hesitate to ask a team member on board, who will gladly assist.

The ship’s activity schedule along with the ability to find points of interests, family and friends is available on interactive Portals located around the ship. A similar experience is available in the Princess App. For guests who did not bring their own device, a limited number of tablets with screen reading capabilities are available upon request from Guest Services on a first-come-first-served basis.

A text reader feature can be enabled on stateroom TV's to read aloud text that is displayed. This text reader is available to be enabled upon request to our Guest Services team.

Tip: View our  ship overview pages  for accessibility guides and deck plans.

Hearing Accommodations

With advance request to our Access team, we provide “all-in-one kits” with TTY that can be used in guest staterooms. When requested for an Alaska Cruisetour, TTY kits will also be provided for your stay at our Alaska Wilderness Lodges.

Televisions on board have closed captioning capabilities. Onboard theaters have assistive listening devices. Requests for interpreting services should be made at the time of booking through the Access team and are subject to the availability of qualified interpreters. If there are other guests onboard who also require the assistance of interpreters, they are shared. American Sign Language interpreting services may be requested in advance for guests traveling on itineraries that visit at least one port in the USA. Australian Sign Language interpreting services may be requested in advance for guests traveling on itineraries that visit at least one port in Australia.

Mobility Equipment Guidance

Here are some important things to know about bringing a mobility device onboard.

If you will be using a mobility device or have special needs, we strongly recommend you travel with a person physically fit to assist with your needs both onboard and ashore.

Although we do not offer mobility devices onboard for personal use, you are welcome to bring your own device. Alternatively, we do partner with the following companies who provide wheelchairs and other medical equipment for rent, and they can deliver directly to the ship. If a rental is a better solution for you, please do contact them directly.

• Special Needs at Sea: 800-513-4515 or 954-585-0575, or visit the  Special Needs at Sea website
• Scootaround: 888-441-7575 or 204-982-0657, or visit the  Scootaround website

Please ensure that your mobility device meets the following specifications:

• Maximum device width: 22” for standard staterooms, 31” for wheelchair-accessible staterooms
• Maximum combined weight of the wheelchair, including guest: 600 pounds (weight may vary outside the United States)

Your mobility device must be securely stored in your stateroom when not in use. This will ensure that hallways and other public areas are clear for other guests and crew to safely move throughout the ship. We do not offer alternate locations for mobility device storage onboard. For assistance onboard with charging your equipment in your stateroom, please contact your stateroom attendant.

If you are bringing other mobility equipment onboard or if you have booked Princess transfers, pre or post hotel stays, Cruisetours or shore excursions you must complete our  Mobility Questionnaire (PDF)  and return it to us at least 60 days prior to sailing.

Please be advised that filing out the Mobility Questionnaire is to ensure that our Access team can properly assist you with your accessibility and mobility needs. It is not an approval or confirmation of any request, nor does it guarantee being booked into or moved to an accessible cabin. Please ensure that you discuss your cabin needs with your Travel Advisor or our Reservations department.

Service Animals

Princess welcomes service animals that are trained to perform tasks including the support of vision, hearing or other specific needs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Note that emotional support animals are not permitted on Princess ships.

Here are some important things to know about travelling with your service animal.

• Travel Documents. Entry regulations for service animals vary by port. The regulations concerning the entry of service animals to the ports you visit vary and there are some ports where animals may not be allowed ashore. You will need to check with each country visited and obtain the necessary documents to travel. These may include vaccination records, medical certificates and other travel documents.
• You will need to bring food, equipment and supplies.
• We will provide a relief area with material onboard. The types of litter material are limited and may vary by ship.

To begin your request, write to us at  [email protected] . Include your booking number, ship, sailing date with a brief description of the service animal, including the specific work or task the animal has been trained to provide.

Accessibility Ashore

Let’s chat about what you can expect as your plan your experiences ashore. There are varying levels of accessibility around the world. Some ports are more accessible than others, and accessible vehicles may be limited. We are here to help you navigate and deliver the best possible adventure ashore.

Getting to the ship: If you have purchased a Princess pre- or post-cruise hotel package or transfers, we will assist with arranging accessible transportation. Accessible transportation may be limited or not available in some foreign ports of call. Please be sure to submit a  Mobility Questionnaire (PDF)  so that we can make the appropriate arrangements for you.

Going ashore: Most ports provide easy access ashore via gangways. Due to various conditions including the steepness of the gangway, weather, shore-side facilities, tidal and sea conditions, guests using mobility devices may be required to transfer to a stair climber. Our team will guide you based on local conditions to assure your safety. For the safety of our team, crew members are only able to physically lift up to 50 pounds (22 kg).

In some ports, the ship anchors offshore and guests transfer to shore by water shuttles. When a water shuttle is required, guests using mobility devices will not be transferred into or out of the water shuttle, if lifting in excess of the above limitation is required. Many water shuttle ports do not provide wheelchair access so even if the guest can board the water shuttle, they may not be able to disembark ashore. Again, the shore-side facilities, movement of the water shuttle, weather and tidal conditions can also preclude the use of the water shuttle.

The final decision to allow any guest to board a water shuttle or disembark the ship will be made by the Captain on the basis of the safety and welfare of all involved.

Water Shuttle Ports:

• Airlie Beach, Australia
• Akaroa, New Zealand
• Alta, Norway
• Armacao dos Buzios, Brazil
• Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
• Bar Harbor, United States
• Bay of Islands, New Zealand
• Belize City, Belize
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Boracay, Philippines
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Cannes, France
• Catalina Island, United States
• Champagne Bay, Vanuatu
• Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea
• Cornwall (Falmouth), United Kingdom
• Crete (Aghios Nikolaos), Greece
• Dravuni Island, Fiji
• Dublin (Dun Laoghaire), Ireland
• Easter Island, Chile
• Edinburgh (South Queensferry), United Kingdom
• Elba (Portoferraio), Italy
• Exmouth, Australia
• Falkland Islands (Stanley), Falkland Islands
• Fuerte Amador, Panama
• Geiranger, Norway
• Geraldton, Australia
• Giardini Naxos, Italy
• Gizo Island, Solomon Islands
• Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
• Grundarfjordur, Iceland
• Guernsey (St. Peter Port), United Kingdom
• Gythion (for Sparta), Greece
• Hellesylt, Norway
• Helsingborg, Sweden
• Huahine, French Polynesia
• Ilhabela, Brazil
• Isafjordur, Iceland
• Ishigaki, Japan
• Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
• Juneau, United States
• Kaikoura, New Zealand
• Kangaroo Island, Australia
• Ketchikan, United States
• Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea
• Kitava, Papua New Guinea
• Ko Samui, Thailand
• Komodo Island, Indonesia
• Kona, United States
• Korsakov, Russian Federation
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Kumano, Japan
• Lifou, New Caledonia
• Lofoten Islands (Gravdal), Norway
• Lombok, Indonesia
• Loreto, Mexico
• Maldives (Male), Maldives
• Mare, New Caledonia
• Margaret River (Busselton), Australia
• Maui (Lahaina), United States
• Mayotte, France
• Mayreau (Saline Bay), St. Vincent / Grenadines
• Miyakojima, Japan
• Monte Carlo, Monaco
• Monterey, United States
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Mystery Island, Vanuatu
• Nanortalik, Greenland
• Newport, United States
• Nha Trang, Vietnam
• Nosy Be, Madagascar
• Olden, Norway
• Phillip Island, Australia
• Phuket, Thailand
• Port Arthur, Australia
• Port Douglas, Australia
• Portofino, Italy
• Princess Cays, Bahamas
• Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
• Puerto Montt, Chile
• Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica
• Punta Arenas, Chile
• Qaqortoq, Greenland
• Rangiroa, French Polynesia
• Red Bay, Canada
• Saint Helena, United Kingdom
• San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
• Santa Barbara, United States
• Santorini, Greece
• Sardinia (Alghero), Italy
• Savusavu, Fiji
• Seychelles Islands (Praslin), Seychelles
• Seydisfjordur, Iceland
• Shetland Islands (Lerwick), United Kingdom
• Sibenik, Croatia
• Sihanoukville, Cambodia
• Sitka, United States
• Sorrento, Italy
• St. Barthelemy, French Overseas Territories
• St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Stewart Island, New Zealand
• Toba, Japan
• Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
• Wewak, Papua New Guinea
• Willis Island, Australia
• Yorkeys Knob (Cairns), Australia
• Zanzibar, Tanzania

Shore Excursions: As your destination experts, we offer a variety of experiences ashore. We recommend you review our shore excursion offerings and make your selections. Each excursion is noted with the level of mobility. Accessible shore excursions may not be available in some international ports, and not all port facilities are designed with accessible features. Do contact us in advance with any questions or for assistance with your accessible shore excursions. A completed Mobility Questionnaire will help guide us with these arrangements. Once onboard, our shore excursion team is available to assist with your adventures ashore.

For general questions about your cruise vacation, visit our  Contact Us page .

Send  Mobility Questionnaire (PDF) , requests for Sign Language Interpreters, Accessible Transfers and Shore Excursions to our Access Office. Email:  [email protected]

Prescription Medication

In the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies, please remember to bring additional prescription medication for at least 2 weeks beyond the length of the cruise. Also bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting diarrhea. You can get norovirus from having direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth. There are several measures which have been placed to prevent and contain illnesses on our ships that meet or exceed standards set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The simplest way for you to stay healthy is to frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. You’ll also find hand sanitizers located throughout the ship for your use after washing your hands. If you feel ill during your voyage, please immediately the ship’s medical team.  For more information on Norovirus,  visit the CDC’s website .

Vaccinations

Vaccinations*

Information regarding required vaccinations for your cruise or cruisetour is listed on your Travel Summary (if applicable).

We recommend seasonal influenza vaccinations for all guests. Furthermore, you are strongly urged to seek advice from your healthcare provider or an approved public health advisory service to identify any specific vaccination or health precautions required for each port of call. For example, you may wish to reference the  World Health Organization (WHO)  or the  United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . Some countries strictly enforce certain health requirements, in which case you may be required to present a completed and original vaccination certificate. Failure to present appropriate vaccination documentation at embarkation will result in guests being denied boarding.

IMPORTANT: Vaccination requirements vary by destination and do change from time to time. Guests should check with their Travel Advisor or contact the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to verify current regulations. 

COVID-19 vaccination may be required for your cruise during, and after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please refer to the latest local public health authority guidelines.

*This information is provided as general guidance. Because governmental and medical vaccination requirements and recommendations change periodically you must check with your Travel Advisor, government authorities for the countries you will visit and/or medical professionals to determine or verify the actual requirements and recommendations at the time of sailing. Princess assumes no liability for the guest's failure to do so.

Guests undergoing dialysis should be aware that our ships’ medical facilities are similar to those of an urgent care center. While we do have trained medical professionals on board, they are not equipped to provide specialized care for dialysis patients. Should an emergency situation arise during your cruise, it is recommended that you be prepared to provide a complete list of medical conditions, medications, and allergies to the medical center.

Although we strongly recommend against undertaking the risks involved, Princess Cruises will allow a guest requiring peritoneal or hemodialysis to travel on our ships  at the guest’s own risk . It is recommended that a guest requiring dialysis consults with his or her nephrologist prior to making travel arrangements.  You should be stable on your dialysis treatments for a period of at least 12 months prior to sailing.

• Among the many recognized risks to dialysis patients are:
• Pericarditis
• Cardiac tamponade
• Congestive heart failure

Recognized risks associated with hemodialysis used in the treatment of kidney failure include but are not limited to:

• Low Blood Pressure
• Clotting of the vascular access
• Muscle cramps

Before booking a cruise, the treating nephrologist should consider carefully the following:

• There is no nephrologist available on any of the Princess cruise ships for dialysis patients.
• Ships are not equipped with back-up battery support for dialysis related equipment.
• A guest may be at sea for several days without any immediate hospital and/or specialist back up, and if the itinerary is not within the U.S., the availability of specialized shore side facilities can be extremely limited.

The risks to the guest who misses an appointed treatment are very serious, with little recourse available while at sea. The guest assumes these risks when a ship is prevented from entering a planned port of call for any reason.

Guests are expected to make all arrangements regarding dialysis, whether self-administered on board or at a shoreside facility. Environmental Officers can assure that dialysis waste disposal policies are followed, including providing the stateroom with a closed lid waste receptacle lined with a bio-hazardous bag for care of bags or pouches of bio-hazardous waste.

Finally, you should be aware that there are charges associated with being treated in the medical facility during your cruise, and that ordinary trip travel interruption insurance does not generally cover such treatment costs if you require medical consultation or treatment. An itemized bill will be provided which can be submitted to the guest’s health insurance company after the required treatment is charged to the onboard account.

If you will require oxygen supplementation during your sailing, please contact our Health Services Team by emailing  [email protected] . You will be asked to send a letter or prescription from your doctor. You will also be required to let us know the type of equipment you will be using and whether you will be bringing your own supplies or if you will be having the equipment delivered to the ship. 

Pregnant women are not allowed to sail if they are entering the 24th week of their pregnancy by the last day of the cruise. 

All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel and the pregnancy is not high risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery (EDD) calculated from both Last Menstrual Period (LMP) and ultrasound (if performed). 

Please ensure you have your doctor’s letter with you when you embark.

Restrictions or precautions may apply to pregnant guests, during the COVID-19 Pandemic – please review the COVID-19 section.

Sharps Disposal

If you will be using sharps of any kind, including needles, lancets, or blades, for your safety and the safety of others  you must utilize a sharps container . To dispose of sharps while on board, request a sharps container from your stateroom steward.

Before You Leave for Your Cruise

Complete the pre-boarding OceanReady® steps and access Cruise Personalizer to book shore excursions, onboard reservations such as Lotus Spa and much more!

OceanReady® QR code and Luggage Tags

If you’ve completed the required  OceanReady® steps  and have your Medallion® device, you can expect a streamlined embarkation.

If you have not received your Medallion wearable ahead of time, you will be asked to show your OceanReady QR code to terminal personnel during the health screening process and once again at check-in. This code can be accessed through the Princess® Cruises App on your smart device. To streamline the check-in process, we ask that you print your OceanReady QR code. Your OceanReady QR code only becomes available once you complete your health questionnaire and accept passage contract and acceptances.

Please remember to have your Medallion device, mobile device with the Princess® Cruises App downloaded, and your luggage tags when you get to the terminal.

Printing your luggage tags is fast and easy! Beginning 75 days prior to sailing, you can print your luggage tags once the booking is paid in full and we’ve been provided with all your guest immigration information and credit card registration.

Simply log-in to Cruise Personalizer®  to access and print this information!

Age Requirements/Traveling with Children

Age requirements Guests under the age of 21 years must travel in a stateroom with a guest 21 years or older who shall assume responsibility for their care during the cruise. For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum age for each stateroom is 16 years of age, provided they are traveling with a parent or legal guardian. We are unable to accept group reservations for student or youth groups that do not conform to our minimum age requirements. Each guest agrees and warrants that he/she will supervise any guest in his/her care at all times to ensure all policies, along with all other rules of the Carrier and ship, are strictly adhered to by all guests under their supervision.

Passport requirement when minors travel with one adult on voyages governed by the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (includes travel within Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico & United States)

When minors (any guest under the age of 18) are traveling with only one adult 21 years of age or older, Princess requires that all guests possess a valid passport. Carrier has implemented this requirement so that your party remains together should an emergency arise that requires one or more in your party to disembark in a non-U.S. port. Carrier cannot guarantee that all members of your party are allowed to disembark with just a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate. Failure to present a valid passport for all guests traveling together results in denial of boarding without refund of the of the cruise or cruisetour fare.

Minimum Age Requirements: Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail. Children must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation to sail on trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries, where there are more than 2 consecutive sea days.

Cruisetours:  The minimum age for escorted cruisetours is 5 years.

Car seats US and Canadian regulations require that children up to the age of 8 years old may be required to travel in a car seat, booster seat or other child restraint system. When being transported by car, taxi, limo, van or shuttle, it is your responsibility to know the regulations and provide the applicable child restraint system.

Infants/Young Children and Swimming Pools Parents/guardians are reminded to bring their children dressed in appropriate attire with towel and sunscreen. Youth staff will not conduct children's activities in the adult or splash pools. Parents must supervise their children at all times when using the pools. Infants and young children in diapers and/or swim diapers, and children who are not toilet trained are NOT permitted in any of the pools or spas due to public health concerns.

Our policy is strictly observed on board and is intended for the public health safety of all guests.

Documents for guests under the age of 18 Several countries require special documentation for children traveling with only one parent or with neither parent; these requirements are subject to change without notice. Many foreign countries require any single parent or guardian to bring a permission slip for the minor to travel abroad. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess the proper documents for all of the countries that you will visit. Please verify requirements with the consulates of the countries visited prior to your cruise.

For guests under 21 years of age or those who are traveling with children, please note:

• Entry into the disco after 10 p.m. is limited to guests 18 years and over. Be sure to check with the Youth and Teen Centers for special dance parties designed for kids and teens.
• Children who are toilet-trained and accompanied by a parent or guardian are permitted in the sauna and hot tub(s) unless otherwise specified.
• Guests under the age of 13 are allowed in the evening entertainment show lounges if they are with their parent or guardian.
• In line with domestic U.S. age limits, as well as our company policy, the casino, cash prize bingo and horse racing are reserved for guests 18 years and older. Picture identification may be requested.
• Guests under the age of 18 are prohibited from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco products while on board.

Youth programs Princess offers our Camp Discovery Youth Program, where your little ones will have engaging, supervised activities designed specifically for them. The Treehouse (for ages 3-7) and The Lodge (for ages 8-12) give kids the chance to enjoy everything from arts and crafts, game tables, movies, and more.

Children are welcome on all Princess ships, facilities vary.

Don’t miss the orientation and registration meeting on the first night of your cruise. You and your children can meet the Youth and Teen staff and learn more about our exciting shipboard programs. Parents are always welcome to join their children in the Youth and Teen Centers.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS Children under 3 are not permitted in the Youth Center unless accompanied by a parent at all times. Youth counselors cannot administer medication, bottle-feed, change diapers, or provide meal service. Private in-cabin babysitting is not available on any Princess ship. All children participating in the Youth Program must be potty-trained. Children who are not potty-trained are not permitted in hot tub or pool facilities.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Princess welcomes all children and teens ages 3-17 to participate in our programs. Let our counselors know of all medical and/or special needs for your children. We will make every effort to accommodate them. Please be advised that Princess Youth counselors do not offer individual one-on-one supervision.

JUST FOR TEENS And for cruisers age 13-17, we have The Beach House, a contemporary surf-themed lounge just for teens. The Beach House offers teens a range of activities including teen only dance parties, sports tournaments and talent shows. Or, have fun meeting other teens with the Dating Game. Those seeking a creative retreat will enjoy hip-hop dance classes, T-shirt painting, casino nights, mocktails, pizza parties or special teen-only dinners.

During voyages with a high number of families on board, we will make all efforts to accommodate interested parties. However, participation in our program cannot be guaranteed. Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.

Pre-pay your Crew Appreciation

For your convenience, if your fare did not include pre-paid crew appreciation, we're pleased to offer you the ability to pre-pay the crew appreciation that is included in your folio on board at the end of your cruise. You can also utilize this service as a gift for someone else who may be cruising.

To simplify the tipping process for our guests, a discretionary crew appreciation of $16.50 per guest for suites, $15.50 per guest for mini-suites and $14.50 per guest (including children) in all other staterooms, per day, is automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. The crew appreciation is a daily (adjustable) amount added to your onboard account and pooled in order to recognize the many crew members in the Bar, Dining, Entertainment, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Galley and Onboard Revenue areas and entertainment areas throughout our fleet who contribute to the guest experience. 

To take advantage of this service,  login to Cruise Personalizer to pre-pay online , or simply call 0344 338 8663 and reference Special Service Item #0591. Pre-payment is available up to 2 days prior to departure.

Pre-pay Beverage Packages

Pre-paying beverage packages offer a great way to save time at embarkation, if one was not included in your fare. From a bottle of wine to beer specials to our Plus Beverage Package* option that features cocktails, fountain sodas and bottled water, there's a beverage package to quench every thirst.

To take advantage of pre-payment,  login to Cruise Personalizer to pre-pay online , or simply call 1-855-500-7690. Pre-payment is available up to 3 days prior to departure.

*Please note:  Beverage Packages  are calculated based on the total number of days of your cruise. Plus Beverage Package does not include bottles of wine; however, wine is available at a 25% discount from the menu price when purchased from bar or dining room locations by guests with a Plus Beverage Package.

Package is NOT available for purchase within 3 days of sailing and is NOT available for voyages 2 nights or fewer. Package must be purchased for full length of voyage, cannot be shared, is non-transferable, and is non-refundable within 3 days of sailing. Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages per 24 hour period (non-alcoholic beverages do not have this limitation).

Pre-reserving Lotus Spa Appointments

The Lotus Spa offers a tranquil environment where you can renew your mind and body with restorative spa therapies from around the world.

To help you unwind, the Lotus Spa offers a full range of personalized spa treatments, including hair and beauty services, massage, sensuous wraps, aroma therapies and even teeth whitening.

Spa advance reservations are accepted between 120 to 7 days prior to departure. Guests must be 18 years or older to indulge in any body treatments and at least 16 years of age to utilize the fitness facilities. Other Spa services are available  to guests 13 years and older when accompanied by an adult.

Booking Shore Excursions

Book a shore excursion with Princess® to make the most of your time ashore in your destination. Princess offers a variety of experiences perfect for those visiting a port for the first time, experienced cruisers, families, and more. We offer excursions focused on sightseeing, culture & history activities & adventure, and nature & wildlife – many endorsed by our partners, Discovery and Animal Planet. You can book your shore excursion online with Cruise Personalizer® when you book your cruise and up to 5 days before you depart. Please note, unless otherwise specified, shore excursions are advertised and booked in US Dollars.  Learn more about our ports and excursions .

Guests with disabilities should  email the Access Office  for assistance with accessible shore excursions. The Access Office works in partnership with our Shore Excursion department who will assist and advise you directly of your options. Please be advised that accessible shore excursions may not be available in some international ports.

Ship Deck Plans

We make it easy for you to get to know your ship, so that you can start your vacation on the right foot. With interactive deck plans and virtual tours, you’ll be able to see your ship before you board.

Port Driving Directions

Visit our  Cruise Ports & Hotels page  for general port information (including driving directions to the port) and hotel packages.

• Travel & Transportation

Before you board, make your vacation as seamless as possible with some helpful details on booking flights, transfers and port driving directions.

If you purchase a Princess airport-to-ship transfer, you’ll be met by a uniformed Princess representative at the embarkation port airport.

For domestic U.S. flights, you’ll be met near the luggage claim area. For international flights, you’ll be met as you exit the secure customs area. Make sure you claim all your luggage prior to exiting the luggage claim area.

From the airport, you’ll be transferred to your ship or hotel. But if you haven’t purchased your air travel arrangements from Princess, you must provide us with flight details prior to purchasing your transfer.

And if you require special assistance, be aware that lift-equipped transportation may not be available in your port of embarkation or disembarkation. Arrangements must be secured in advance to accommodate your needs.

For transfer arrangement details, please contact your travel agent, call 1-800-PRINCESS or  visit Cruise Personalizer® .

Travel Tips

For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please  visit the Transportation Security Administration website .

For current travel warnings issued by the State Department for countries Americans should avoid, please  visit the U.S. Department of State website .

For general travel information issued by the State Department, please  visit the U.S. Department of State website .

Book Air Travel

We are pleased to offer Princess EZair℠ program, featuring low prices with flexible fares that can be changed up to 45 days prior to departure with no fee. † Princess EZair offers real-time, competitively-priced flights that are customized to when and where you sail. It also offers Late Arrival Protection – something not offered by other major air booking websites.

Benefits include:

• Flights That Fit Your Cruise – Get personalized suggestions based on when and where you sail.
• Low Fares on Flights – Access fares lower than most public prices. We pass the exclusive savings we enjoy because of the high volume of flights we sell on to you. See for yourself!
• Flexibility to Change Flights – Cancel flexible airfare up to 45 days prior to departure with no fees. Plus, book flights now with no amount due until cruise final payment.
• Same Day Late Arrival Protection – Rest easy that you'll make your cruise if flights are delayed or canceled on the day of travel and get home if you miss flights because of your cruise or transfer.
• Getting flight quotes is simple – Visit princess.com (1. Find a Cruise 2. Select "View Details" 3. Select "Flight Quotes"), contact us or ask your Travel Advisor about Princess EZair.

If you have not booked a cruise yet,  search for cruises and airfare.

†No charge penalty until 45 days prior to departure for Flexible fares only. Restricted fares are non-refundable and must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Seat assignments are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice due to schedule changes, equipment changes or other unforeseen circumstances. Princess has no control over seat assignments, and any changes are at the discretion of the airline. We recommend that guests contact the airline(s) directly, once you receive your air notification, to request specific seats.

Rail & Sail service with Brightline

Princess is thrilled to team up with Brightline express rail for an exclusive partnership you’ll love. Brightline makes traveling to your port a part of your vacation and ensures you arrive relaxed and ready to set sail on your Princess® adventure. 

How do I save 15%? Do I have to be sailing on a cruise?

No, you don't need to book a cruise to get 15% off your Brightline fare. Simply enter the code: PRINCESS15 when checking out on the Brightline website or app .

Why should I ride Brightline to my cruise?

Brightline brings you world-class hospitality and reliable travel solutions. Enjoy an eco-friendly ride with comfortable seats, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.

Here's why you'll love taking Brightline to your cruise:

• Station-to-stateroom luggage delivery (see below)

• Brightline+ transportation services (see below)

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Charging ports at every seat

• Elevated comfort with plush seats, spacious legroom, quiet coaches and more

• In-station and onboard food and drink options 

• Upscale station lounges and state-of-the-art restrooms deliver an upgraded experience

Is Brightline ADA-accessible?

Yes, Brightline is fully ADA-accessible. They offer level boarding to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and wheeled bags.

Where does Brightline have stations?

You'll find Brightline stations in Miami , Aventura , Ft. Lauderdale , Boca Raton , West Palm Beach and Orlando . Princess sails from Port Everglades and Port Canaveral, so you can take Brightline to these stations for easy connections to your Princess cruise.

How do I get to my port from my Brightline station?

With Brightline+ transportation services, Princess guests enjoy complimentary transfer service. From Brightline's Fort Lauderdale station you'll be transferred to Port Everglades, and from the Orlando station you'll be transferred to Port Canaveral.

Can I bring my luggage on the train?

Yes! And we make it easy. You can check your bags (even oversized luggage) at your Brightline station. Guests traveling from Orlando or West Palm Beach may enjoy bag delivery service and have your bags delivered to your cruise port. 

Terms & Conditions

Promotion is only applicable to Princess current and prospect guests. The 15% off promotion is only applicable for SMART and PREMIUM fares. Offer is valid for all stations, including Orlando. Promotion available for booking dates between now and June 30, 2024, with travel dates between now through December 31, 2024. Certain restrictions apply. Not combinable with other offers. Subject to blackout dates.

Flight Guidelines for Non Princess Flight Guests

Princess Cruises has established the following air flight guidelines for guests who choose to purchase air from a source other than Princess. Please select the port(s) of embarkation and/or disembarkation from the list below to view the air flight guidelines.

The times listed below are subject to change. 

• Beijing (for Tianjin)
• Buenos Aires
• Ft. Lauderdale
• Keelung (Taipei)
• Kobe, Japan
• Le Havre (CDG Airport)
• London (Dover)
• London (Southampton)
• Los Angeles
• Nagoya, Japan
• New York City
• Osaka, Japan
• Perth (Fremantle)
• Quebec City
• Rio de Janeiro
• Rome (Civitavecchia)
• San Francisco
• Santiago (Valparaiso/San Antonio)
• St. Petersburg, Russia
• Warnemunde, Germany
• Yokohama, Japan

Flight or Weather Delays Contact Numbers

If you encounter unforeseen flight or weather-related delays, you’ll need to advise accordingly:

• If you have booked EZair, please contact the Princess En Route Desk for assistance with rebooking options.
• If you have made independent flight arrangements and have not booked Princess Vacation Protection, please contact the Princess En Route Desk so they can inform the ship of your delays.

Princess En Route Desk Contact Info:

• Within the U.S. or Canada, please call 1-800-545-0008.
• Outside of the U.S. or Canada, please call 1-661-284-4410.
• Within Australia, please call 13 24 88.

If you have booked Princess Vacation Protection and have made independent flight arrangements (have not booked EZair) call the travel assistance provider under the plan:

• Within the U.S. or Canada: 1-877-303-5909.
• Outside of the U.S. or Canada, call collect: 1-516-342-4594.
• What To Pack for a Cruise

Items you may need to pack to make your time with Princess the best vacation ever!

Clothing Recommendations

You should dress for a cruise with Princess the same way you would for any stylish land-based resort.

Casual sportswear, including shorts, lightweight pants, sundresses, will keep you feeling fresh and looking your best while at sea and ashore in hotter climates.

We recommend you bring a sweater, a jacket or an all-weather coat for cool evenings, and for shore excursions, depending on your destination. Due to unpredictable weather, don't forget a hat or visor and a collapsible umbrella. Please be sure to bring proper clothing for visits to religious sites. You'll also want low-heeled, rubbersoled shoes for strolling on deck, as well as comfortable walking shoes or sandals to wear.

Princess makes it easy to know what to pack and what to wear when you’re dining on board our spectacular ships. There are two designations for dress codes: Smart Casual and Formal.

Smart Casual Guest attire should be in keeping with what they would wear to a nice restaurant at home.

• Skirts/dresses, slacks, blouses, and sweaters for women
• Pants and collared or dress shirts for men

Pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps or jeans with fraying and/or holes are not welcomed in the dining room. Shoes must be worn.

Formal When formal nights are held, please observe the dress code in the dining venues for the enjoyment of all our guests.

• Evening gown, cocktail dress or elegant pant suit for women
• Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men

Packing for Your Cruise

Follow these important luggage reminders:

• Essential medicines, travel documents, valuables and breakables should be hand carried in your possession at all times.
• Many domestic airline carriers now impose excess baggage fees for one or more bags and bags weighing over 50 lbs., so check with your carrier regarding weight restrictions.
• Princess will make every effort to assist you in safeguarding your belongings. But remember, you are responsible for your things at all times. Princess is not responsible for money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents or any other articles you retain in your personal control.
• All luggage should have a sturdy personal identification tag that will not be lost or damaged in the course of typical airport and trucked luggage handling.
• On journeys including air travel, luggage will be subject to a considerable amount of handling and we would recommend that your luggage be of sturdy construction.
• Princess recommends that your travel protection is adequate enough to cover any possible loss or damage which may occur. Any loss or damage caused by Princess or an airline must be reported immediately to the responsible party.

Alcohol Policy

As provided in the Passage Contract, on the day of embarkation, guests are permitted to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne on board per voyage, which will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in your stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a US$20/AU$30 (depending on shipboard currency) corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Liquor, spirits, or beers are not permitted. Please remember that luggage will be scanned and alcohol outside of our policy will be removed and discarded.*

Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from The Shops of Princess, or at ports of call, will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to the guest's stateroom on the last day of the cruise. A member of the ship's staff will be at the gangway to assist guests with the storage of their shoreside alcoholic purchases while The Shops of Princess staff will assist guests with shipboard alcoholic purchases.

*Princess is not responsible for any alcoholic beverages removed and discarded by shoreside security staff. Such items are not eligible for monetary refund or replacement. Guests found with prohibited items, including alcohol outside of the policy, may need to collect their luggage at a security checkpoint on board.

We strongly recommend you hand-carry all valuables and breakables, including jewelry, electronics and cameras as well as any medications.  Please read the Passage Contract  for limitations and responsibilities for lost items and baggage.

• Shore Excursions

Exploring destinations around the world is one of the highlights of your vacation, and the best way to do this is on a Princess Cruises Shore Excursion.

Safety Ashore

Our primary concern at Princess is your health, safety and security. We are in continuous contact with authorities concerning any travel advisories that might impact our cruises.

If the U.S. State Department advises against travel to specific locations we visit, we would make the necessary changes to the published itinerary. Although such itinerary changes occur infrequently, please understand that these changes are for your own safety and security and are beyond our control.

We remind all of our guests that they must ultimately assume responsibility for their actions while ashore. In this regard, we would like to remind you of some common sense precautions when visiting ports-of-call:

• Stay in the normal tourist areas and don’t travel to out-of-the-way places without the benefit of a guided tour.
• Do not leave any of your belongings unattended in public areas.
• Be generally aware of people and activities around you.
• Do not accept packages from anyone you don’t know personally.
• Keep a low profile–dress and behave conservatively.
• Be careful when eating and drinking ashore.

We will always adhere to local guidelines and protocols regarding the health and safety of our guests and crew.

We thank you in advance for following these recommendations, which we believe will enhance the enjoyment of your cruise.

Excursion Cancellation

Cancellation of Pre-Paid Shore Excursions:

If you have pre-paid a shore excursion and wish to cancel, the following shall also apply:

If a pre-paid shore excursion is cancelled five  (5) days or more  prior to sailing a refund of the pre-paid amount will be made in one of the following ways:

If there is a shore excursion balance for the guest named on the reservation being cancelled then the pre-paid amount shall be applied to this balance.

• If there is no shore excursion balance for the guest named on the reservation being cancelled then the pre-paid amount will be refunded to the credit card used to pre-pay the shore excursion. All refunds will be processed in due course, but delays should be anticipated. Please allow sufficient time for us to manage this process and know we are doing everything in our power to expedite where possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

If a pre-paid shore excursion is not cancelled within the above time frame or is cancelled during the voyage prior to the "Closing Time for Cancellation" listed for the particular excursion you wish to cancel, then the pre-paid amount will be refunded to the guest named on the pre-paid reservation as a shipboard credit on this guest's shipboard folio. Please note this is done regardless of which guest pre-paid for the shore excursion.

Cancellation of Pre-Reserved Shore Excursions

Due to the nature of excursions involving hotel accommodations, flights and private vehicles, these excursions are not refundable after the closing date, which is 30 days prior to sailing.

Due to the limited capacity and high demand for helicopter flights, any excursion involving a helicopter flight is not refundable unless cancelled no later than 12:00pm on the day after embarkation.

For other excursions in each port of call, a "Closing Time for Cancellations" is listed on the Shore Excursion Order Form found in your stateroom. This is the time when the bookings for the excursions in that port close and we notify the local operators of the final excursion requirements. You may cancel an excursion if it is prior to the closing time whether you reserve an excursion in advance of the cruise or book on board. However, we cannot cancel an excursion if it is past this closing time, nor will we refund an excursion on which you have reserved but do not to attend.

Cancellation of Alaska Land Excursions

Alaska Land Excursions, purchased through the Cruise Personalizer, may be cancelled up to three days prior to travel without any cancellation fees.  Land Excursions cancelled prior to the cancellation deadline will be refunded to the credit card that you provided in the Cruise Personalizer to purchase your tours.  Excursions cancelled within three (3) days prior travel are subject to a 100% cancellation fee, unless the operator, at their sole discretion, is unable to operate the program due to unforeseen circumstances.  All sales of tours booked while on your land tour are considered final at the time of purchase and are 100% non-refundable except in the case of an operator approved cancellation.

Multiple Excursions in One Port

If you choose to book more than one excursion in a single day, please allow at least 60 minutes between each excursion. All excursions depart from, and return to, the cruise ship pier. By scheduling in this manner, you will have sufficient time to take multiple excursions.

Tipping on Excursions

Tipping is a discretionary matter. It is, however, customary around the world, if one is pleased with their excursion, to tip the guide.

Here are suggested ranges (in U.S. dollars) to assist you in determining what amount is appropriate:

Please extend any tips on an individual basis, not as a group.

Excursion Timing

One very important feature of taking an excursion organized by Princess is that we closely monitor the departures and returns of all excursions. Therefore, our ships do not sail until all of our organized excursion transportation has returned, so you can be assured that you won't miss the ship. Please keep in mind that when you make your own arrangements in port, or if you leave an organized excursion, we will no longer be aware of your whereabouts; so be sure to schedule yourself with ample time to return to the ship before it sails.

Excursion Companies

All excursions are operated by local, independent companies and not by Princess. We selected only the most reputable companies available to provide your excursions. The companies providing your excursions are selected by Princess based on their excellent reputation for service and safety.

Children’s Excursion Pricing

Select excursions offer child pricing. Our reservation system will automatically apply a child rate if one is available on eligible tours when you make your reservation. Once on board, check your excursion tickets to ensure you have received the correct number of child tickets. If you have received the incorrect number of child tickets, visit the Shore Excursion Desk as soon as possible to make any necessary adjustments. Child prices are not available for excursions involving flights or hotel stays. Toddlers aged 2 and younger sitting on a parent's lap (not occupying a seat), are not charged for most excursions. If a parent would like their infant to occupy a seat or would like to utilize a safety seat, the parent must purchase an excursion ticket for the infant at the published excursion price. Parents are also responsible for bringing a safety seat for their child.

Excursion Age Restrictions

For most excursions, there is no minimum age for children as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests under the age of 18 years cannot participate without a parent or guardian. A few operators may allow an unaccompanied minor on an excursion if a waiver is signed by the parent or guardian in the operator’s presence.

Guided Excursions

All excursions include local English-speaking guides except for "On Your Own" excursions and where otherwise noted.

Where possible, time for shopping has been allowed within the framework of some excursions. However, excursions are not primarily designed for shopping, and time allowed for this purpose may be limited.

You May Also Like

• Before You Leave for Your Cruise
• Cruising with Family & Kids
• Dining & Nightlife
• Keeping in Touch
• Disembarkation
• Report a Lost Item or Luggage
• Onboard Stateroom Account
• Alaska Cruisetours
• Asia Cruisetours
• Australia Cruisetours
• Canada & New England Cruisetours
• Europe Cruisetours
• South America Cruisetours

Common questions and topics

Princess MedallionClass® FAQ

Crew Appreciation

Dress Code and What to Pack for a Cruise

Future Cruise Credits (FCC)

Travel Documents

You may also like

• Princess EZair®
• Cruise Tips, Advice and Information
• Military Cruise Benefit Program
• Princess® Rewards Visa® Card
• Onboard Gifts & Services

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

2021 Cruiseline Requirements & Protocols

With travel beginning to resemble the old normal and video of cruise ships returning to action making the evening news, there are a couple of questions that potential cruisers are asking.

Who can go on a cruise? And what are the cruise requirements for these travelers?

The answers are… complicated. They vary by cruise line, port, and time of departure. And they involve local laws, vaccination status, and traveler age.

We have taken the time to review cruise requirements and decomplicate things a bit for you. That said, we encourage you to use this article only as a starting point. Protocols, policies, guidelines, and laws are evolving almost daily.

As you narrow in on your voyage and vessel of choice, read all the fine print provided by your cruise line to ensure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Requirements for Unvaccinated Travelers

Many of the cruise lines powering back up after the pause are only opening their voyages to vaccinated travelers — with exceptions including children younger than a specified age.

There are a number of reasons this trend has emerged, from prevailing laws of the home port to CDC guidelines stating that operators of ships sailing with at least 95% of guests fully vaccinated may lift mask and social distancing guidelines at their discretion. 1

But there are opportunities for nonvaccinated travelers to cruise, too. For example, for Florida-based ships, nonvaccinated travelers may opt to satisfy a range of cruise requirements including regular COVID-19 testing and producing proof of travel insurance.

Here’s an example of how Royal Caribbean is testing nonvaccinated passengers:

• Who: Guests 2 and older
• Frequency: Pre-cruise (travelers 12 and older); at the terminal (2 and older); mid-cruise (2 and older on cruises of 6 or more nights); and before disembarking (2 and older).
• Cost: Free for travelers 2 to 12. For travelers older than 12, $136 for cruises 5 nights or fewer; $178 for cruises 6 nights or more. 2

The protocols are similar for Carnival and Celebrity, which are charging $150 and $178 flat fees, respectively. 3

Other protocols unvaccinated travelers can expect include mask wearing and social distancing. On Celebrity vessels, unvaccinated passengers are prohibited from using the gym or spa, and must stick to designated sections in crowded areas such as dining rooms and theaters. 4

The list of requirements for unvaccinated passengers doesn’t end there. Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean and Carnival are also mandating that these travelers purchase travel insurance from a provider of their choice.

Here’s a snapshot of the plan requirements:

• Who: Travelers 12 and older
• Medical: $25,000 or more
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: $50,000 or more
• No COVID-19 exceptions 2
• Medical: $10,000 or more
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: $30,000 or more
• No COVID-19 exceptions 5

The medical benefit is fairly intuitive. Odds are your health insurance doesn’t work abroad — and things can get costly quickly when paying out of pocket. Flying someone from ship to port can be even costlier, hence the higher evacuation minimum coverage levels.

Cruiselines, of course, recommend that travelers are fully vaccinated before departing for cruises. But they haven’t shut the door completely on the possibility of cruising without first being vaccinated. 4

About that Travel Insurance…

Given the travel insurance requirement we just described, some of you may now be looking up the rates for travel insurance plans.

We’ll make it easy: you can find a Allianz Global Assistance Plan that fits your trip, budget, and satisfies cruise requirements right here.

Regardless of vaccination status, travel insurance does so much more than simply punch your ticket to that Caribbean cruise. Plans can reimburse you for nonrefundable, covered expenses in the event that you need to cancel your trip, as well as compensate for lost bags and late planes. And don’t forget the invaluable 24-Hr. Hotline Assistance, which you can dial up to locate a spot in a tiny port town that can accommodate a gluten allergy.

The Vaccinated Traveler Experience

When compared to the hoops and hurdles unvaccinated cruisers need to navigate, vaccinated travelers have a veritable walk down easy street.

For example, on Carnival, those who have received their final vaccine dose at least 14 days before setting sail simply need to furnish proof of the vaccination (along with all the usual travel documents, of course). This includes showing one’s vaccination card and uploading it to a site upon check-in. 5

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity have all lifted mask-wearing and social distancing for vaccinated cruises and passengers, with exceptions including embarkation, debarkation, and when visiting onboard medical facilities.

Otherwise, on ships with 95% vaccination rates, the only likely scenarios to have on your radar include observing local laws when going ashore and the potential of precautionary COVID-19 testing based on embarkation medical screenings. 6

(Note that even on ships that don’t meet the 95% mark, there may be designated areas for vaccinated travelers only. On Royal Caribbean ships, this includes bars, lounges, and restaurants.)

Vaccinated or not, while today’s cruises look a bit different than the experiences at sea you’re accustomed to, there is one more consideration for booking today vs. further down the line: crowds. Right now, ships are less crowded and so are ports. And you know what that means — big deals for those who shove off sooner than later. Carnival, for example, is discounting trips by 40%, while Royal Caribbean is taking 60% off the second passenger’s ticket price. 6

But similar to the new cruise guidelines and protocols, you’re going to need to keep your eyes open to avoid missing out.

Related Articles

• Your Updated Guide to COVID Testing and Vaccine Requirements for Travel
• Cruise Reopening 2021: Embarkment Plan, Safety Enhancements, Cruise Travel Insurance Updates & More
• Cruise Line Insurance Plan Comparison
• TravelAndLeisure.com
• RoyalCaribbean.com
• OrlandoSentinel.com
• CelebrityCruises.com
• Carnival.com

Get a Quote

{{travelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

{{annualTravelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

If your trip involves multiple destinations, please enter the destination where you’ll be spending the most time. It is not required to list all destinations on your policy.

Age of Traveler

Ages: {{quote.travelers_ages}}

If you were referred by a travel agent, enter the ACCAM number provided by your agent.

Travel Dates

{{quote.travel_dates ? quote.travel_dates : "Departure - Return" | formatDates}}

Plan Start Date

{{quote.start_date ? quote.start_date : "Date"}}

Share this Page

• {{errorMsgSendSocialEmail}}

Your browser does not support iframes.

Popular Travel Insurance Plans

• Annual Travel Insurance
• Cruise Insurance
• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
• Rental Car Insurance

View all of our travel insurance products

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest + Bonus Savings
• 3rd and 4th Guests Sail Free
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

• Country Travel Requirements
• 100% Fresh, Filtered Air
• Healthy Sail Panel
• Frequently Asked Questions

Guidance for Sailings Departing U.S. Ports Through Sept 4, 2022

(excluding sailings that visit canada and bermuda).

Below are the latest protocols for sailings departing from U.S. homeports through Sept. 4, 2022, that do not visit Bermuda or Canada.

If your sailing does visit Bermuda or Canada, please go  here  for Bermuda sailing guidelines and  here  for Canada sailing guidelines.

We continually evaluate these requirements as new information becomes available. This website will be updated, as needed, and booked guests will be informed of any changes via direct email communication. 

Health Protocols and Requirements

All guests 12 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated with all initial doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing.

We recognize a mixed series of any two of the following vaccines with a minimum of 28 days between doses, as fully vaccinated: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Covishield, Sinovac, Sinopharm, or Covaxin. Any guest who has received one dose of a vaccine (other than Johnson & Johnson) will not be considered fully vaccinated. We are not currently accepting the CanSino vaccine.

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine shots are not currently required to sail on Celebrity Cruises but are highly recommended to avoid additional testing and costs, at your expense.  

We recommend traveling with your vaccination documentation should local authorities or businesses within any of the destinations we visit request it to help facilitate entry and/or experiences. 

Testing Requirements

Vaccinated Guests

For all sailings 5 nights or less , no testing is required.

For all sailings 6 nights or longer , vaccinated guests must present a digital or physical copy of a supervised and negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 3 days prior to sailing. Antibody tests are not accepted.

Unvaccinated Guests

For all sailings, unvaccinated guests must present a digital or physical copy of a supervised and negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 3 days prior to sailing. Antibody tests are not accepted.

Certificate of Recovery

Guests who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may present a Certificate of Recovery and proof of the positive PCR or Antigen test result taken between 11-90 days prior to the sail date in order to board and be exempt from testing. We will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in place of a vaccination record. Additionally, please be aware that some ports of call do not accept a Certificate of Recovery for the purposes of debarking and enjoying the destination. For more details, please visit our  FAQs .

Back-to-Back-Sailings

Testing for back-to-back sailings is not required for all sailings. Guests will be notified onboard if testing is required and will be provided testing at no cost if needed.

This back-to-back testing policy applies to sailings on any ships within the Royal Caribbean Group which includes Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and SilverSea.   

Celebrity Cruises has worked with its trusted vendors to make options for procuring available to you. Self-tests are also readily available in most drugstores and pharmacies.

• U.S. Guests can purchase Abbott BinaxNOW test kits Here .
• We strongly recommend ordering test kits at least 7 days in advance of your sailing.
• Once you have taken the test, you will receive your results in about 15 minutes.
• Bioreference - Scarlet Concierge Service For fully vaccinated guests located in the United States, Bio-reference will send a qualified medical technician to your home, office, hotel, or any place you choose, to perform the test. The cost is $85 per person. Your results will be ready in about 48 hours. Click  here  to make an appointment.

While Onboard

Mask Policy

Currently, face masks are optional onboard Celebrity ships for all guests, regardless of vaccination status. Celebrity Cruises follows the requirements in all jurisdictions we sail, and please note that mask requirements may vary by the destinations visited on your sailing and/or disembarkation port. This policy is continually re-evaluated, and any updates will be shared with guests. 

While Ashore

All guests may go ashore on their own where it’s permitted.

The current exceptions to this policy are Barbados and St. Lucia, where Celebrity Cruises tours are required by the local authorities.

In St Lucia and Barbados, fully vaccinated guests may visit the enclosed port area to enjoy the shops and in that area can also purchase an approved independent tour provided by the local government. Please note that these tours are unaffiliated with Celebrity.

Throughout the Caribbean islands, most mask-wearing policies are at the discretion of business owners.

Guests that do not meet the testing and health screening policy requirements will be denied boarding.

Protect Your Trip »

Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

Getty Images

A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 17 best costa rica tours.

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Rachael Hood April 12, 2024

The Best Kauai Boat Tours

Lyn Mettler April 11, 2024

The Top-Rated NYC Food Tours

Ann Henson April 11, 2024

The Best Things to Do in Maine

Mariya Greeley and Nicola Wood April 10, 2024

The Best Pearl Harbor Tours

John Rodwan and Amanda Norcross April 9, 2024

The Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows

Korrin Bishop April 9, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 8, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

The Best Charleston Tours

John Rodwan April 4, 2024

• Enable Accessibility

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• 00800 0310 21 21

What to Know Before Your Cruise

Travel requirements, required travel documentation and information for cruise holidays, last updated: october 6, 2023.

CRUISE THE USA WITH NO RESTRICTIONS: The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced that end of day May 11, 2023, vaccination requirements for international travelers will be lifted, allowing open travel within the U.S. to non-citizens regardless of vaccination status. We're thrilled to welcome all international guests back on our U.S. based ships and we look forward to making more holiday dreams come true all around the world.

Country Specific Travel Requirements Note:

Norwegian Cruise Line works closely with local government and health authorities to gather travel requirements for the destinations we visit. Whilst this information is provided as a courtesy to our guests, destinations we travel to may have very specific entry requirements due to health and safety protocols.

Currently, there are no active protocol requirements specific to cruise line guests in any of the destinations we embark in and/or call to. However, we strongly encourage all guests to check back frequently for updates as protocols are always subject to change.

If travelling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/or connecting through may have different testing and vaccination/booster stipulations. We encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be travelling to throughout your journey to familiarise yourself with their requirements. It is the responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination. Guests may be denied boarding if all country-specific requirements are not met.

For All Sailings

As you prepare for your upcoming sailing, we want to ensure that your embarkation process runs smoothly and inform you of the following important requirements.

Norwegian Cruise Line recommends for all guests to follow, and where possible, sign up for notifications from their local government on international travel regulations that may prevent, restrict, or require additional documentation when travelling to another country for embarkation or during their cruise. Please note, hotels booked through NCL for a pre and/or post hotel cruise stay may have additional protocols and requirements. Please check with the hotel directly for further information.

To learn more about our protocols and pre-cruise requirements check out our Sail Safe™ Health & Safety Programme page.

The below country specific protocols apply to cruises departing from or calling on specific countries identified unless otherwise specified. Effective January 5, 2023, enhanced health screening is required for all guests that have recently visited Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau.

Countries Without Additional Travel Restrictions

The following Countries do not have any additional regulations. All guest are still required to follow Norwegian's Health and Safety Protocols.

• North America: Canada, United States
• Central America: Belize, Honduras, Mexico
• Europe: Belgium, Denmark, England, Estonia, Faroe Island, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Shetland Island, Sweden, Turkey
• Caribbean: Antigua, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, U.S Virgin Islands

The following Countries do not have any additional regulations. All guests are still required to follow Norwegian's Health and Safety Protocols.

All unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 will be required to bring proof of a negative NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party within three days prior to embarkation date. Failure to comply will result in denial of boarding .

Additionally, unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 on sailings from or to a U.S. or Canada port will be subject to additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation administered and paid for by the cruise line, as part of the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters.

• Luggage tags must be attached to each piece of luggage when arriving at the port to expedite the baggage drop-off process.

At time of check-in, all guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party or via medically supervised home test two days prior to embarkation date for cruises originating in a U.S. or Canadian port and within three days prior for voyages departing from a non-U.S. port.

• Guests must bring digital or printed proof of negative test results. Test results need to be in English and include the following information:
• Your name, which should match the name on your travel documents
• Your date of birth
• The result of the test
• The date the test sample was collected
• The name of the test provider
• Confirmation of the type of test provided
• In order to facilitate, Norwegian has partnered with Inspired Diagnostics lab to ensure that guests have access to a quick, efficient and easy way to access the required FDA-approved proctored in-home antigen test prior to embarkation from the comfort of their own home. Inspired Diagnostics is a subsidiary of Inspire Health Alliance, a leader in best-in-class health services. Testing at home is safe, simple, and convenient. Purchasing in-home testing kits is simple.
• Sign up on the testing site https://inspirediagnostics.com/ncl/
• Receive the test kit(s) by UPS
• Schedule an on-line proctoring consultation
• Receive certified results via email
• Guests are also responsible for complying with all local health and safety requirements which may include additional pre-embarkation testing at the terminal. On select sailings where local government or health authorities may require guests to partake in additional COVID-19 testing prior to boarding, NCL will provide free testing at the terminal. Please refer to Cruise Travel Requirements by Country for country specific requirements.
• All unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 on sailings from or to a U.S. or Canadian port will be required to bring proof of a negative NAAT Test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party within three days prior to embarkation date. Failure to comply will result in denial of boarding. Additionally, these guests will be subject to additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation administered and paid for by the cruise line, as part of the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters.
• Other available pre-embarkation testing services: Additionally, the following services offer a verified third party or medically supervised at home testing: https://www.emed.com/ or BioReference-Scarlett Concierge testing service – BioReference sends a trained Scarlet Health Professional to your home to collect your COVID-19 test specimen.
• Locate a Covid-19 Testing Provider Prior to Your Cruise: Should you need to locate a testing provider prior to beginning travel or while traveling prior to your cruise, please visit TestForTravel.com , an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world. Simply enter your zip code, or city and country, and the website will display locations, contact information, and testing hours. It also allows you to search by test type – PCR or Antigen.

To understand the earliest you should test prior to your cruise vacation, see below:

FOR ALL CRUISES:

Mandatory Vaccinations

All guests age 12 and over must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure, acknowledge vaccination status prior to sailing and present proof of vaccination at the pier at embarkation.

Failure to comply with the requirements will unfortunately result in denial of embarkation. Guests who are denied embarkation or re-boarding for failure to comply with Norwegian Cruise Line's COVID-19 Policies and Procedures shall not be entitled to a refund or compensation of any kind. For more information, please click here .

It is the responsibility of the guest to be aware of any local protocols and/or travel restrictions in place at the visiting destinations at the time of sailing. Some ports of call may require guests to carry their proof of vaccine when going ashore.

Face coverings may be required in certain settings to comply with local requirements, for example in terminals for embarkation and disembarkation or at ports of call.

For additional information on all you need to know to prepare for an amazing vacation ahead, click here .

Protocols may vary by itinerary; we will do our very best to communicate itinerary specific protocols with you as soon as the information becomes available. On certain sailings, guests should be prepared for the possibility of an additional COVID-19 test prior to boarding, which will be provided in the terminal on a complimentary basis.

As government regulations evolve, our health and safety protocols will evolve as needed to ensure compliance. This may mean different protocols from ship to ship based on local state or port requirements or in an abundance of caution to keep our guests and crew as safe as possible.*

*Please note, in the event a port included as part of an itinerary requires additional COVID-19 testing in order for guests to disembark, Norwegian Cruise Line will facilitate the testing onboard.

Testing Requirements:

• An antigen test will be administered at the terminal and a negative result is required – this test will be paid for and administered by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Testing must be administered by a verified third party.

Below only applies for sailings visiting Tasmania.

•  Vaccinated guests are required to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test in addition to vaccination documentation, as listed above, only for sailing to Tasmania.

•  Antigen tests may be self-administered. Guests choosing to use a self- administered COVID-19 antigen test must provide a timestamped photo showing the negative test result, the antigen test packaging displaying the batch number, and an I.D. (e.g., passport).

• At this time, the Bahamas Government will only be accepting vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson Janssen, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm and Covaxin or Sinovac. Refer to https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates for most up to date vaccine requirements.
• Guests must present government issued vaccination card in order to disembark.

For sailings September 3, 2022 and beyond:

• Tours approved for sale by tour operators through a Norwegian Cruise Line booked shore excursion.
• Guests exercising this option must take approved taxis dispatched from secured designated taxi facilities within the Bridgetown port, or must have a pre-booked tour confirmed by email from an approved tour operator for pick-up in the Bridgetown port.

FOR ALL SAILINGS VISITING BERMUDA ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 13, 2022

PLEASE NOTE: All guests must complete Bermuda Travel Authorization (TA) within 30 days of sailing. The cost of the Travel Authorization is $40 per guest. Link to form: https://www.gov.bm/cruise-travel-authorisation

For sailings through September 2, 2022:

• Pre-cruise:
• All guests over the age of 2 must provide proof of negative test per standard Sail Safe testing requirements apply.
• Bermuda government does not allow certificate of recovery in lieu of negative test result. 
• If the ship takes longer than 5 days to arrive in Bermuda,  all guests , regardless of vaccination status, will be required to take an additional antigen test onboard no more than 2 days prior to disembarking in Bermuda. This test will be paid for and administered by our onboard medical team.

All guests must have an approved Travel Authorization before embarkation.

• A travel authorization number will be issued by Bermuda once approved.
• If you have any issues with the process, please contact:
• Bermuda Tourism Authority: 1.833.570.2594 (toll-free)
• Norwegian Cruise Line: 1.800.327.7030

Valid proof of health insurance for travel to Bermuda includes:

• Guests who have purchased BookSafe Standard, BookSafe Platinum, or Essentials travel protection through Norwegian Cruise Line may upload their cruise confirmation that shows travel protection coverage type as their proof of travel health insurance.
• Insurer name and address
• insured traveller’s name
• confirmation medical expenses are covered, including COVID-19 coverage (or "all medical expenses covered")
• Period of coverage: insurance coverage, start and end date
• Note: Unvaccinated children 11 years and under travelling with fully vaccinated parents/guardians can upload their guardian’s vaccination certificate instead of proof of travel health insurance.

FOR ALL SAILINGS VISITING BERMUDA ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 14, 2022

• Nothing required
• ** Approximate cost per Covid-19 Antigen test is $95. Approximate cost per PCR is $199. This cost may vary and is the responsibility of the guest. We will share guests’ test results in the Bermuda Maritime Declaration and those guests with a negative result will be able to go ashore.

FOR ALL SAILINGS BEFORE OCTOBER 22, 2022

** Approximate cost per Covid-19 Antigen test is $95. Approximate cost per PCR is $199. This cost may vary and is the responsibility of the guest. We will share guests’ test results in the Bermuda Maritime Declaration and those guests with a negative result will be able to go ashore.

For Sailings on or after September 30, 2022:

Canada has removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions for all travelers regardless of citizenship. Guests will no longer have to:

• submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website
• provide proof of vaccination
• undergo pre- or on-arrival testing
• carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation
• monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.

For Sailings on or before September 29, 2022:

PLEASE NOTE: All guests must complete ArriveCAN submission within 72 hours of embarkation. ArriveCAN receipt must be presented at check in on embarkation day. Guests must select "Arriving by Ship."

For cruises originating from or sailing to a Canadian port (which may include Alaska itineraries):

Vaccination Requirements:

• All guests age twelve and older must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to arrival.
• Embarkation:  all guests must provide proof of negative NAAT test (i.e. PCR) taken within 72 hours prior to embarkation, or negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of embarkation.
• All unvaccinated guests ages 5-11 will also be required to take an additional test at embarkation. This test will be paid for and administered by Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Please note, any embarkation testing in Vancouver will be administered at an offsite location, a 5 minute walk from the port at 757 West Hasting Street. There are no embarkation testing services available in the terminal.
• Mid Cruise Testing: required for unvaccinated guests ages 5-11. This test will be paid for and administered by Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Disembarkation Testing (for cruises ending in a Canadian port only): unvaccinated guests ages 5-11 will be tested onboard at disembarkation. This test will be paid for and administered by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Face Coverings:

Required ashore in business establishments based on local requirements.

Itineraries that include Croatia require a booster: All guests over the age of 18, whose primary COVID-19 vaccination will be beyond 270 days at the time of disembarkation from their voyage, must have a COVID-19 booster prior to embarkation.

• In lieu of a booster 270 days after the primary series, guests may present a government recognized or official medical Certificate of Recovery.
• For European Citizens, this would include an EU Green Pass or comparable certificate.
• For all others unable to present an EU Green Pass (i.e. U.S. citizens) a doctor’s note, plus a laboratory confirmed PCR test result with the proper information (i.e. name, date, date of birth, positive result, etc.) will be accepted.

*  Approximate cost per COVID-19 antigen test is $95. The approximate cost per PCR is $199. These costs may vary and are the responsibility of the guest.

For guests having recently visited Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau:

As a result of growing concerns regarding COVID-19 in China, and recently implemented travel restrictions by countries including the United States, we are proactively implementing preventative health and safety measures beginning January 5th for all sailings embarking between Jan 5 – Feb 28, 2023.

• Guests who have visited Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau within 10 days prior to embarkation will be required to submit proof of a negative medically supervised COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to the beginning of travel from their place of residence or place they had been visiting immediately prior to their cruise. This also applies to guests transiting through an airport in one of the aforementioned countries within 10 days prior to embarkation.
• Additionally, these guests will be required to take a medically supervised COVID-19 PCR test at the embarkation port within 8 hours of embarkation, and will be required to test onboard the ship every 48 hours until 10 days have passed from their last time in China, Hong Kong, or Macau.
• These guests must also be fully vaccinated and boosted with a World Health Organization approved vaccine prior to embarkation.
• Guests that hold a Chinese, Hong Kong, or Macau passport will be subject to the same protocols unless they can provide proof they have not visited these regions within 10 days prior to embarkation.

Expenses related to all required COVID-19 tests will be the guest’s responsibility. Testing onboard ships is currently offered at $99 per person per test.

* Please note, a COVID-19 Recovery Certificate may be presented as an alternative to the testing requirement as noted above.

• For European citizens, this would include an EU Green Pass or comparable certificate.
• For guests unable to present an EU Green Pass (i.e. U.S. citizens), a doctor’s note, plus a laboratory-confirmed PCR or antigen test result with the proper information (i.e. name, date, date of birth, positive result etc.) will be accepted.

Masks are required for all visitors

For cruises originating from a Greece port ( i.e. Piraeus and Crete ):

** Approximate cost per COVID-19 antigen test is $95. The approximate cost per PCR is $199. These costs may vary and are the responsibility of the guest.

*** All guests age 18 and over, whose primary COVID-19 vaccination will be beyond 270 days at the time of disembarkation from their voyage, must have a COVID-19 booster prior to embarkation to be considered up-to-date.

• In lieu of a booster 270 days after the primary series, guests may present a government recognized or official medical Certificate of Recovery (dated no less than 10 days and no more than 180 days before embarkation).

• Effective on 5/7/22 and beyond masks are optional on all sailings, unless visiting ports in Italy. In these ports, masks are required while indoors.
• Italian ports specifically require KN95/FFP2 type masks.
• Adhere to local regulations when visiting ports.
• Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica: Guests are required to wear a mask ashore. Only authorized vaccines Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson are accepted.

• Colon, Panama: Guests must show proof of vaccination to go ashore.

Travel requirements may vary from country to country in Europe.

Embarkation Requirements

For cruises embarking in Greece: all guests ages 2 and older must show proof of negative NAAT (PCR) performed 72 hours prior to embarkation or Antigen test performed 48 hours prior to embarkation. Medically supervised or proctored self-tests will not be accepted. If guest does not show proof of a valid test, an antigen test will be administered at the terminal covered by Norwegian.

• For cruises originating from Piraeus, Greece:
• Negative COVID-19 antigen administered by a verified third party within 2 days of the embarkation date (Proctored Self-administered home test not accepted)
• Negative NAAT (PCR) test administered by a verified third party within 3 days of the embarkation (Proctored Self-administered home test not accepted)
• COVID-19 Recovery Certificate*

* Individuals who test positive within 180 days of their scheduled embarkation date, do not require pre-arrival testing.

• EU Green Pass or comparable certificate for European citizens
• A doctor’s note, plus a laboratory-confirmed PCR test result with the proper information (i.e. name, date, date of birth, positive result etc.), for all others unable to present an EU Green Pass (i.e. US Citizens)
• For Sailings to Bermuda, the government does not allow certificate of recovery in lieu of negative test result. 
• France: In order to be eligible to enter France as a vaccinated person for guests who received a one shot vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), at least four weeks must have passed after the shot.

All guests age 12 and over must present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

EU Healthy Gateways currently defines individuals as "Fully Vaccinated" against COVID-19 if they carry proof of vaccination with at least 14 days and no more than 270 days passed since the last dose of the primary vaccination series or if they have received a third or booster dose. To clarify, guests that have received a booster dose can travel regardless of the amount of time that has passed since their booster dose. Booster requirements vary by country as follows:

Booster Requirements:

• Northern Europe/Baltic Itineraries (Baltic, British Isles & Iceland) do not require a booster.
• Itineraries that include Italy, Spain, Greece, France, and Portugal require a booster, for all individuals 18 years or older , if their original vaccine course was taken more than 270 days prior to embarkation.
• For itineraries which require boosters, in lieu of a booster 270 days after the primary series, guests may present a government recognized or official medical Certificate of Recovery.
• For all others unable to present an EU Green Pass (i.e. US Citizens) a doctor’s note, plus a laboratory confirmed PCR test result with the proper information (i.e. Name, Date, Date of Birth, Positive Result, etc.) will be accepted.
• Children and Teens between the ages of 12 and 17: Full vaccination protocol at least two weeks after receipt of the final dose of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or any WHO approved vaccine . Children under the age of 12 are not required to show proof of vaccination.

Guests who cannot meet the above requirements should not travel to the ship as they will be unable to board.

Effective 6/12/22, guests will no longer be required to show proof of negative Covid test to return to the United States.

Disembarkation Testing for all Norwegian Dawn and Jade sailings beginning June 12,2022 and beyond and for all Norwegian Epic, Escape, and Gem sailings beginning June 17, 2022 and beyond:

In order to best comply with local regulations, all guests who require proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to return to their home country, will now have the following options:

• Purchase an easy-to-use telemedicine kit onboard (subject to availability)
• Visit a local clinic

For an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visit www.TestForTravel.com .

MALTA FORMS

Going Ashore:

All Guests who do not hold an EU-COVID certificate and intending to go ashore will need to use VeriFLY.  

• After creating a secure profile on their mobile device, passengers will upload vaccine information and other documentation as required directly into the VeriFLY app.
• Under the "Add other" section, select “Malta arrivals”. Once the information is completed and vaccine picture is uploaded, you have successfully submitted for review.
• The VeriFLY app will verify that the passenger's information matches the requirements set by Malta and displays a simple pass or fail message.
• Following that, the passenger will be guided to fill in the Passenger Locator Form for entry into Malta.
• The VeriFLY app is available on Google Play and on the Apple App Store, and users shall be able to activate their “Trip to Malta” pass, which encapsulates the requirements for entry into Malta. It is highly recommended that guests download the app and complete the required information prior to embarkation.

The above will not be required for guests opting to remain onboard the ship and not proceed ashore.

EU Healthy Gateways currently defines individuals as “Fully Vaccinated” against COVID-19 if they carry proof of vaccination with at least 14 days and no more than 270 days passed since the last dose of the primary vaccination series or if they have received a third or booster dose.  To clarify, guests that have received a booster dose can travel regardless of the amount of time that has passed since their booster dose.

• For EU sailings Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be accepted for vaccinated children and teens between the ages of 5 and 17 and Moderna (Spikevax) for children 12-17 years of age.

Guests who cannot meet the EU Healthy Gateways definition of “Fully Vaccinated” should not travel to the ship as they will be unable to board.

• All guests must provide proof of negative antigen test within 24 hours prior to embarkation. This test will be paid for and administered by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Required on shore in public areas of Greece based on local requirements. Face coverings must be KN95/FFP2.

Includes the following ports of call: Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea

French Polynesia currently defines individuals as "Fully Vaccinated" against COVID-19 if they carry proof of vaccination with at least 14 days and no more than 270 days passed since the last dose of the primary vaccination series or if they have received a third or booster dose. To clarify, guests that have received a booster dose can travel regardless of the amount of time that has passed since their booster dose.

• Please note that any guest whose primary COVID-19 vaccination will be beyond 270 days at the time of disembarkation from their voyage MUST HAVE a COVID-19 "booster" prior to embarkation if sailing out of Papeete. Guests arriving with the vessel, are not required to have the booster shot.
• Booster requirement from authorities in French Polynesia only applies to travelers over 18 years old.
• Unless with French Polynesian High Commission endorsement, there is no exemption for the adult travelers whose second dose is over 9 months.

Guests who cannot meet French Polynesia definition of "Fully Vaccinated" should not travel to the ship as they will be unable to board.

• All guests visiting Grenada must apply for a "Pure Safe" travel authorization prior to travel. The authorization form should be completed prior to commencing travel and can be found here: https://covid19.gov.gd/
• All guests over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination when going ashore.
• Guests will be required to wear a face covering ashore.
• All guests visiting Grenada must be booked on a Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursion, a pre-booked independent tour, or use an authorized taxi in order to go ashore.

Guests will be required to take a Norwegian Cruise Line organized shore excursion for ports in Italy as guests will not be allowed to explore on their own.

Richard’s Bay has no entry restrictions therefore is exempt from below

• Guests are not permitted to walk off the port of Ocho Rios, Jamaica . In order to go ashore while in Ocho Rios, guests must comply with one of the following:
• Book a Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursion.
• Book a restricted or controlled freelance tour. This is the traditional Taxi Freelance Line.
• Walk or take transportation to Island Village, Harbour Shops & Taj Mahal Shopping Centre. These shops are closed to the public on ship days and opened exclusively for cruise passengers.

All guests must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) within 96 hours prior to the estimated time of arrival into Portugal. A QR code will be generated that may be presented upon arrival.

• At this time, the Madeira islands are only accepting the following vaccines: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac, Instituto, Buntantan, Instituto Gambaleya (Sputnik V) Sinopharm (VeroCell)

All guests age 12 and older must provide proof of negative NAAT test (I.e. PCR) taken within 72 hours prior to embarkation or antigen test taken within 24 hours of embarkation.

Going Ashore and Testing Requirements:

• Fully vaccinated guests do not require additional testing beyond their standard pre-embarkation test. To go ashore, guests must bring approved document of vaccination, EU COVID certificate, or CDC card.
• Unvaccinated guests must be show proof of negative PCR test (72 hours prior to arrival) or Antigen Test (24 hours prior to arrival). This test will be facilitated and paid for by NCL onboard.

• Residents of Puerto Rico:
• Complete the Online Travel Declaration Form (TDF) from the Puerto Rican Department of Health and Safety, which can be found here, https://www.travelsafe.pr.gov . This must be completed PRIOR to disembarking the ship and guests must show proof of the resulting QR code at disembarkation. Passengers must select option number two (2) which establishes that the passenger will perform a molecular or antigen test at an authorized facility in Puerto Rico within 48 hours after disembarkation. Passengers who do not comply with the prior arrival test requirement will be imposed a $300 fine.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico:
• Effective 1.16.2022, Puerto Rico will implement post-cruise testing requirements for guests who are disembarking in Puerto Rico as follows:
• Must have a COVID-19 test performed within 48 hours after disembarking the ship.
• Non-residents of Puerto Rico departing the same day of disembarkation:
• No additional testing is required to disembark the ship.
• Non-residents of Puerto Rico staying overnight in Puerto Rico after the cruise:
• Must complete the Travel Declaration Form (TDF) prior to disembarkation at https://www.travelsafe.pr.gov
• Must have a COVID-19 antigen test performed within 48 hours prior to disembarking the ship.
• Norwegian Cruise Line will facilitate the test that is required (cost may apply).
• Guests who secured their flights and/or post cruise hotel stay with Norwegian Cruise Line will not be charged for the test.
• Guests who secured their flights and/or post cruise hotel stay independently will be responsible for the cost of the COVID-19 test:
• $99 per person for an antigen test
• $150 per person for a PCR test (if required)  

• For cruises originating from a U.S. port:
• negative COVID-19 antigen administered by a verified third party within 2 days of the embarkation date or
• negative NAAT (PCR) test administered by a verified third party within 3 days of the embarkation
• Negative NAAT test (i.e., PCR) result administered by a verified third party within three days of the embarkation date, as well as additional antigen testing at embarkation and disembarkation administered and paid for by NCL. Failure to comply will result in denial of boarding.
• unvaccinated children under the age of 12 will be subject to additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation administered and paid for by NCL. 
• All unvaccinated guests under the age of 2 do not need to complete a pre-cruise test.
• All unvaccinated guests age 12 and above are unable to cruise

*Individuals who test positive within 90 days of their scheduled embarkation date, do not require pre-arrival testing.

• A doctor's note, plus a laboratory-confirmed PCR test result with the proper information (i.e. name, date, date of birth, positive result etc.), for all others unable to present an EU Green Pass (i.e. US Citizens)
• For Sailings to Bermuda, the government does not allow certificate of recovery in lieu of negative test result.

Testing Requirements to Return to US:

• Effective 6/12/22, fully vaccinated guests will no longer be required to show proof of negative Covid-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 prior to return to the United States.
• Only unvaccinated guests ages 2-12 require a disembarkation test. Individuals under 2 years of age are exempt from any testing requirements.

Booster Requirement

• To be considered fully vaccinated on itineraries that include Spain, guests age 18 and over must have a booster if their original vaccine was received 270 days or more prior to embarkation.
• For all others unable to present an EU Green Pass (i.e. US Citizens) a doctor's note, plus a laboratory confirmed PCR or antigen test result with the proper information (i.e. Name, Date, Date of Birth, Positive Result, etc.) will be accepted.
• Guests who cannot meet the above requirements will need to follow the requirements for "unvaccinated" guests.
• Tours and activities within the bubble tour arrangements provided through a Norwegian Cruise Line booked shore excursion.
• Walk-around activities within the port's restaurant and bars areas.
• Visiting designated taxi booths to arrange for certified taxi operators to take them to a certified area that's been approved by the local government.

At this time, the Croatian Government will only consider guests to be fully vaccinated if they received their vaccines less than 365 days prior to arriving in Croatia i.e. guests with a 2 dose vaccine, the 2nd dose must have been received less than 365 days prior to arrival in Croatia; guests with a 1 dose vaccine, the vaccine must have been received less than 365 days prior to arrival in Croatia. Guests who have had their 2nd dose of a 2 dose vaccine, or their 1 dose vaccine more than 365 days prior to arriving in Croatia will not be able to go ashore while in port.

Guests must show proof of vaccination to go ashore.

On Europe sailings, the EU Healthy Gateways guidance requires all guests to wear masks while onboard while indoors except for when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom.

• Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
• Guests will also be required to adhere to local regulations when visiting ports of call.

• For guests embarking in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy : The Italian government requires all travelers entering Italy to complete an EU Digital Passenger Location Form (dPLF) before entering the country.
• For guests embarking or disembarking in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: Guests who have received the Sinovac vaccine will only be permitted to sail on cruises that embark or disembark in Civitavecchia (Rome) if they have not been to a “List E” country (as defined on the Italian government’s website) for at least 15 days prior to arriving in Italy.
• For more information, click here .
• For guests embarking in Barcelona, Spain : The Spanish government requires all travelers entering Spain to complete a Health Control Form before entering the country.
• For guests embarking in Piraeus (Athens), Greece: The Greek government requires all travelers entering Greece to complete a Passenger Location Form (PLF) before entering the country. This must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. the day before entering Greece and only one PLF should be submitted per family. After completing the PLF, travelers will receive a unique QR code.

Due to local government regulations, guests are required to take a Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursion while visiting ports in Italy as guests will not be allowed to explore on their own. Book your shore excursions through your MyNCL account.

Guests must wear a face mask when going ashore.

• For guests that are boarding our ship immediately upon arrival in Argentina: At the time of check-in, guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result administered by a verified third party within three days prior to sail date.  As you are embarking the ship on Sunday, the test must be taken no earlier than Thursday. 
• For guests that live in Argentina or who are staying in Argentina in a hotel prior to boarding our ship: At the time of check-in, guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test results administered by a verified third party within 2 days prior to sail date . As you are embarking the ship on Sunday, the test must be taken no earlier than Friday.
• Argentina: All guests must complete a sworn affidavit for arrival to and departure from all ports in Argentina. The form can be found here: https://ddjj.migraciones.gob.ar/app/home.php
• Uruguay: All guests must complete an online Health Declaration form prior to entering all ports in Uruguay. The form can be found here: https://declaracionjurada.ingresoauruguay.gub.uy/ING
• Chile: All guests must complete a sworn affidavit and mobility pass form. The sworn affidavit can be found here: www.c19.cl and the mobility pass form can be found here: https://mevacuno.gob.cl/
• All of the above can be completed up to 15 days prior to arrival in each port.

Vessels repositioning to the United States must undergo full guest COVID-19 testing prior to arrival. All guests sailing to the United States on a transatlantic voyage will receive a COVID-19 test while onboard. This test will be paid for by the Cruise Line.

A COVID-19 Recovery Certificate may be presented as an alternative to the testing requirement as noted above in select countries.

• At check in, these guests must have one of the below acceptable forms of COVID-19 Recovery available (dated no less than 10 days and no more than 90 days (US, Caribbean, Central and South America) and 180 days (EU and Canada) before embarkation):
• This excludes all voyages visiting Bermuda.

Accessibility Links

‘Our £7,000 cruise was struck by sickness — can we get compensation?’

Plus the best wine-tasting holiday in tuscany and important entry requirements to know before travelling to canada.

✉ We booked a 23-night package to South Africa with Imagine Cruising costing nearly £14,000. The first half of the trip comprised short stays in Zambia to see Victoria Falls and at the Pilanesberg National Park for game drives. We enjoyed this, but the second half of our holiday — a 12-night cruise with Azamara departing from Cape Town on January 27 that cost nearly £7,000 — was a calamity. Firstly, we weren’t allowed to explore three of our four ports of call beyond Cape Town unaccompanied because of the threat of violent crime. Instead, we were offered costly shore excursions for game drives or bus rides to soulless out-of-town shopping malls. At the very least Azamara should have made passengers aware of the situation before departure and given us the option to cancel with a full refund.

Additionally, my wife and I fell ill within days of boarding the ship. We later deduced through social-media groups that it had been sailing out of Cape Town on its 12-night rotations up and down the east coast of South Africa with a gastrointestinal condition affecting many passengers and crew. This had been the case for weeks before our departure and continued to be so for weeks after we disembarked. Azamara insists that this was norovirus brought on board by passengers.

We’ve written to Imagine and it has offered us an insulting £200 off our next trip. Can you help? Paul Whyles

When I contacted Imagine about your trip it was quick to contact you to discuss your complaints. It liaised with Azamara and within a week you had been offered a £2,000 cash compensation settlement. This was “in acknowledgment of the impact these issues had on the enjoyment of Mr Whyles’ travel experience”, according to Imagine. You were tempted to refuse this offer and take your case to Abta, but because there was no guarantee of a higher sum you decided to accept it. An Azamara spokesperson said it constantly monitors safety developments in all the destinations it visits and adjusts ports of call and which excursions it offers as necessary to ensure the safety and security of its guests and crew. While there was a spark in gastro illnesses on board on a number of itineraries over the winter season, tests confirmed there was no norovirus on board, nor was there a problem with the ship’s water supply. It sincerely regrets you didn’t enjoy your trip.

✉ My wife and I booked a trip to the World Women’s Curling Championship, held in the Canadian town of Sidney last month, through Hays Travel. A few days before our departure date we were told by other people planning to go that we needed an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). We applied and received two email replies — my wife’s application was accepted, but we didn’t notice until the evening before we left that border control was asking for more information from me. We supplied what we thought was required, but at the gate for the Air Canada flight we were told that I didn’t have an ETA. My wife took the flight and I spent the next two days in London trying to navigate the problem — it turned out to be a historical driving conviction for which a report from Police Scotland was needed, and this took a further three days to obtain. Air Canada quoted me £1,200 to move my departure date; this situation is not covered under my travel insurance and Hays has washed its hands of me. Is there anything I can do to get my money back? Hugh Parker

Advertisement

It’s such a shame that you missed the tournament, but unfortunately I can’t help. It’s the responsibility of travellers to have the correct documents before they travel and airlines check these rigorously — they are fined if they allow passengers to fly without the required authority. Hays insists that passengers are guided through Foreign Office advice at the booking inquiry stage but it’s under no obligation to refund you and no insurance policy covers this situation. I’m sorry that you’ve learnt the hard way that it is essential to check the entry requirements of your destination at gov.uk and apply for visas long before your departure date.

✉ My husband has long wanted to visit the wine-growing area of Tuscany, and Montalcino in particular. I’d like to surprise him with a week’s stay there, with my sister and her husband invited along too. We’d like to travel after mid-September. What can you suggest? Jane Smith

Il Miraggio in Val d’Orcia Relais & Spa, a revamped 15th-century farmhouse, is about 15 minutes’ drive from Montalcino (you’ll need a car because taxis are ludicrously expensive here). It has gorgeous views of the Unesco-protected Val d’Orcia and you can look out at the vineyards and olive trees while eating breakfast. There’s an outdoor pool, swish spa and excellent dining in the wine-cellar restaurant. Rooms have beamed ceilings and fabulous beds, and a week’s B&B in Caravaggio, one of its superior rooms, costs £2,025, departing on September 16 (ilmiraggioinvaldorcia.com).

Alternatively, stay at Argiano Dimore, one of the most prestigious wine estates in the area, producing Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, as well as Solengo, the super-Tuscan of Montalcino. The guest rooms here are also in a converted farmhouse, with cool and contemporary decor, and there are beautiful gardens, plus a pool with a view; tours and tastings can be arranged. A week’s B&B in a superior room starts at £3,548 (argianodimore.it). Fly to Perugia or Florence.

✉ I’m a fan of art nouveau and would like to visit Nancy, one of the centres of French art nouveau and glass-making. The nearest airport I’ve been able to find is Luxembourg, then on by train or coach. Are you aware of any alternatives, maybe by train? David Twells

Nancy is known as the cradle of art nouveau, full of airy belle époque cafés and gorgeous curved façades. I’d definitely recommend train rather than plane; were you to fly to Luxembourg you’d then have a convoluted trip to Nancy taking several hours, while from London St Pancras the fastest rail journey is just over five hours via Paris (trainline.com). If you’d prefer an organised tour, Travel Editions has three nights’ B&B in October for £1,245pp, including rail travel, lectures and some extra meals; with a single supplement it’s £1,467 (traveleditions.co.uk).

✉ HF Holidays used to run my perfect group holiday, Rambling and Sketching, which was artist-led in a small friendly group. But it seems to have reduced its arty offerings and it’s all studio based and only for beginners (which I’m not). Is there anything else you could suggest? Rose Duly

HF told me that it has retired its Rambling and Sketching for the moment but it has some new courses for more experienced artists, including Next Step Watercolour in the Peak District and Next Step Drawing in the South Downs. But these are studio based and so you might prefer to head down to Cornwall for the three-day Seascapes and Landscapes course at the Newlyn Art School, led by the coastal painter Paul Lewin. It’s mainly outdoors so you would get the chance to explore some of west Cornwall’s dramatic coves and cliff tops and it costs £450pp (newlynartschool.co.uk). Stay a two-minute walk away at the Panorama Guest House, where B&B rooms start at £68 (panoramaguesthouse.co.uk).

Have you got a holiday dilemma? Email [email protected]

Sign up for our Times Travel newsletter and follow us on Instagram and X

Related articles

Where can I travel without a passport? Try these 6 destinations.

Securing a passport can be a hassle. 

New applicants can expect to spend $130 for a passport book, plus a $35 acceptance fee. Routine wait times are 10 to 13 weeks , and that doesn’t include mailing times, according to the State Department. Paying a $60 fee can expedite the process, but travelers will still need to wait seven to nine weeks for processing.

That means spur-of-the-moment international trips without a passport can be impossible to pull off. 

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Luckily, not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry the document. Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. 

Waited too long to get a passport?  Here's what to do

How long is a US passport good for?  Here's what to know — and how to renew it

Story continues below.

Puerto Rico passport requirements

Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory and popular Caribbean destination , is about as easy to fly to as any state if you have a state-issued ID. 

The island does not require a passport among U.S. citizens.

A local's beach guide to Puerto Rico: Which beaches to visit, what to know in San Juan, Culebra and more

US Virgin Islands passport requirements

The U.S. Virgin Islands, another Caribbean destination, allows domestic travelers to enter without a passport. 

"If you are a U.S. citizen a passport is not required, but it still serves as the best identification when traveling," the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's website says. "Otherwise, you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship when departing the islands, such as a raised-seal birth certificate and government-issued photo ID."

Small island, big opportunities: This idyllic Caribbean hideaway isn't just for the rich and famous

Northern Mariana Islands passport requirements

Passports are not required to visit the Northern Mariana Islands, a  U.S. commonwealth  made up of 14 islands, including Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Guam passport requirements

The Guam Visitors Bureau says U.S. citizens are required to show a U.S. passport, but photo ID and proof of citizenship may be accepted "on a case-by-case basis."  

Canada passport requirements

Citizens who are members of the NEXUS program , which expedites entry for pre-screened travelers, can present their membership as proof of identification when traveling, according to the Canadian government's website .

Travelers who do not have a passport can apply for a NEXUS card but will be able to use it at land or marine crossings only, not airports .

A NEXUS application processing fee costs $50 for a five-year membership, and children under 18 can apply with no fee. Application processing takes 12 to 14 months, according to the Department of Homeland Security .  

Additionally,  the State Department  says travelers under 16 do not need a passport to enter Canada; they need only proof of U.S. citizenship.

This is the most popular summer travel destination: According to Google Flights

Unlimited cruises:  Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass

Closed-loop cruise passport requirements

Travelers on closed-loop cruises – sailings that depart and end at the same U.S. port and travel within the Western Hemisphere – do not need a passport, according to Customs and Border Protection.

U.S. citizens can enter the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. If under 16, a U.S. citizen can present their birth certificate , certificate of naturalization or consular birth report abroad.

Customs and Border Protection says U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can enter or depart a country on the cruise with proof of citizenship, but some destination countries "may require" a passport.

"In those instances, the cruise lines would require passengers to have a valid passport to board even if it is not a U.S. requirement," the agency's website reads. "You should check with your cruise ship, travel agent, and destination country to confirm the requirements to enter the foreign countries you will visit."

Contributing: Nathan Diller, USA TODAY

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz . 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where can I travel without a passport? Try these 6 destinations.