Do I need a passport for Nassau?

[knlasv]

I'm reading conflicting information. What do I need to cruise to Nassau?
Passport card vs book vs birth certificate?
For adults and kids 10 and under.
Someone please clarify the benefits of each! Not interested in traveling beyond Canada and Bahamas in the next several years.

 

[CamColt]

Here is the official word from DCL.
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/passport-travel-documentation/

The short answer is no, you do not need a passport for a closed loop cruise to the Bahamas. A government issued ID and BC will suffice, however if you were to have to fly home in the case of an emergency, then you would need the passport.

Edited to add, I see you mentioned Canada. If you were to travel by land (not a cruise) to Canada, I believe you would need a passport for that.

 

[Mommb]

If your cruise leaves and returns to the same US port and stops only in the Bahamas, then official copies of birth certificates for everyone and government-issued photo IDs (such as drivers licenses) for adults will be sufficient for the cruise.

Either passport cards or passport books would also work. US Passport cards apply only to travel by land or sea to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda so they would not be sufficient if you need to fly home. If you want to buy passports, getting the books (which last 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16) would be more useful than getting the cards.

 

[Skippyboo]

If you have a passport I would bring it. For the Caribbean, you need Ids for adults and birth certificates for check in and customs coming back. But if you need to fly home, while on your cruise from foreign port, then you need a passport.

A passport is good for ten years so $130 to get one isn’t too bad

 

[knlasv]

Here is the official word from DCL.
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/passport-travel-documentation/

The short answer is no, you do not need a passport for a closed loop cruise to the Bahamas. A government issued ID and BC will suffice, however if you were to have to fly home in the case of an emergency, then you would need the passport.

Edited to add, I see you mentioned Canada. If you were to travel by land (not a cruise) to Canada, I believe you would need a passport for that.

What would be a government ID for kids?
I know I just need a card for Canada land travel. Wasn't sure if there was any benefit for the book? I suppose flying home (from Nassau) for an emergency is a good enough reason.

 

[Mommb]

What would be a government ID for kids?

Children 15 and under do not need a government-issued photo ID. Anyone 16 years and older may be asked to show ID to return to the ship when in port.

 

[CamColt]

What would be a government ID for kids?
I know I just need a card for Canada land travel. Wasn't sure if there was any benefit for the book? I suppose flying home (from Nassau) for an emergency is a good enough reason.

The DCL website (link I provided) states, "Children 15 years of age and younger are required to present one of the documents listed above, but do not need to present a government-issued photo ID."

 

[knlasv]

The DCL website (link I provided) states, "Children 15 years of age and younger are required to present one of the documents listed above, but do not need to present a government-issued photo ID."

Thank you, the WiFi at work yesterday wasn't letting me open the link when I was trying to read it.

 

[Jack_Sparrow_NJ]

There is really not much value in the passport card. You are better off getting the passport book as it is good for ten years and will allow you to travel between the US and any foreign country.

Starting May 2025 you will need a Real Id for domestic travel and your passport can be used then.

 

[mjkacmom]

There is really not much value in the passport card. You are better off getting the passport book as it is good for ten years and will allow you to travel between the US and any foreign country.

Starting May 2025 you will need a Real Id for domestic travel and your passport can be used then.

You can use your passport card as real ID as well (I have both).

 

[tvguy]

I think experienced cruisers would say you always have a Passport.