One major advantage of cruising is that you can travel to many places internationally that would otherwise require a passport.
Cruising is a great way to see Alaska, often providing some of the best views of glaciers and wildlife that make the region so popular. There are several cruises to Alaska that don’t require a passport, thanks to a North American initiative that allows guests to use other forms of identification for travel outside of the country.
There is a good amount of confusion related to this topic and often incorrect advice on many travel forums. The regulations regarding passports and cruising depend on a number of things, such as embarkation and departure points, itineraries, and ports of call during the cruise.
Here is an overview of everything you need to know about cruising to Alaska without a passport, where you can go, and what alternative identification is required.
Rules for cruising without a passport
The ability to cruise internationally without a passport is convenient for many who do not currently have that all-important travel document and maybe want to take a trip sooner rather than later.
The good news is that many cruise itineraries operate under the current regulations as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which sets out some common rules for travel and cruising in the Americas, making many cruises eligible without a passport, even to Alaska.
Under this program, U.S. citizens ages 16 and older who want to cruise on a closed-loop cruise can do so with approved identification, such as a government-issued photo ID, often a driver's license, along with a birth certificate. Children 15 and younger can travel with a birth certificate as well.
What are closed-loop cruises?
A closed-loop sailing is a cruise that begins and ends at the same port in the United States, travels within the Western Hemisphere, and has at least one foreign port of call.
For example, if you embark on a cruise leaving from Seattle, Washington, that ventures to at least one foreign port, such as Victoria, British Columbia, prior to returning back to Seattle, this meets the criteria of a closed-loop cruise.
A closed-loop cruise also has the same embarkation and disembarkation ports. For example, for a cruise to be considered closed-loop, the cruise must begin and terminate in the same port. If a cruise leaves from San Francisco, it must return to San Francisco, not another U.S. port like Seattle or Los Angeles.
Examples of closed-loop cruises to Alaska
“The Last Frontier,” as Alaska is often called, is famed for its abundant marine life, crackling blue glaciers, and scenic views. Charming seaside towns like Ketchikan and Skagway are popular, as well as sailing through fjords, exploring the history of gold mining, and marveling at the Northern Lights. The choices are endless, and cruises can get to many of these places without a passport.
The departure ports of Los Angeles and Seattle are frequent starting points for an Alaskan cruise and are suitable for closed-loop sailings; however, cruises that start in Canada, most often Vancouver, British Columbia, are not considered closed-loop.
One-way cruises can also be an issue for those without a passport. While many depart from ports such as Whittier or Seward, they end up elsewhere, such as Seattle, or a port in Canada, often Vancouver. Even if both the embarkation and disembarkation ports are in the United States, the sailing will not satisfy the closed-loop requirements, and you will need a passport to board.
Cruises that aren’t considered closed-loop
While many cruise lines offer closed-loop cruises, there are some that are not, and unfortunately, most are not labeled as such. It is important to understand what itinerary you are booking so there are no issues down the road that could result in a loss of deposit or, worse case, be refused boarding.
For example, Princess Cruises, a popular cruise line for cruises to Alaska, offers a 7-day itinerary exploring Glacier Bay. Leaving Whittier, it sails southbound, ending the cruise in Vancouver. This does not meet the criteria of a closed-loop cruise.
Another example is Royal Caribbean, which offers a 7-cruise that explores the Inside Passage of Alaska, including the Hubbard Glacier. The cruise starts and ends in Vancouver. For those guests flying to Vancouver, they need passports to legally enter Canada.
Why it is a good idea to cruise with a passport
Even though there are a number of cruises that you can take without a passport, it is still highly recommended to cruise with one. There are a couple important reasons why.
If, for some reason, you or a fellow member of your traveling party have a medical emergency, you cannot fly home from Canada with a driver's license and birth certificate. This may involve serious delays as you work with the consulate and officials to get the required documentation.
Also, if you happen to miss the ship at a port for an unexpected reason like a car breakdown or accident, again, it can be hard to get to the next port or return home without a passport. Unfortunately, there have been a number of cases where cruisers have been stuck in a foreign location with inadequate documentation, causing a lot of stress. An important point to consider.
Additional considerations
Most excursions in Alaska are not an issue, but there are a few that venture across the Canadian border.
Some train routes, such as select itineraries on the White Pass& Yukon Route, require a passport. For example, there is a train from Skagway, a port of call for many cruises, to Denver trailhead to visit the Denver Glacier. This requires a passport, which is clearly noted on the railway's website in the excursion description. This is something to look into if you are going to book a closed-loop tour and don't have the proper identification.
Additionally, the cruise line may have additional documentation requirements above and beyond those required by federal regulations. It is always best to check with the cruise line to clarify requirements, especially before you book a cruise.
Many jurisdictions, including Canada, require visitors to have a passport with at least 6 months of validity before it expires. For those whose passports expire within six months, a closed-loop cruise is a good option, but ensure you have the required identification for the cruise.
