Are you longing to set sail but don’t have a passport? Don’t let that stop you because there is a variety of fascinating destinations around the U.S. where you can cruise without a passport. In this post, we will tell you everything you need to know, and all you have to do is schedule your cruise vacation!
Requirements: Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?
You’ll be surprised to learn just how many options you have! According to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection agency, what you need to bring when cruising around the U.S. is proof of identity in the form of an ID or a driver’s license.
Now that you’ve been reassured and know what you need to bring, let’s move on to the fun part. Where exactly can you cruise without a passport? Lack of a passport may limit your international travel options, but whether you are yearning for wildlife, adventure, history, or culture, American Queen Voyages has the perfect cruise for you.
River Cruises
With American Queen Voyages, you can embark on a cruise of a lifetime through America’s greatest rivers – Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, Columbia and Snake rivers, Mississippi, Ohio, and Illinois rivers. The iconic paddle wheelers transport you back in time while you navigate the hairpin loops of the following destinations.
Columbia and Snake Rivers
Whether you wish to sail from Spokane to Portland or reverse or embark on a Portland roundtrip, you will get to taste local wine amidst the verdant hills decorated with vineyards in the Dalles, Oregon. And docking in Astoria, Oregon, you will step into the rich history of the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.
Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers
On these cruises, your paddlewheel will churn along the rivers that embody the soul of the American South, past small-town America, gorges, and Great Smokey Mountains, accompanied by the rhythm of country music.
You will explore Native American landmarks and Civil War battlegrounds as you cruise from Memphis to Chattanooga. Indulge in breweries and distilleries, and learn about the history of bourbon, the true American spirit, on your voyage from Louisville to Nashville. The variety of cruises range from 9 to 13 days and guarantee top-notch authentic dining experiences.
Lower Mississippi River
An 8 to 9-day voyage from New Orleans to Memphis introduces you to cuisine, art, music, and culture unlike anywhere else in the U.S. Traverse the Mississippi Delta that has inspired creatives for centuries, where Memphis blues and New Orleans jazz fill the air and the flavors of Southern cooking comfort the soul. And visit the grounds of Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg and the South’s largest existing historic mansion in Nottoway on a New Orleans roundtrip. American Queen Voyages makes an exclusive stop in Nottoway, which is another perk of boutique cruises. Or explore the seismic wonders of New Madrid and tales of Paducah’s artisans on a journey from Memphis to St. Louis.
Ohio and Mississippi River
Immerse your senses in the vibrant towns and cities along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The 9-day roundtrip from Cincinnati features flavors of bourbon and barbecue as you enjoy the warmth of southern hospitality and the thrill of America’s greatest horse race. Pass through charismatic Madison, Indiana, to explore historic architecture and admire antique machinery on a cruise from Pittsburgh to Louisville.
Upper Mississippi River and Illinois
Explore Hannibal, Missouri, the muse of Mark Twain, and marvel at the architecture of Dubuque, Iowa, and the remarkable craftsmanship of artisans in Red Wing, Minnesota, in one voyage from St. Louis to Minneapolis. Tick off a bucket-list experience and take an epic journey down the length of the Mississippi, watching the cultures and landscapes change as you cruise from Minneapolis to New Orleans. Or enjoy a blend of small-town charm and metropolitan flare on a journey from Chicago to St. Louis.
Cruising opens new horizons to those whose traveling options are limited by lack of documentation. But many dreamy destinations and experiences are available to you when traversing sinuous rivers. We hope this post offered you a passport-free cruise that set your mind wandering off into adventure. If you have further questions, the American Queen Voyages team would be more than happy to answer them and offer voyage recommendations specifically tailored for you.
Tips for Traveling without a Passport
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- Always carry multiple forms of ID. While a driver’s license should suffice, having a secondary ID can be useful.
- Ensure your driver’s license is up-to-date. Expired IDs might not be accepted.
- Research and book closed-loop cruises (those that start and finish at the same U.S. port) as they typically do not require a passport.
- Always confirm with your cruise provider about their specific ID requirements.
FAQs – Cruising without a Passport
Do I need a passport to travel within the U.S.?
You do not need a passport to fly or travel to all U.S. states and territories that include the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Be sure you carry some form of ID such as your driver’s license or state-issued ID card. In addition, make sure your driver’s license and other ID are REAL-ID compliant before the enforcement date of May 7, 2025.
What is REAL-ID compliant?
The REAL-ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in accordance with the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” Under the act, minimum security standards must be met for all state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to enter federal facilities and board domestic flights.
How do I know if my license or identification is REAL-ID compliant?
REAL-ID-compliant cards will show a star in the upper right corner. If your license or identification card does not have the star symbol, then it is not compliant. The Department of Homeland Security is working with all states and territories to ensure full compliance by the May 2025 deadline.
Can I travel to U.S. territories without a passport if I’m a U.S. citizen?
Yes, U.S. citizens traveling directly between the mainland U.S. and U.S. territories (like the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa) don’t require a passport. However, you’ll still need a valid form of ID such as a driver’s license.
If I embark on a cruise that docks in international ports, but I decide not to disembark, do I still need a passport?
While you might not plan to disembark, cruise lines often require passengers to have a valid passport when the itinerary includes international ports. Always check with your cruise line for their specific documentation requirements.
Are children required to have some form of identification for cruises?
Yes, children, including infants, will need some form of identification. While a passport is the best form of ID, a certified birth certificate can often be used for closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port).
I have a passport card. Can I use this for my cruise?
Passport cards can be used for entering the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. However, they are not valid for international air travel. It’s essential to check with your cruise line if they accept passport cards for your specific itinerary.
If my cruise starts and ends in different U.S. ports, do I need a passport?
Not necessarily, but it’s always a good idea to have a passport in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as needing to fly back to the U.S. from a foreign port. Always consult with your cruise line for the specific requirements of your itinerary.
Can I use an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) for my cruise?
Yes, an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) is designed for land and sea travel into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, like the passport card, it is not valid for international air travel. Ensure your cruise does not require a flight for emergencies or deviations in the itinerary.
(Original Publish Date: August 26, 2022)
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