Do You Need A Passport For An Alaskan Cruise? (2024)

Always double-check with your cruise provider to ensure you have the required documents. In this guide, we’ll clarify passport requirements, explain why many Alaskan cruises stop in Canada and help you prepare for your adventure. Although Alaska is the 49th state, travelers still wonder, "do I need a passport to cruise to Alaska?". Travel regulations and policies are subject to change without notice, in the sake of national security. It is important to know what documentation is needed when cruising to Alaska. Second, each cruise line has its own set of policies that govern the documentation requirements for travel.

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An enhanced driver's license is another alternative that you can use for land and sea port crossings, but not for international flights. The rules also apply to Caribbean islands that are U.S. territories. For instance, you won't need a passport to fly to and cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas in the U.S. If you're a U.S. citizen and don't have a passport, you actually have quite a few cruise options. Dressing Can Be Hard (Layers Are a Must)Keeping in the theme of weather, you’ll likely find that it’s a little harder to dress for Alaska.

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If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield. If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

Cruises that aren’t considered closed-loop

A passport is required because you’ll be crossing international borders, and the authorities must verify your identity and citizenship. You must have some type of citizenship documentation, such as an official birth certificate or passport since you will be making a stop in a foreign nation. You won’t get away with only a driver’s license or other photo ID (OK, with the new “Enhanced ID” in a few select cases). Cruise lines recommend that every passenger have a passport when traveling, even on closed-loop cruises when one isn't strictly necessary. It's the best way to prove your identification and citizenship and is an essential item if you unexpectedly get stranded abroad. It's also less cumbersome than carrying the required documents and papers with you wherever you go.

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Depending on the month you visit, the sun can rise as early as 4 a.m. After a few days, don’t be surprised if the lack of rest catches up with you. What can really set a cruise to Alaska apart from any other cruise you’ll take are the shore excursions.

Passport Requirements

Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. To learn more about Cruise Planners and the executive team, click here. Cruises to Alaska can vary greatly, but even a good deal will typically be $600-$700 per person as a minimum for an interior cabin.

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To be sure you have the latest information, check with your agent or the proper authorities (such as your local immigration office) before your cruise to make sure you have the proper documentation. Cruise refunds may not be issued if you’re denied boarding due to lack of proper documents. There are some smaller Inside Passage sailings on U.S.-flagged ships where you don’t need a passport.

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. 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. The cost will be greater if applying for a passport within two weeks of travel time (in which case you will need an expedited application). You can learn more about passport requirements and documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport here.

There are a number of places that you can visit on an Alaskan cruise, with most week-long trips working in a visit to four ports and viewing a glacier from the ship. So you can take multiple cruises before you hit all the available ports of call. The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares. Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned.

Have you ever wondered which Disney cruise routes include the breathtaking Canadian coastline? From the stunning landscapes of Iceland to the historic streets of Dublin, these ports offer a truly unforgettable experience. While exploring the Mexican Riviera, you can choose from a variety of exciting excursions and activities. Some options include zip-lining through the lush jungles, snorkeling with colorful marine life, or exploring ancient Mayan ruins. After exploring these amazing ports, get ready for even more exciting excursions and activities during your Disney cruise.

Again, while you may not need a passport, you should want to have one! With the backlog in issuing passports, though, you may find yourself in a situation where it just is not possible to obtain prior to cruise Alaska cruise vacation. Before we get into whether or not you need a passport for you Alaskan cruise, let's talk about why cruising with a passport is more important than ever, even if you do not technically need one. A closed-loop cruise is one that begins and ends in the same port. Most cruise itineraries are closed-loop simply because the logistics for passengers are easier to arrange. While Bahamas and Caribbean cruises are popular year-round, the Alaska cruise season is short-lived.

There are also some “Inside Passage” sailings on smaller ships (where you may fly into and out of an Alaskan airport from the Continental U.S.) and do not make a stop in Canada. If the cruise is not a closed-loop cruise, then you would need passport identification to board the ship. A full list of documents that can be used at land and sea borders are provided on the U.S.