If you haven’t cruised for a while, remember that there are some important documents you should bring onboard with you, including your passport and COVID-19 vaccination card.
Your passport
serves as an official ID and proof of citizenship. Bring your actual, physical
passport; in some situations, a printed copy or an image of your passport may
not be accepted. It’s also important to check your passport’s expiration date before
you make a cruise reservation because many cruise lines require your passport to
be valid for at least six months after the end date of your cruise.
Note that if
you’re taking a “closed-loop” cruise – one that begins and ends at the same
U.S. port – a passport is not required. But, you’ll still need to bring a
government-issued ID that includes a photo (such as a driver’s license) and proof
of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). And, some ports of call may still
require a passport before you’re allowed to step off the ship.
If you’re
cruising from the U.S. to certain destinations – including Canada, Mexico,
Bermuda, and some Caribbean islands – you may be able to use a U.S. passport
card instead of a regular passport. But some cruise lines always require each passenger
to have a regular passport, regardless of the itinerary.
As with your
passport, bring your actual, physical vaccination card, even if you provide a
digital copy to the cruise line when you make your reservation. Many cruise lines
now require most or all passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and
some ports also require proof of vaccination for passengers who wish to come onshore. Tip: If you can’t find your vaccination card, contact the organization
that provided the vaccine – such as your doctor’s office, a pharmacy, or the
local health department – to ask for a copy.
Requirements
for proof of COVID-19 vaccination status may vary between cruise lines, and even
among the ships of the same cruise line; specific requirements may also depend
on your port of embarkation or debarkation. Plus, these requirements can change,
so stay connected with your professional travel advisor for the latest
information.
A quick note
about visas: you can visit most places in the world via cruise ship without a
visa, but when one is required, the cruise line is likely to make the necessary
arrangements.
Finally, remember
to pack any other documents your cruise line requires; consult with Anita, your
professional travel advisor, to make sure you have all the documents you need.
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