Short answer: bring one. Margaritaville at Sea strongly recommends a passport for every guest, and it is the simplest way to avoid trouble if your plans change mid-trip.
Why a passport is the safe choice
Many itineraries visit foreign ports, such as Mexico, Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Even sailings that include a U.S. port, such as Key West or San Juan, Puerto Rico, often call on foreign ports too. And if you ever have to leave the ship early or fly home from a foreign port, a passport makes that far easier.
Check these before you book
- Validity. The cruise line advises a passport valid for 6 months after your cruise ends. If yours is close to expiring, renew early.
- The name must match. The name on your reservation has to match your travel document exactly.
- Everyone needs documents. That includes children and infants.
- Allow time. Passport processing times change. Do not leave a renewal to the last month.
What to bring to the terminal
- Original travel documents for everyone. Photocopies and phone photos do not work.
- Your boarding pass, printed or digital. One per stateroom.
- A credit card for your onboard account.
- Luggage tags on every bag.
Entry rules are set by governments and the cruise line, and they can change. I will confirm the documents for your exact itinerary before you pay, and the cruise line's own pre-cruise instructions are the final word.
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