City Cruises River 24HR Pass 2023 London

Table Of Content

• Comfortable Cruising Experience: Relax and Enjoy the Views
• Get the latest updates on City Cruises River Pass 24HR
• Highlight of the 24H Thames River Cruise Ticket
• A Hub for Cultural Events
• Westminster To Greenwich River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
• About City Cruises River Pass 24HR

The Tower of London holds a permanent exhibition of these same jewels which are open to the public throughout the year. Tourists also get a chance to meet the resident ravens at the tower, who have been historically designated as the protectors and guardians of the Tower of London. Further along, the Tower of London looms on the river’s banks, with a rich history that dates back to the Norman Conquest. Starting at Westminster, you’ll find the Houses of Parliament, a symbol of British democracy. For centuries, the Thames has been a vital trade route, facilitating the transportation of goods and materials that contributed to the city’s growth and prosperity.

Comfortable Cruising Experience: Relax and Enjoy the Views

Approaching the iconic Tower Bridge, London’s most famous landmark, you’ll enjoy an unbeatable view of the HMS Belfast, as well as some quirkier sights. Lasting from one to two hours and offering free cancellation, this cruise lets you choose your preferred direction, explore from Westminster to Greenwich, or vice versa. We provide a free live or recorded commentary in English on each Sightseeing cruise. Where you will be greeted by our pier staff, have your ticket ready to be then directed to your boarding point. For families, a Thames river cruise is the most relaxing way to see the sights, avoid traffic and busy trains. Praise whichever brilliant mind decided to paint the scant remaining WW2 landing vehicles in bright, rubber-duck yellow!

Get the latest updates on City Cruises River Pass 24HR

Strictly speaking, the name Big Ben refers to the massive Bell within the Tower, but the nickname is often extended to indicate the tower in its totality. Although the inner sanctums of the Big Ben are not open to the public, the Tower’s facade forms one of the most photographable destinations in all of London. One of the most popular river cruises in London is the Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise. Lasting 40 minutes, this river cruise takes you on a delightful journey along the Thames, with the world-famous London Eye as the highlight.

Highlight of the 24H Thames River Cruise Ticket

However, if you would like to do both in one day, we recommend booking your time slots in advance as availability is subject to change. Maximize your visit by pairing The London Eye with the River Cruise, creating an unforgettable experience of London's beauty from both land and water. Any debate on London’s history would remain incomplete without a mention of the master himself- William Shakespeare. The modern Globe Theater is where the immortal writings of Shakespeare are put on stage. The Theater as it is today, is a reconstruction of the original Globe where the playwright conducted his plays and which was consecutively destroyed in fire. The modern building remains faithful to its predecessor, full with an open-air environment and the circular seating arrangement.

Go City London Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

The cruise is accompanied by a traditional British afternoon tea; a fresh selection of scones, cakes and freshly brewed hot coffee and tea await all cruisers on board. The original speedboat tour has been retained in its original format as well, and is well suited for those looking for a round of sightseeing as well as adventure. Each river cruise in London is accompanied either by an audio-commentary or a special tour guide who offers a live- and often humorous- commentary on the attraction one passes by. It’s an all-day hop on, hop off Thames ticket offering unlimited access to the river for 24 hours. A good river cruise for those who want a spot of grub while taking in the sights along the Thames – Bateaux offer a full range of different dining cruises.

A Hub for Cultural Events

The Globe regularly puts on productions of Shakespeare’s plays, and is open to the public throughout the year. St. Paul's Cathedral, London's largest cathedral, is one of the world's most important structures, known for its stunning dome with a lantern on top. The earliest church on the site was a wooden church dedicated to the Apostle Paul, which King Ethelbert of Kent constructed in 604 AD. Since then, the Church has undergone several reconstructions to take the shape that it has today. The Tower of London also known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortification of the Tower of London, is a 900-year-old castle and fortress in central London. Now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London has served in multiple roles, sometimes a treasury, sometimes a royal mint, sometimes a prison and then the holder of royal jewels.

Explore London

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Overlooking the city’s skyline, the Gherkin is one of the most iconic modern buildings of London. Nearly three times the height of the Niagara Falls, the Gherkin stands out in its unique cucumber-shaped design. The Gherkin is an office building, and is home to some of London’s biggest businesses. Our captains provide entertaining commentary, shedding new light on both the history and modern life of this fascinating city. Sit on our spacious open upper deck or in comfortable indoor saloons, you’re guaranteed a panoramic view of London’s best sights including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, South Bank and more.

Westminster To Greenwich River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

And plenty of London’s top attractions are best seen from the water – so get your camera ready. The two-hour cruise takes you through the illuminated city, offering magical views of landmarks like the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge. Lasting 30 minutes and with the option of free cancellation, this cruise is perfect for those seeking a quick and affordable Thames adventure across London passing London’s most loved sights. With the 24h hop-on hop-off ticket you can take your first trip at any time during the day and take as many trips as you like until the boats stop operating in the evening.

The London Eye River Cruise has an indoor seating area operating on a first come first serve basis. Customers can still cruise along the river and enjoy the full experience in the comfort and warmth inside. Return TicketWith a return ticket you can go one way, take in some of the sights around the pier and then take the same route back. The annual Totally Thames Festival is one — celebrating the river with art, music, and performances.

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The attentive crew is available to assist with any questions or concerns, making your cruise as pleasant and seamless as possible. The speedboat cruise on the Thames is the very first of all London sightseeing river cruises. The tour is not just an excellent means of sightseeing, but an extremely fun activity in itself as well.

It’s been witness to a slew of historic British events, including the coronations of English monarchs, history book battles, and ceremonies. This is close to Waterloo underground and railway station and across the river from Embankment and Charing Cross underground and railway station. This is close to Cutty Sark DLR station, the full name of which is Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich. Please ensure you check the latest timetable schedule on the website as times may vary throughout the year. Sign up for our email to enjoy London without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

The Thames River Hop on Hop off sightseeing tour is another interesting experience, allowing its cruisers to embark and disembark at ports of their choice to sightsee around the attractions. The Red River Rover gives riders a 24-hour pass to hop on and off the boat, traveling up and down the River Thames. A unique city cruise, this experience offers family ticket packages, unrivaled views of London’s city front, and live and recorded commentary of the sights you’ll be sailing by. The 24-hour Thames River Cruise is an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages and interests, providing endless opportunities to learn about London's history, architecture, and culture.

It’s also an essential part of major British events like the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race (well worth seeing if you’re in London then). With a reasonable duration of one hour and the convenience of free cancellation, this cruise is perfect for London travellers with a tight schedule. London Pier LocationsPier embarkation points vary depending on which City Cruises product you book. Please check the online product description and your confirmation email for applicable boarding points. The average cruising time from one pier to the other is 40mins except from Westminster Pier to London Eye Pier which is 10 minutes.

The Thames 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Cruise is perfect if you want to explore London at your own pace. London transforms into a city of lights as the sun sets, and the River Thames Evening Cruise is the perfect place to see it. Please ensure you check our up-to-date timetable schedule as times may vary throughout the year.

Thames River Cruise London City Pass

Table Of Content

• Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London
• Top London River Cruises Deals
• A Gateway to Iconic Landmarks
• A Hub for Cultural Events
• London Eye Pier

The cruise also features a bar, although drinks are to be purchased at one’s own expense. Alongside the river cruise tour, you’ll get knowledgeable commentary from a London guide providing insights into the history and significance of each landmark. The London River Cruises offers an excellent means of touring the city of London without having to tackle the city’s notorious traffic. Booking the tickets for the river cruise online allows one to not only skip the queue for the widely popular activity, but also secures one a good discount on the cruise tickets.

Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

The commentary covers a range of topics, from historical events and architectural styles to cultural anecdotes and trivia, ensuring that every passenger finds something of interest during the cruise. Usually opted for along with a visit to the London Eye, the London Eye river cruise is one of the most popular options. The thirty minute cruise is circular, with pick up and drop off at the Tower Pier port. Wandering along the Thames, the short cruise offers glorious views of some of the most prominent landmarks in London, including the Big Ben, the Westminster Palace and the Houses of Parliament.

Top London River Cruises Deals

The night-time cruise allows you to witness London from a different perspective, adding another layer of enchantment to your exploration of this captivating city. The combination of stunning night views, tranquil waters, and the enchanting ambience make this a truly unforgettable experience that should not be missed during your visit to London. As you cruise along the Thames, you'll encounter some of London's most famous sights, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Shard. These landmarks span different eras, showcasing the city's architectural diversity and providing a fascinating glimpse into London's history. In addition, the cruise offers a unique perspective on these attractions, allowing you to appreciate their grandeur from the water.

A Gateway to Iconic Landmarks

Keep an eye out for Traitors’ Gate, the notorious river entrance to the infamous Tower. This impressive structure, located downstream, consists of rotating metal gates that can be raised to prevent high tides from entering the city. Conservation efforts have significantly improved the river’s water quality over the years, making it more habitable for aquatic life (although I definitely wouldn’t suggest going for a swim here!).

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Experience an unforgettable journey through London with a 24-hour Thames River Cruise pass, granting you the flexibility to explore the city's iconic sights at your own pace. Hop on and off at numerous stops along the river, immersing yourself in London's rich history and captivating skyline views. This all-access pass offers a unique and comprehensive way to appreciate the city's highlights from the water. Enhance your river cruise experience with informative onboard commentary, which provides interesting facts and stories about London's history and the landmarks you pass. This expert insight not only adds depth to your understanding of the city's past and present but also helps bring the scenery to life as you sail by. You'll gain a new appreciation for London and its treasures with the help of these engaging narrations.

Bateaux London Cruises

These duck city tours take in all the typical land-based sights – then has two ‘splashdowns’ into the Thames as it goes into nautical mode and takes passengers around Docklands, Canary Wharf and Greenwich. In sight of two of London’s most iconic structures, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern art gallery, you’ll enjoy an exciting blend of the old and new. Please arrive at boarding point 2 on the Pier at least 15 minutes before your scheduled River Cruise departure. Embark on a captivating 40-minute round-trip tour along the River Thames with the London Eye River Cruise. You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Comfortable Cruising Experience: Relax and Enjoy the Views

The Thames river cruise grants each tourist an access pass of 24 hours, and operates across four piers in London- Westminster Pier, Greenwich Pier, London Eye Pier, and Tower Pier. Cruisers are then allowed to disembark at any of the designated piers, sightsee around the attractions in the vicinity, then embark again from any port of their choice. Initially having started as a speedboat tour, the river cruise in London has grown over the years to offer more sophisticated services. The cruises take place throughout the day- some in the afternoon, some in the evening, and some at teatime. Special lunch and dinner cruises add the luxury of onboard dining to the sightseeing cruise.

The iconic ship is now permanently moored on the docks of the Thames, and functions as a Museum operated by the Imperial War Museum. The ship, which had served the Navy during momentous crises such as the D-Day, the Korean War and the Arctic Convoy, now lives to tell the tale. A series of permanent displays and exhibitions showcase weapons, clothing, bunk beds and ship equipment used by the crew on board. Tourists can even enter into the massive gun turrets and learn about how the ship fired during the Normandy wars.

London Eye Pier

Our Thames sightseeing cruise single tickets will take you from point A to B with comfort and in style. You can also purchase a return ticket to your original Thames river cruise starting point too. Our captains provide informative and entertaining commentary, shedding new light on both the history and modern life of this fascinating city. • Arrive at one of the four main piers, which include Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, or Greenwich Pier. • Locate the pier staff, who are typically positioned near the boarding point for the cruise.

If you’re looking for an iconic sightseeing cruise in London, the London Eye River Cruise is a fantastic choice. Cruises vary from minutes for a single trip or up to 24 hours of river travel with a 24hr River Pass. Bring your waterproofs, because the slick RIB (rigid inflatable boat) operation offers a high-speed ride on the Thames. It's a great way to discover how exhilarating it can be to swoop along the Thames at almost 30 knots – that’s nearly 35 mph, nautical novices! We're not sure how much you'll actually be able to see, but there are plenty more leisurely-paced tours for that sorta thing.

The Hop on Hop off Cruise is one of the most popular and convenient of London river cruises. Like any other river cruise in London, the Thames Hop on Hop off tour offers unobstructed views of London’s best landmarks. However, it goes a step further and allows one to visit the attractions as well.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a sightseeing fan, or traveling with family, the cruise offers an engaging and flexible way to explore the city's highlights. The cruise is not only a great educational experience but also a fun and captivating adventure that every member of your group will cherish. Cruising across the River Thames, one catches a glimpse of some of London’s best attractions. Certain tours with London Attraction tickets are of a more traditional bent and offer a mere 30-minute ride, while some also offer meals on-board, along with a number of other entertainment shows. The Thames River Cruise offers a comfortable and convenient way to explore London, with indoor and outdoor seating available on the vessels.

The Tower Bridge is a defining mark in London, and many regard it as the most popular bridge in the United Kingdom, if not the whole world. The Tower Bridge is a bascule bridge- which means that it draws back from the center to let vessels pass through. Constructed in 1894, the Tower is laden in history, and once acted as an important route for traders who crossed the river with their horses and their carts. Today, visitors are allowed to not just walk across the iconic bridge with its panoramic views of the city, but also visit the engine rooms that help draw back the bridge.

The Thames Lunch cruise combines panoramic views of the city’s skyline with a delicious British lunch on board. The lunch cruise sets off in the afternoon; when the day is clear, one can spot landmarks such as the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. The cruise is laid out in beautifully decorated wooden tables, with a friendly staff serving up a freshly prepared two-course meal. Guests can choose between a non-vegetarian and a vegetarian meal option, along with deserts and tea and coffee.

Valid for one hour and with the option of free cancellation, this cruise allows you to hop on and off at various piers, giving you the freedom to explore key attractions on your own time. The River Thames, with its rich history and stunning landmarks, offers a plethora of sightseeing opportunities, all one boat ride away. The Red River Rover offers wheelchair access, accessible toilet facilities, and commentary recordings in several different languages. Visitors can expect to see some of London’s most famous sites safely and efficiently travel from pier to pier, docking, and disembarking in the city’s most bustling areas. Instead of a usual tour’s drab history lessons and endless stream of tedious facts, why not try something a little more thrilling?

Where Can I Cruise Without a Passport? Top Cruise Destinations

Table Of Content

• Canada and New England Cruises
• Answered: Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?
• Why Suggest a Passport If You Don’t NEED It?
• How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly Alone?
• You Should Always Check with Your Cruise Line

A closed-loop cruise is one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. Even though a US passport is not required to take a cruise to Jamaica. The US embassy advises against traveling without one as it may delay your disembarking process upon your return. You can shop around for Bahamas cruises at all the major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Disney. In addition, Holland America, Celebrity, and MSC Cruise offer closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas as well.

Canada and New England Cruises

Not all terminals have the technology yet, but many are switching over to automated passport screening. In the old way of doing things, you leave the ship and then have to wait in line for a Customs & Border Patrol agent to check your documents before letting you into the country. So if you’re leaving from Miami, headed around the Caribbean for a week and then back to Miami, it’s considered a closed-loop cruise. Of course, all of these options suppose that you have the time to get a new passport before your cruise. As you can see below, it can take several weeks before you can expect yours to arrive after ordering. Every cruise line has warnings that every passenger should travel with a valid passport.

Answered: Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

If you had a passport, you could just leave the cruise during its next stop and hop on a flight from the nearest airport. However, you always need a passport to fly internationally, so if you don’t have one, you’d be out of luck. Likewise, another potential option that’s valid on some cruises and in some destinations (though not all) is a Trusted Travel card. Some U.S. citizens may also be able to use an “EDL” or an Enhanced Driver’s License, which can be used in place of a passport when re-entering the United States after traveling from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. However, at this time, EDLs are only available to citizens in certain states.

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Why Suggest a Passport If You Don’t NEED It?

That said, to be honest, gathering up other valid types of identification might be more troublesome than just getting a passport. For the most convenience possible, consider getting a passport if you don’t want to book a closed-loop itinerary cruise to Canada. Americans do not need to cruise with a passport on select sailings out of U.S. homeports, though they will have to show proper identification. With those two approved documents and traveling overland into Canada, it is possible to do a one-way cruise starting or ending in Vancouver as an American without a passport. Note that flying across the border would require a passport, however. Armed with this piece of advice, international travel aboard these no-passport cruises can be your ticket to a unique vacation.

Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment. Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. In Ensenada, the “Cinderella of the Pacific,” you can ride horses along mountain trails, tour the wine country, shop for souvenirs and taste the local tequila. Regent Seven Seas features the Wonders in the Caribbean cruise that departs from Miami with stops in the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Key West. Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Southern Caribbean Holiday cruise embarks in San Juan and visits Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, St. Vincent, and St. Maarten.

New England and Canada

Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate. For anyone who'd prefer a passport-not-required destination that can be explored during a short amount of time in port, cruising to Bermuda is a natural fit. It's a fairly small island, and since several itineraries offer overnights (some that span more than one night), you'll have time to learn your way around, have dinner in town and check out the nightlife. Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles are the only U.S. departure ports that offer closed-loop Alaska sailings.

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The Essential Guide for MenThe Manual is simple — we show men how to live a life that is more engaged. As our name implies, we offer a suite of expert guides on a wide range of topics, including fashion, food, drink, travel, and grooming. We don’t boss you around; we’re simply here to bring authenticity and understanding to all that enriches our lives as men on a daily basis. If your cruise itinerary involves any of the above destinations, you will be asked to show your passport before leaving the United States. On the other hand, an open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port. These cruises often require passengers to present a passport before the cruise starts and again after it ends.

This Americana-themed ship usually sails a 7-night round-trip itinerary from Honolulu offering a comprehensive Polynesian experience. While you are probably familiar with Nassau, Bahamas, this region is also home to many cruise line private destinations. These private islands offer exclusive access for passengers sailing with the cruise line. These islands usually offer included food, beach access with loungers, and other amenities. Cruises without a passport are a great way to see the world without having to worry about getting a passport. There are many different cruise lines that offer closed-loop cruises to a variety of destinations.

Cruises departing from Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia require passports. If you’re flying to Caribbean islands like Barbados or the Bahamas, or Canadian homeports, such as Vancouver and Montreal, you will need to carry a passport for these cruises as well. If you’re looking for cruises that don’t require a passport, take a round trip sail to Bermuda from New York City, Baltimore, Charleston or one of two Florida ports of call. As Britain’s oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun.

Canada/New England cruise itineraries are seasonal, running from May to October with the majority of sailings occurring during the Fall. For many, the seasonal cruise destination of Alaska is high on their bucket lists. An Alaskan cruise even lures those who wouldn’t necessarily consider a cruise.

With its outstanding natural beauty, pristine tropical islands, and laid-back coastal living, exquisite Hawaii offers visitors a plethora of fun and cultural family excursions. Many major cruise line operators like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, offer Mexican Riviera cruises departing from Los Angeles ports all year round. Should you travel with your kids under 16, they will only need an original or a copy of their birth certificate (preferably certified). Or other forms of identification like a Naturalization Document or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad document. On one-way sailings, such as between Montreal and Boston on Holland America Line, you will need a passport to fly to or from Canada.

There are two ways to cruise to the volcanoes, tropical forests, whales, and surfing beaches of Hawai‘i without a passport. One is on a cruise where you fly in and spend your entire vacation in and around the islands. The other is a long slog, closed-loop sailing from a California port or Seattle, with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, and several days at sea getting to and from Hawai‘i. Many cruises design itineraries encompassing islands like Grand Cayman, where you can mingle with stingrays, or St. Maarten, with its split Dutch and French personality. While some stops may require passports, many don’t, expanding your horizon beyond the typical.

This is also the one example of where you can take a cruise without a passport and without adhering to the closed-loop itinerary rule. You can technically take a cruise to Canada and not return to the same U.S. port, just as long as you don’t try to fly anywhere. The amicable relationship between Canada and the U.S. means you can cross Canada-U.S. Borders via sea or land (not air) without a passport, if you have other valid identification, such as a NEXUS card or FAST card.

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. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

New ships, creative amenities, engaging shore excursions, a wide range of itineraries, and meticulous health protocols are now attracting first-time cruisers as well as long-time cruise fans. From mega-ships to smaller expedition vessels, there’s a voyage for every type of traveler. In most U.S. ports, debarkation is expedited for cruisers with passports. As someone who cruises almost exclusively out of Galveston – one of the worst ports for debarkation – I can confirm that you can cut your time in the customs line nearly in half just by holding a passport.

Closed-loop cruises depart from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego. There are also cruises that originate in Honolulu and tour the other islands. If your passport has been gathering dust for the last two years, it may be expired. Not necessarily — here’s what you need to know about taking a cruise without a passport. Cruising is back after a few years of rough seas, figuratively speaking. Cruise lines worked behind the scenes during the pandemic, planning for their return to the world’s waterways.

Cruises Without a Passport: Here's Everywhere You Can Cruise Without a Passport in 2024

Table Of Content

• Why It’s Best to Travel With a Passport
• Bermuda
• Mexico
• Cruise To Mexico
• Why Many Cruise Passengers Want to Sail Without a Passport
• Cruises Without a Passport: Everything You Need to Know

Legally, while closed-loop cruises don’t require a passport, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mandates proof of citizenship and identity. Here’s where your birth certificate and government-issued photo ID come in handy, or better yet, an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). Be aware that requirements on closed-loop cruises can still change in certain countries, so be sure to check the entry requirements of the specific cruise ports on your itinerary. Some Caribbean nations still require passports or passport cards, like Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Why It’s Best to Travel With a Passport

No, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring a copy of it with you, just in case (leave the original in the cabin safe). When you get off the ship in port, you don’t need your birth certificate to enter or leave. While it’s not definite, it’s been seen that on some cruises, passengers that are positive for COVID have had to debark the ship. That means they have to find an alternate way home, such as flying. You will also need to have a passport size photo taken and pay the required fees. While this type of passport can be issued within as little as a day, it could take up to a week to receive it.

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Bermuda

In that case, your passport is better left in the safe in your cabin. You might also need a passport for shore excursions that take you from one country to another, such as certain tours on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad that takes passengers from Alaska into Canada. A cruise is an easy way to visit many new places without having to unpack and pack again. When you discover a place you want to return to, you can plan another trip, perhaps with a new passport in hand.

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Mexico

Some Caribbean islands such as St. Martin, Haiti, Guadeloupe and Barbados still have rules that require that visitors carry passports. Citizens, including green-card holders and lawful permanent residents. However, a passport card is only a valid form of identification for a closed-loop cruise. It may not be used for flights to foreign destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, or Canada.

Accepted Identification for Canadian Citizens

That’s no longer the case when you take advantage of cruises you can go on without a passport. A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown.

These things are beyond anyone’s control, so don’t rely on the “it won’t happen to me” mentality. Which islands are visited does vary slightly by the cruise ship and cruise line. However, all islands offer a variety of popular activities like beach breaks, island tours, snorkeling, and historic and cultural tours.

There are also plenty of sweet treats including maple syrup, whoopie pies, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream from nearby Vermont. Like many of the tropical cruise regions, there are plenty of beach breaks, island tours, food tastings, and nature excursions to experience in the Mexican Riviera. Plus, there are exclusive offerings like whale watching, cultural shows like Rhythms of the Night, and some unique landscapes that you can’t find in the Caribbean. For those living on the West Coast, the Mexican Riviera might be the perfect destination to which to cruise without a passport.

Whether you should cruise without a passport is another matter (there are some risks that we’ll get into below). Despite the allure of no-passport-required adventures, we’d be remiss not to highlight the security and peace of mind a passport provides. Imagine needing to fly home unexpectedly from a foreign port because of an emergency, or getting the chance for an impromptu jaunt to a fascinating nearby country. While your cruise must start and end in the U.S., some Alaskan cruises make pit stops in dreamy British Columbian spots like Victoria, renowned for its lush Butchart Gardens. However, it’s essential to carry specific documents, like your birth certificate and government ID, for these little side adventures.

Cruises Without a Passport: Everything You Need to Know

For example, if you had to fly home from a foreign port due to a family emergency, then you’d have trouble returning without a passport. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

While you will need the WHTI-approved identity documents, reviewing your itinerary’s port entry requirements before departure is essential. And in case of a family or business emergency, you will be permitted to disembark the ship earlier than expected and fly back to the US if you have a valid passport. There are also several cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Holland America, and Princess cruises, that also offer East Coast routes, so you can compare their rates to get a great deal. Although, if you are planning on traveling with WHTI documents, tread with caution regarding 20-night closed-loop cruises to Hawaii with the likes of Viking, Princess, and Holland America.

First time cruisers often ask if they need a passport to go on a cruise. The answer is that you generally need a passport to travel to a foreign country, but select itineraries sailing roundtrip from U.S. homeports do not require passports as travel documents. This loophole, if you want to call it that, is the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative designed to allow travel to and within North American countries on a cruise ship. Instead of a passport, passengers will need to carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization should suffice). While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport. At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one. If you love the great outdoors and want to surround yourself with nature, an Alaska cruise is perfect. Sail past glaciers; spot whales, moose and bald eagles; capture breathtaking photos on a mountaintop train ride; and cuddle with sled dog puppies. Or just enjoy a meal of fresh salmon or crab while you're ashore -- no passport needed.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans. You've decided you want a vacation, but there's a problem -- you're a U.S. citizen and you don't have a passport. Maybe you've never had the time, money or desire to travel abroad previously, or perhaps your old passport has expired. If you do have a passport, read our guide to the Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines. Don’t have the right documentation to cruise, according to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the U.S.

This is called a closed-loop cruise, and it allows you to visit several international destinations without ever needing to present your passport. Cruising is a wonderful way to explore incredible destinations while also enjoying luxury accommodations and onboard entertainment. However, before you step foot on the cruise ship, it is smart to understand the documentation requirements to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.