There are plenty of reasons why you might want to cruise with Disney. Maybe you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with your family that includes all the amenities of a luxury resort, or maybe you’re looking for an exciting adventure where you can explore new places and make memories that will last a lifetime. No matter what your reasons are, all-inclusive Disney vacations are sure to be an unforgettable experience.
In this article we tackle an important topic – passports.
Do I Need to Bring a Passport?
Everyone boarding a Disney Cruise must provide proof of citizenship as well as a government-issued photo ID. But do you need a passport, specifically? This depends on what country your cruise ship is departing from and its destination.
You will not need a passport if your sailing starts at a United States port, travels only to certain locations (Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, or Caribbean), and returns to the same U.S. port.
If your cruise originates from (or will end in) another country, you will need a passport. You’ll be asked to provide your passport details seventy-five days before your vacation and will also need to have it in-hand to board.
Even if your cruise does not require a passport, bringing a passport is always recommended. If you have an emergency that requires you to fly home mid-cruise, or fail to return to the ship on-time before it leaves a port you’re visiting, you will need a passport to board a plane.
Even without the unexpected, having a passport just simplifies things. With a passport, you don’t have to bring multiple sensitive documents such as birth certificates or try to figure out different ID rules for every single leg of your journey.
Also note that our guide here primarily applies to US Citizens. Permanent legal residents and citizens of other countries should check with Disney Cruise Line, the U.S. State Department, or their local consulate for guidance.
Cruises Requiring a Passport
For certain cruises, a passport is required for all guests. If you’re planning on taking any of the following cruises, be sure your passport is ready and valid (and remember, some countries may require your passport be valid for several months after your visit):
Transatlantic: These cruises typically travel between the US and Europe, and sometimes include stops in the Caribbean or other parts of the world.
European: These cruises visit Norway, Northern Europe, Iceland, or the British Isles. Sometimes, they also include stops in other parts of Europe, like Spain, Rome, Greece, Croatia, or France.
Mediterranean: These cruises typically travel to Spain, Rome, Greece, Croatia, or France. They may also include stops in other parts of Europe or the Mediterranean.
Panama Canal: These cruises travel through the Panama Canal, typically between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and may also include stops in Central America or the Caribbean.
River Cruises and Expedition Cruises (with Adventures by Disney): These cruises travel on European rivers like the Danube or exotic locales such as the Galapagos Islands.
The Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Mexican Riviera (Round-Trip Cruises from the U.S.)
Setting sail on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean or Mexican Riviera? You’re in for a magical time!
Ideally, you’ll have a valid US Passport, Passport Card, or Trusted Traveler Card (Nexus, Sentri, Fast). If you don’t have a passport, no worries – you can still come along as long as you have a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a drivers license) and one of the following: state-issued birth certificate (no photocopies), Consular Report of a Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you have kiddos under sixteen years old traveling with you, they don’t need to show photo ID, but must present one of the three forms of documentation outlined above.
A passport or a trusted traveler card is necessary for Canadians; all other international residents must fulfill the requirements of your country’s entry regulations. A Legal Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) is required for US Legal Permanent Residents.
Remember – these rules apply only if your cruise starts and ends at the same U.S. port. One-way cruises that end in a different port than they began may have different rules — check well in advance of your trip so you have plenty of time to obtain the appropriate travel documents.
Alaska Disney Cruises
When planning an Alaskan cruise with Disney, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if you’re flying into Vancouver to board the ship, you’ll need a valid US passport for arrival in Canada. For those arriving in Canada by land or sea (before boarding the cruise), you’ll need a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization, along with a government-issued photo ID such as a passport card.
Also, be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes – even in the summer, Alaska can be chilly! Of course, don’t forget your camera to capture all the breathtaking scenery. From towering glaciers to pristine forests, Alaska is truly a nature lover’s paradise. A cruise is the perfect way to see everything this amazing state has to offer.
Pacific Coast, Hawai’i, and Canada
Disney occasionally offers sailings in these regions, and it’s a great way to see some new and amazing scenery. U.S. citizens arriving/departing by air in Canada will need a valid passport, and those arriving by land or sea (before the cruise begins) will need a passport card or Trusted Traveler Card. Legal permanent residents of the U.S. must provide a Green Card / Permanent Resident Card.
Conclusion
We always recommend having a passport if you’re going to cruise, but on some itineraries you can travel without one and still have the trip of a lifetime. If you don’t have a passport, remember to double check passport requirements carefully so you know exactly which documents to add to your cruise packing checklist. And if you’re looking for how to book those tickets – we’ve got you covered on the best places to book a Disney cruise.
Can’t choose which cruise to take?
Check out our latest article to learn more about Disney Cruises versus Royal Caribbean cruises and see which one is best for you.
We highly recommend contacting The Vacationeer! Their expert Disney travel planners are Disney Cruise Experts and can make planning a breeze. Get a free quote today — their services are provided at no additional cost to you, and there’s never any obligation to book.
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