Where can I go cruising without passport?

I don't have a valid US passport right now and I'm not going to be eligible for one for some time because of personal reasons. Since I can't get one right now I am not able to fly anywhere outside of the country.

But i want to go with my girlfriend on a cruise when we are in Florida. I'm just wondering if it would be ok to go on a cruise down into the caribbean somewhere without needing a passport. Thank you for your help.




ANSWER:

Hi there,

For the last two years it has been required to have a passport, even when going on a Caribbean cruise. Before you would be able to just have a birth certificate and ID. But because of increased security measures, it is now required to have a passport for international travel.

There are cruises that are off the coast of the United States but do not go to any other country. I would check into one of those types of cruises for your situation. You will need to ask a cruise representative if you need a passport, just to be on the safe side.

There is also the passport card that is available for people who only travel to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean. But if you are not eligible for a passport book then I'm sure you wouldn't qualify for the card either.

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