Which Travel Documents Do You Need When Cruising?

Cruising is a great way to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of moving between hotels while enjoying convenient onboard amenities and leisure activities. Before you head out, be sure you have the right travel documents for your cruise on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Required Travel Documents for Cruises From Galveston

It is advisable for U.S. citizens to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their anticipated return date for Galveston cruises, even if it is not explicitly required by your Cruise Line. If you are departing and returning to the same domestic port and do not plan to visit any ports outside of the U.S., you can use any of the following forms of identification instead of a passport book:

• Certificate of U.S. Naturalization
• Official birth certificate and an approved government-issued photo ID
• Native American Indian Card
• S. Passport Card
• State Enhanced Driver's License

Double check with your specific Cruise Line to ensure which documents they accept.

You may also need other documents depending on your exact itinerary. For example, some transpacific, Australian, Asian, and New Zealand cruises may require specific visas. Ports in Panama and Greenland require travelers to have a valid U.S. passport book, while Columbia accepts a passport book or card.

U.S. citizens traveling by air to or from a port in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda must meet additional requirements, including having a valid, unexpired passport book. Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. airline passengers must present either a valid U.S. passport book or state-enhanced driver’s license for all air travel.

U.S. Permanent Residents must generally follow the same rules as citizens, with the addition of a required Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) that includes a photo I.D.

Tips for Proper Documentation

Take time to prepare documents ahead of time. Getting a new passport can take several months. You may be able to expedite the process, but it is not guaranteed, and rush fees can get expensive.

When preparing to head to the port at Galveston, put your travel documents for cruise departure in a safe and easily accessible location. Do not pack them, or you could end up being denied boarding. If you are using a birth certificate or driver’s license, be sure it meets all the requirements of your cruise line.

You also want to double-check that the names on the documents match those on your itinerary. Any name changes, such as after marriage, divorce, or a transition, must be reflected on your ID.

If you plan to travel with minor children who are not your own, you must have a notarized letter of consent from the child’s parent and proper identification for Galveston cruises.

Prepare for Your Galveston Cruise

EZ Cruise Parking has lots only two blocks from the Galveston cruise terminals. We offer secure parking and a shuttle service from 9 am to 2 pm. Relax and let our drivers take you the last few blocks so you can have all travel documents for cruise departure ready to present at the terminal. Reserve your spot today!