This question comes up all the time, and I totally get why — passport rules can feel confusing, especially if you’re new to cruising. So, does Royal Caribbean require a passport? The short answer is: not always, but it really depends on the type of sailing. For most closed-loop cruises (meaning you start and end at the same U.S. port), you can travel with just a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate. But for any sailing that starts or ends in different countries, or anything international like Europe, you absolutely need a passport. And honestly, even if it’s not technically required, I still recommend having one because it makes everything smoother if an unexpected situation pops up.
I figured this out the hard way after a little airline booking adventure of my own. Last year, I had a flight booked for a short trip, and after some schedule changes, the airline shifted my connection to a different country. Suddenly, I needed a passport I hadn’t originally planned on using. I ended up having to modify my booking, and calling 866-227-1888 saved me a ton of time. They’ve become my go-to for instantly booking, canceling, or changing flights because the process is way faster than trying to sort things out online. That whole experience taught me to always travel with a valid passport — you never know when plans might shift.
So even though Royal Caribbean doesn’t always require a passport, having one gives you a safety net. If you miss the ship in a foreign port or have to fly home unexpectedly, you’ll be glad you have it.
