In most cases, when you board a closed-loop cruise — one leaving from and returning to the same U.S. port — you don’t need a passport. You can board with an original, raised-seal birth certificate and a driver’s license. 

It makes sense to have a passport, however, because if something on your cruise goes wrong, you cannot fly back to the U.S. without one. Still, many passengers who cruise only occasionally don’t have a passport, both because obtaining one is expensive and can be a slow process.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line shares key loyalty program news

Some cruises, however, do require a passport. If, for example, you take a transatlantic cruise, a passport may be required. It’s important for cruisers to pay attention to any communication that their cruise line sends to them.

That’s because rules can change, and you don’t want to arrive at your cruise without the required documents. If you do, in some cases you’ll be denied boarding, while in others you may not be able to get off the ship at certain destinations.

Now, Carnival Cruise Line has sent a letter to passengers that communicates a change in passport rules on some cruises. 

Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Carnival has a new passport rule for Panama

Carnival recently outlined new passport instructions for Panama cruise passengers.

“To comply with guidelines for going ashore, all guests (including infants) must carry a passport book that is valid for at least six months after the cruise ends,” the cruise line communicated.

“Guests will be permitted to sail with other acceptable travel documentation, but they must remain on board when the ship visits Panama.”

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

Simply put, passengers without passports won’t be denied boarding in the U.S., but they will not be allowed off the ship in Panama. 

This might not seem like a change for people who have previously gone on Panama Canal crossings. Since those sailings were not closed-loop, they already required passengers to carry passports. 

ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise

Carnival, however, has added more cruises that visit Panama and return to the same U.S. homeport.

Passengers are responsible for having the documents required for each country they visit. It can take six to eight weeks to get a passport, but the process can be expedited for an added fee.

And to emphasize: In most cases, to cruise with your passport, it must be valid for at least six months past the date the cruise ends.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.