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Since these cruises stay within the Western Hemisphere, this provides a broad list of available countries. Note the photo ID cards all use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to reduce time during screening or at checkpoints. If you live within driving distance of the cruise port, you can have your car waiting when you disembark. This was a significant difference as not all Americans want the hassle or expense of getting a passport. Being able to travel without a passport encourages international exploration. The goal was to improve and strengthen border protection for the United States.
What Is An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)?
During your closed loop cruise, practice responsible tourism by respecting the environment, wildlife, and local culture. Dispose of waste responsibly, eat sustainably, and support local and sustainable products. By making conscious choices, you can contribute to a more sustainable and enjoyable travel experience. By incorporating these tips into your closed loop cruise experience, you can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible approach to travel.
Margaritaville at Sea
It provides a circular route, returning to the original port of embarkation, and can be tailored to different preferences and budgets. It’s important to note that closed loop cruises can be operated by various cruise lines and cater to different budgets and preferences. They can range from short weekend getaways to longer voyages spanning several weeks. The choice of itineraries and destinations depends on the cruise line, the ship, and the specific time of year.
East Coast Closed-Loop Cruises
The most popular Mexican Riviera cruise ports include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta on 7-day cruises. However, La Paz, Loreto, and Manzanillo are popular on longer cruises of 8-14 days. Pre-Covid, we had booked three back-to-back cruises, all sailing from Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
But if you’re looking for an incredible Alaskan experience, head out west to Seattle and catch a trip to The Last Frontier with HAL. On the West Coast, San Francisco sees the most cruise ships pass through every year. Quite a few other city ports are offering closed-loop cruises from the US, so let’s take a look.
There are different rules still if you’re a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the U.S. While the U.S. government does not require you to have a passport, destinations on the itinerary may have different rules, so it’s always advisable to check. If you are an LPR, you’ll need your I-551, or Green Card, to re-enter the U.S. LPR, you’ll need a passport regardless of whether you’re on a closed-loop cruise or not.
Do you Need a Passport for a Closed Loop Cruise?
Should you not be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident, you will need to provide the necessary paperwork, which may include a passport. Passports are required for all cruises, even closed-loop sailings, for non-citizens of the United States. In addition to a birth certificate or passport, an enhanced driver’s license proves citizenship and identity. American citizens do not need a passport to go on a closed loop cruise.
Closed-Loop Cruises in Popular European Cities
This may also entail visiting places that other cruises would not have the time or ability to visit, such as more exotic locations. The benefit of taking these “round-trip cruises” is that American travelers don’t necessarily need a passport as long as the trip begins and ends at the same U.S.A. port. However, you must understand the nuances of the itinerary you choose if you don’t have a passport, even if you have a travel agent to help guide you. You might have heard the term "closed loop cruise" in reference to a sailing and wondered what it meant. While it does have to do with the ports on the itinerary -- forming a complete loop, if you will -- it's a bit more complicated than that. As a U.S. citizen, you can take advantage of the convenience of what’s called a closed-loop cruise—with no passport required.
However, travelers do need appropriate government-issued documentation when they cruise. This particular type of itinerary begins and ends in the same U.S. port. Passengers should also note that for some ports, you may require a passport to gain entrance. Therefore, always make sure to know whether you need your passport or not before going on your cruise. By following these planning steps, you can ensure a well-organized and memorable closed loop cruise vacation.
They could drive to the nearest cruise port, take a closed-loop cruise, and see another part of the world. You don’t need a passport to sail through Canadian ports en route to Alaska as long as you start and end your cruise at the same U.S. port. Those sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean don’t need to be concerned with fulfilling this requirement.
There are so many potential destinations that you could do 10 or 20 closed-loop cruises that were all different. Book through your local travel agent if you want to let a professional handle all the details. Just let them know you want a ‘Closed-Loop Cruise,’ and they will find what you need.
Cruise length ranges from 6-11 nights with all destination ports within New England. Travelers love New England because it experiences four seasons and is rich in history. This region is served primarily by American Cruise Lines (ACL), with smaller ships carrying less than 200 passengers. The application cost varies by state but is typically USD in addition to the price of a primary driver’s license. It’s easy to book multiple (back-to-back) cruises in regions like the Caribbean.
It's worth noting that select ports of call -- like the island of Martinique -- require a passport to enter, so it's always best to check with your travel agent, a cruise line representative or the U.S. One key aspect of closed loop cruises is that they typically follow a circular route. The ship may sail to multiple destinations, exploring different cities or even countries, but it always returns to its original port of departure. This allows passengers to enjoy the benefits of visiting diverse locations while still enjoying the comfort and familiarity of their starting point. Blessed with near-perpetual sunshine and stunning beaches, the Bahamas are one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations.
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