Yes, new Homeland Security rules require you to carry a passport whenever leaving the USA.
Yes, any out of country travel now requires a passport
If you are a US citizen and the ship departs and returns from a port in the US, you can cruise to the Bahamas, or throughout the Caribbean, with a certified copy of your birth certificate (raised seal) and a government issued photo ID (drivers license). You will not need a passport. If you are flying to any location outside the United States to board the ship, you will need a passport. And if you are not a US citizen, you will need a passport and may need a Visa to enter the Bahamas.
Caribbean Princess
Effecting June 1, 2009, any travel to the Bahamas will require a passport. You can find this info on http://travel.state.gov
Yes you will need a passport if the sailing is after June 2009. But if you are traveling before that you can still use your birth certificate.
The Department of Homeland Security issued the final regulations on passport requirements on March 27, 2008. Effective June 1, 2009, if you are a US citizen and taking a cruise that departs from and returns to the same US port, you do not need a passport (but you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate or naturalization papers and a government-issued photo ID). Before June 1, 2009, you do not need a passport if you are a US citizen and are traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada by sea. (You can depart and return to different US ports -- passports are required for travel by air to anywhere outside the United States).
Yes. Everyone entering the US by boat or air or foot must have a US Passport for reentry. This became effective in June 2009.
If you are a US citizen, you will not need a passport for travel by sea to Mexico (and also the Caribbean and Canada) until June 2009. If your cruise begins and ends in the same US port, you will not need a passport even after this date. Required documentation is a certified birth certificate (with a raised seal) or naturalization papers and a government-issued photo ID, such as a drivers license. More information is at: http://www.greatescapetraveller.com/US-PassportRequirements.htm
As of 12/09 when my family cruised to the Bahamas you could still used your birth certificate . My friend used hers with no problem out of Miami Fl. . Cruise line says being that it was a closed loop cruise meaning you return to the same point that you left the USA .
yes you do Update: Effective June 1, 2009, if you are a US citizen and taking a cruise that departs from and returns to the same US port, you do not need a passport (but you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate or naturalization papers and a government-issued photo ID).
In March, '09, a U.S. citizen could still get by with a birth certificate (and accompanying documents reflecting any name change). Now, in the fall of '09, a valid U.S. passport is required. OR, go to the post office and apply for a "passport card." The card is good for U.S. citizens returning from Mexico, Canada, or Caribbean destinations. This is cheaper than a regular passport, mailed to you within a week, and they take your photo right there at the post office!
The Last Passport - 2009 is rated/received certificates of: USA:PG