Are you about to embark on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? If yes, you are in for the time of your life. Even so, you might have some questions about your upcoming trip. We answer these questions and more, including do you need a passport for Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Do You Need a Passport for Royal Caribbean Cruise?
When you embark on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, you will need to provide acceptable forms of identification. The need for a passport depends on where the cruise will depart and disembark. Consider your passport needs as follows:
- A Standard Cruise: Will the cruise depart or disembark from a non-U.S. port? If your answer to this is yes, then you will require to provide a valid U.S. passport.
- A Closed-Loop Cruise: If the cruise departs and disembarks at U.S. ports, you will likely not need a passport book. Instead, you can use documents such as your ID, a passport card, a WHTI-compliant document, and a birth certificate (for minors). However, if you plan to visit regions like Columbia that require valid passports, you must have a valid passport book.
Generally, it is advisable to have a valid U.S. passport book, even on closed-loop cruises. You can use the passport book to arrange travel back to the U.S. or catch up with the cruise if you get left behind. Your passport book should meet the following requirements:
- It should be valid, i.e., unexpired. It should also have the required minimum validity for the places you will visit. For example, cruises to Columbia require at least 6 months of validity from the date of departure.
- It should be in good condition, and
- It should be in your possession, i.e., not stolen or lost.
Do you need a passport for Royal Caribbean Cruise? If you do not have a valid passport, you can get one within days by applying through TVP.
What to Pack for Royal Caribbean Cruise
A Royal Caribbean Cruise requires you to carry most of the items you would carry on a standard cruise. Below is a list of things you want to consider putting in your luggage:
- A small bag to carry essentials and use for onshore excursions,
- Thin-layered clothes for outings, as such fabric dries fast,
- A different mix of shoes, including sandals, sneakers, and formal shoes,
- Formal dressing for formal nights,
- Casual wear for lounging on the ship,
- Excursion-friendly attire,
- Enough sunscreen,
- Insect repellents,
- Chargers for all your devices,
- Games, books, and other ways to stay entertained while onboard,
- Medicines and their prescriptions, and
- Warm clothes for windy nights.
Do not forget to carry your travel documents, including a valid passport for cruises to non-U.S. ports. TVP can get you a valid passport within a few days!
What Drinks Can You Bring on Royal Caribbean?
You will have access to various drinks and food while on board. However, the cruise allows you to bring some drinks as follows on boarding day:
- Alcoholic Drinks: Each stateroom can bring two 750-ml wine or champagne bottles. However, this is only acceptable if one guest is of legal drinking age.
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks: You can also carry non-alcoholic drinks as long as they do not exceed 12 standard 17-oz cans per stateroom. However, if the drinks are for infants or medical uses, you can exceed this limit.
So, what happens if you exceed the limit? The cruise staff will store the excess drinks and hand them to you on your last day onboard.
What Food Can You Bring on Royal Caribbean?
Would you like to bring food onboard the cruise? Per the cruise laws, you cannot bring any food onboard besides dry non-perishables like crackers and energy bars. If you wish to bring wet food onboard, you must fill out a special needs form and submit it 30 days before the departure date. Luckily, the cruise offers so many cuisines that you will have everything you want while onboard. So, you can forego bringing snacks onboard and enjoy the dining experience instead!
