Understanding the requirements for cruising without a passport on Carnival Cruise Line generates the most posts. This occurs in many social media groups. And sadly, I see a lot of misinformation posted by well-meaning cruisers.

What documents do you really need to take to board the ship?

When a Passport Is NOT Required

U.S. Citizen

• For closed‑loop cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port, U.S. citizens can board using the following:
  
  • A government-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy; hospital records aren’t acceptable), AND
  • A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license; digital IDs are not accepted)
    
• Children under 16 only need their birth certificate.
  

What is actually required when you DON’T have a passport book or card:

Birth Certificate AND a non-expired government issued ID ie. drivers license (does not need to be REAL or enhanced).

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

On Carnival Cruise Line you can take a copy of your original government issued birth certificate, long or short form. You can also use a birth certificate card. Every document must be legible and easily read. It does not need to be notarized or have a raised seal. A picture of your birth certificate on your phone is not acceptable.

No hospital certificates. You know, the cute one with the footprints… NOT ACCEPTABLE.

DO NOT PANIC IF…

IF YOU ARE A MARRIED WOMAN AND YOUR NAME DOES NOT MATCH YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE:

If the first and last names on your boarding pass match your government ID, you do not need your marriage license.

Again, your marriage license is not necessary in this case but you can take a copy if you want.

This is on the Carnival website – read the FIRST LINE!

The only time you need your marriage license is if the name on your ID does NOT match your boarding pass.

This could happen if you recently married (or divorced). Such as a newlywed has booked her reservation with her newly married name but it doesn’t match her ID.

As a travel agent I instruct my clients to book the cruise using the name on their ID.
The ID can be a passport or a current driver’s license.

I totally understand not getting a passport if you seldom cruise or travel. It’s an extra expense and takes a some time and effort. But, if you decide you enjoy cruising it’s highly recommended.

Why Carrying a Passport Is Still a Smart Idea

• Emergencies or missed ports: If you miss your ship in a foreign port and need a flight home, you’ll need a passport. Getting one on short notice is difficult.
  
• Quicker processing: At check-in, passports are machine-scanned, speeding up boarding. Birth certificates require manual verification and may take longer.
  
• Peace of mind: You can book any itinerary without worrying about documentation exceptions.
  

Final Advice

1. Check your itinerary carefully: Determine if it’s a closed-loop trip and whether any stops fall under special cases (e.g. Colombia).
2. If it qualifies for closed-loop rules and you’re a U.S. citizen, birth certificate + photo ID suffices.
3. Strongly consider obtaining a passport anyway — it offers flexibility, ease, and backup in emergencies.
4. Always bring physical, original (Carnival accepts copies) documents; no mobile copies or photos at check-in.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me!

Here’s a group just for new cruisers and others! No judgment with correct answers to your questions. Lots of in-depth information, tips and personal advice! 

Carnival Cruising for First Timers & Seasoned Sailors