Real ID and How It Impacts Your Travel Plans

A REAL ID is a US federally compliant form of identification that will be required for US domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. However, when it comes to cruises, a REAL ID is not required to board a cruise ship. Here’s what you need to know:

• If you’re flying to your cruise departure port, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport) to pass through airport security.
• If you’re driving to the cruise port, a standard government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license) is sufficient.
• For international cruises, a passport is required, as a REAL ID cannot be used for international travel. 
• Some cruises that depart and return to the same U.S. port (closed-loop cruises) may allow travelers to use a government-issued photo ID along with a birth certificate instead of a passport. 

While cruise lines don’t require a REAL ID, having one can still be useful for air travel and other federal security checkpoints. If you’re planning a cruise, it’s best to check with your cruise line for specific documentation requirements.

As a recommendation, we advise always carrying your passport when cruising, whether it's a closed-loop cruise or not. If you're flying into your embarkation port and miss your ship departure time, you can fly to the next port country.  If, for whatever reason, you miss getting back on the ship while in a port, it's a lot easier to arrange transportation to the next port or back to the USA with your passport in hand. Some countries, like Panama, now require a passport to get off your cruise ship when in a Panama port. You can sail without one, but would have to remain on the ship when in a Panama port.