Do I Need a Passport or Vaccinations to Go on a Disney Cruise?

January 28, 2018

Q: Do I need to have a Passport to go on a Disney Cruise?

A: This is a question I actually get asked more than any other when it comes to cruising with Disney. If you are a US Citizen taking part in one of Disney’s European, Atlantic Crossings or Panama Canal cruises then yes a passport is required. However, for Disney Cruise Lines sailings to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean and Mexican Riviera, Disney requires valid proof of citizenship which can be one of the following:

A valid US Passport
A valid US Passport Card
A valid Trusted Traveler Card (Nexus, Sentri, Fast)

An alternative would be to bring along a government-issued photo ID with the following:

State issued Birth Certificate
Consular Report of a Birth Abroad
Certificate of Naturalization

If you’re under the age of 16 you don’t need to show photo id but must present one of the three documents listed above. Guests should note that these requirements may change for one way itineraries where a client is flying home from a foreign country.

For Canadians a passport or a trusted traveler card is essential. For all other foreign citizens you must meet the entry requirements for your country but will more than likely need a passport and possibly an entry visa depending on your nationality.

Alaskan Cruises -Documentation requirements vary depending on how you arrive into Canada. For a complete list of travel documentation requirements by destination click here.

I’m a US Citizen heading to the Bahamas so this means I don’t need to get passports for my family right? Read Carefully! Even though you may not “technically” need a passport to go on a cruise I would never recommend to my clients that you travel without one. The reason being is that you are essentially travelling abroad. The Disney cruise ships are flagged in the Bahamas which means you are subject to Bahamian and International Maritime Law. Even if you weren’t planning on disembarking at a foreign port, unforeseeable things can happen that may make you wish you’d splurged for those passports. For instance, let’s say there was an emergency and you needed to fly home, getting a flight out of a foreign country requires a passport. If you require medical attention at a foreign port you can also run into problems without a passport. If officials question your documentation, having backup can save you from being turned away. Plus when travelling with children, there’s that extra piece of mind that comes with having photo identification for each member of your family. So though you might be trying to save yourself the cost of passports, in the long run it is the much safer option to have them at the ready to make sure that things run as smoothly as possible.

And just a word of caution, if you are applying for passports for the very first time, give yourself an ample window by which to have everything in order and over to Disney Cruise Line for verification. They will ask you for you passport number 75 days prior to your cruise departure date.

I heard that I need to get special vaccinations for my Disney Cruise is this true? Information is circling online right now that guests setting sail to certain destinations with Disney Cruise Line must have special vaccinations to travel. I’ve spoken to Disney Cruise Line and have been reassured that none of Disney Cruise Line’s sailings has mandatory vaccination requirements. Guests cruising as part of their Adventures By Disney touring package to locations not listed above should contact their Travel Agent or Adventures By Disney for information exclusive to their package*.

What about the Zika Virus? The CDC has issued a travel alert for countries in Latin American, the Caribbean and the Bahamas where the Zika virus has been found. Before your cruise, Disney sends out the following information regarding the virus and the precautions that should be taken.

Official information from the CDC on the Zika Virus can be found here.

Thinking about heading out on your first Disney Cruise? Itineraries are currently available to book through until May of 2019. Read below to find out how you can get your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking your next Disney holiday with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you plot out your perfect holiday, work with you to come up with unique ways to make your holiday truly your own, and make sure that you are always getting the best deals and discounts (even after you’ve booked.) Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

*Readers should note that the information above is not intended to take the place of your doctor’s advice. I’m simply stating Disney’s policy that travel specific vaccinations aren’t an official requirement to cruise.

Do I Need a Passport or Vaccinations to Go on a Disney Cruise? 4

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