Closed-Loop Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

Table Of Content

• Travel Documentation Requirements
• Popular Cruise Options
• Free Vacation Planning Services
• Ever Heard of a Closed-Loop Cruise? Here’s What to Know About These Unique Sailings
• What Is An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)?
• What Documentation Is Needed For A Closed-Loop Cruise?
• Closed Loop Cruise: Passport Requirements & Destinations

There are many types of cruises, but in recent years one that is becoming more popular is the closed-loop cruise. If you miss your ship at a port, you will need to find a way to catch up to the cruise or return home. Also, it is advisable to always travel with some form of identification.

Travel Documentation Requirements

On these journeys, you will stop in places such as Genoa, Palermo, Ibiza, Valencia, Barcelona, and Naples. One of the closed itineraries growing in popularity in Europe is a cruise to Iceland. Departing and ending at Rotterdam, in The Netherlands, you’ll get to explore this true wonder of the world. Cruises to Iceland also commonly include a port of call in Ireland as well. Even though the US Government doesn’t mandate that you need a passport, it is always advisable to double-check as some locations along your cruise journey may have various requirements, including having a visa.

Popular Cruise Options

One of the most unique things to do in Bermuda is to sample a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, the powerful local specialty made of dark rum with ginger beer and a slice of lime. There’s plenty to do, from snorkeling to golf, exploring the shops and galleries in Hamilton, the pastel-hued capital, and visiting the island’s forts. Hike the historic Railway Trail, consisting of 18 miles of scenic pathway following the course of an old railroad line.

Free Vacation Planning Services

Passports can be used as your form of identification but the fact that they aren’t mandatory is why closed-loop cruises are popular. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port. Because most cruise ships operate under foreign flags, Alaskan itineraries often involve a stop in Canada, and Hawaiian cruises are rather uncommon.

Ever Heard of a Closed-Loop Cruise? Here’s What to Know About These Unique Sailings

U.S. citizens on closed loop cruises have two options for providing documentation to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean for sea border crossings at the end of their trip. They can present a passport, passport card or Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) and only need to show one document. Those sailing on a closed-loop cruise can enter or leave the country with an alternative proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued driver’s license or birth certificate. Secondly, closed loop cruises often provide the opportunity to explore multiple destinations without the need for additional visas or travel documents. Since the cruise ship returns to the same port, passengers can take advantage of shore excursions and explore different cities or countries, all while staying within the closed loop framework.

What Is An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)?

When it comes to exploring the world on the high seas, there are various types of cruises to choose from. One such type is the closed loop cruise, which offers a unique and convenient way to travel. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a closed loop cruise, don’t worry – this article will provide you with all the information you need to know. This is among the factors contributing to the popularity of these routes.

What Documentation Is Needed For A Closed-Loop Cruise?

However, it is important to know that another proof of citizenship will be required instead. U.S. citizens booked on those sailings can leave and enter the country with proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and – if 16 or older – a government-issued photo ID, according to U.S. Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. They are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. EDLs are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive.

Closed Loop Cruise: Passport Requirements & Destinations

It has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. Additionally, you’ll have to find your way home or catch up with the trip if you miss the ship in one of the ports, which could be challenging without a passport. That won’t occur if you reserve an excursion with Celebrity Cruises, as the ship will wait for you. Social Security numbers and voter registration cards are not accepted as evidence of citizenship. Ships flying foreign flags are required by U.S. maritime law to make a minimum of one port call in a foreign nation.

Advantages of Closed Loop Cruises

Every voyage on a ship that’s not U.S. flagged, departing from and returning to a U.S. port must, according to maritime law, visit one foreign port of call. This is why you’ll find Alaska cruises stopping in Vancouver, or Western Caribbean cruises calling in at Cancun. Luxury and premium cruise lines such as Silversea, Oceania, Cunard, or Regent Seven Seas also offer closed-loop cruises. However, their fleet of ships is usually limited, with fewer options for itineraries.

Travelers can reenter the country from Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico with an EDL, but the documents are valid for border crossings only by sea or land. These are just a few examples of popular destinations for closed loop cruises. Other options include the Mexican Riviera, the Galapagos Islands, the South Pacific, and more. Depending on your interests, budget, and desired travel experience, there is a closed loop cruise for every discerning traveler.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for example, requires passports for all voyages no matter the ports of call or countries visited, and destinations may call for them as well. An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) allows you to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. However, an EDL is only accepted at land and sea border crossings, not for air travel. It’s important to check the itinerary for your trip because there are a few places, even on a closed-loop cruise, that do require a passport to disembark.