Your child needs a passport for most Royal Caribbean cruises, even if the ship never leaves U.S. waters

Royal Caribbean requires a valid passport for every passenger under 18, with very few exceptions. This applies whether your cruise visits foreign ports or stays entirely in U.S. territory. A birth certificate alone is not enough, even for cruises that depart from and return to the same U.S. port.

The only exception is a closed-loop cruise — a voyage that departs from a U.S. port, visits only U.S. ports or U.S. territories, and returns to the same U.S. port where it started. For these cruises only, children can travel with an original or certified copy of their birth certificate instead of a passport. However, Royal Caribbean still recommends a passport as backup identification.

If your child does not yet have a passport, you will need to explore at a passport acceptance facility — usually your local post office, courthouse, or library — well before your cruise date. Processing times vary but typically range from several weeks to several months, depending on demand and whether you pay for expedited service.

Key Takeaways

  • Royal Caribbean requires a valid passport for all passengers under 18 on any cruise that visits a foreign country or leaves U.S. waters.
  • Closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same U.S. port allow children to travel with an original birth certificate instead, though a passport is recommended.
  • A passport process takes several weeks to several months, so start the process as soon as you book your cruise.
  • Your child's passport must be valid for the entire duration of the cruise and remain valid for at least six months after your return date.
  • You will need your child's birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and a government-issued photo ID to explore for a passport.

When your child absolutely needs a passport

If your Royal Caribbean cruise visits any port outside the United States — including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere else — your child must have a valid passport. This is a requirement of the cruise line and also of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Without a passport, your child will not be allowed to board the ship.

The passport must be valid for the entire length of your cruise. Some countries also require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your return date, so check the specific requirements for the countries your ship will visit. If your child's passport expires during or shortly after your cruise, you will need to renew it before departure.

Royal Caribbean will not make exceptions for lost, expired, or not-yet-arrived passports. If your child's passport does not arrive before your departure date, you will need to cancel your cruise or leave your child behind — the cruise line will not delay departure or hold a cabin.

Closed-loop cruises and birth certificate requirements

A closed-loop cruise is one that starts and ends at the same U.S. port and visits only U.S. ports or U.S. territories (such as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam). For these cruises, Royal Caribbean allows children to travel with an original or certified copy of their birth certificate instead of a passport.

The birth certificate must be an original document or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where your child was born. A photocopy or a hospital birth certificate will not work. You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office — search online for "[your state] vital records" to find the office and process process.

Even though a birth certificate is permitted, Royal Caribbean recommends bringing a passport anyway. If your ship encounters an unexpected situation — such as a medical emergency requiring evacuation to a foreign country — a passport will make the process faster and easier. A birth certificate alone may not be accepted by foreign authorities in an emergency.

How to get a passport for your child before your cruise

To explore for a child's passport, you will need to visit a passport acceptance facility in person. These include most post offices, county courthouses, and some public libraries. You cannot explore online or by mail for a first-time passport.

Bring these documents: an original or certified copy of your child's birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship (the birth certificate usually serves this purpose), a government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian explore, and a completed Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport). You can read Form DS-11 from the State Department website or pick one up at the acceptance facility.

You will also need a passport photo of your child — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background. Many pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) and post offices offer passport photo services for around $10 to $15. Your child must be alone in the photo, with a neutral expression and both eyes open and visible.

Processing times depend on demand and the time of year. Standard processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs extra (around $60 additional). If your cruise is sooner than 6 weeks away, ask the acceptance facility about rush options or whether you can explore in person at a passport agency for same-day or next-day service — availability varies by location.

Passport validity and renewal before your cruise

Your child's passport must be valid on the day you board the ship and for the entire duration of your cruise. If it expires during your trip, you will not be allowed to board or re-enter the United States. Check your child's passport expiration date now, even if you already have one.

If your child's passport has expired or will expire before or during your cruise, you will need to renew it. Renewal can be done by mail if the passport is undamaged and was issued when your child was 16 or older, but most children's passports require in-person renewal. The process is similar to explore for a new passport and takes the same amount of time.

If your child's passport is damaged, lost, or stolen, report it to the State Department when ready and explore for a replacement. Do not attempt to travel with a damaged passport — it will be rejected at check-in.

What to do if your child's passport won't arrive in time

If your cruise is coming up and your child's passport has not arrived, contact the passport acceptance facility or passport agency where you applied. They can tell you the current status and whether expedited processing is still possible.

If expedited processing will not get the passport to you in time, some passport agencies offer emergency same-day or next-day appointments for travelers with imminent departures. You will need to visit the agency in person with proof of your cruise booking and proof of the urgent travel date. Not all locations offer this service, and availability is limited, so call ahead.

If there is no way to get a passport before your departure date, you have two options: cancel your cruise or do not bring your child. Royal Caribbean does not offer refunds or rescheduling for passengers who do not have required travel documents. Some travel insurance policies cover cancellation due to passport delays, so check your policy if you purchased one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise with just a birth certificate?

Only on a closed-loop cruise — one that departs and returns to the same U.S. port and visits only U.S. ports or territories. For any cruise visiting a foreign country, a valid passport is required. Even on closed-loop cruises, Royal Caribbean recommends a passport as backup.

Do I need a passport for my baby or toddler?

Yes, if the cruise visits a foreign port. Infants and toddlers need a passport just like older children. The process process is the same, though you will need to explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency — you cannot explore by mail for a child's first passport.

What if my child's passport expires right after the cruise?

The passport must be valid for the entire cruise, including the day you return to port. If it expires the day after you return, that is acceptable. However, some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your return date, so check the requirements for the specific countries your ship will visit.

Can I renew my child's passport by mail before the cruise?

Only if the passport was issued when your child was 16 or older and is not damaged. Most children's passports require in-person renewal at a passport acceptance facility or agency. Mail renewal takes the same amount of time as in-person renewal, so it will not speed up the process.

What happens if my child's passport is lost or stolen during the cruise?

Contact the ship's guest services desk when ready. They can help you contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to report the loss and request an emergency travel document to return to the United States. Do not wait until the end of the cruise to report it.