Monday, April 1, 2024

What Is A Closed-Loop Cruise And Do You Need To Pack Your Passport?

closed loop cruise to bahamas

Closed-loop cruises start and finish at the same United States port. Cruises that don’t begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. An example would be one that starts in Florida and ends in the Bahamas.

Complete Guide to Closed-Loop Cruises (and Open Jaw Itineraries)

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Expert Review - Cruise Critic

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Expert Review.

Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:50:55 GMT [source]

A vast array of choices beckons here, like relaxed tubing at the freshwater Bacalar Lagoon, where you’ll drift over cenote-fed water that’s an astonishing shade of aquamarine. Also, if you miss the ship in one of the ports, you’ll have to make your own way home or to catch up with the cruise, which could be difficult without a passport. If you book an excursion through Celebrity Cruises, that won’t happen, since the ship is guaranteed to wait for you. The Caribbean is a perfect January cruise for anyone wanting to escape the winter cold. Most Caribbean itineraries sailing out of Florida and Texas are continuous loops because they depart from and return to the same port.

Visit our partner websites

Luxury and fun on the high seas continue to be something that increasingly appeals to travelers worldwide. It's projected that by 2028, the global cruise market will become an industry worth over $15 billion. If you aren’t a Lawful Permanent Resident or a U.S. citizen, you must provide appropriate documentation to prove your citizenship, including a passport.

For U.S. Citizens

closed loop cruise to bahamas

At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. 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. However, most cruises that would be round-trip from a U.S. port to these destinations would not qualify as a closed loop.

closed loop cruise to bahamas

Additionally, U.S. travelers on closed-loop cruises won't typically have to worry about having a passport to enjoy the experience. Instead, U.S. Customs and Border Protection allows U.S. citizens 16 and older to enter and leave the country using alternative proof of citizenship. Approved forms of identification include a birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID, with additional documentation requirements in place for travelers 16 and under. If you booked a closed-loop cruise to The Bahamas, you can get away with using a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license.

To leave and enter the United States while on a closed-loop cruise, all you need is evidence of nationality, such as your birth card. Closed-loop cruises are those that begin and conclude in the local harbor in the United States; for instance, traveling around Fort Lauderdale would qualify as an instance of a closed-loop trip. Following that, you will spend a whole day gently sailing the 30-mile Endicott Arm Fjord. A closed-loop cruise is one that does not need you to have a passport for the majority of its passengers. This is among the main reasons why people choose to go on these kinds of vacations.

German Cruise Port Welcomes Over 1.2 Million Cruise Passengers

Visit neighboring Nevis and see the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the U.S. From Ensenada, you could snorkel over underwater rock formations at Todos Santos island, or join a wine tasting tour to Calafia Valley, Mexico’s wine-growing region. Closer to port, join a walking tour of the cosmopolitan town to sample tequila and tacos. Spend seven nights exploring the wild beauty of Alaska on Celebrity Solstice, the perfect ship for such dazzling scenery, with its abundance of outside space and top-deck Lawn Club.

A cruise to the Bahamas is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover the Bahamas onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. Dive and drift through warm waters to reach colorful coral reefs in Bimini like Rainbow Reef. See mysterious shipwrecks like Theo's Wreck and Sea Star Wreck in Grand Bahama. And take part in some thrilling wall diving — where you can explore deep reef edges — in New Providence.

San Francisco cruises are a minimum of 10 days due to the extra distance in sailing from California. Seattle cruises are typically seven days but can be up to 14 days in a close-loop format. A United States Passport Card is a low-cost, limited-use travel document produced by the Department of State. Territories can sail in a closed-loop cruise from their ports of call. If you travel to any of these countries without a passport, however, it’s a good idea to take your valid forms of ID with you when you walk around the port in case you encounter any problems. MSC offers popular cruises in the Mediterranean with return trips from Marseille, France.

Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment. Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. In Ensenada, the “Cinderella of the Pacific,” you can ride horses along mountain trails, tour the wine country, shop for souvenirs and taste the local tequila.

If you choose not to bring your passport and take advantage of the benefits of a closed-loop cruise, there are some things that you need to be aware of. In case of emergency, or if you need to return by air, you must provide a passport to board. While LPRs are not required to have passports, other destinations may contain different rules. Those sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean don’t need to be concerned with fulfilling this requirement. It has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. There are plenty of reasons to take a cruise, including great food, plentiful activities and lots of sunshine.

If, for instance, you're going to a private island, you can technically enjoy the beaches for free, as they all have complimentary lounge chairs. Those wanting to book a tour in Nassau, Bimini, or Freeport will have to pay extra. Before you set sail, you should always check in with your cruise operator. Take a trip to the Islands and the clear, coastal weather of the Caribbean aboard the luxurious Celebrity Edge, one of the most cutting-edge and magnificent vessels now sailing the seas. You will spend the day in vibrant Nassau, which is located on New Providence Island.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Burgundy Hair: 50 Vivid Hues & Shades You'll Just Love Wearing this Fall!

Table Of Content TRESemmé Pro-Color Series Blonde Brilliance Conditioner Burgundy Waves with Subtle Raspberry Highlights Rock the Spotlight ...