bahama cruise leaving from galveston

Best Bahamas Cruise From Galveston

Find the Best Bahamas Cruise From Galveston with our cruise search. Save even more when you activate free price alerts and use our price prediction on your Bahamas cruise departing from Galveston.

Very good price

16 Night Transatlantic

Galveston; Nassau, Bahamas; Cadiz & Seville; Malaga; Cartagena, Spain; Valencia, Spain; Barcelona

Please login or register to see price prediction!

8 Night Caribbean

Galveston; Key West, Florida; Freeport, Bahamas; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island); N... Galveston

9 Night Caribbean

Galveston; Key West, Florida; Freeport, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas; Bimini, Bahamas; Galveston

8 Night N-A

Galveston; Key West, Florida; Celebration Key, The Bahamas; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private... Galveston

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Cruises from Galveston

An island full of art, architecture, and boutiques.

Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. Explore the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and grab some local cuisine, or visit Moody Gardens with attractions and entertainment ranging from a world-class aquarium and a living rainforest to the Discovery Museum and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, before you embark on a cruise to exciting destinations in the Western Caribbean and Mexico such as Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roatan.

Caribbean cruises

On a cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, explore the beauty of unspoiled coral reefs and underwater caves as well as visit the ancient Mayan ruins throughout the region. One moment you can be walking among the vast ruins of this mighty civilization and the next delving into the culture of the Yucatán Peninsula or simply unwinding on beaches that offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

What to Know About Cruises from Galveston

Known for its history, beaches and outdoor adventures, Galveston is truly a gem in Texas. Here’s everything you need to know about your cruise from Galveston. 

Galveston at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone:  Central Time (CT)
• Docking:  Your cruise from Galveston docks at the Port of Galveston located in the city’s historic downtown district.
• Attire:  Galveston’s temperatures throughout the year typically range from 48 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it’s never too hot or too cold to spend the day at the beach.
• Transportation:  You can get around the island by Uber, Lyft, shuttle, limousine, or rental car. There are also unique transportation options such as surreys along the beachfront and horse-drawn carriages in the historic downtown district.

Things to do in Galveston

Before getting on a cruise from Galveston, start your vacation with a visit to the city’s museums, historic neighborhoods, and cultural icons. Take a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to family-friendly rides, games, and other attractions. Then relax on one of Galveston’s many iconic beaches and enjoy the 32-miles of coastline. Whether you are traveling with family, a group of friends or your significant other, this laid-back island has something for everyone.

Cruise Ship Sailing from Galveston

Join our Princess fleet to sail on some of the best cruises from Galveston. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Learn more about: Regal Princess®

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

You May Also Like

Medallionclass® on all ships.

Next-level technology. More time for you. Your vacation – simplified, personalized.

New To Cruising

First time cruising? Have questions? We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing.

Food & Dining

Award-winning and made from scratch

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Limited-Time Cruises from Texas

Chart a course from galveston, texas to the western caribbean, tropical sailings, 4- and 5-night western caribbean cruises.

Hit the waves with some watersports, explore ancient ruins or sample tasty local delicacies when you drop anchor in the sunny port of either Cozumel or Progreso—or both, depending on your itinerary.

6-Night Western Caribbean Cruises

Set your sights on an endless array of delightful onboard offerings while sailing to such sun-drenched locales as Cozumel and Grand Cayman—where white-sand beaches, balmy weather and adventurous activities await.

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES AWAIT

What’s included in the price of a disney cruise.

From the moment you step on board to your last wave goodbye, your vacation includes almost everything you and your family could hope for—and so much more.

Magic On Deck

Home to the high-speed AquaDunk waterslide, the Disney Magic is awash with dining, entertainment and recreation—including Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant and Tangled: The Musical .

Very Merrytime Cruises

Share in a holly-jolly fusion of holiday-themed décor and entertainment—including a towering Christmas tree, Santa Claus sightings and a festive celebration with Disney Characters in holiday attire.

MAGIC FOR EVERY MEMBER OF YOUR CREW

Fun for the entire family.

Delight in unique, family-friendly activities throughout the ship. View More

Just for Kids

Imaginatively themed youth clubs await children of all ages. View More

Just for Adults

Adults enjoy the best of both worlds—time with the kids and time alone. View More

• Extravagant, Broadway-quality live shows and entertainment throughout your cruise
• Unique deck parties starring some of your favorite Characters—including an unforgettable spectacular with fireworks at sea on most itineraries
• First-run movies and Disney classics in state-of-the-art theater venues or family favorites under the stars
• Themed pool areas that include a kids pool, a family pool, a splash zone and a waterslide
• Staterooms tailored especially for families, which include deluxe rooms with expanded space, convenient split bathrooms and premium amenities
• Kids can learn and play in children’s activity spaces fueled by Disney storytelling—including MARVEL’s Avengers Academy
• Tweens ages 11 through 14 are invited to spend time in a youth club all their own—featuring videogames, music, movies, arts and crafts, karaoke and scavenger hunts
• Teens can relax in a fun, parents-free venue with activities like karaoke, video game challenges, trivia showdowns, dance parties and tons more—under the supervision of helpful counselors
• Adult-exclusive dining at Palo , serving classic Northern Italian cooking in an elegant setting
• A tranquil pool and whirlpool spa overflowing with sweeping views and ocean breezes
• Themed nightclubs and lounges, home to exciting live music and dance parties
• A luxurious spa, featuring rejuvenating and beautifying treatments with sweeping sea views
• A fitness center sporting exercise classes, weight machines and cardiovascular equipment

GALVESTONCRUISES.COM: Nassau, Bahamas : Port of Call

Nassau, bahamas.

RESERVATIONS

Lodging reservations, cruise reservations, cruise parking, airport transfers.

Stay up to date with all the specials and promotions on cruises from Galveston!

8 - Day Eastern Caribbean from Galveston, TX

Get to Know Carnival Dream

It's one thing to be fun, but it's another thing to be first. Carnival Dream was at the forefront of a recent wave of amazingly innovative and fun Carnival ships. As the genesis of the Dream class, Carnival Dream set the direction for the ships that followed in her footsteps — first Carnival Magic and then Carnival Breeze. But back to Carnival Dream: the ship itself is a unique experience with the way-fun RedFrog Rum Bar ® and the very cool BlueIguana Tequila Bar ™ . Get your appetite ready, because you're gonna need it. Carnival Dream features two dual-level dining rooms, a gourmet steakhouse and dedicated sushi spot Bonsai Sushi ™ . It's also got a full menu of our latest and greatest casual spots for a bite: BlueIguana Cantina ™ , Pizzeria del Capitano, Guy's Burger Joint ™ and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse ™ . (That's Guy as in Guy Fieri, by the way — so you know the food's delish.) Carnival Dream also features the borderline-magical Alchemy Bar ® and Ocean Plaza, which combines tasty treats with perhaps even tastier entertainment. Entertainment options are all up and down the ship, and so is soaking-wet fun, from the heart-racing waterslide action at Carnival WaterWorks ™ to the soul-soothing Thalassotherapy pool at the Cloud 9 Spa ™ . Despite its name, Carnival Dream is definitely a reality. Can't believe it? Pinch yourself... and book your dream cruise today.

Onboard Activities

Onboard Dining

change your itinerary

Cruises from Galveston, Texas: Gateway to Caribbean Adventures

Discover the best times to cruise from Galveston in 2024 with our month-by-month weather guide. Plan your ideal Western Caribbean voyage with ease.

7-Day Caribbean Wonders from Galveston

Galveston, Texas, emerges as the quintessential starting point for 7-day cruises, offering an extensive range of destinations that encapsulate the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean and Mexico. These week-long voyages are perfect for exploring a variety of cultures, landscapes, and historical sites, making every moment count on your sea adventure. Just a short 50-mile journey from downtown Houston in Texas leads you to the enchanting Galveston Island . Here, the historic city of Galveston beckons with sun-kissed beaches, architectural marvels, and a vibrant cultural scene, including numerous museums and galleries. As you step onto the island, you’re stepping into a world rich with Texas’ coastal heritage, poised for exploration and discovery. Alongside the thrills of your cruise, delve into the wider array of Texas wonders that can enrich your travel experience even further.

A Week of Exploration: Diverse Destinations Await

From the bustling Port of Galveston , embark on a journey with renowned cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line. Each line offers 6-day itineraries with a unique perspective on the Caribbean and Mexican wonders, allowing you to tailor your experience to your personal taste for adventure, elegance, family fun, or relaxation. Explore the diverse and captivating destinations that await and set sail for an extraordinary week-long escape.

Carnival Cruise Line

A Week of Unparalleled Fun . Carnival Cruise Line ‘s 7-day itineraries from Galveston are a blend of excitement and relaxation, featuring stops in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. Each destination offers unique experiences, from Mayan ruins to crystal-clear waters.

Royal Caribbean

Adventure on Every Horizon . Royal Caribbean ‘s 7-day cruises from Galveston take you on an adventure to Mexico, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands, each promising its own distinct flavor of Caribbean culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

Princess Cruises

Elegance and Exotic Destinations . Princess Cruises offers a refined 7-day journey from Galveston, with itineraries that let you explore the depths of Mexico’s coastal wonders and the exotic landscapes of Belize and Honduras.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Diverse Routes, Unique Experiences . NCL ‘s 7-day cruises from Galveston are perfect for those who crave variety. Explore the vibrant life of Mexico, the rich history of Honduras, and the natural splendor of Belize with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Disney Cruise Line

Enchanting Caribbean Tales . A 7-day cruise with Disney Cruise Line from Galveston is an experience filled with magical moments for families. From the enchanting islands of the Bahamas to the cultural richness of Jamaica, Disney ensures a memorable journey.

The Caribbean and Beyond: Ports of Call on Your 7-Day Journey

Mexican charm.

Cozumel and Costa Maya . Your 7-day cruise from Galveston takes you to Cozumel and Costa Maya , where you can immerse yourself in Mexico ‘s rich history, relax on beautiful beaches, and explore underwater wonders.

Belize and Honduras

Natural Beauty Unveiled . In Belize and Honduras , experience the thrill of exploring ancient Mayan ruins and the serenity of sandy beaches. Belize City and Harvest Caye, along with Roatan and Mahogany Bay , offer a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty.

Jamaica and the Cayman Islands

Islands of Rhythm and Luxury . The vibrant culture of Jamaica and the luxury of the Cayman Islands await. Discover the rhythmic heart of Jamaica in Falmouth , Montego Bay , and Ocho Rios , and indulge in the serene beauty of George Town in the Cayman Islands.

The Bahamas

A Tropical Escape . The Bahamas portion of your 7-day cruise offers a chance to explore the idyllic beaches of Freeport , the rich history of Nassau , and the natural beauty of Key West . These destinations promise a perfect tropical getaway.

Embark on Your 7-Day Cruise Adventure from Galveston

A 7-day cruise from Galveston is an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the Caribbean and Mexico. Experience the pinnacle of adventure with Royal Caribbean’s innovative and exhilarating itineraries, or embark on a journey of unparalleled diversity and excitement with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Alongside the vibrant and fun-filled voyages of Carnival, the luxurious journeys of Princess Cruises, and the family-oriented adventures of Disney Cruise Line, each cruise line promises a unique and unforgettable cruise experience from Galveston . For a complete overview of the itineraries available, explore the 2024 Galveston cruise schedule and the 2025 cruise schedule . These comprehensive guides offer a detailed look into the variety of options available, helping you choose the perfect cruise to fulfill your Caribbean and Mexican dreams.

Royal Caribbean, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, March 16, 2025

7-day cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel on board Harmony of the Seas Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 16, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean; Cruise Ship: Harmony of the Seas; Ports of Call: Galveston, Roatan,[…]

Carnival Jubilee, Mexico & Honduras from Galveston, March 15, 2025

7-day cruise to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Mahogany Bay with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 15, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Jubilee; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Mahogany[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 14, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 14, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Regal Princess, Mexico & Honduras cruise from Galveston, March 9, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Roatan and Cozumel with Princess Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 9, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Princess Cruises; Cruise Ship: Regal Princess; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy[…]

Royal Caribbean, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, March 9, 2025

7-day cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel on board Harmony of the Seas Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 9, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean; Cruise Ship: Harmony of the Seas; Ports of Call: Galveston, Roatan,[…]

Carnival Jubilee, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, March 8, 2025

7-day cruise to Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya and Cozumel with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 8, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Jubilee; Ports of Call: Galveston, Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya,[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 7, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 7, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Regal Princess, Mexico & Honduras cruise from Galveston, March 2, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Roatan and Cozumel with Princess Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 2, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Princess Cruises; Cruise Ship: Regal Princess; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy[…]

Royal Caribbean, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, March 2, 2025

7-day cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel on board Harmony of the Seas Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 2, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean; Cruise Ship: Harmony of the Seas; Ports of Call: Galveston, Roatan,[…]

Carnival Jubilee, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, March 1, 2025

7-day cruise to Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya and Cozumel with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 1, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Jubilee; Ports of Call: Galveston, Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya,[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, February 28, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 28, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Regal Princess, Mexico & Honduras cruise from Galveston, February 23, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Roatan and Cozumel with Princess Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 23, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Princess Cruises; Cruise Ship: Regal Princess; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy[…]

Royal Caribbean, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, February 23, 2025

7-day cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel on board Harmony of the Seas Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 23, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean; Cruise Ship: Harmony of the Seas; Ports of Call: Galveston, Roatan,[…]

Carnival Jubilee, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, February 22, 2025

7-day cruise to Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya and Cozumel with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 22, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Jubilee; Ports of Call: Galveston, Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya,[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, February 21, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 21, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Regal Princess, Mexico & Honduras cruise from Galveston, February 16, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Roatan and Cozumel with Princess Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 16, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Princess Cruises; Cruise Ship: Regal Princess; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy[…]

Royal Caribbean, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, February 16, 2025

7-day cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel on board Harmony of the Seas Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 16, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean; Cruise Ship: Harmony of the Seas; Ports of Call: Galveston, Roatan,[…]

Carnival Jubilee, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, February 15, 2025

7-day cruise to Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya and Cozumel with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 15, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Jubilee; Ports of Call: Galveston, Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya,[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, February 14, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 14, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Regal Princess, Mexico & Honduras cruise from Galveston, February 9, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Roatan and Cozumel with Princess Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 9, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Princess Cruises; Cruise Ship: Regal Princess; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy[…]

Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Required Travel Documents
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

5 Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Your ship mariner of the seas.

GOODBYE SAME OLD, HELLO WAY BOLD

FlowRider ®

Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠

Rock Climbing Wall

The Perfect Storm℠

Action-packed eats.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

Chops Grille℠

Thrilling theatrics.

Gallery of Dreams

Ice Under the Big Top

Outdoor Movie Nights

English Pub

Day 1: galveston, texas.

SALTWATER STALWARTS

HEAD TO THE PIER

BUILDING BLOCKS

LOCAL CUISINE

Day 2: Cruising

Sports Court

Ice Skating

Day 3: puerto costa maya, mexico.

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

Cenote Scouting

Rockin' Ruins

Coral Conquest

Local Cuisine

Day 4: Cozumel, Mexico

Temple Trekking

Dive Into Adventure

Natural Thrills

Day 5: Cruising

Chef's Table

Main Dining Room

Day 6: galveston, texas.