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You can't cruise just anywhere on a closed-loop sailing, but the choices are more interesting than you might expect. Below, we've compiled a list of seven places to visit without a passport, from scenic Alaska to the beachy Caribbean. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise -- a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. For that, you need only a birth certificate and a driver's license (or other acceptable, government-issued photo ID). A list of the best cruises in the U.S. would only be complete with mentioning a classic Mississippi River cruise.
Shore Excursions on American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises
The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur. Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared. The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood and wine. FREE Holland America specialists to help you plan your cruise vacation.
Atlantic Ocean Passage
Why most cruise ships are not registered in the USA? - Crew Center
Why most cruise ships are not registered in the USA?.
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A buzzy casino and 32 eateries, bars, and lounges are big-time lures, too. Shore excursions—chilling on powdery white sand beaches, snorkeling turquoise waters teeming with colorful coral and tropical fish, and sipping champagne on catamaran sunset sails—are mesmerizing. While the kids are at play, grown-ups can bask in the sun from the adults-only Solarium, where I spent most of my time on board my Caribbean cruise. After sailing with American Cruise Line once, you become eligible to join the Eagle Society, American's loyalty program. Members enjoy savings on future cruises, access to the Eagle Society Referral Program, and VIP access when a ship is in port near a member's hometown. While cruising, members can invite friends and family to come onboard to visit the ship or enjoy a meal, another perk of American-based itineraries.
Best luxury: Crystal Cruises' Miami to San Diego
Learn about the Native American history of the area, take in breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge, and indulge in delicious regional cuisine. Visit some of the most exciting cities on the Pacific Coast with Celebrity. See the graceful sweep of the Golden Gate Bridge in hilly San Francisco, and ride the historic cable cars.
I recently took my grandmother on a Seabourn Cruise to Alaska. She does not have a passport but only an Enhanced driver’s License. We drove to Vancouver, BC and then sailed to Juneau Alaska on a one way cruise. On Close loop cruises, for citizens of the United States and Canada, the Western hemisphere travel initiative applies. Depending on the passenger’s age, only a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship is needed. For those over 16 additional identification is needed such as an Enhanced Driver’s license or a government issue ID card.
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Cruises that depart from North America, specifically the United States and are close loop sailings do not require a passport. Cruises that visit multiple countries do require proof of residency and valid entry in the United States as they do go through US Customs and Border Patrol on departure and arrival. There’s no more comfortable way to explore the exciting coastlines of the USA than with Celebrity Cruises. You’ll dock in the heart of some of the country’s most iconic cities and sail along exquisite coastlines, visiting multiple destinations and only having to unpack once. Over the last few years, New England-Canada cruises have become quite popular for the big-ship lines.
Holland America offers several New England and Canada cruise options, including a 10-day getaway from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale or a 6-to-8-day journey from Boston to the culturally rich Montreal or Quebec City. The latter option includes stops in Bar Harbor, Maine; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; and back. Cruise the USA, a country of incredible diversity, with such iconic cities as New York, Los Angeles, Boston and San Francisco; a rich cultural tapestry; and an amazingly varied terrain. Whether you choose to cruise the Atlantic or Pacific Coast, Alaska or Hawaii with Holland America Line, you’ll find a wealth of travel experiences awaits on USA cruises. Experience the wild splendors of Alaska and see the majestic Glacier Bay with those who know it best. Relive the Revolutionary War in Boston and more on USA cruises.
Discover what makes the Great Lakes so great
Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms. Sail the West Coast and soak up the sunny, laid-back vibe of California. Explore quirky neighborhoods in San Francisco and sample world-class wines from the rolling vineyards of Sonoma County. Admire the gorgeous coastal scenery of rugged cliffs, endless beaches, and pounding Pacific waves around Santa Barbara, taking time to visit the beautiful Old Mission.
American Cruise Lines Ships
Viking is known for its adults-only, all-inclusive river, ocean and expedition cruises. As you can guess by its name, the 15-day Great Lakes Collection sailing—which cruises from Toronto, Canada to Duluth, Minnesota—takes adventure-seeking cruisers on an epic journey around all five majestic Great Lakes. It’s no secret that Alaska is home to some of the country’s best wildlife spotting opps, which is why I was psyched to embark on Holland America’s epic Alaskan Explorer sailing in August 2022. Both on and off the ship, I had the chance to spot many a whale—along with puffins, otters and other adorable and astonishing creatures that call the Last Frontier home.
American Cruise Lines offers more than 160 different shore excursions, including activities that focus on history, wildlife, food, music, and nature. Prior to your cruise, you will receive a booklet containing a comprehensive list of shore excursions offered. All of these tours are designed to expound on each port's culture, heritage, and history, and are guided by local experts. These excursions usually cost between $20 and $70 each, and can be paid onboard, though some Alaskan shore excursions are included. American-flagged carriers like UnCruise Adventures offer Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii cruises. American Cruise Lines counts the coastal Southeast, Alaska, Puget Sound, and New England among its itineraries.
Hike on a glacier, learn to drive a team of huskies, or kayak the pristine waters of the Inside Passage, looking out for distant bears and breaching whales. Learn about Gold Rush history in Skagway, and fly over the forest canopy on the thrill-packed ZipRider at Icy Strait Point. Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.
Typical itineraries include some combination of New York, Boston, Portland, Halifax, Charlottetown, Quebec, and Montreal. And big-ship lines also now offer a few itineraries up and down the West Coast that call at some combination of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria. Any good cruise agency will have full particulars on these trips. American Cruise Lines welcomes guests with disabilities on board and seeks to make travel as comfortable as possible for all guests. All ships are equipped with handicap-accessible rooms, and most of the lounges, sun decks, and dining rooms on board are wheelchair-accessible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility, feel free to contact your Cruise Specialist.
Or head south to Key West for a setting of coconut palms, sandy beaches, and colorful coral reefs. For whatever reason, if you want to cruise entirely within the U.S., you have only a few options. Itineraries, stopping in a foreign country to satisfy the law. Afternoon tea is offered daily in the Sky Lounge, perfect for enjoying those chilly afternoons on an American Cruise Lines cruise to Alaska.
Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. The wild frontier of Alaska has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the USA, where you’ll find mile upon mile of jagged, snow-capped mountains and dense forest.
Carnival Cruises emphasizes fun and entertainment and is one of the many cruise lines that sail to Alaska. Taking a cruise is an excellent way to explore the country and world without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. The U.S. offers a variety of cruises, both on the ocean and river, that cater to different interests, ranging from exploring the wonders of Alaska to savoring the Pacific wine country.
