All cruise ships under foreign registry sailing to Alaska from Seattle require passengers to carry valid proof of citizenship and documentation. Passengers must present either a passport, visa or photo identification before embarkation. Passengers without proper documentation will not be allowed to board and will likely be denied refunds.
Americans boarding an Alaskan cruise from Seattle that begins and ends in the United States, with no stops in Canadian ports, such as Vancouver or Prince Rupert, are not required to travel with a passport but are strongly urged to do so. These passengers must carry alternative forms indicating proof of citizenship, including naturalization certificates or original birth certificates combined with current and valid photo identification. Oral or written declarations of citizenship will not be accepted.
Should passengers be required to unexpectedly depart the vessel into a Canadian port during the cruise, a valid passport would be required for re-entry into the United States. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that all American citizens carry a valid passport even if the ship's itinerary does not include foreign ports.
For Alaska-bound cruises from Seattle that have scheduled stops along the British Columbia coast, valid passports are required for day-trip departures from the vessel into Canadian ports.
United States Resident Aliens must carry a valid Alien Resident Card along with a valid passport.
Passengers from outside the United States and Canada must carry a valid passport. B-2 Visitor Visas may be required for passengers sailing from Seattle. Visas are required by the Canadian government for entry by foreign nationals outside of the United States.
All foreign citizens should consult their embassy or consulate for up-to-date entry requirements regarding access to American and Canadian ports.
