Get the passport. A family member had a medical issue and had to fly back from Cozumel. A birth certificate will not fly you home.
Is a passport required for a cruise out of Galveston, or is a birth certificate enough?
It depends on your itinerary and cruise line. Many closed-loop Caribbean sailings from Galveston accept a birth certificate plus government ID, but a passport is the safest and most flexible choice, and it is required if you ever need to fly home from a foreign port. Confirm the exact requirement with your cruise line well before you sail.
Have something to add? Get in touch. Live posting is coming soon. In the meantime, our FAQ and guides cover most cruise-day questions.
Prefer to skip the driving?
Our shared vans run this route for a flat $39 per seat, and every seat is protected. Reserve your seats or see the schedule.