As much as the airline industry has done for travel, there’s no denying that getting somewhere by plane is always the most dreadful part of the experience – think about the long lines, non-existent legroom, and loud passengers that make taking a nap during that especially exhausting flight impossible.
That’s why more and more Americans are opting to go cruising instead, an experience whose purpose is not only to take you from point A to point B but to also allow you to enjoy yourself along the way.
And since now is the best time to book a cruise for 2024, let’s delve into some of the best sunny destinations you can choose where you can take in all of that much-needed sunshine even if you currently don’t have (or don’t want to use) a passport.
In place of a passport, most cruise lines will require a valid government-issued ID, as well as an original birth certificate.
Bermuda
Famous for its pink-sanded beaches and pastel-colored buildings, Bermuda has always held a special type of allure among travelers looking to get away from the dreadful weather back home, but what really sets the island apart from other destinations of its kind is its remarkably convenient location – just a couple of hundred miles off the coast of North Carolina.
And luckily for those who can’t wait to explore Bermuda’s world-class beaches and historic town, there’s no shortage of passport-free cruises (usually lasting between 7 and 10 days) that depart from almost all major U.S. ports.
Whether you’re in Manhattan, Boston, Jacksonville, Miami, Charleston, or Baltimore, you’ll get the chance to find a cruise that’ll take you to the dreamy North Atlantic island passport-free sometime this year – and these are just a few of the many ports that are connected to either Hamilton Harbour, the Royal Naval Dockyard, or St. George.
Bahamas
One common thread you’ll find among the destinations on today’s list is the fact that they’re all relatively close to the mainland U.S., which guarantees a pleasant, time-efficient travel experience.
Located just off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas boasts the same type of sunny weather as its American counterpart, just with an extra sprinkle of that famous Caribbean charm added on top.
If you’ve been keeping up to date with travel news, you know that the U.S. government recently released a new travel security alert for the Bahamas, which local officials have since contested – still, it’s a good idea to take into account both sides of the discussion before planning a trip to the Bahamas anytime in the near future.
After all, those eager to travel to the stunning island passport-free this year can always put off their plans for a while until they feel completely safe to go through with it.
Most of the cruises that’ll take you to the Bahamas without a passport operate all year long, so you’ve got plenty of time – you can even choose between a shorter 3-to-5-day trip or a longer 15-night one that’ll take you all across the Caribbean.
Mexico
Since Mexico is already the undisputed favorite international destination among American travelers, I’m not even going to get into why a cruise to its breathtaking coastline is an experience worth enjoying.
However, unlike tourists planning to visit Mexico by plane, those taking a cruise will have the unique opportunity to take in the amazing views completely passport-free.
So, if you’re eager to explore Mexico’s iconic beaches, fascinating ruins, and tantalizing food, your best bet is to look into booking one of the many 10-to-15-night cruises that take U.S. travelers to some of the country’s biggest hotspots, including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and more.
Hawaii
Ok, some might call including Hawaii on this list cheating since we’re talking about domestic travel, but the truth of the matter is that when it comes to cruising somewhere warm and enticing without a passport, few places can compete with the unmistakable charm of the 50th state.
Though technically part of the U.S., Hawaii boasts the kind of idyllic beaches, volcanic landscapes, and centuries-old traditions that make it feel like a whole other world.
There are plenty of closed-loop cruises servicing the gorgeous archipelago that usually last around two weeks, and for those, you won’t need a passport.
Be careful, however, of longer cruises that include other destinations in the itinerary – those might not be a viable option for those looking to travel passport-free.
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