Is a Passport Required?

No.  We chose a cruise from a US port to avoid this hassle. While a passport is not required for our cruise, it is recommended.  Below is an excerpt taken from Carnival's frequently asked questions concerning passports and required identification.

Click here to go to the Carnival FAQs

U.S. Citizens
Carnival highly recommends all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel). Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking cruises that begin & end in the same U.S. port, travelling with a passport enhances your disembarkation experience, as delays may be expected upon your return to the U.S. if you do not have one. Additionally, passports make it easier for you to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port should you miss your scheduled port of embarkation, or need to fly back to the U.S. for emergency reasons.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows U.S. citizens (including children) sailing on cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port to travel with one of the following WHTI compliant document:

• Valid U.S. Passport
• Original or suitable quality copy of a Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Passport Card
• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
• Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card, e.g., Nexus Card, Sentri Card or Fast Card

A government-issued photo ID is also required for all guests, including children 16 and over. For more information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov.

When traveling with a minor and both parents/legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original, signed letter from the absent parent/legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel with you. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that a notarized letter to this effect is required if debarking with children in Mexico.

If you decide to get a passport, be aware that the process could take up to 3 months. 

4 months (124 days) until our feet are walking down the sandy aisle...