June 20 - 26, 2027
Departing from the Port of Galveston, Texas Departing from the Port of Galveston, Texas
Isla Tropicale, Honduras Isla Tropicale Cozumel, Mexico
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Know Before You Go

Travel With the Right Documents

Having the correct travel documentation is one of the most important parts of preparing for the Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™. Every guest should verify the documentation requirements that apply to their citizenship and individual circumstances well before traveling to Galveston.

Travel-document requirements can differ based on citizenship, residency status, age and other circumstances. Do not assume that another guest's documentation requirements are the same as yours.

Important

Your Travel Documentation Is Your Responsibility

Each guest is solely responsible for obtaining, verifying and carrying all identification, citizenship, immigration, visa and other travel documentation required for the cruise. Cruising for Causes and the Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ provide general information as a convenience but do not determine whether a guest is legally eligible to travel or whether a particular document will be accepted.

Carnival Cruise Line and the appropriate governmental authorities are the controlling sources for travel-document requirements. Guests who arrive without the required documentation may be denied boarding.

Cruising for Causes and the Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ are not responsible for a guest's inability to travel, denied boarding, additional expenses, penalties, missed cruise, loss of cruise fare or other losses resulting from missing, expired, incorrect, inconsistent or otherwise insufficient travel documentation.

When in Doubt, Contact Carnival

Carnival Is the Final Cruise Documentation Authority

The requirements below summarize Carnival's published travel documentation policies for this type of sailing. Requirements can change and individual circumstances can affect what is required. If you have any uncertainty about your documents, contact Carnival Cruise Line before traveling to Galveston.

Carnival Cruise Line 1-800-764-7419
Find the Information That Applies to You

Travel Documentation by Traveler Type

The Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ departs from and returns to Galveston, Texas. Review the category that applies to you and verify Carnival's current requirements before sailing.

U.S. Citizen

U.S. Citizens

The Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ is a closed-loop cruise, departing from and returning to the same U.S. port in Galveston, Texas.

For this type of qualifying closed-loop sailing, eligible U.S. citizens are not required to use a passport book if they carry another form or combination of documentation accepted by Carnival.

Documents You Will Need

Option 1 — U.S. Passport Book

A valid U.S. passport book. Carnival recommends that the passport remain valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel.

OR Option 2 — U.S. Passport Card

A valid U.S. passport card. Passport cards are valid for qualifying land and sea travel but cannot be used for international air travel.

OR Option 3 — State Enhanced Driver's License

A valid State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). An Enhanced Driver's License establishes both citizenship and identity for qualifying land and sea travel.

Important: A REAL ID driver's license is not the same thing as an Enhanced Driver's License. A REAL ID alone does not establish citizenship for cruise travel.

OR Option 4 — Birth Certificate + Photo ID
  • An original or clear, legible copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency or Department of Health and Vital Statistics;
  • AND a non-expired government-issued photo ID for guests 16 years of age or older.

Carnival currently accepts qualifying government-issued birth-certificate copies; the copy does not have to be notarized or certified.

OR Other Carnival-Accepted Citizenship Documents
  • Original Certificate of U.S. Naturalization with the required government-issued photo identification;
  • Form I-872 American Indian Card; or
  • Qualifying Enhanced Tribal Card.
Passport strongly recommended: A passport book provides significantly more flexibility during an international travel emergency. A passport card, birth certificate or Enhanced Driver's License cannot be used to fly internationally back to the United States.

Permanent Resident

U.S. Permanent Residents

U.S. Permanent Residents have different documentation requirements from U.S. citizens. Do not use the U.S.-citizen closed-loop documentation options above to determine what you need.

Documents You Will Need

For This Same-U.S.-Port Sailing

Carnival currently requires:

  • A valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 / Green Card) that includes photo identification.
If Your Permanent Resident Card Does Not Include a Photo

Guests 16 years of age or older must also carry a non-expired government-issued photo ID, such as:

  • Driver's License;
  • Driver's Permit; or
  • Government-issued city, state or federal identification card.

A mobile or digital version of the photo ID is not accepted by Carnival as the required identification.

Depending on nationality and itinerary, additional documentation or visas may be required. Permanent Residents should verify Carnival's current requirements and the requirements of the countries being visited.

Canadian Citizen

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens have separate Carnival documentation requirements. How you enter the United States before the cruise is particularly important.

Documents You Will Need

If Arriving in the United States by Air

Carnival currently requires all Canadian citizens, including children, to carry:

  • A valid Canadian passport;
  • Valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel.
If Crossing Into the United States by Land

Carnival publishes additional WHTI-compliant documentation options for qualifying Canadian citizens entering the United States by land for a same-U.S.-port cruise.

Those alternatives are subject to specific age, document and itinerary rules. Verify the applicable option directly with Carnival before traveling.

Canadian citizens who are also U.S. Permanent Residents should follow Carnival's U.S. Permanent Resident documentation requirements.

International Guest

Other Non-U.S. Citizens

Guests who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents should not assume that the closed-loop documentation provisions available to eligible U.S. citizens apply to them.

Documents You May Need

Passport

Carnival highly recommends a passport from your country of citizenship that remains valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel.

Visa Waiver Program Travelers

Guests eligible to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are required by Carnival's current policy to carry:

  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel; and
  • Approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), as applicable.
Travelers Requiring a U.S. Visa

Citizens who are not eligible to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program may need:

  • A valid passport;
  • An appropriate U.S. visa;
  • Any additional immigration authorization applicable to their circumstances; and
  • Any documentation required by countries visited during the cruise.
Mexican Citizens Using a Border Crossing Card

Carnival currently requires Mexican citizens traveling with a Border Crossing Card to also present a Mexican passport valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel.

International documentation requirements depend on citizenship and immigration status. Contact Carnival and, when appropriate, the relevant embassy or consulate before traveling.

Important Distinction

Closed-Loop Cruise Does Not Mean No Documentation

Understand the difference between not necessarily needing a passport book and not needing travel documentation.

This Is a Closed-Loop Cruise

The Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ begins in Galveston, Texas and returns to Galveston, Texas. This allows eligible U.S. citizens to use certain Carnival-accepted documentation alternatives instead of a passport book.

You must still arrive at embarkation with the proper citizenship and identification documents.

A Passport Book Is Strongly Recommended

Even when Carnival does not require an eligible U.S. citizen to have a passport book for this sailing, traveling with one provides considerably more flexibility during an international emergency.

If you miss the ship, must leave the cruise in a foreign country or otherwise need to fly internationally, a passport book becomes particularly important.

Need a U.S. Passport?

Start the Passport Process Early

Passport services are administered by the U.S. Department of State. Cruising for Causes and the Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ cannot issue, approve or expedite a passport.

1

Apply or Renew

Use the official U.S. Department of State passport website for first-time applications, renewals, required documents, fees and passport information.

2

Need It Faster?

The Department of State offers expedited passport processing. Processing times can change and mailing time is separate from the government's published processing time.

3

Urgent Travel

Travelers with qualifying urgent international travel may be eligible for an appointment at a passport agency or center. Eligibility does not guarantee appointment availability.

National Passport Information Center:
877-487-2778

Avoid Problems at Embarkation

Important Documentation Reminders

A few checks before leaving home can help prevent serious problems at the cruise terminal.

Make Sure Your Name Matches

Your first and last name on your cruise reservation should match the non-expired government-issued photo identification you plan to use. If a marriage, divorce or legal name change creates a difference, bring Carnival-accepted documentation connecting the two names.

Keep Documents With You

Do not place the identification, citizenship documents, passport or other documents needed for embarkation inside luggage being handed to a porter. Keep your documents secure and readily accessible when entering the terminal.

Traveling With Minors

When a minor travels without one or both parents or legal guardians, Carnival strongly recommends bringing an original signed authorization letter from the absent parent or guardian. Relevant custody or other legal documentation may also be appropriate depending on the circumstances.

Important Information

Legal Disclaimer

The Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ team can provide limited assistance by helping guests locate Carnival and government travel-document resources and directing guests to the appropriate organization for additional information.

Our staff cannot make a legal, citizenship or immigration determination about whether your documentation is sufficient for travel. We cannot:

  • Approve or validate your passport, identification, citizenship or immigration documents.
  • Determine whether Carnival will accept a particular document at embarkation.
  • Determine whether you need a visa, ESTA or other immigration authorization.
  • Issue, obtain, renew or expedite a government document on your behalf.
  • Guarantee passport processing times or passport-agency appointments.
  • Guarantee that Carnival, immigration officials or another governmental authority will permit you to travel.
Final Check

Before You Leave Home

Identify which Carnival traveler category applies to you.
Verify Carnival's current documentation requirements.
Confirm all required documents are valid and not expired.
Make sure your reservation name matches your travel identification.
Bring supporting documentation for any legal name difference.
Verify requirements for every child or minor traveling with you.
Verify passport, visa, ESTA or immigration requirements when applicable.
Keep required travel documents with you—not in porter luggage.
If flying domestically, separately verify TSA identification requirements.
Contact Carnival before leaving home if you are uncertain about your documents.
Questions About Your Documentation?

Contact Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival controls its boarding requirements and should be your primary contact if you have questions about whether your travel documentation is acceptable for this cruise.

1-800-764-7419

If your question concerns a U.S. passport application, renewal or urgent passport need, contact the U.S. Department of State rather than the Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ reservation team.