After years of delays, the deadline for having a “REAL ID” to travel by air finally is here. But do you need one to cruise?
You might have heard about REAL ID already. As of May 7, 2025 anyone flying domestically in the United States now needs to have one of these types of identification. You can also fly with a passport or an enhanced driver’s license (issued by only a select few states). But for most people traveling the U.S., they are going to use what’s known as a REAL ID.
The upgraded identification was first made available years ago but with a deadline to require it for flying that was continually pushed back until now. So if it’s needed to fly, is it required to cruise? The answer (at least as of now) is no.
What is a REAL ID?
First things first, you might be confused on what exactly is a REAL ID.
REAL ID is a new form of identification that has new standards for issuance. In 2005 the REAL ID Act was put into law following the 9/11 attacks. According to the Department of Homeland Security, “established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.”
Essentially, it requires people accessing federal facilities or federally regulated aircraft to have an upgrade form of identification. The only real difference travelers will notice is that the IDs have a symbol (most typically a yellow or white star in the corner) to designate it as a REAL ID.
What’s the Point of REAL ID?
To get the ID, you must provide some details that help to prove your identity. This includes your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, proof of address and lawful status in the United States.
This is to help improve the security behind getting a driver’s license or ID card, making it harder for people to get fraudulent identification.
And I Need This to Fly?
Yes. For most people the only time they will encounter the need for a REAL ID over a traditional ID is when it comes to flying.
After years of delay, the government began requiring the REAL ID for domestic air travel. As for now, the Department of Homeland Security says it is required but if you don’t have it, you will be able to fly with “an extra step.”
If you have a passport, then you can also just use that to fly.
Do I Need a REAL ID to Cruise?
Given that cruising and flying share some common characteristics, it seems natural to think that if you need a REAL ID to fly, you’ll need one to cruise.
At least for right now, cruises do not require you to have a REAL ID to cruise.
To be sure, it’s a good idea to travel with a passport when you sail. Not only is that a better option should something happen in the middle of your cruise and you need to get back home, but it also avoids the issue of REAL ID altogether.
Still, many people opt to sail on their cruise with a photo ID and a birth certificate. For the time being, you can do so with a traditional ID card.
In fact, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald recently emphasized that it’s not needed to sail his cruise line.
Royal Caribbean makes no mention of REAL ID on its requirements. It simply says that you only need a “government issued ID” without specifying a REAL ID.
Norwegian Cruise Line makes mention of REAL ID on their list of travel documents, but only to say that it is required for domestic air travel. They encourage passengers to get one but there is no mention that it is required to board.
Again, the best solution is to just travel with a passport and not have to worry about the REAL ID rules at all. But if not, right now you can still sail with a traditional form of identification.
