Can a felon go on a cruise to the Bahamas after?

Asked by: Maynard Johnson  |  Last update: June 23, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (41 votes)

The answer is yes, but you could be limited in terms of the particular destinations you're able to visit on your voyage.

Can a felon go on a cruise to The Bahamas?

Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.

Do cruise ships run background checks on passengers?

Some cruise lines publicly state they reserve the right to perform passenger background checks. That does not necessarily mean they do for all passengers, it simply means they can. Other cruise lines do not disclose this information.

Do you need a passport to get off a cruise at The Bahamas?

You don't need your passport to get on or off the ship in Nassau. You do need a photo id. We always leave our passports on the ship.

Can you go on a Carnival cruise if you have a felony?

Yes, you can cruise with a criminal record.

MEGHAN STEAMING AFTER BEEN TOLD TO “ELEVATE” THIS OR BYE #meghan #meghanmarkle #royal

17 related questions found

Do cruise ports check for warrants?

You cannot go on a cruise with a warrant, no matter how simple the warrant is, because if you are on a cruise with a warrant, that's considered a flight from prosecution and evading the law.

Does Carnival Cruises run background checks?

Carnival Cruise Line (“Carnival”) reserves the right to use consumer reports prepared by a third-party consumer reporting agency, to conduct a criminal background check for guests who have booked a Carnival cruise. This criminal background check will be done to safeguard Carnival guests and crewmembers.

What ID is needed for a cruise to the Bahamas?

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you'll still need to provide some proof of U.S. citizenship. This can take the form of an Enhanced Driver's License, a passport or a government-issued birth certificate.

Can you get off a cruise ship at port without a passport?

As long as your cruise departs and returns to a U.S. port, you won't need to bring a passport.

What is a closed-loop cruise?

A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs and ends in the same U.S. port; for example, Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale, or round-trip to Alaska from Seattle.

What disqualifies you from going on a cruise?

Carnival is committed to a safe environment for our guests and crew and reserves the right to deny boarding to any persons convicted of certain crimes which may include but are not limited to; aggravated physical assault, sexual assault, and other sexual offenses, armed robbery and related offenses, and other violent ...

Can you go on a cruise with a pending felony?

You may need to stay within the jurisdiction where the case is pending, as your departure could signal to the authorities, your bail bond agent, and the court that you are a flight risk.

Do cruises have police on board?

Cruise lines don't have police onboard. Instead, they have security teams they employ. The captain has the ultimate authority in decision-making on the ship regarding what should happen to those suspected of criminal activity.

Can felons go to the Nassau, Bahamas?

All U.S. Nationals who are currently on community supervision cannot enter the Bahamas, but can seek entry once their sentence is completed.

Can you go to the Caribbean with a felony?

Caribbean. Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records.

Can you get a passport with a felony?

Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.

What can I use instead of a passport for a cruise?

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government ...

What documents do I need to get off a cruise ship at a port?

Things to Take When You Get Off In Port
  1. A bag for a few essential items. This doesn't have to be a big bag, just enough for your bits and bobs.
  2. Cruise Card. ...
  3. Access to money. ...
  4. Passport or some form of Photo I.D. ...
  5. Check the weather forecast and plan ahead! ...
  6. Phone or Camera. ...
  7. Pack plenty of essential medication.

Can I cruise to The Bahamas with my birth certificate?

If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you'll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

Can I go on a cruise with just a driver's license?

If your driver license has a gold star (on in California's case, the emblem of a gold bear) on it, then it conforms to REAL ID rules. Old-style, pre-REAL ID licenses won't be accepted at federal facilities (like cruise ports, borders, and airport checkpoints) after that May 7, 2025, deadline.

What can't you bring on a Carnival cruise?

Guests are not allowed to bring hard liquor, beer or plastic/glass bottled beverages, (e.g., water, sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks) on board.

What documents do I need to cruise on Carnival?

What travel documents do I need to bring?
  • U.S. Passport Book (valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel)
  • U.S. Passport Card (valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel)
  • State Enhanced Driver's License.
  • Certificate of U.S. Naturalization.
  • Native American Indian Card.

What does cruise security check?

When you arrive at the Port Authority Security in the cruise terminal, you will pass a security checkpoint where all carry-on luggage goes through X-rays and other baggage is checked in. All checked bags on cruise ships are scanned.