Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for reading my article and taking the time to ask your question. On my past experience aboard Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver BC and back, I’ve had to present my passport to the official who boards the train to check passports. On what is called a “closed loop cruise” ex. roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska and back to Seattle, you would still need a government issued photo ID (driver’s license) and a birth certificate with a raised seal. I’m a little concerned about the advice you received from Holland America. If you have a current passport (that doesn’t expire before 6 months of your return, I would bring it.

From what I understand from this article: https://www.dhs.gov/enhanced-drivers-licenses-what-are-they an Enhanced Driver’s License will get you back into the U.S. but the article doesn’t say if it will allow U.S. citizens to enter Canada. If you fly from the U.S. to Canada, you need a passport to enter Canada.

If I were you, I would double check about entering Canada with an EDL. You could even call Amtrak as they might know too.

Either way, thank you again for writing and have a fun Amtrak ride (sit on the left side of the train if possible) and a wonderful cruise to Alaska.

Hi Carie,
Thank you for reading my article. For a short while several years ago, I worked at cruise line check-in at a port just so I could better understand the rules. It is very possible that if your birth certificate with a raised seal and government-issued photo ID names do not match, you could be asked to show additional proof, as you mentioned. I am going to assume that your Alaska cruise is from Seattle, not Vancouver.

And yes, a passport is always recommended, even on a closed-loop cruise, in case of accident or some reason to need to fly home from a non-U.S. port.

I’m glad you’re taking the extra step to be sure and not have your mom denied boarding at the departure port! And good idea to get a passport for her!

Have a wonderful cruise to Alaska! Thank you again for taking the time to write your comment. Much appreciated.

Thank you for your comment. An Enhanced Driver’s License alone is NOT sufficient. I suggest that your friend read this information from Princess Cruises’ website: https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/

This information from Princess clearly defines when a birth certificate with a raised seal + a government-issued photo ID IS accepted; certain closed-loop cruises that begin and end in the U.S. There are exceptions when a passport is required (ex. an Alaska cruise/tour that extends into Canada).

I always recommend a current passport book even on a closed-loop cruise, in case of an emergency return to the U.S. (ex. Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale).

Thank you for taking the time to send your comment.