We get quite a few questions about what's needed for a cruise, especially with new passport regulations. Here are some answers from our AAA Travel experts:

Do I need a passport?
For cruises departing outside your country of origin, of course. A passport is not required for U.S. citizens on a “closed loop” cruise embarking froma U.S. port, i.e. a Caribbean round trip from Fort Lauderdale or an Alaska cruise (calling in Canada) round trip from Seattle. However, a passport is STRONGLY recommended. If you miss the ship in a foreign port or are taken off the ship for any reason and have to fly home you will encounter difficulties without a passport. We've blogged about the many advantages of a passport, but a family that does not plan to travel outside the U.S. otherwise may not want to incur the cost.

What about non-U.S. citizens taking U.S.-originating cruises?
 If you are a non-U.S. citizen visiting the United States and want to take a short cruise, make sure your passport/visa allows multiple entries. Also, many cruise lines still require non-US citizens to clear immigration before the ship is cleared for disembarkation, which very often means going to a theater or large meeting location in the early morning.

Do I need shots?
Visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ for immunization requirements. The site also has information regarding any travel advisories for the areas on your itinerary.

What if I need a visa? 
AAA partner Travisa can help with all visa requests or your local AAA agent can work for you.

Remember, AAA Travel Agency services are available to all and can provide personalized asssitance for choosing a cruise, getting the best deal and answering specific questions.  Locate the AAA office in your area or visit AAA.com/travel for cruise options, overseas tours, hotel booking, local travel deals and more.