If I don't have to have a passport, why should I still get one?

If I don't have to have a passport, why should I still get one?

Unexpected circumstances can come up that make it impossible to return to the United States on the cruise ship.

Here are some examples: 
 
  1. Illness or Injury – Depending on the severity of your illness or injury, you may have to be admitted to a local hospital. If you cannot be discharged before the cruise ship is scheduled to depart, the cruise ship may leave without you. In this case, you would need a U.S. passport to fly home upon clearance from your doctor.
  2. If there was an emergency that required you to disembark the ship and fly home.  
  3. If you missed reboarding the ship in a foreign port.