Although a Real ID and an Enhanced ID look nearly identical, there are critical differences between the two identifications. Diane Dipalma recently received a rapid and painful education on the topic while attempting to board Carnival Cruise Line’s Legend.
She and her new husband believed they could use their Real ID driver’s licenses to take the cruise. But the Carnival Cruise Line staff quickly clarified that they couldn’t, and the shocked newlyweds missed their honeymoon.
Here’s their story and what you need to know about the differences between a Real ID and an Enhanced ID.
A honeymoon gift: A Carnival cruise
Dipalma and her fiance were thrilled when her sister gifted the couple a Carnival Cruise to celebrate their honeymoon. The closed-loop cruise aboard Carnival’s Legend would take the newlyweds from Baltimore to The Bahamas and back.
Note: A closed-loop cruise is one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port.
After confirming their cruise, Dipalma next went to the Carnival Cruise Line website. She wanted to find out what kind of identification they would need for their honeymoon.
That’s where the confusion about Real ID that would eventually lead them to miss their Carnival cruise began.
“I saw that we needed a passport or a special driver’s license,” Dipalma recalled. “Pennsylvania offers a Real ID and we both have one. So we assumed we were good to go.”
Unfortunately, they were not “good to go” with their Real ID driver’s licenses – in fact, they wouldn’t end up going anywhere on Carnival’s Legend. But they wouldn’t find out until the day of embarkation.
Carnival: “You can’t cruise with just a Real ID.”
On the day their honeymoon cruise was embarking, the couple drove three hours from their home in Pennsylvania to Baltimore. During the drive, the first-time cruisers happily chatted about all of their plans for the next seven days.
Arriving at the port, they parked the car, grabbed their suitcases and headed to the check-in area.
That’s when all of their honeymoon plans came to a screeching halt.
Fact: A Real ID alone is not sufficient documentation to board any closed-loop cruise (One that begins and ends at the same U.S. port. and remains in the Western Hemisphere).
We handed over our Real ID driver’s licenses and the Carnival crew member asked us for our birth certificates. I said we don’t have our birth certificates, but I showed the employee that our Pennsylvania driver’s licenses are Real IDs. She said to take the cruise, we needed an Enhanced ID or passport or a Real ID plus a birth certificate.
Diane Dipalma
Stunned and not sure what to do next, the couple frantically called home to ask family members to search for their birth certificates. However, time was running out and they soon realized there would be no way to get the documents there before Legend sailed away.
“We were going to miss our Carnival cruise.”
As the couple sadly accepted their fate, they gathered their belongings and headed back to the car. It was a somber ride home. During the drive, Dipalma had plenty of time to think. She soon was convinced that Carnival bore responsibility for their missed cruise.
“Carnival didn’t make it clear anywhere that our Real ID driver’s licenses weren’t sufficient for taking the cruise,” Dipalma says. “In fact, there were many people on the pier that day who were also denied boarding the ship.”
And as a result of her newfound opinion of where the fault landed for their honeymoon fiasco, Dipalma started calling and emailing Carnival Cruise Line, asking for a do-over.
Not surprisingly, Carnival rejected Dipalma’s request – repeatedly.
Carnival: “It is the guest’s sole responsibility…”
As many travelers before Dipalma have discovered, cruise lines do not refund passengers who show up at the dock without the correct identification to sail. It is always the passenger’s responsibility to know exactly what they need, both to board the ship and to visit every destination on the itinerary.
Unfortunately, not knowing what documents you need to cruise is not an excuse that will lead a cruise line to provide a future travel credit.
In fact, every cruise line – including Carnival – has specific language in their contract of carriage that excludes any responsibility when a passenger without proper documentation to travel is denied boarding.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION AND GUEST OBLIGATIONS
a) It is the Guest’s sole responsibility to ensure his/her legal eligibility to travel and to bring and have available at all times all required travel documents. Guests are advised to check with their travel agent and with the appropriate government authorities to determine the necessary documents and travel eligibility requirements for their particular cruise destinations, including the port of embarkation. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising Guest of what travel documents are required for the requested itinerary and it is recommended that Guest travel with a valid government issued passport at all times.
Carnival Cruise Line Contract of Carriage
The bottom line here is that passengers should never expect their cruise line to advise them about the documents they need to travel.
But being a first-time cruiser, Dipalma wasn’t aware of this fact. So when she found my article about another Carnival Cruise line customer who was denied boarding, she hoped we might be able to help her too.
Asking Consumer Rescue for help
When I read through Dipalma’s experience, I felt terrible, of course. The couple had missed their much-anticipated Carnival Cruise meant to celebrate their honeymoon. Instead of enjoying a lovely meal aboard the Legend on the night of embarkation, they were taking a long and tedious drive back to Pennsylvania.
But I knew as soon as Dipalma told me why they had been denied boarding that Consumer Rescue would not be able to successfully resolve this case.
Unless a Carnival cruise consultant had booked the honeymoon for the couple and somehow given them misleading information, there was no foundation for our team to take her request to the cruise line.
As I explained to Dipalma, the executive resolution teams that we work with trust that we only bring cases to mediation where something has gone wrong on the company’s side based on the terms and conditions of that business. We can’t mediate goodwill gestures when a consumer has made an error. We receive far too many of these types of requests. If we brought them all to mediation, the power of our advocacy team would soon become diluted.
This missed honeymoon was a disappointing and expensive lesson for the couple. However, it was ultimately their responsibility to make certain they had everything they needed to board their Carnival cruise. I’m sorry we were unable to help in this case. But hopefully, their story can serve as a cautionary tale so that others can avoid a similar experience.
How to avoid missing your cruise with the wrong ID
- Travel with a passport: The gold standard for travel documentation for a closed-loop cruise is a passport. With a passport, you won’t need to worry about any extra identification for this type of cruise. For a multitude of reasons, all cruise lines highly recommend passengers travel with a passport even when one is not required. Don’t have a passport? Here’s how to get a U.S. passport — fast.
- Read your cruise contract carefully: Dipalma misunderstood the information that she read on the Carnival website. She assumed an Enhanced ID is the same thing as a Real ID. It isn’t. Travelers should always read their cruise contracts and make sure that they understand the terms that are being used. If you don’t quite understand something, don’t assume. The U.S. Department of State has a page dedicated to cruising, which can provide travelers with all the information needed to successfully navigate a cruise.
- Use Timatic: The professional version of Timatic is what most airlines use to confirm passengers have all the required documentation for travel. Passengers can use the free version of Timatic provided by the International Air Transport Association. It’s simple to use: You enter your personal details into the program (Passport information, intended destinations, length and purpose of your trip) and you will receive reliable information about the documentation you personally need to successfully navigate your itinerary.
Here are the differences between a Real ID and an Enhanced ID
Many travelers often express confusion about the differences between a Real ID and an Enhanced ID. Here’s a breakdown of each one.
Real ID
Starting in May 2025, passengers on domestic flights in the United States will be required to minimally provide a Real ID-compliant form of identification in order to travel. After that date, a regular driver’s license will no longer be a valid form of identification to fly domestically. As a result, every state in the U.S. is currently rolling out Real ID driver’s licenses.
Here are some quick stats about a Real ID driver’s license:
- It has a star in the upper right-hand corner.
- You can use it as an official identification to enter Federal buildings.
- You can use a Real ID to fly domestically, but NEVER internationally.
- Real ID proves your identity but not your U.S. citizenship. Therefore if you use it as photo identification to take a closed-loop cruise, you will still need a birth certificate to prove your citizenship.
- It isn’t possible to cross land borders with a Real ID alone.
Enhanced ID
An Enhanced ID functions much like a passport card – it proves both your identity AND your U.S. citizenship. At this time, in the United States, only five states issue Enhanced IDs. Those states are all located on our Northern borders, where people may frequently pass between the U.S. and Canada.
Here are some quick facts about an Enhanced ID:
- Enhanced ID driver’s licenses are only issued by Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington and New York. At this time, no other state can issue Enhanced IDs, so if you don’t live in one of those states, you can be sure you don’t have an Enhanced ID.
- The word Enhanced appears at the top of the card.
- There will be a colorful U.S. flag somewhere on the card.
- An Enhanced ID can be used to cross land borders (Canada and Mexico).
- You can use an Enhanced ID to take a closed-loop cruise without any additional identification.
- It is not possible to fly internationally with an Enhanced ID, although you can use it to fly domestically.
- Like a passport card, the Enhanced ID does prove your citizenship. It contains an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip that allows immigration officers to read your personal details.
The bottom line
Any time that you’re leaving the United States, whether on a closed-loop cruise or via land, it’s always best to carry a passport. A passport proves your identity, citizenship AND will allow you to fly internationally. Should you find that you need to get back home quickly from a foreign destination, you will be relieved that you have the ability to travel by air with your passport.
An Enhanced ID or Passport Card are your next best forms of identification to carry if you intend to take a closed-loop cruise or cross over our land borders. But remember, you can never fly internationally with either of these forms of identification. So should you find yourself in an emergency and need to return home by air, you will encounter some difficult hurdles.
Finally, if you choose to leave the boundaries of the United States on a cruise or by land with just a Real ID, you must also have an official birth certificate with you to prove your citizenship. If you don’t have both, you won’t be going anywhere but back home – and that’s an unpleasant fate that’s completely avoidable. (Michelle Couch-Friedman, Consumer Rescue)
Here in New York City, buildings started requiring Id to get in to visit a company, etc. When I saw a security person take my driver’s license and bring it down behind the desk to do whatever he was doing with it (probably scanning it to create a photo), I decided from then on to carry my passport book. This way I prove who I am but don’t give away my address.
I suggest folks get a passport book just so you have one. You never know when you might have to, or want to, go somewhere. And if a building security’s protocol requires id to enter, just so them the passport book. Yes, that means you carry it every day. I do. Oh, put it in a ziploc bag so it doesn’t get any damage. Didn’t we see what happens in some countries who say your passport is not valid because it had some water or coffee damage?
Would they accept a passport card? That would be easier to carry.
I agree everyone should get a passport book, but, in your case, wouldn’t a passport card be easier for carrying every day?
It would, but, I’ve been getting passport books for years, so I keep getting them and it stays in my backpack, so not a problem for the wallet.
When you get your passport book, I suggest you splurge for a passport card. The passport card is a Real ID and fits in your wallet like your driver’s license or credit card does.
The passport card would also help Stephen_nyc so he can prove his ID without showing his address–and it is easier to carry than a passport book.
Also, a nuance with Real ID and border crossings: you can cross in to Canada with a passport card. I think you can drive in to Mexico with just a passport card but have not tried it yet.
Additionally, be sure to check what your state requires to get your Real ID driver’s license. For instance, here in Illinois, they want your bank account number among other things. I do not trust them enough to give them my bank account number. And for those wondering, we pay our taxes with a check so technically, the Dept. of Revenue can get our bank account information but not the Secretary of State’s office. “Your mileage may vary”–meaning your state’s requirements may be different.
A passport card is more like an Enhanced ID than a Real ID. A passport card proves the holder’s identity and citizenship, so you can use it to cross into Canada and Mexico. You can also use it to take a closed-loop cruise without any additional documentation, but it is always best to travel with an actual passport.
This is incorrect. A passport card is Real ID compliant.
What is incorrect? A passport card is a higher level form of ID than a Real ID. It proves both your identity and your citizenship. A Real ID only proves your identity. Of course, a passport card is Real-ID compliant but it is much more than that. You can cross our international land borders and take a closed-loop cruise with a passport card — things you can not do with a Real ID alone.
It’s sad that people still believe they won’t have any problems, and not have a passport. It’s a very serious gamble to take, and an expensive one at that.
Just get a passport people. Please.
I hate when we’re boarding a ship and there’s dozens of people crying because they don’t have the correct paperwork and are being turned away.
Sad they missed their honeymoon. It seems the LW did look into the documentation requirements, which is already better than many other cases here. But sadly she made a fatal assumption that her license was a “special license” without confirming. I’m not sure how she arrived at that conclusion though since a REAL ID compliant license is the bog standard license issued in PA; there’s nothing special about it..
While I’m usually a real hard-core when it comes to uninformed travellers, this case teeters right on the edge. I remember when I got my last California DL. It clearly stated that it was a ‘Real ID’. But I hadn’t applied for a Real ID and, sure enough, other verbiage stated that it was just a CA DL. I’d never leave the USA without my passport, but others may just be inexperienced. I can’t help but wonder if it had been any other cruiseline but Carnival … would they offer a future credit as goodwill? Is there any point in our newlyweds politely asking Carnival for a future credit? I think I’d be inclined to try.
They already have… most cruise line’s aren’t inclined to give those types of goodwill gestures. It would just open up a can of worms. Everyday many passengers show up without the correct ID to travel… If they give these customers a goodwill gesture, they would have to extend it to everyone who finds themselves at the dock with the wrong ID. (PS. the couple already asked and were turned down before they reached out to CR)
Definitely one of the times I feel bad for the couple while also feeling they have to take the L for all the reasons stated.
I get why Enhanced ID & Passport Cards exist (awesome for people who frequently travel by land to Canada & Mexico if they live near the border) but it just makes it confusing for inexperienced travelers.
It really needs to be hammered home to American travelers that it’s just poor judgement to try to cruise without a passport, preferably a passport book in case they need to fly in an emergency.
That’s what passports/passport card are for. We shouldn’t need anything else for travel.
A drivers license is to drive/ state id.
Reading through this page on Carnival’s website actually leaves something to be desired in terms of their requirements. It’d be nice if they’d link to each agencies website to explain what each document is- especially now that the Real ID advertising campaign is going on.
That being said, if your state didn’t tell you that you had an enhanced ID, you definitely don’t have an enhanced ID. I feel for this couple, but ultimately think they share the majority of the responsibility for not showing up prepared.
I think Carnival can and should do more to clarify exactly what is needed. But it’s really not their fault that people just assume “Real ID” and “Enhanced Drivers License” is the same thing.
It states plainly on their site, a Real ID is not an Enhanced Driver’s license. And which states the Enhanced licenses are issued from.
You can travel with a government issued ID and Birth certificates. They failed to have their birth Certificates to go with their ID’s. Yes a passport would have solved their issue. This comes from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. Quote. Information Center (CIC) Certificate 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 issued driver’s license, picture ID, denoting photo, name, and date of birth.
That’s exactly what the article indicates … 😬
I do not understand why people find reading really hard and comprehending even harder.
It’s very clear what you need to sail on a cruise, I know this because My wife and I just took are first carnival cruise.
There’s is nothing unclear about the documents you need. If a real ID was allowed it would say real id not enchanced Id reading comprehension is paramount to everyday living, so senerios like this boggle my mind.
And for the record even though you can use a.birth certificate don’t get a passport, the line getting on this ship is faster and getting off is much faster otherwise you will stand in line for a papers check.
My point is don’t try to force a company to reimburse you for your own inability to read and follow the clear directions
I see it every week. Those birth certificate lines are really long because they have to see the custom.agents. Where the passport line goes through facial recognition and it is so fast. Get a passport and stop complaining about long lines.
We just finished up our carnival cruise and I’m not sure where they had a problem. The website clearly states that a government issued photo ID and birth certificate are needed if you don’t have a passport.
The article details the problem quite plainly. The LW saw “enhanced drivers license” on the list of documentation options and assumed that’s what she had. This fatal assumption is what causes her to miss her cruise.
Great article. I work for cruise lines and I see people every day denied going on the cruise because of not bringing the proper documentation. Like you say, this could have been easily avoided if people would just read what they need beforehand.
I haven’t traveled as much since Covid, but I always take my Passport when I cruise or fly out of the US. I would have never thought that a “Real ID” would be used in place of a Passport. Honestly I’ve never heard of an “enhanced ID”. I just keep my Passport up to date so I can travel when I want, and my “real ID” to fly.
Don’t know why people don’t understand you need a passport, and avoid problems.
I travel with my passport, so it doesn’t matter to me, but I do have one question. If RealID does not prove citizenship, why was I required by the State of Maryland to provide either my Birth Certificate or current passport in order to obtain my RealID driver’s license? They stated at the time it was because RealID would prove citizenship.
Documentation requirements needed to upgrade to a Real ID vary by state. Some states are simply upgrading their driver’s licenses to Real ID without any additional applications — the resident renews online and receives a Real ID compliant driver’s license in the mail. Real ID compliant driver’s licenses do not have an RFID chip and therefore do not contain any information about your citizenship. Your Real ID only proves your identity (name, age, address and what you look like). The person who told you that your Real ID proves your citizenship was incorrect. Unfortunately, there continues to be massive confusion about what Real ID is and what it absolutely is not.
In Maryland you had to appear in person, with citizenship documents in hand so they could be scanned into their system. Perhaps Maryland MVA officials are the ones that were confused. Like I said, it doesn’t affect me, as I travel using my passport anyway.
The federal requirement for real ID is “lawful presence”. One does not need to be a US citizen to get a real id, any type of legal status qualifies. That’s anything like a work visa, refugee status, permanent residence, etc.
Your state accepted your birth certificate as proof of lawful presence but they do not require it.
I work at the cruise line checking in passengers. Passengers don’t read the FAQs on the cruise line website. I have passengers coming up to me and saying they have a Real ID. And I ask them do yiu gave a birth certificate because this is not an Enhanced ID. Passengers need to take responsibility and read the FAQs. This is all on them that they missed their cruise.
Some times the the DMV in the state will not tell you about the enhanced ID. When I asked about it the said oh yes that what you applied for. But no I did not apply for it. And I requested to have that form I was told that is what I am filling out.When I received my new card it was NOT the card I requested.
I was booked on a seven day Alaskan cruise leaves out of Seattle Washington. I flew to Seattle from Atlanta, GA, forgetting my passport or birth certificate. Once I got there I couldn’t board the boat but I was taken to an office where this lady called somewhere, state department, I don’t know. But she was able to get a copy of my birth certificate faxed to carnival cruise line and I was able to continue the cruise to include Canada.
Best check if the country you’re traveling to requires some type of visa also. Visit visa or whatever the destination country calls it
I was refused boarding on a flight to Rio de Janero Brazil one time and scrambled around the rest of the day trying to get one.
Yes, the article does point out that you may need a visa as well. Unfortunately, we’ve had many cases where travelers weren’t aware of their need for a visa and ended up missing cruises and other dream vacations. 🙁
I don’t see the word visa anywhere in the article, that’s why I mentioned.
Oops, my apologies! 😬 You’re absolutely correct. I was responding from email and I thought your comment was posted under this article. https://consumerrescue.org/cruise-fiascos/how-missed-carnival-cruise-valid-passport-mistake/
Otherwise great article, lots of good information there.
Thanks!
Thank you 🤓