This website from the US State Dept. explains it all: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html Currently you do not need a passport to cruise to the Bahamas but if you need to fly back to the USA for whatever reason, you will be denied entry without one. By 2009, all travelers into or out of the USA will require passports ($97 USD and good for 10 years) so why wait if you plan other trips. BAHAMAS INFO: ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States . This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed loop cruises), including ferry service, by the summer of 2009. Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea must have government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization), or other WHTI compliant document such as a passport card for entry or re-entry to the U.S. Sea travelers should also check with their cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements. Applications for the new U.S. Passport Card are now being accepted. We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. The card may not be used to travel by air and is available only to U.S. citizens. Further information on passport cards is available at http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html and upcoming changes to U.S. passport policy can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. We strongly encourage all American citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport well in advance of anticipated travel. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports. U.S. citizens do not need to obtain visas to visit the Bahamas. However, U.S. citizens planning on an extended stay of several months may be asked to provide proof or evidence of financial solvency upon entry to Bahamian immigration authorities. Travelers arriving via private watercraft are charged docking fees.

You do not need one to go but you need one to return so yes my friend you need a passport.

i would definitely get passports, just to be safe! its always good to know that you have one just in case :]

You want to be very careful when traveling outside the country these days. The reason is the rule changes practically from day to day. One day, they were stopping everyone who tried to return to the US without a passport, until the entry authority was given new instructions to let them go. The enforcement date has changed twice in the last few months. Be safe - get a passport.

the passport date has been pushed back from this last year to next year.. but if you like to travel, better apply for one soon. the line is backing up. but you dont need one for mexico, bahamas, carribean, etc right now