Carnival Cruise Line issues new passport rule impacting millions of passengers

The world's largest cruise line has had a significant rule change for its millions of passengers that travel with them every single year.

With more than 13 million people taking to the open seas every single year on a cruise ship, it is an industry that generates billions in revenue every 12 months.

And the biggest cruise line of them all is Carnival, with its parent company entertaining more than 5.8 million people every single year.

Well, for those travelling with its largest individual brand, Carnival Cruise Line - we're talking more than 2.5 million per annum - the rules have just been changed when it comes to passports.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the change (Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Carnival Cruise Line announcement

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, took to Facebook to tell his followers about the change in how passports will work.

Heald often takes to the social media platform to discuss pretty much everything that might concern cruise passengers, responding to fans asking questions and putting forward queries.

"This advisory requires your prompt review as we work to keep you informed about your cruise," Heald took to Facebook to say.

What follows is a pretty lengthy explainer on how you're impacted if travelling with them.

You'll need to check your passport (Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Carnival passport rule change

For decades, Florida-based Carnival has had a strong affiliation with Panama, with 17 of its ships actually registered to the country. The other seven are registered to the Bahamas.

As a result, many of its voyages take passengers down the iconic Panama Canal, with docking in the country that links Central and South America standard practice by now.

"We have received clarification on passport requirements for Panama," Heald stated.

"To comply with guidelines for going ashore, all guests (including infants) must carry a passport book that is valid for at least six months after the cruise ends. Guests will be permitted to sail with other acceptable travel documentation, but they must remain on board when the ship visits Panama.

"While we will do our best to provide you with as much information as possible, you should always ensure that you follow all travel and documentation requirements for this cruise."

Make sure everything is above board (Getty Stock Images)

What it actually means

Ultimately, if you have no plans to get off the boat in Panama, don't worry. Equally, if you fall foul of their rules, don't worry too much and just bite the bullet and remain on board.

"If you will be remaining on board, our team will be ready to provide excellent service and keep you entertained with fun activities," Heald explained.

"Basically you can sail on these cruises using your birth certificate and photo ID. However, if you wish to go ashore in Panama you will need a current passport that is valid for six months from the end of the cruise. Thank you all for your understanding and have a brilliant time."

It comes as Royal Caribbean has banned one cruise travel hack as well as prohibiting another item loved by travellers.