Anyone Cruise to the Bahamas recently? Did you need a passport?

[y2flyy]

I was under the impression from an early rep that stated I needed a passport (due to a new rule implemented June 1, 2009) that required a passport for all travelers outside of the U.S.

So I went ahead and got my passport but my companion who is traveling to the Bahamas with me (in about 10 days) was having problems and delays getting hers.
She will now have to drive about 100 miles to try and expedite it to receive this week.

However I've spoken with Royal Carribean and Travel.Gov and they insisted that since the Cruise is leaving and returning to the same U.S. port that I do not need a passport. I confirmed it on their website and Department of Homeland Security.
I just want to make sure by asking anyone here if they've Cruise to the Bahamas since June 1, 2009 were you at any point REQUIRED to provide a passport.
I know some will say well IF the government AND RC said you don't need it than you don't need it.
Again I just want to make 100% sure so that my companion could avoid driving so far to get her passport when we don't need it anyway.

Any help would be appreciated.....
Thanks!

[Dave]

It's called the Closed Loop Rule. Read more here.

[y2flyy]

Thanks alot for the quick response Dave! That answered my question and concern!

[Dave]

Here is a very good article about it from Anita Potter.