Can you cruise to the Bahama's in Oct 2009 without a passport?

as of 08/30/09, a final ruling was issued by Homeland Security that "closed loop" cruises, that is where you leave and return to the same port regardless of the locations of the stops along the way, you do not need a passport. Birth certificate and drivers license will be enough. Birth Cert. must be the original. Drivers License or state ID must be valid. There are a few other documents that are acceptable but you should visit www.state.gov for the Dept. of State for further advice and direction.