Ahoy, Yumiko!
Welcome aboard the Disney Parks Moms Panel! What a DREAMy voyage you have planned for your crew! Your kiddos are great ages to sail because they both will be able to experience two of the
youth clubs available on board. Your 12 yEAR old can choose to participate in the activities and experiences available in Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab (ages 3-12) and/or Edge, which is the programming for ages 11-14. Your teen can select Edge and/or Vibe designed especially for all the 14-17-yEAR-olds. They may choose to enjoy Edge together, but it's nice that they have options, and I highly recommend exploring all the spaces once you embark.
Yumiko, your question is important because you always want to be clear on the difference in using birth certificates or passports when traveling on a cruise vacation. Passports are highly recommended by Disney Cruise Line when sailing on a closed-loop cruise (a sailing departing and returning to the same U.S. port), but not required at this time. The reason they are strongly suggested is in the case of an unexpected emergency. Air travel to and from the Bahamas does require a valid U.S. passport, so if something unforeseen occurred during your vacation or back home, you'd be able to travel with the correct documentation. My best advice is to read over the
Passport, Visas, & Citizenship Documentation page on the Disney Cruise Line website to help you with your decision.
Thank you for reaching out, Yumiko. Please keep us in mind if you think of anything else before you are enjoying
all a Disney Cruise Line vacation has to offer, including a magical stop at
Disney Castaway Cay! You'll love this slice of Disney paradise when it's your turn to visit soon!
Have a MAGICAL day!
Nancy