Ahoy There, Elwin!
Welcome to planDisney and thank you so much for sailing by with your question. How exciting that you are planning to sail into the unknown in just a few months. Our family loves sailing on Disney Cruise Line cruises as it's a wonderful way to enjoy destinations in the great wide somewhere, while also experiencing the magic of Disney.
Elwin, the documentation required depends on a few things per government regulations. For the four-night
Bahamian cruise departing on May 19th, 2025, which looks to be departing from and returning to the United States,
all US Citizens, including children, need to have one of the following:
- Original valid US passport OR
- Original valid US passport card OR
- Original valid Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST)
OR
- Original state-issued birth certificate AND a physical government-issued photo ID (digital/mobile state-issued IDs are not acceptable to sail) ** Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010, are not acceptable. Hospital-issued birth certificates are not acceptable.**
- Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the Department of State AND a physical government-issued photo ID (digital/mobile state-issued IDs are not acceptable to sail)
- Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services AND a physical government-issued photo ID (digital/mobile state-issued IDs are not acceptable to sail)
*Please note that children 15 years of age and younger are required to present one of the documents listed above, but do not need to present a government-issued photo ID.* So, if your granddaughter is a US Citizen, she would need one of these listed items.
For more information on required documentation, you can check the Passport and Travel Documentation page on the Disney Cruise Line site. I also recommend double checking with the US State Department to ensure you have the proper documentation for each member of your party.
Elwin, you will be required to upload your documents to your Disney Cruise Line account prior to departure. These documents are reviewed and approved, and it is important to do this step so that you can select a boarding time. Additionally, you will need to bring the real documentation (not a photocopy) with you when you check-in. Be sure this documentation is in your carry-on bag and not in your checked bag. Guests who do not have the required documentation with them at check-in can be denied boarding at the port.
I recommend having a secure bag to bring these documents with you any time you disembark the ship. You will also need your Key To The World card anytime you disembark or reembark onto the ship, which will be provided to you when you check in at the port. This is so that the Cast Members can track all passengers who have left and returned to the ship, and for security reasons.
While you are packing your carry-on, Elwin, be sure to pack your swimsuit and anything you may need on embarkation day. I also suggest leaving important items like medications, glasses/contact lenses, etc. in your carry-on bag and not your checked bag. It can take a while before checked luggage arrives in your Stateroom, so our family likes to pack our swimsuits to enjoy the pool area on our first day.
I hope this helps you, Elwin! If you have any further Disney vacation planning questions, sail back here to see us. We will be happy to help you!
Anchors Aweigh!
Keri