Ahoy there, Christy, and welcome to planDisney! It sounds like your family’s Bahamian adventure is just around the riverbend, so I’m happy to help you be prepared before you chart a course for all the adventure ahead.
The answer to your question depends, in part, on your child's age. For children under 16, no photo ID is required. In most cases, children can travel as long as you bring an original or certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate. If you are a United States resident sailing on a closed-loop Disney Cruise that departs from and returns to Florida, your child is not required to have a passport to visit the Bahamas. Keep in mind, adults will also need a valid government-issued photo ID.
That said, while a passport is not required in this scenario, Disney Cruise Line strongly recommends that every Guest travel with one, including children. Having a passport makes international travel much smoother if plans change unexpectedly or if an emergency requires flying home from another country. I know it provides me with extra peace of mind, especially since I can store it in my stateroom safe while onboard.
So while your child can absolutely sail without a passport on a Bahamian cruise from Florida, bringing one along is the gold standard if you have it. Whatever
travel documents you land on, make sure they're easily accessible in your carry-on bag on embarkation day. Either way, you are well on your way, and as Tiana would say, you are almost there to making magical memories at sea.
If any other questions bubble up as you count down the days to your vacation on your
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, don’t hesitate to sail back to us here at
planDisney.
SEA ya real soon,
Sami