Ahoy there, Lonara!
Welcome aboard planDisney! With your Disney cruise just around the corner, I can practically hear the magical music playing as you
check off your packing list—and making sure your travel documents are ready to go is one of the most important steps to a smooth embarkation day. Let’s make sure your crew is ready to sail without a hitch!
For your 10-year-old adventurer, an
original state-issued birth certificate is acceptable if you're sailing on a closed-loop cruise (a round-trip cruise from a U.S. port). Just make sure it’s the official one—not a hospital-issued version and not a photocopy. The birth certificate must have the raised seal or other official markings to be considered valid. While kiddos under 16 only need that original birth certificate, any Guests 16 and older must also bring along a
physical government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license.
Now, while it’s totally fine to sail with just a birth certificate and photo ID for certain itineraries, if you ask me, having a valid passport is a real treasure! I always recommend that families consider using passports for any international travel—including Disney cruises—because you never know when unexpected adventures (or detours) might pop up. If you had to disembark early due to an emergency or delay, a
passport makes things a whole lot easier when it comes to getting back home.
And here’s another bonus: If your crew is using passports, disembarkation at the end of your cruise is smoother than Olaf in summer! U.S. Customs has switched to facial recognition technology, so instead of fumbling for documents, you just smile for the camera and you’re on your way. It’s practically magic—and yes, it even makes that final walk off the ship a little less bittersweet.
I hope this helps set your course for a stress-free start to your voyage, Lonara! With your documents in order, you’ll be ready to step aboard and let the enchantment begin. Wishing you sunshine-filled days, ocean breezes, and magical moments from bow to stern.
Sea ya real soon as May brings sunshine, magical ports, and maybe a Mickey bar or two,
Dustin