Mickey and Minnie on deck in Christmas Sweaters
  • On Dec 15, 2023
    Devin from OH Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are embarking on our first family cruise! I have two children from a previous marriage that I now have custody of. Do I need a notarized letter to allow them to go on our cruise or is the birth certificate enough?

    Welcome aboard, Devin!  

    Oh my goodness, I’m so excited for your family’s very first cruise! There’s just nothing like a Disney Cruise Line vacation, and it sounds like the most magical way to sail into the new year together. Thanks for asking this smart question about travel documentation requirements for your children; I’m happy to put your mind at ease so you can be on your way very soon.

    There is an important document called the “Authorization for Minor to Travel without a Parent or Legal Guardian” but according to your question, this is NOT required for your scenario. This legal documentation grants other adults authority when the parent is not present, such as a grandparent or aunt taking children on vacation without their parents. That document provides temporary custody, care, and control to the traveling adult and must be notarized and signed by the non-traveling parent. Since you are the children's parent and traveling with them, this form does not apply and there are no additional forms required to be notarized prior to your sailing. Depending on your destination, please be sure to review the travel documentation guidelines to confirm that their birth certificate is sufficient for your trip as planned.  

    There is so much to experience on a Disney cruise, and I know you’re going to have an amazing time! Please be sure to download and update the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App prior to sailing; once onboard the ship it will flip to “onboard mode,” and you’ll see the detailed schedule of activities, your dining rotation, and entertainment schedule for the voyage. Tap the “heart” for favorites to easily see them in your plans and receive a reminder of upcoming desired activities throughout your cruise. Be sure to check out the handy packing checklists and review the prohibited items list too for a smooth arrival at the port terminal.

    We appreciate you confirming this critical detail of travel documentation with us, and I hope knowing you don’t have to get anything notarized has taken one more thing off the to-do list and gets you one step closer to that beautiful ship!

    I’m wishing you the most magical of cruises, with special family memories made to close out 2023 together.

    Bon voyage, 
    Amy 
thumbnail image for Amy

Meet the Panelist: Amy, Virginia

Hi friends! I'm Amy, a lifelong Disney dreamer from horse-and-wine country, Virginia. My family of three is BIG on fun and treasures every adventure together. We've been making memories at the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line since my son was a toddler; we love our family traditions balanced with "what's new" each visit. I have a passion for Disney details, a love of digital tools, and an eye for practical planning. I can't wait to help you make the MOST of your magical vacation! Learn More About Amy

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Disney Cruise Line First Timer Tips | planDisney Podcast – Season 2 Episode 1

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.