Welcome aboard, Catherine! Are you all looking forward to an amazing and truly magical cruise with Disney? You must be! Your seven year-old will have an especially magical time when he or she gets to experience the super fun
Youth Clubs. My kids cannot get enough of the clubs onboard, and have made so many new friends as they participate in games, crafts, and exciting adventures together!
I'm glad you asked about passports. Guests who are sailing on a round trip cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean from a U.S. port, and who are U.S. citizens, do not need passports, however they are recommended. Please read all of the details about this on the
Passports and Cruise Documents page of Disney Cruise Line's website, or call the agents at (800) 951-3532 for clarification if you have different circumstances. That way, you'll be sure to arrive with the proper documents. But, basically, a government issued I.D. (like driver's license) along with a state-issued birth certificate are acceptable for U.S. citizen adults. Children under the age of 16 (U.S. citizens) can travel with their parents with just their state-issued birth certificate.
My family and I prefer to have valid
passports, even for the kids, though, because it gives us greater peace of mind. If we were to find ourselves stuck in a foreign port of call due to emergency or illness, we could more easily return home. So, if you have time, getting your child a passport would be a great idea!
I hope that helps as you plan this exciting trip, Catherine! Please stop back if you have other questions about your cruise before you set sail! We're happy to help!
Marcy