Ahoy there, Amanda!
Welcome to planDisney and thank you so much for stopping by with your question! How exciting that your upcoming
Disney Cruise Line cruise is just on the horizon. Soon, you'll be enjoying the line where the sky meets the sea (which always calls me) and sailing into the great wide somewhere. Our family loves Disney cruises as it is the best of both worlds - the magic of Disney and discovering dazzling places we never knew!
Amanda, I just chatted with a Disney Cruise Line Cast Member. The required documentation to board the cruise depends on where you are boarding the ship, where you are traveling to, your age, and your citizenship.
This page lists the required documentation which is based on governmental requirements.
However, it is each Guest's responsibility to confirm you have the proper documentation and paperwork to board the ship and enter each of the countries on the ship's itinerary. Departure from some countries requires you to have a passport that is valid for six months after the dates of the cruise, so that is something to note as well. Failure to have the proper documentation can result in being denied boarding.
The current requirements on the Disney Cruise Line cruise state that you must have a valid passport. Unfortunately, an expired passport and photo of renewal won't be accepted. However, the helpful Cast Member said that if you are a US citizen above the age of 16 and traveling out a United States port in Florida, Texas, or California, you can upload a birth certificate and a driver's license as proof of identification and then present your passport at the port. There is also a window of time Disney Cruise Line needs to review your documentation so you will need to leave room for that.
When submitting the documentation and uploading it to your account prior to your cruise,
Disney Cruise Line checks your documentation and ID photo. If there is any issue with your documents or the clarity of your photo, it won't be approved. You will get a notice in your account as to why and what needs to be resubmitted. This happened to me last year when my son's identification photo was not clear. I was able to resubmit it, and it was approved on the next try. These photos are tied to your
"Key To The World" card, which you will receive upon check-in at the port and they need to be presented each time you disembark and embark on the ship. In fact, I recommend bringing a lanyard with you so you always have access to your "Key To The World" card.
If you are not traveling out of a port in the United States or are not a U.S. Citizen, you will need a passport. I recommend giving Disney Cruise Line a call to discuss what documentation is required. They will be able to best advise you based on your planned cruise and itinerary.
I hope this helps you, Amanda. If you have any further questions, sail back here to see me. With the wind in your sail from the sea stays behind you, one day you'll know just how far you'll go!
Bon Voyage,
Keri