Ahoy there, Mitzi! We'll have you shipshape and ready to sail in no time.
Disney Cruise Line is a fantastic vacation, especially with children. With the
youth clubs and planned activities, there's an opportunity onboard a
Disney ship for grown-ups to enjoy a completely different vacation than their kids, and plenty of chances to do family things that will make memories you'll all cherish.
The
required documents for your cruise are determined by the
cruise itinerary you choose. If your family chooses what is called a "closed loop" cruise, a passport is not required, although it is highly recommended. Adults on these closed loop cruises - which begin and end in a US port - will need a government-issued photo ID in addition to an original or official copy of a birth certificate. Children ages 15 and younger will just need the birth certificate. The birth certificate has to have the seal from the municipality where the birth was registered, so it can't be the one issued by the hospital.
Having said that, Mitzi, Disney Cruise Line does follow the regulations of the places you visit, so if your trip takes you somewhere that does require a passport in order for you to disembark the ship, you will need to have a passport. I also recommend that if you can, get a passport. You can sail with your birth certificate and photo ID, but you won't be able to fly home in an emergency without a passport. That will require jumping through some hoops and could result in some unexpected expenses.
Mitzi, whatever help you need while you plan your magical voyage, you can come right back here to visit us!
Anna