Ahoy there, Cyndi!
Aren’t you the best grandmother ever! Taking a grandchild on a Disney cruise is a wonderful idea. I can’t think of a better way to bond with grandchildren than showing them the world with Captain Mickey at the helm.
Based on your sail date, you could either be on an itinerary cruising to
The Bahamas or the
Caribbean. Either way, the documentation you will need for your voyage is as follows: all Guests 16 and up will need to present an original or copy of their state-issued birth certificate AND a government-issued photo ID. Children 15 years of age or younger only need an original or copy of their state-issued birth certificate. So you will need an original or copy of a state-issued birth certificate for your 11-year-old granddaughter. A passport would also be an acceptable form of identification if she has one, but it is not required.
I always like to tell Guests that these guidelines are based on government regulations, which are subject to change at any time. Because the rules in this area can be fluid, I strongly recommend checking the
Passport and Travel Documentation page on Disney Cruise Line website. Not only will this page have all the particulars, it will also be updated in case changes are made to these requirements by the U.S. State Department.
As far as appropriate legal documents for traveling with a minor child, it would be a nice idea to have a Medical Consent Form signed by the parent(s) in the event of a medical emergency. I also would recommend that you google "Minor Travel Consent Form" and have one completed. You would need to have your grandchild’s parent(s) sign before a notary to leave no doubt that your grandchild may be traveling with you. I have never found these to be a requirement for cruising, but they are still wise documents to have just in case.
I’m so happy that you’ve decided to say yes to Captain Mickey and to memory making with your grandchild on a Disney cruise! Sail back over to planDisney if you have any additional questions that we can answer.
SEA ya real soon!
Sherry