Ahoy there, Brittany! Welcome to planDisney! We're so excited to have you aboard as you look to plan your incredible Disney Cruise Line vacation!
Ah, a September cruise! One of my favorite months to go, not only because school is back in session but because there are so many itineraries across the
Disney Cruise Line fleet available!
From Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries that let you pretend that summer will never end, to the final Alaskan itineraries that welcome the cooler season back to the Northwest and everything in-between, there's always great sailing to be had in September!
When it comes to passports for Guests in general, currently, a passport is not required for U.S. citizens sailing on Disney Cruise Line itineraries leaving from a U.S. port and returning to the same U.S. port. So most sailings that depart from Port Canaveral, Miami or San Diego fall into this category. Children 15 years of age or younger need only an original or copy of their state-issued birth certificate (no government-issued photo ID for them). Even so,
I always suggest that you check the Travel Documentation page on Disney Cruise Line's website for the most up-to-date information on what the travel requirements are.
You should also be sure to
review the latest "Know Before You Go" information, especially since there are specific testing requirements currently in place for Guests who are not eligible for the Covid vaccines. Of course, this could change by September, but better to be ready to handle the extra testing than to be blindsided by it!
While I always suggest traveling with a passport, I totally understand what it's like to have limited options when it comes to timing! You won't need a passport for your 4-year-old this time around, but since I'm almost certain your family will have the time of their lives on your Disney Cruise Line vacation, I'd go ahead and apply for a passport for them so you have it for the next 5 years whenever you plan on sailing - especially if you want to sail on a one-way cruise or from Europe!
Oh and a planDrew-approved tip for you: while you're aboard - if you think you'll be sailing again at any time in the next two years - be sure to book a placeholder!
I hope that helps you set a course and navigate these rough seas, Brittany! Thank you so much for your question, and if any others bubble to the surface while you are planning, please send me another message in a bottle here at planDisney!
Fair winds and following seas!
Andrew