Hi Shelli,
Thanks for cruising by planDisney with your question! I love that your
teens are ready to set sail with you. There is something extra special about a
Disney Cruise Line vacation with family. Everyone can enjoy time together AND spend time exploring on their own. It is the perfect combination of family bonding time, including a little "me" time!
The exact answer to your question about
travel documents will depend on the itinerary you select. Itineraries in Europe, for example, require valid passports for Guests of all ages. If you are planning a "closed loop" cruise from the US, which means it begins and ends at the same port, your 16 and 17-year-old will not need a passport. However, all Guests over the age of 15 are required to provide an original or copy of their state-issued birth certificate AND a physical Government-issued photo ID (digital/mobile state-issued IDs are not acceptable to sail).
Shelli, you will need to
provide these documents electronically during the Online Check-In process, too. I like to take photos or scan these documents prior to beginning check-in to expedite things. You will also need a "headshot" of each passenger, which is as simple as taking a photo from the shoulders up in front of a plain background.
Keep in mind that these guidelines are based on government regulations, which are subject to change at any time. So, I recommend visiting the US State Department's website for more information or writing back to planDisney if you have questions about future cruises.
Once onboard, your teens should check out the
space created just for Guests ages 14-17 called Vibe. Special events for teens aren't limited to this amazing space, they occur all around the ship, too! Check your
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app during your sailing to discover the times and locations of these events.
I hope this information is helpful, Shelli. Please let us know if you have other questions as you plan!
Wishing you many magical memories,
Shannon