**HELP** 11th Hour Cruise Reservations

[El Cid 94]

My sister and her kids spent this past weekend with us... and it was lovely. About 2-3 glasses of wine into dinner Saturday evening my wife and I start to playfully suggest that she and her kids join us on the Dream next week (12-16th). Well the discussion turned serious quickly. We looked at the DCL web site... sure enough, rooms are available. As of a few hours ago it looks like she is going to do it. Here is where we need help.

Neither she nor the kids have passports. They have original birth certificates. From what I have read you can get by with a birth certificate and photo ID (but it is ill-advised) correct? Do the kids (hers are 14 and under) need some type of picture ID?

What other concerns are there when trying to plan a cruise in about 5 days? What about cruise documents, luggage tags, etc?

This will be our family's 2nd Disney cruise but my sister and her family have never been. We will all drive down together so the only logistic obstacles are the ones directly related to the cruise.

Any advice regarding 11th hour cruising would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

 

[jdb in AZ]

My sister and her kids spent this past weekend with us... and it was lovely. About 2-3 glasses of wine into dinner Saturday evening my wife and I start to playfully suggest that she and her kids join us on the Dream next week (12-16th). Well the discussion turned serious quickly. We looked at the DCL web site... sure enough, rooms are available. As of a few hours ago it looks like she is going to do it. Here is where we need help.

Neither she nor the kids have passports. They have original birth certificates. From what I have read you can get by with a birth certificate and photo ID (but it is ill-advised) correct? Do the kids (hers are 14 and under) need some type of picture ID?

What other concerns are there when trying to plan a cruise in about 5 days? What about cruise documents, luggage tags, etc?

This will be our family's 2nd Disney cruise but my sister and her family have never been. We will all drive down together so the only logistic obstacles are the ones directly related to the cruise.

Any advice regarding 11th hour cruising would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

If she does the online check-in she doesn't need the mailed documents. She can get luggage tags at the port.

I think minor children don't need photo i.d. (No doubt someone here will correct me if I'm wrong.) Make sure the birth certs are indeed the originals and not just xerox copies of the originals. There should be a raised seal on them.

Let us know how it turns out -- sounds like fun!

 

[SteelersLover]

YOu really only need raised seal birth certificates for all travelers. The mothers name should be on the childrens' B/certif. Mom needs a photo identification (e.g. drivers liscence). Most will advise to have passports in case of emergency. without passport you'd have to go through the embassy and what not to get a flight back into the country.

I brought along a photo of my DS7 (just in case) who does not have a passport and we did not have any problems on our Nov '11 Dream cruise.

Have fun, being able to do it last minute is exciting

 

[kcashner]

What you need is a CERTIFIED birth certificate. In the past, the certification was indicated by a raised seal, but with modern technology some states have gone to other means of certification like imbedded holograms,etc. The bottom line is that each person will need a certified birth certificate--original, not copy. Persons 18 and older will need a government issued photo ID as well. Minors do not need a photo ID.

She can do her check in on line and print out the documents she'll need. Luggage tags will be available from the porters at the terminal.

The closest I ever booked a cruise was Thursday for a Saturday sailing--it's a lot, but it can be done.

 

[El Cid 94]

Thanks for the info. She has original birth certificates for her kids but hers is a xerox copy. The key is going to be if she can get an original in time.

I go from nervous to excited every 10-15 minutes. This seems like a crazy idea but if it works, we are going to have a blast!

 

[kcashner]

If the "copy" was obtained from the state and has the appropriate raised seal, it would be considered a "duplicate original" which is acceptable. If it is literally a xerox copy, it is not valid.

 

[El Cid 94]

The closest I ever booked a cruise was Thursday for a Saturday sailing--it's a lot, but it can be done.

Wow, thank you. That is amazing and encouraging!

 

[mmouse37]

I believe online check in has to be done 3 days prior to your cruise so she will have know pretty soon whether she can actually go or not (getting the original BC).

If she can't check in online it is not a deal breaker at all (just makes it quicker at the port). She can check in once she is at the port. The porters and or CM's at the gate should have a master list with everyone sailing that day so she can get luggage tags there and they will write her cabin on them.

She can fill out the rest of the paperwork in the terminal.

I love spontaneous trips....have a great time!!!!

MJ