Cruising with grandson, without parents. Questions

[eeyoresbestfriend]

I did a search, but didn't find anything. My husband and I are taking our 5 year old grandson on a cruise. I am going to call Disney Cruiseline, but I'm not sure I'll get an accurate answer lol. The authorization for minor to travel without a parent or legal guardian- this is all we need? I'm addition to his passport or birth certificate obviously. I am seeing that it doesn't need to be notarized, I was just hoping for experience from people who have done this recently?

 

[NYCgrrl]

I’ve traveled with then underaged DGD and her similar aged buddies. Sometimes all had passports, sometimes not. When without whatever was required by travel company was acquired and no, I never needed to have them notarized. Generally speaking, the signed letter detailing our relationship and my ability to make care decisions was held only for never needed medical emergencies, thank goodness. Still, it’s a new day out there as of January 2025, so I would depend only on what the travel company says.

ETA last time I travelled with a person under18 was January 2, 2025.

 

[lanejudy]

I recommend having copies of his medical card(s) and a letter from his parents authorizing you to decisions about medical care in their absence.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I recommend having copies of his medical card(s) and a letter from his parents authorizing you to decisions about medical care in your absence.

Sure you don’t mean “their”?

 

[lanejudy]

Sure you don’t mean “their”?

yes! Thank you, I fixed it

 

[DisneyDTL]

Disney has a form "Authorization for Minor to Travel without a Parent or Legal Guardian" . The form authorizes an adult (age 18 and older) other than the parent or legal guardian to retain care, custody and control of a child during the span of a Disney cruise vacation. It is required for each child traveling without a parent or legal guardian.

A parent or legal guardian must complete this form, naming each of the children it applies to, and it must be presented by the authorized adult during check-in at the port terminal.

Been on two cruises with grandchildren 3 & 5 no one ever asked to see the form

Both times sailed in Europe so needed passports for the grandchildren

On a closed-loop cruise meaning they start and return to the same US port., I think you just need a copy of a state-issued birth certificate if under 16.

Disney have a web page that gives details of ID required based on port you are sailing from or sailing to

 

[professorandmom]

On a closed-loop cruise meaning they start and return to the same US port., I think you just need a copy of a state-issued birth certificate if under 16.

oops, not a copy, an original birth certificate now

 

[DisneyDTL]

oops, not a copy, an original birth certificate now

Sorry should have put an official copy of a birth certificate

 

[Flcruising]

Always had the signatures notarized. It might not be required but why not do it? It's a simple step and if you are in a foreign country that extra step just might help.
Always carried the forms when off ship.
Disney always asked to see the forms before boarding. Another cruise line never asked.

 

[DisneyDTL]

Always had the signatures notarized. It might not be required but why not do it? It's a simple step and if you are in a foreign country that extra step just might help.
Always carried the forms when off ship.
Disney always asked to see the forms before boarding. Another cruise line never asked.

Never asked two times we took the grandkids on a Disney Cruise, but always had them just in case

 

[eeyoresbestfriend]

Thank you all for your help! I have the Disney form, was just wanting to make sure it was that easy! I did call the cruiseline and confirm also. Thanks again.

 

[tvguy]

Disney has a form "Authorization for Minor to Travel without a Parent or Legal Guardian" . The form authorizes an adult (age 18 and older) other than the parent or legal guardian to retain care, custody and control of a child during the span of a Disney cruise vacation. It is required for each child traveling without a parent or legal guardian.

A parent or legal guardian must complete this form, naming each of the children it applies to, and it must be presented by the authorized adult during check-in at the port terminal.

Been on two cruises with grandchildren 3 & 5 no one ever asked to see the form

Both times sailed in Europe so needed passports for the grandchildren

On a closed-loop cruise meaning they start and return to the same US port., I think you just need a copy of a state-issued birth certificate if under 16.

Disney have a web page that gives details of ID required based on port you are sailing from or sailing to

I recall this form being mentioned numerous times of the 20+ years I have been on the DIS. No first hand experience though.


EDIT: And here it is from the Disney Cruise Line Website. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/kids-teens/minor-authorization-form/?