Who has cruised with children not your own?

[sydneymorganmom]

There seems to be a disconnect. I called and the CM said the grandparents don't need a notarized letter, just the minor authorization form. There is a paragraph in the welcome book that says they do need a notarized form. I'd like to hear from someone who has traveled that can tell me what you needed?

 

[sonocruiser]

There seems to be a disconnect. I called and the CM said the grandparents don't need a notarized letter, just the minor authorization form. There is a paragraph in the welcome book that says they do need a notarized form. I'd like to hear from someone who has traveled that can tell me what you needed?

I sailed with my 2 nieces. I had their original birth certificates, minor authorization form, and a certified letter stating I was allowed to take them on the cruise and to make medical decisions. When I checked in at the port they only asked for the birth certificates. My nieces do not have my last name but the cast member didn't even comment on it.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I sailed with my 2 nieces. I had their original birth certificates, minor authorization form, and a certified letter stating I was allowed to take them on the cruise and to make medical decisions. When I checked in at the port they only asked for the birth certificates. My nieces do not have my last name but the cast member didn't even comment on it.

But weren't you happy you had everything? Just in case?

 

[sonocruiser]

But weren't you happy you had everything? Just in case?

Absolutely! I wasn't happy their parents didn't want to get passports. So I got as much documentation as I could. We plan on taking our nephew next. I will have the same paperwork with us ☺

 

[BlondieinFL]

We are about to cruise with my daughter's (minor) friend. And, her parents are divorced. I have called DCL 4 times, and gotten 4 different answers on the documentation question. I don't know what to do. I have been told that only one parent needs to sign, and no notarization. I have been told that both parents need to sign. After our cruise in a couple of weeks, I guess I'll know the answer.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I always go with the "better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it" philosophy. I took my niece on a cruise with us. I had my brother and sister-in-law complete the minor authorization form from DCL and provide me with a separate notarized letter stating that I had their permission to take their daughter with us on the cruise and seek medical care. I figured I would turn the DCL form into them at check in and then I'd have the separate letter in case I was challenged at any of our ports, or if I needed to get medical care for my niece. I was not asked for either paper, but I would not have wanted to get there and find out I did need one of those items and not have it.

 

[CadMaster]

My ex and I would always provide each other with notarized letters to take on the cruise. Never needed them, but better to have them and not need them that to need them and not have them.

 

[sydneymorganmom]

After discussing with DH we feel we will be much more relaxed if we know they have everything...passports, notarized letter, minor authorization, disembarkation form. One never knows who will be in a bad mood that day whether at the airport, check-in, ports, etc. Thanks everyone!

 

[sydneymorganmom]

We are about to cruise with my daughter's (minor) friend. And, her parents are divorced. I have called DCL 4 times, and gotten 4 different answers on the documentation question. I don't know what to do. I have been told that only one parent needs to sign, and no notarization. I have been told that both parents need to sign. After our cruise in a couple of weeks, I guess I'll know the answer.

Unfortunately, I have found that with Disney calls many times. I think I will err on the side of caution. DH and I will be 1/2 a world away so I'd rather just have my mind at ease.

 

[jetskigrl]

When we took my DD's best friend with us we had her parents get the Minor Authorization form notarized, just in case. We also had her medical insurance card and her passport. They ended up not asking for the form at all but we were glad that we had it with us.

I also had a notarized letter when I took the kids on the Alaska cruise without DH. Even though we are still married, I didn't want to take any chances since we were going to Canada. It was never asked for by either Canadian customs or DCL, but I wouldn't have gone without it (just in case).

 

[lanejudy]

After discussing with DH we feel we will be much more relaxed if we know they have everything...passports, notarized letter, minor authorization, disembarkation form. One never knows who will be in a bad mood that day whether at the airport, check-in, ports, etc. Thanks everyone!

DCL only requires the Minor Authorization form in order to board, along with appropriate identification documents (passport or birth certification plus ID). And apparently they don't always ask for it, but best to have it.

It is always recommended when traveling with someone else's child to have a notarized letter indicating permission to travel with that child (dates and destination(s) recommended), and also authorizing you to make medical care decisions for that child. This letter may never be needed, but may be asked for by CBP. Also recommended is a copy of the child's medical insurance card.

Once onboard, if you plan to allow the minor to debark the ship without an adult, the adult booked in the same stateroom as that minor will need to sign the disembarkation form. (Yes, oddly enough, that could mean grandma signs a form allowing grandchild to disembark with his/her parent.)

Enjoy your vacation!