Will we need signed authorization form?

[emilyann415]

My sister is traveling with her two girls on our upcoming cruise. Her husband, however, is not coming with. Will she need the notarized form to board? They all have same last name.

Emily

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

As long as mum is there and gets off with them they are ok.

Examples where required.

Grandparents go with the grandchildren and no parents.
Or children travelling with other families as friends.

 

[emilyann415]

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

It is recommended by US Customs and Border Control (but not required by DCL) that the parent traveling alone with kids have a notarized letter from the other parent stating that they grant permission for the children to leave the country with the traveling parent. The US does not require this documentation, but some countries do. It's generally not a problem with the Bahamas and Caribbean cruises. Canada is one country that is a stickler for this documentation. My view is that it is better to be safe than sorry and make sure to bring this documentation along. I am traveling in June with my DD and niece and will make sure to have a notarized letter from my ex along with the official form needed for me to bring my niece with us.

 

[dcassetta]

I personally have not traveled with my child without the other parent present. I thought it was important to mention this as my information is anecdotal and not first hand. However, when my godson took his senior trip on DCL all of the parents who went as "single" parents were advised, but not required, to get the notarized authorization forms. This was a western with stops in Mexico and Grand Cayman. So, his mother had a authorization form from his father.

 

[MousseauMob]

I have a judge certified court decree stating I have sole legal and sole physical custody that I always travel with as a single mom. We've taken many cruises on many different lines and have never been asked for it before. But, I have read stories of others that were asked for either the parental notarized letter of consent or the certified decree proving they could take the child(ren) out of the country. I say, better safe than sorry, since your husband is readily available and I'm assuming fine with you taking the kids, getting a notarized letter of consent is easy and could say a great deal of hassle.

Driving over the border into Canada last year, they did ask me "Where's the dad?" - I said I had sole legal and physical custody and could show him the document, but he said, "Never mind it's fine." Which I thought was weird. I mean, if you're going to ask, why not look at the document to verify?

 

[3Down1Up]

I traveled with our kids and without my husband - I had a notarized "minor authorization form" found on the DCL site. I didn't need it once, was never asked for it, but the peace of mind was important to me. Getting it notarized took about 5 minutes and about $10 here at home.

 

[MousseauMob]

When looking for a place to have it notarized be sure to check your bank or credit union. They may offer the service for free, I know mine does.