Travel Documents

[Suma]

Hi all.  Traveling on Symphony of the Seas on 4/13 with a party of 5 adults and 5 children (ages 13-17).  All adults have passports.  1 of the children has a driver's license but none of them have passports.  My questions are:

1.  Do birth certificates for the children have to be originals with raised seals or can they be photocopies?

2.  Do the 4 children without a drivers license have to have a form of picture ID as well?  2 of them have a high school ID but the 2 in middle school do not have any picture ID.  

Thank you!

[Mljstr]

1. Yes, the birth certificates have to be originals with raised seals.

2. No they do not need a picture ID.

3. Are parents/guardians accompanying the children. If not, you also need a notarized letter giving permission for the child to accompany you, giving you permission to sign waivers and seek medical attention.

W have taken several grandchildren on cruises and are familiar with the regulations.

[JennyB]

Getting ready to ask a similar question and saw this thread...this might have been covered above...but

We are bring our 16yo DS's best friend with us, he will also be 16 and he DOES have a passport...do we need a letter or something from HIS parents?

[Mljstr]

@JennyB Yes, definitely. The letter must state the date, ship, itinerary and give permission to take him, sign waivers for him and seek medical attention. The letter must be notarized. We have to bring such letters for even our grandchildren. And if the child is from a divorced situation, depending on the custody agreements, you may need letters from both parents.