Taking Along a Friend - Advice??

[lesters]

We recently booked our next cruise - its a heck of a long way away lol - but we are taking our daughter's BFF with us. DD is an only child and the timing of this four day cruise worked so great to allow us to invite her friend to join us. Thier dance studio will be dancing at Disneyland the weekend before. We were in the area anyway and decided to take advantage of being near a port already and added on this quick cruise.

 

As this is the first time we will be taking a friend along with us I was curious about advice from those that have done this before.

 

I have read a few times on here that once you board it is easy to get Guest Servies to change the room cards so that DD and friend are in one room and we are in the room right next door. This is what we booked but obviously right now it is one adult and one teenager in each room. Is it possible to keep room access for both cabins on my key card?? I'm thinking to wake them up on port mornings if they slow (13 yo and all like thier sleep).

 

They are both super responsible, mature young ladies (or else we wouldnt even consider taking her friend along). So I'm not concerned about trouble they can get into - my initial questions are more about logistics!!

 

Thanks everyone! Looking forward to this next adventure that is soooooo far away. But had to take advantage of the $49 deposits, AND wanted to ensure we could get side by side rooms as all the adjoining were gone already!!

[hftmrock]

We recently booked our next cruise - its a heck of a long way away lol - but we are taking our daughter's BFF with us. DD is an only child and the timing of this four day cruise worked so great to allow us to invite her friend to join us. Thier dance studio will be dancing at Disneyland the weekend before. We were in the area anyway and decided to take advantage of being near a port already and added on this quick cruise.

 

As this is the first time we will be taking a friend along with us I was curious about advice from those that have done this before.

 

I have read a few times on here that once you board it is easy to get Guest Servies to change the room cards so that DD and friend are in one room and we are in the room right next door. This is what we booked but obviously right now it is one adult and one teenager in each room. Is it possible to keep room access for both cabins on my key card?? I'm thinking to wake them up on port mornings if they slow (13 yo and all like thier sleep).

 

They are both super responsible, mature young ladies (or else we wouldnt even consider taking her friend along). So I'm not concerned about trouble they can get into - my initial questions are more about logistics!!

 

Thanks everyone! Looking forward to this next adventure that is soooooo far away. But had to take advantage of the $49 deposits, AND wanted to ensure we could get side by side rooms as all the adjoining were gone already!!

 

you wont get 1 card to open both doors but you can switch rooms and you need to once on board and get a key for that room.

 

also - I know you didnt mention this but it would be in your best interest if you got a notarized letter from the friends parents allowing you to take the friend and gives you power of attorney to make medicals decisions in case of emergency (and yes its not required but certainly recommended)

 

(if you already have this letter for the friend... you can ignore this advice)

Edited April 3, 2016 by hftmrock

[simplelife]

Carnival will switch out key cards once you get onboard.

[mgoose1]

We requested and received a blue key card that only opened their room, but nothing could be charged on it. I second the power of attorney and the notarized letter from her parents. Have a fun cruise :)

 

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[GradUT]

Even if it is not required, I would not take a non-relative minor on a cruise without a signed, notarized authorization from the parents and a signed, notarized Medical Power of Attorney.

 

And despite the fact that these are super-responsible, mature young ladies, I would have a sit down with them and the other set of parents to go over all the "rules and regs" of the cruise, e.g. "No going to other staterooms", "Curfew is at ____ pm.", etc. . This is not only for the kids, but also to reassure the parents that you will be watching out for their daughter.

[deborahjo]

You legally have to have a notarized statement from parents if you are not the parent of an under either 18 or 21. Carnival and any cruise line rule.

[hftmrock]

You legally have to have a notarized statement from parents if you are not the parent of an under either 18 or 21. Carnival and any cruise line rule.

 

can you provide a link to that rule?

 

here is what I see

 

Guests Under the Age of 21 MUST travel with a relative or guardian of 25 years of age or older

 

The guardian does not need to be a legal guardian.

The bookings must be cross-referenced with the relative or guardian’s stateroom and documented properly.

When minors (18 and under) are not traveling with a relative, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent/legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel.

Guests who are 21 to 24 years of age may travel with their minor children.

 

 

they strongly recommend... its NOT a rule (but I think everyone should do it)

Edited April 3, 2016 by hftmrock

[NCbmwmom]

We took along a friend when they were 16. I had a letter, but was never asked to show it. Friend got on fine with her DL and BC.

[loxley]

You legally have to have a notarized statement from parents if you are not the parent of an under either 18 or 21. Carnival and any cruise line rule.

This is not true.

 

 

 

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[AngAndBoys]

I took my son's friend last summer and cannot remember if they asked for the form to board, but I definitely remember the people in customs asking me for it when we got off the ship. Since I had it, don't know what would have happened had I not.

[lesters]

I am a notary so I had that side of things covered (I probably won't notarize our own docs but know to get it done).

 

I am hopeful I can get the "blue card" that is just a room key no charging. That would be great. I think it will be a great time. And if its not oh well its only 4 days! We can make anything work for 4 days!

[Schoifmom]

BTW .. there is no reason to book one adult in each room, unless you are doing it for some other reason (Cheers, for example).

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2544/~/minor-guest-policy

 

Guests 13 - 17 years of age

Can be booked up to 3 staterooms away from their relative or guardian.

[Lakesregion]

Even if it is not required, I would not take a non-relative minor on a cruise without a signed, notarized authorization from the parents and a signed, notarized Medical Power of Attorney.

 

And despite the fact that these are super-responsible, mature young ladies, I would have a sit down with them and the other set of parents to go over all the "rules and regs" of the cruise, e.g. "No going to other staterooms", "Curfew is at ____ pm.", etc. . This is not only for the kids, but also to reassure the parents that you will be watching out for their daughter.

 

Excellent advice. Even if you believe the friend to be the best person in the world, a serious sit down with her parents and her together to lay out "your" rues of conduct and to get their agreement up front is vital. Also having a complete medical breakdown of the friend with you should be part of the plan in case she becomes ill and requires medical attention. Allergies, likes and dislikes in all categories of life. Remember, you will be 100% responsible for bringing her back home in one piece safe and "untouched". Anything less and you could find out a lot about her parents.

 

Have a great time.

[mgoose1]

I am a notary so I had that side of things covered (I probably won't notarize our own docs but know to get it done).

 

I am hopeful I can get the "blue card" that is just a room key no charging. That would be great. I think it will be a great time. And if its not oh well its only 4 days! We can make anything work for 4 days!

Guest services made it really easy. You shouldn't have any trouble :)

 

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[lesters]

BTW .. there is no reason to book one adult in each room, unless you are doing it for some other reason (Cheers, for example).

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2544/~/minor-guest-policy

 

Guests 13 - 17 years of age

Can be booked up to 3 staterooms away from their relative or guardian.

 

I did not know this! But I think it could work to our advantage as both DH and I are hoping for a casino rate. None of our offers have been for a sailing that works so fingers crossed we get lucky and something shows up that can be applied to each cabin!