What ID required for children 12 and younger?

[Hal from Ohio]

Booked a family cruise to Eastern Caribbean on RCCL June 2020.   Would appreciate clarification exactly what, if any, identification is required for grandchildren who are 

6, 8, 10 & 12 years of age.   One child will be traveling with biological mother, but does 

not share her same last name, as father is deceased.  She is legal guardian. 
Thanks in advance for your help!

[Shmoo here]

2 hours ago, Hal from Ohio said:

Booked a family cruise to Eastern Caribbean on RCCL June 2020.   Would appreciate clarification exactly what, if any, identification is required for grandchildren who are 

6, 8, 10 & 12 years of age.   One child will be traveling with biological mother, but does 

not share her same last name, as father is deceased.  She is legal guardian. 
Thanks in advance for your help!

GENERALLY - a birth certificate is the minimum requirement for a US citizen under the age of 16 on a Caribbean cruise.  

 

THAT SAID, each country visited has it's own requirements, you need to check that.  Also some cruise lines require passports for everyone, regardless if it's required by the immigration people or not.  Check with your cruise line.

 

 

[sparks1093]

Here's what Royal's FAQ says:

Exceptions:

• United States citizens on cruises that begin and end at the same port in the United States can use a original government-issued picture ID (i.e. driver's license) AND an original government-issued birth certificate or original Naturalization Certificate.
• Minors under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original government-issued, original or certified copy of his or her birth certificate; a Consular Report of Birth Abroad Issued by DOA; or Certificate of Naturalization issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

You should probably have a notarized letter from the parents allowing you to take the children out of the country and to obtain medical care if needed. Bio mom should probably bring something that shows she has sole custody. I don't believe either of these is actually required but they could be asked for and it's better to have them or not.

[1025cruise]

As sad as it is, I would have bio mom carry a copy of bio dad's death certificate. More than likely won't be needed, but if immigration asks about dad, she can bring it out if necessary. 

The reason for all of this "paperwork" is to show permission from missing parents to take the children out of the country. You don't want a situation where the kid goes with one parent on a cruise, and the other parent reports an international kidnapping. (Not that this would happen in your case, but could happen.) At least with the paperwork, you are CYA.

[Hal from Ohio]

Thanks to all for your valuable input, it is appreciated.   Cruise Critic rocks!

[sanger727]

Just keep in mind that if the other grand children at traveling only with grandparents, not parents, you should bring a notarized letter from the parents from each one giving permission to travel.