Proper documentation for child??

[Rhitson88]

I am a bit nervous but am pretty sure that I shouldn't be. We are traveling with our 3 yr old daughter. Does she need a photo id or is ORIGINAL birth certificate and social good enough? Just checking as she IS 3 and would have no way of having a photo id. Thanks for any responses. Leaving tomorrow.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Yes - you're fine. You won't even need the SS#. Just bring the original birth certificate and make sure you are both her biological parents. If you aren't, then you need a Letter of Authorization from the parent(s) that is(are) not with you.

 

Bon voyage & enjoy!

[TracieABD]

Make sure that the birth certificate has a raised seal...:)

[Rhitson88]

Yes - you're fine. You won't even need the SS#. Just bring the original birth certificate and make sure you are both her biological parents. If you aren't, then you need a Letter of Authorization from the parent(s) that is(are) not with you.

 

Bon voyage & enjoy!

 

 

 

And what if we don't have that letter? One of us is not her biological parent but would they really deny her to board the ship?

[TracieABD]

And what if we don't have that letter? One of us is not her biological parent but would they really deny her to board the ship?

They could deny her boarding. Would getting a letter from the non-custodial parent be problematic?

[Rhitson88]

They could deny her boarding. Would getting a letter from the non-custodial parent be problematic?

 

 

 

In the armed services so that could be a bit of an issue. Would it need to be notarized?

[Rhitson88]

How do I get a hold of Princess after hours???

[TracieABD]

How do I get a hold of Princess after hours???

I am not sure that you can.

I did not even notice that you are leaving tomorrow.

Can s/he email you a notification or fax one to you?

[Rhitson88]

I am not sure that you can.

I did not even notice that you are leaving tomorrow.

Can s/he email you a notification or fax one to you?

 

Maybe you can check in and no one will notice...

 

 

 

Haha, so you do not think that we should say anything and just try? I mean its not like we are trying to do anything bad lol. Just going on vacation lol. Let me know if you think I should be worried or just shut it at time of check in and just see if they say anything. From what I have heard, security isn't to tight at the ports lol. (Just different stories I have heard).

[Loonbeam]

Generally speaking, you don't, your TA may have access and it depends on the department you need... Note that it will depend on your itinerary but the notarized letter from a non-custodial parent is not a cruise line requirement, but a US/Intl one. Here's a link to create the form, but getting it notarized will be a challenge:

 

http://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/child-travel-consent/?a=t&

 

The rule is in place to avoid issues in custodial disputes such as a non-custodial parent 'kidnapping' the child. Note that if you have sole legal custody, you do not require one in many cases (sole Physical custody does not count). You will need documentation of that custody status as well.

 

 

 

 

 

How do I get a hold of Princess after hours???

[TracieABD]

Haha, so you do not think that we should say anything and just try? I mean its not like we are trying to do anything bad lol. Just going on vacation lol. Let me know if you think I should be worried or just shut it at time of check in and just see if they say anything. From what I have heard, security isn't to tight at the ports lol. (Just different stories I have heard).

Every port is different. We had to show your passports to a guy who will directed us to a line and then at check-in. Noone seemed too concerned. I am in no way suggesting that you attempt to circumvent the law.

 

Here is some info and a link from the Princess website:

http://www.princess.com/learn/faq_answer/pre_cruise/before.jsp

 

Age requirements

Passengers under the age of 21 years must travel in a stateroom with a passenger 21 years or older who shall assume responsibility for their care during the cruise. For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum age for each stateroom is 16 years of age, provided they are traveling with a parent or legal guardian. We are unable to accept group reservations for student or youth groups that do not conform to our minimum age requirements. Each passenger agrees and warrants that he/she will supervise any passenger in his/her care at all times to ensure all policies, along with all other rules of the Carrier and ship, are strictly adhered to by all passengers under their supervision.

Age requirements for children

Children over six (6) months of age at the date of sailing will be accepted on the following itineraries: Alaska, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico and Panama Canal.

Only children over the age of one (1) year at the date of sailing will be accepted for the following itineraries: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Indian subcontinent, South America, South Pacific, Hawaii, Tahiti, Transatlantics and world cruises.

The minimum age for Escorted cruisetours is five (5) years old.

Car seats

US and Canadian regulations require that children up to the age of 8 years old may be required to travel in a car seat, booster seat or other child restraint system. When being transported by car, taxi, limo, van or shuttle, it is your responsibility to know the regulations and provide the applicable child restraint system.

Infants/Young Children and Swimming Pools

Parents/guardians are reminded to bring their children dressed in appropriate attire with towel and sunscreen. Youth staff will not conduct children's activities in the adult or splash pools. Parents must supervise their children at all times when using the pools. Infants and young children in diapers and/or swim diapers, and children who are not toilet trained are NOT permitted in any of the pools or spas due to public health concerns.

Our policy is strictly observed onboard and is intended for the public health safety of all passengers.

Documents for passengers under the age of 18

Several countries require special documentation for children traveling with only one parent or with neither parent; these requirements are subject to change without notice. Many foreign countries require any single parent or guardian to bring a permission slip for the minor to travel abroad. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess the proper documents for all of the countries that you will visit. Please verify requirements with the consulates of the countries visited prior to your cruise.

For passengers under 21 years of age or those who are traveling with children, please note:

• Entry into the disco after 10 p.m. is limited to passengers 18 years and over. Be sure to check with the Youth and Teen Centers for special dance parties designed for kids and teens.
  
• Children who are toilet-trained and accompanied by a parent or guardian are permitted in the sauna and hot tub(s) unless otherwise specified.
  
• Passengers under the age of 13 are allowed in the evening entertainment show lounges if they are with their parent or guardian.
  
• In line with domestic U.S. age limits, as well as our company policy, the casino, cash prize bingo and horse racing are reserved for passengers 21 years and older. Additionally, only those passengers 21 years and older will be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. Picture identification may be requested.
  
• Passengers under the age of 18 are prohibited from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco products while on board.
  

Youth and teen programs

Princess offers entertaining options for all ages, with our Pelicans and Shockwaves programs made especially with junior cruisers ages 3-12 in mind. And for cruisers age 13-17, we offer a unique Teen Center. Pelicans and Shockwaves give kids the chance to enjoy everything from arts and crafts, game tables, movies, splash pools (on select ships) and more. For toddlers, there’s even a special play area and outdoor deck.

Children are welcome on all Princess ships, but facilities vary. Pacific Princess,® Royal Princess® and Ocean Princess® do not have dedicated Youth and Teen Centers. However, when 20 or more children ages 3 to 17 are traveling on these ships, they will enjoy a varied schedule of supervised activities organized by a Youth Activities Coordinator. All Youth and Teen Centers are fully supervised by our staff of Youth Activities Coordinators.

Don’t miss the orientation and registration meeting on the first night of your cruise. You and your children can meet the Youth and Teen staff and learn more about our exciting shipboard programs. Parents are always welcome to join their children in the Youth and Teen Centers.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS

Children under 3 are not permitted in the Youth Center unless accompanied by a parent at all times. Youth Center staff cannot administer medication, bottle-feed, change diapers, or provide meal service. Private in-cabin babysitting is not available on any Princess ship. All children participating in the Youth program must be potty-trained. Children who are not potty-trained are not permitted in hot tub or pool facilities.

[Loonbeam]

Understand the implications here. I will assume you are leaving the US. If you do not have legal authorizations of other custodial persons to travel, not only could you be barred from leaving the US, when entering another country, if they choose to ask, you could be detained under the Hague Convention (1998 I think). I'm not saying this will happen, but it is a possibility. Taking a child out of country without custodial permission is a federal criminal offense.

 

 

 

Haha, so you do not think that we should say anything and just try? I mean its not like we are trying to do anything bad lol. Just going on vacation lol. Let me know if you think I should be worried or just shut it at time of check in and just see if they say anything. From what I have heard, security isn't to tight at the ports lol. (Just different stories I have heard).

[Rhitson88]

Understand the implications here. I will assume you are leaving the US. If you do not have legal authorizations of other custodial persons to travel, not only could you be barred from leaving the US, when entering another country, if they choose to ask, you could be detained under the Hague Convention (1998 I think). I'm not saying this will happen, but it is a possibility. Taking a child out of country without custodial permission is a federal criminal offense.

 

 

 

What if they are still married? Honest mistake? Would it really be worth it for them to go through all that trouble and the father is in the armed services not even stationed in the US? I think we may just wing it. Like I said, its not like we are trying to kidnap her or anything. Just going on a vacation.

[robgvic]

Go ahead and not have a letter unless of course you dont want to be refused boarding for the ship and lose all your fare. I know I wouldn't risk it. I am surprised you are asking about this now

[Rhitson88]

Go ahead and not have a letter unless of course you dont want to be refused boarding for the ship and lose all your fare. I know I wouldn't risk it. I am surprised you are asking about this now

 

 

 

Um considering the cruise is tomorrow I am pretty sure that is a risk we will have to take. If Mexico may be the only country we will have an issue with then we may just have to stay onboard at that port. Let me ask you guys. We just took a look at the birth certificate. The other spouse's name is typed on it but the signature is not. Would that matter?

[Loonbeam]

It's entirely possible that nothing will go wrong or they may be able to talk their way out of it. I can't say and neither can anyone on here. We're just trying to point out the very real possibilities of what can go wrong. I've seen it happen at the airport many times, where people with children are denied boarding, and they have said the same thing "they were just going on vacation" or "but the father said it's ok, etc."

 

The rule is that if all non-custodial parents are not present, they must authorize the child's travel via a notarized document. There are no legal exceptions to that rule. That does not mean that the document will be requested, but if it is and is not provided, it is likely the trip will end at that point.

 

Only you can decide if it's worth the risk, although I am not seeing any great options for you right now. If you make it onto the boat, you are probably ok, the only real risk at that time is foreign immigration.

 

 

 

What if they are still married? Honest mistake? Would it really be worth it for them to go through all that trouble and the father is in the armed services not even stationed in the US? I think we may just wing it. Like I said, its not like we are trying to kidnap her or anything. Just going on a vacation.

[TracieABD]

Rhitson- Please let us know how this works out for you...

 

I am sending good thoughts for a wonderful vacation!:)

[Rhitson88]

Rhitson- Please let us know how this works out for you...

 

I am sending good thoughts for a wonderful vacation!:)

 

 

 

Thanks alot. I just got off the phone with my father as I was actually in the same situation basically with living with my mother and my father being "out of the picture" or whatever. We went to Mexico several times on cruises when I was younger and he says we NEVER had an issue or needed to provide any documentation. Either way you think at the time of booking over the phone that the representative would bring the issue up noticing the names being different. Either way, we will give it a go and see what happens. I do not anticipate any issues. We will just act like everything is normal. I will either talk to you guys later tomorrow or talk to you next Sunday lol.

[TracieABD]

I hope to hear from you next Sunday!

 

Enjoy your cruise!:)

[Colo Cruiser]

We have taken our neice twice on the Island Princess and needed the notorized permission form from her parents.

[Latitude 20]

In the armed services so that could be a bit of an issue. Would it need to be notarized?

 

Actually the military may be able to help--is your daughter's other parent on the front lines or just stationed in Europe or Asia? If s/he is not at a forward base, there will be attorneys and notaries on base who deal with these kinds of things all the time. Perhaps you can call him/her and have the proper documentation faxed to the ship.

 

We used the military legal service all the time when our children were minors before DH retired from the USAF. (I'm my children's stepmom so I always needed powers of attorney, notarized letters from their birthmom for travel, etc.)

[quincytoo]

I should add that Princess went over our son's passport, our passports and his large birth cert (with both our names on it) with a fine tooth comb on both our Mexican Rivera and Caribbean cruises. I would expect nothing less from them, any country we are entering or any airline we are traveling with.

[1025cruise]

What if they are still married? Honest mistake? Would it really be worth it for them to go through all that trouble and the father is in the armed services not even stationed in the US? I think we may just wing it. Like I said, its not like we are trying to kidnap her or anything. Just going on a vacation.

 

Not to beat the dead horse, but the guy at the counter doesn't know your husband is in the service. He doesn't know you are only going on a vacation. If he is told that children not traveling with both parents requires extra paperwork, he will ask for that extra paperwork. If you don't provide it, there is a chance you will be denied boarding.

 

In addition, you mentioned in another post that your spouse's name is typo'd on your child's birth certificate, but the signature is correct. I don't believe official birth certificates have the parent's signatures, just a raised stamp and a signature from the registrar. You do have an official birth certificate, correct, not the one you got at the hospital? That will be more of an issue at the port.

[caribill]

We went to Mexico several times on cruises when I was younger and he says we NEVER had an issue or needed to provide any documentation.

 

And when you were younger you did not have to take shoes off to go through security to get on an airplane, you did not have to provide a birthdate when you made an airplane reservation, and you did not have armed agents on plane flights.

 

Times have changed, and when cruising with a child the government wants to be sure you are not violating a custody order by taking a child out if the country.

[TracieABD]

Sadly, I fear that this situation may not have a happy outcome on this vacation....:(