Only need birth certificate for toddler?

[NewlyMrs.Kilday]

I tried searching but couldn’t find the answer. Cruising on RCI to Bahamas (closed loop) with 2 year old. Obviously she doesn’t have a drivers license, so the only thing we need is her birth certificate? Is that correct? 

[jbethel11]

3 hours ago, NewlyMrs.Kilday said:

I tried searching but couldn’t find the answer. Cruising on RCI to Bahamas (closed loop) with 2 year old. Obviously she doesn’t have a drivers license, so the only thing we need is her birth certificate? Is that correct? 

You need either a birth certificate or a passport. I am not sure if a drivers license will even work for international travel.

[RSLeesburg]

Here is link to RCI fact page on this topic:

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/united-states-citizen-travel-documentation

[NewlyMrs.Kilday]

Thanks for the help. After exploring a little turns out this section is more pertinent to my question: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/minor-identification-forms

 

(Sharing in case someone else needs the info) 

Looks like just her birth certificate (no ID or passport) will be fine.

[CruiseDigits]

If it were me I would get the passport -- I'm an optimistic person but I always plan for the worst case scenario.

 

The U.S. State Department is always my go to resource, their linked page includes context and the following statement: "However, we strongly recommend you obtain a passport before travel in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires you to disembark and return by air."

 

Also, if in doubt always check with the cruise line and U.S. State Department.

[cb at sea]

Under 16 needs NO photo ID.  A BC is all that's required for the younger set.  This is for American citizens on a closed loop cruise beginning in the USA and ending at the same port.  Typically, these are Caribbean cruises.

 

[CruiseDigits]

@cb at sea agree that there are situations where an identifcation for a minor is not required, though if it were me I would still have a passport for everyone.  Just in case something unplanned takes place.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

we chose to get a passport for DS when he started cruising at 3. Even though we only go on closed-loop itineraries. You just never know.

[mjmalino]

We have always had passports for our kids, it is just peace of mind, in my opinion. I realize the chances are low, but, if something happens, you miss the ship in port, or there is a medical issue, etc, you will not be able to fly back to the US without a passport.

[Ashland]

On 7/8/2019 at 12:33 PM, mjmalino said:

We have always had passports for our kids, it is just peace of mind, in my opinion. I realize the chances are low, but, if something happens, you miss the ship in port, or there is a medical issue, etc, you will not be able to fly back to the US without a passport.

You "will" be able to, but it's just a bit more difficult and time consuming if the child has no passport.