Going on a cruise is an exciting experience, especially for families.
However, you can have situations where a minor is traveling without a guardian/parent with them. Certain paperwork becomes crucial in events like these.
In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about cruise ship consent forms, including when they are required and how to get them notarized.
A cruise ship consent form is a legal document that authorizes a minor (someone under 18) to travel with a responsible adult other than their parent or legal guardian (for example: a child traveling with a friend's family)
The cruise ship consent form can also allow a parent to travel with a child without the other parent being present (this can be due to divorce situations).
Sometimes the signature of one parent is acceptable, but in cases of divorce, both parents' signatures may be necessary.
The consent form is basically the cruise line's way of ensuring the child's protection and well-being if either parent cannot accompany them during the cruise.
This form documents that the responsible adult has permission to make legal, medical, and other care decisions on behalf of the child during the cruise.
To sum it all up in bullets, here are the common situations that require a cruise line consent form:
It's good to check with your cruise line to see if a signed consent form is needed in specific scenarios.
While not all cruise lines require notarization, it's best to check. If so, key details that must be notarized include:
Notarization adds a layer of authentication and legal formality. It verifies the parent/guardian’s identity and signature on the consent form.
You can easily & securely notarize a cruise consent form using a remote online notary public like NotaryLive.
Remote online notarization offers convenience, security, and accessibility – breaking geographical boundaries! You can notarize anywhere any time in the comfort of your own home. The remote online notarization process is legally sound, adhering to strict legal standards.
Here's how NotaryLive works in 4 easy steps:
Click the button below to get started,
A properly notarized consent form gives you peace of mind that your child is cleared and safe for cruises. Don't wait until the last minute – take care of any required forms as early as possible. Bon voyage!
Do I need a letter of consent to take my child on a cruise?
Yes. If you're traveling with a child without both parents, especially internationally, a letter of consent is recommended. It's not always required but you can prevent issues at immigration or boarding. For specific countries like Canada and Mexico, a notarized consent letter is strongly recommended.
How do I write a travel consent letter?
When writing a travel consent letter, make sure to include the child's name, birthdate, passport number (for international travel), and contact details. State the child's travel dates, destinations, and the person they're traveling with. Make sure to clarify that the consent is temporary. For international trips, it's best to get the letter notarized.
What documentation is needed for a cruise?
Essential documents include a valid passport or photo ID and birth certificate. For minors traveling without both parents, a notarized letter of consent and potentially additional documents (like a sole custody agreement) may be required. Always check with your cruise line and destination countries for specific needs.
If you’re looking to get a document notarized, you can Notarize it Now!
If you have any questions, contact our sales team, and we will be happy to help!
