Travelling with children on Cruises, What you need to know !!!

Hello fellow cruises, I have recently been checking what it would entail for me to take my grandson on a cruise ,

and of course he has a different surname , If you are thinking of taking a child relative or not then it might be good to read on and check out what to do to avoid stress at the Port or Airport for that matter.

If you are travelling with grandchildren or friends children or indeed your own child but they have a different surname to you on their passport, you need to take precautions to avoid being refused on to the ship, or having issues at passport control.

If you are travelling to another country with a child and are not that child’s parent, or if you and the child have different surnames, you may need to bring extra documents with you to establish your relationship.

Why you may ask is all this necessary?

This is to help stop child abduction!

According to the Home Office, such evidence might include a copy of a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child; divorce or marriage certificates if you are the parent but have a different surname; or a letter from one or both of the child’s parents, with contact details, giving consent for the child to travel with you (even if for example you are a grandparent and have the same surname). Be aware that carrying a consent letter may not guarantee that the child will be allowed to travel abroad; every country has its own requirements for children travelling without their parent(s). Make sure to check the specific requirements of the country you are going to.

I spoke with one of my customers and she told me it only cost £5 to have the letter notarised.

This is a sample of what you will need and needs to be signed by the legal guardian and a solicitor.

The following sample letter can be amended to meet your specific situation and requirements.
CHILD(REN) TO TRAVEL WITHOUT PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN
Date:_____________________
I (we):_________________________________________________________________
authorize my/our minor child(ren)/ward: _____________________________________
to travel on Cruise Ship: ___________________________________________________
from (Date):________________________ Reservation ID:_______________________
with the following accompanying adult (over 21): _______________________________
Their expected date of return to the UK is _______________________.
I (we) authorize the above adult to supervise the minor whilst onboard and to sign
waivers for the minor to participate in any activities requiring them (e.g. Rock Climbing
wall, Flowrider, water sports, zipline, inline or ice skating).
In addition, I (we) authorize the above adult to consent to any necessary, routine or
emergency medical treatment during the aforementioned cruise, if a qualified medical
person advises such.
Signed:_________________________________ (Parent/s)
Signed:_________________________________ (Accompanying Named Adult)
Address (of Parent/s):________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Telephone (of Parent/s):_______________________________________
Sworn to and signed before me,
this _______ day of _______________, 20____
________________________________________
Solicitor/Commissioner for Oaths/Notary Public
Signature and Seal

Please note, this letter must have an official stamp from the authorised person legally affirming it.

Remember if you are taking anyone else children this needs to be signed too, (if the child needs medical attention or for them to be able to join in some of the activities too. They must have parental consent and that’s a bit hard to get if they are on a ship in the middle of the ocean and your at home.  e.g. if you have an 17 years old pal with you daughter or son and they want to climb the wall on the ship , they need parental consent.

We want you to start your cruise correctly and not with a load of stress before you even get on the ship.or the flight and then when you get to your destination ( the USA is very hot on this).

On A more Happy note with all the legal nicety’s done , There are lots of different ships out there, if you want to know what each offers for children click below to find out :

what the cruise lines have to offer for Families!

If you have had any experiences of this issue please share your thoughts…..