Traveling with a child that is not your own Are you traveling with a grandchild, niece, nephew, or other child that you are not the guardian of? When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without their legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present a notarized form signed by the child's guardian.

Yes, you can take your granddaughter on a cruise, but you must be prepared with specific legal documentation to ensure a smooth boarding process. Because you are not the child's legal guardian, most cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney—require a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents or the legal guardian. This letter should explicitly grant you permission to take the minor out of the country and authorize you to make medical decisions on their behalf in case of an emergency. If the granddaughter has a different last name than yours, you should also carry an official supporting document, such as a birth certificate, to help explain the relationship. Additionally, be aware of the cruise line's minimum age requirements; most require infants to be at least 6 months old (or 12 months for transatlantic/long-haul sailings). Having these papers organized is essential, as the Department of Homeland Security and cruise security take minor safety very seriously to prevent unauthorized international travel.