Times Your Child Does Not Need a Passport to Cruise Children younger than 16 need only to carry their birth certificates (original or copy); children 16 and older, as well as adults, each need to show both a birth certificate and a government-issued photo I.D.

A 13-year-old traveler on a 2026 cruise needs specific identification and authorization documents. For "closed-loop" cruises departing and returning to the same US port, a valid US Passport is the gold standard, though an original state-issued Birth Certificate is often accepted as an alternative. Since 13-year-olds are under 16, they generally do not need a government-issued photo ID if they have a birth certificate, but a passport is highly recommended for emergency air travel. A critical requirement in 2026 is the Minor Authorization Form; if the child is traveling with only one parent, or with a guardian/grandparent, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) is often required by the cruise line to prevent child abduction. Additionally, the teen will need their own cruise line "Key to the World" card or wearable (like Disney’s MagicBand+ or Princess’s Medallion), which serves as their ID and room key on board and must be carried at all times.