Notary for Cruise Travel: When You Need One & How to Get It Done Fast

By NotaryLive Staff
Published on 05/23/2025
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Most cruise lines require notarized consent forms for minors traveling without both legal guardians.
- Essential cruise documents, like minor consent forms and medical authorizations, can be notarized quickly online through notary services.
- Notarizing travel documentation in advance prevents delays and ensures a smooth boarding process with NotaryLive.
Thinking about setting sail on a cruise?
Before packing and fantasizing about traveling to tropical islands, keep in mind one critical detail likely to alter your journey, having your travel documents notarized, particularly if traveling with children.
Let's examine when, why, and how to have your cruise documents notarized.
These include minor consent forms, medical waivers, and powers of attorney for travel.
Which Cruise Lines Require Notarized Documents for Minors?
Most major cruise lines, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Disney, may require notarized documents to comply with international travel regulations and to ensure children's safety.
When a child is flying with only one parent, a grandparent, or any other adult who isn't their guardian, they typically require a notarized parental consent form.
According to Royal Caribbean's official policy, “A notarized letter of consent is required for minors traveling without both legal guardians.”
When Do You Need a Notary for Cruise Travel?
1. Minor Consent Forms
If your child is:
- Traveling with one parent
- Cruising with grandparents or other relatives
- Traveling with a school, church, or scout group trip
You’ll likely need a notarized minor consent form as part of your travel documentation.
These forms should include:
- Child’s full name and date of birth
- Dates of travel and ship/cruise line name
- Accompanying adult’s name and contact info
- Emergency contact details
- Notarized signatures from both legal guardians
Download a sample minor consent form.
2. Medical Authorization
If your dependent or child is ill, a notarized medical authorization form allows you to consent to treatment in their absence.
A notarized medical authorization form is strongly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics if there is no legal guardian to attend.
3. Power of Attorney for Emergencies
Need to manage legal, financial, or healthcare decisions during the trip? A notarized Power of Attorney (POA) gives you that authority.
Learn why a travel POA must be notarized
Cruise Travel & Notarization by the Numbers
- More than 30% travel with children under 18
- The U.S. State Department encourages notarized forms for international minor travel
How Can You Notarize Cruise Travel Documents Quickly and Online?
Skip the last-minute rush to a bank or UPS store for notary services. With NotaryLive, you can notarize everything from home, 24/7.
Cruise documents you can notarize online:
- Minor travel consent forms
- Medical authorization forms
- Power of Attorney (POA)
4 Simple Steps with NotaryLive:
- Upload your document
- Verify your identity
- Connect with a licensed notary over live video
- Download your notarized document instantly
Here’s how online notarization works with NotaryLive

Don’t Let Missing Documents Delay Your Cruise
Missing or invalid paperwork can delay or cancel your boarding, especially when minors or medical issues are involved.
✅ Get peace of mind by notarizing your cruise documents ahead of time.
Use NotaryLive to notarize your documents online now
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a notarized letter for my child to go on a cruise
- Yes, most cruise lines require notarized parental consent for minors not traveling with both legal guardians.
- What should be included in a cruise minor consent form?
- Include the child’s name, travel dates, cruise details, adult chaperone info, and notarized signatures.
- Can I notarize cruise documents online?
- Absolutely. NotaryLive offers 24/7 online notarization for all essential cruise documents.
About NotaryLive
NotaryLive is a leading provider of digital notarization and eSign solutions, dedicated to enhancing business efficiency through a secure, user-friendly platform. By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents seamlessly, anywhere, any time.
Related Reads
- Traveling with a Power of Attorney? Here’s Why It Must Be Notarized
- How To Notarize An Affidavit Online
- Benefits Of Notarizing with Online Notary
- How To Notarize A Cruise Ship Consent Form For A Minor
Updated Date: 05/28/2025