Divorcing parent cruising with kids ??

[DesertArtist]

We have a group cruise planned for Novemeber. My brother-in-law has decided to invite his new girlfriend and 2 kids along. She has just started the process of divorce and I am not sure when it will be finalized. Is there any extra documentation she would need from her soon-to-be ex husband to take the kids on a cruise out of the country? I know if you are not the legal parent or guardian you do - but in the case of an impending divorce? Thanks in advance for your input.

[Badgertr]

We went with my husband's sister and her 2 kids last year. She had passports for them, but, no letter from her ex which we were told she needed. We read CAREFULLY the RCCL rules & it states that if you are not a parent you need a letter.

[MiniMom57]

I took a signed and Notarized statement from my now-ex-husband when I took my first cruise and we were separated. No one asked me for it, but I prefered to have it to avoid any questions or problems traveling as a single mom with 2 teens.

 

Better safe than sorry!

[gbcruise]

I have always traveled with a notorized letter detailing where we are going, the specific dates & when the trip will end. Plus his phone numbers are listed. It can do nothing but help you in a situation like this. Basically as the saying goes: Don't leave home without it.

[TACMS]

We have a single (widower) parent travelling with our group. His daughter is 17. Our travel agent said he should bring a copy of his wife's death certificate "just in case" they ask for it..... she is still a minor and he is taking her out of the counry (by himself),,,,

[emdia43]

They won't let you link from this site,but if you go to Cruise Diva,scroll all the way down to the search box and then type in 'Permission Letter' you will find the form you need to get notarised. I always take one with me as I travel with my grandsons- I have been asked once (by RCCL person at check-in) if I have it with me,but like a lot of things,you don't need it until you need it.

The cruiseline needs it to avoid claims of minors being abducted out of the country.

[Merion_Mom]

Here's the form that you need:

 

http://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/consent/index.php?pid=google-consnt_us-main_a2&a=t

[DesertArtist]

That's why this board is SO great! Thanks for the info & the link. I'll send it to her and as it has been said - you don't need it until you need it. Better to have it in possession than not. I tried to find the answer on RCC website and as stated - could only find info on non-legal guardians needing it. Post a question here and you have your answer in a heartbeat! Many thanks ~

[Merion_Mom]

Yes, always come here for your answers! Never trust a person who answers the 800 number at ANY cruise line.

 

Have a fantastic family cruise!

[loug220]

I sailed twice on RCCL with my kids after a divorce. No letter was needed if one parent was with the kids. Other lines are different.

[phopte]

Just remember that this is not a Royal Carribbean requirement. It is a US government requirement along with a whole bunch of other countries. It is an effort to cut down on one parent absconding with the kids to another country. While RCCL may not ask for it, if anything comes up you will probably need it. If your cruise is one that hits a US port where you have to show your documents like St Thomas, the ICE agents could make things difficult.

 

Now having said that, chances are excellant you will never need it. As emdia43 said, "ypu won't need it until you need it."

[wrp96]

Never trust a person who answers the 800 number at ANY cruise line.

 

LOL! How true! I think we should put that statement in our signatures.

[emdia43]

I think you'll find there is a fee for the Law Depot form whereas the Cruise Diva one is free.

[JJ2sail]

I had to have a letter also, when I took my kids to Mexico, (not on a cruise) just flew. And I am not divorced, my husband just did not go on the trip. I guess there are just to many child abductions these days.:mad:

[RoofingPrincess]

I've heard that it's especially important when Mexico is involved; my understanding is (Wrona, you may know more about this than I do), it's a place that, if the noncustodial parent absconded there with the kids, does not cooperate with our government in getting them back. So if one parent is travelling with kids, they make them prove that they have the right to do so before they leave this country to avoid this kind of situation.

Since I had no idea where my ex ended up (and didn't want to find out, but therefore couldn't get his signature), I just avoided vacations where this would be an issue until my son was 18.

As everyone else has said, better safe than sorry. It could make or break the vacation (probably won't be needed, but why take the chance?)

[finnegan14]

My step-son cruised with us one year. We had his passport but no letter. They didn't say anything and didn't even ask -- we all have the same last name so it wasn't an issue.

[sassmofi]

Hopefully the father of the childern is not difficult. My brother is going through a divorce right now in TX. The temporary custody arrangement doesn't allow either parent to leave the state without permission from the other. She will not let him see me in IL or my dad in FL. My mom just decided to move to TX with my brother to help him.

[DesertArtist]

We are sailing the western Caribbean - so Mexico ports are involved...several. So I will advise her of such. Also found out today the divorce should be finalized in September - so they say now. She did get permission at mediation to take the kids on the cruise but as I understand it from this thread, a documented paper will be safe passage insurance.

 

Thanks