My family is going on a cruise and I am taking a friend! How do we prove that she is with us?

Question

Hey!

Well My family is going on a Carnival Cruise and has agreed to let me take a good friend of mine. She in under 18 and we are going out of country. My mom heard that we had to get a power attoney to draw up papers. But we do not want to spend that kinda of money. What can we do to get around it! If you need more details please email me!

Answer 1

I would contact Carnival Cruise Lines and ask the specifics of your situation.  They should guide you with exactly what you need.

Good luck and enjoy the cruise.

Wishing you well.

Answer 2

First make sure everyone has a valid passport since you are leaving the country.  

Perhaps a typed, signed and notarized document saying the minor is in your parents care for the duration of the trip would do.

Call a local attorney, they should provide the answer for free.

Answer 3

You don't need an attorney to prepare a power of attorney.  You are not the first one to want to take a friend, and a standard permission letter, signed by both of your friend's parents is all you need.  Make sure to have the letter notarized.  

Here is a link to a sample letter ...

http://cruisediva.com/permission_ltr.htm

Here is some more information on this subject ...

http://www.cruisediva.com/parental_permi...

The following is from Carnival's web site ...

When traveling with a minor and both parents/legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent/legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel with you. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that a notarized letter to this effect is required if debarking with children in Mexico.

In addition to the above requirements, all guests 16 years of age or older must provide an official photo ID

Here is a link to Carnival's web site ...

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/Static_Templ...

You, your family and your friend will have a great time.

Answer 4

If your mom only heard that, first you should find out how true it is.  Call the local clerk of court and they can direct you to who can answer that.  Secondly Power of Attorney isn't that expensive, just go to your local notary public, it's less than $50.00.  Besides, wouldn't the friends parents be responsible for paying for that?