What is a legal guardian?

In most cases, a legal guardian must be appointed by a court. There are some exceptions to this rule. Parents of a minor child are assumed to be the child's legal guardians, unless the court has taken parenting privileges away out of concern for the child's well-being. It is also possible for someone to designate a legal guardian in a will, as in the case of a single parent who specifies that an aunt will become the child's legal guardian in the event of the parent's death or incapacitation. We will only accept that a minor is travelling with an official legal guardian and this does not include a parent wishing to pass this power on to a friend or family member. 

Guest aged 17 or under travelling without a Parent/Legal Guardian
An adult (Guest over 21(*18)) who is not the parent or legal guardian of a minor travelling with them must present an original legally affirmed or notarised letter at check-in. This letter is only required for guest’s aged 17 or younger as of the first day of the cruise. It must be signed by at least one of the minor's parents or their legal guardian and the adult taking the minor on the cruise. It must authorise the adult to take the minor on the specified cruise, sign applicable activity waivers, supervise the minor and give them the permission to authorise emergency medical treatment to be administered to the minor. 

Please see below the attached template which can be used for all details required on the letter. This is required as per our terms and conditions. It must be signed by either a Notary, Commissioner for Oaths or a Solicitor for it to be suitable to take to the pier for boarding. It should show an official stamp or be on headed paper to show the authority of the party affirming the letter. Please note, the official affirming the letter may charge a fee, so please ensure that the details are correct at time of request. The letter can be checked for suitability by sending to our Customer service team via email to royalcustomerserviceuk@rccl.com 

Notarised Letter Template 

Parent travelling with a child where surnames are different.
In the situation where a parent is travelling with their child, who is 17 years of age or younger on the first day of the cruise, where they do not have the same surname, then the parent must present proof of parentage which may include but is not limited to full birth certificates, marriage certificates or divorce papers etc. The documents should show the trail of any name changes which prove the guests are parent and child. 

Please note: An individual's age on the date of sailing determines his or her status for the entire cruise holiday. Royal Caribbean International does not accept reservations for student groups. Please consult a travel agent for Royal Caribbean's group policies.