Yep, you DEFINITELY need a notarized letter from other parent saying it is ok to bring child on cruise. Regardless if other parent is there or not. You will rarely get away with not having this letter. Not worth the risk, because they will turn you around and not let you on ship.
I, ______________________________________________ (name of parent), am the ______ (mother) ______ (father) of __________________________________ , aged ____________ , and do hereby give my consent for (him)(her) to travel with __________________________________________________________________ (name/address of traveling ...
The point of it is that the notary witnesses the parents signing the letter of consent. The parents need to be present with the notary. The parents can sign the same letter, the same piece of paper but with separate appointments at different notaries if they prefer. Or sign two separate letters.
In states that do not provide specific guidelines for notarizing for minors, such as California, Florida or Texas, you would follow all the normal state rules for performing the type of notarization requested.
For most itineraries, you must present a passport or birth certificate, depending on your citizenship. Guests 16 years of age and older will also need a photo ID. Disney Cruise Line does not require any additional documentation to travel with one parent.
Unforseen matters may occur during a cruise which requires us to obtain specific consents from the responsible adult travelling with your child (“the Guardian”).
A letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both custodial parents. The letter should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with the name of the adult with my permission."
Adults who are not the parent or legal guardian of a minor traveling with them must present an original notarized letter signed by the child's parent(s), authorizing the adult to take the child on the specific cruise, supervise the child and allow emergency medical treatment to be administered.
A letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both custodial parents. The letter should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with the name of the adult with my permission."