Mexico with minor child- only one parent? Anyone know? (cruise, passports, old)

[VegasGrace]

Single mom w/ 14 year old daughter- we both have passports.
Going to Mexico on cruise w/ Carnival for my 40th birthday.

What travel documents will I need- as in must have? Haven't heard from birth father in 7 years now and I often check the obituaries to see if I can find his name. Child support stopped years ago (wages were garnished but he up and quit his job) and no one knows where he is.

Anyone ever travel to Mexico w/ minor child w/o other parent? Or taken a cruise/Carnival cruise.... what happened?

thanks for your help.

[asonnier]

I took my minor daughter on a cruise in June without my husband. The cruise websites tell you that you should always have a letter with you written and signed by the absent parent indicating that it is okay to have this child with you without the other parent present. I was prepared and had one. They never asked to see it. My daughter was 16 at the time and also had a passport. If her Dad is not in the picture, then I am not sure what you should do. I would call the cruise line directly and see what they say. Maybe another family member can write and sign the letter?

[johnatl]

They CAN be very anal about this in Mexico, you never know. I would personally call the Mexican Consulate that is the closest to where you live.

Good luck!