But FIG system doesn't seek birth certificates or other independent verification of ages, and in the past some countries have forged their own passports to change the ages of athletes.

WSJ: Menu

In a statement, Carnival chief executive Gerry Cahill said the ship should arrive in Mobile on Thursday and that the change would allow for less complicated re-entry for passengers without passports.

BBC: Carnival Triumph: Conditions 'worsen' on stranded ship

The change also made it easier on the 900 passengers who don't have passports, the cruise line said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The change will also make it easier on the 900 passengers who don't have passports, the cruise line said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS