Major Cruise Lines Revise Minimum Age Policy for Solo Bookings Departing from the US

Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines have introduced new policies regarding the minimum age for solo travelers embarking from U.S. ports. Effective this month, Royal Caribbean has raised the minimum age for unaccompanied cruising in North America from 18 to 21 years old. This change may impact younger travelers looking to sail independently.

For voyages starting from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the minimum age remains at 18. Those under the legal drinking age in the U.S. must be accompanied by someone who is at least 25 years old when booking their own cabins.

Royal Caribbean noted that exceptions exist for minors traveling with parents or guardians in adjacent staterooms, married couples, and active duty military personnel from the U.S. or Canada.

Similarly, Carnival’s updated policies, effective from February 1, now require guests to be 21 years old on the day of boarding to cruise alone. Guests 20 years old or younger must be accompanied by a relative or guardian who is at least 25, although this guardian does not have to be a legal guardian.

For further information on these updates, you can visit Royal Caribbean’s and Carnival’s official websites: Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

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