Age Rules for Young Cruisers
The rule that trips up more student groups than any other — check it before you book.
Check My GroupPolicies change. The information below reflects published cruise line policy changes as reported in 2025. Before anyone pays a deposit, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will confirm the current rules for your exact line and sailing.
The Minimum Age to Sail on Your Own
This is the rule that catches more young travelers than any other. On most major cruise lines sailing from US ports, a guest generally must be 21 or older to sail without an older travel companion.
In early 2025, Royal Caribbean and Carnival both raised their minimum age for guests traveling without an older companion to 21, according to widely reported policy changes. Royal Caribbean said it would make exceptions for groups such as underage married couples and active-duty military, and kept a lower minimum of 18 on some itineraries that start outside North America. Carnival’s reported policy requires guests under 21 to travel with an older companion who meets its age requirement. Other lines have their own rules, so always check.
Who Counts as a Qualifying Companion?
Each line defines this differently. Commonly, a guest under the minimum age must share a cabin with, or travel in a connecting cabin with, a parent, guardian or older relative who meets the line’s age requirement. Some lines specify a minimum age for that companion. Friends who are only a year or two older usually do not qualify.
- Get every traveler’s date of birth before you book.
- Use the age on the sailing date, not the booking date.
- Ask about exceptions in writing if they apply to you.
- Never give incorrect ages — ID is checked at the terminal.
Drinking Age and Onboard Rules
| Situation | What generally applies |
|---|---|
| Sailings from the US or Canada | Minimum drinking age 21 on the major lines |
| Sailings from Europe, South America, Australia and some other regions | Some lines allow 18; others keep 21 everywhere |
| Bringing alcohol aboard | Strictly limited by each line; anything not allowed is held until the end of the cruise |
| Casino | Minimum gambling age is set by each line and may differ from the drinking age |
Breaking alcohol rules on a ship is taken seriously and can lead to being disembarked at the next port at your own expense. For more on onboard safety rules, see Cruising Is Safe.
Age Rule Questions
What is the minimum age to cruise without a parent?
On most major lines sailing from US ports, guests generally must be 21 to sail without an older travel companion. Royal Caribbean and Carnival both moved to 21 in 2025, according to news reports of the change. Exceptions such as married couples and active-duty military may apply. Always confirm the current policy for your line and sailing.
Do the rules differ outside the US?
Sometimes. Some lines set a lower minimum age, such as 18, for sailings that start outside North America. Check the policy for your specific departure.
What happens if we do not meet the age rule?
Cruise lines verify ages at check-in. Guests who do not meet the requirement can be denied boarding, typically without a refund. Do not risk it.
What is the drinking age on a cruise?
On sailings from North America, major lines generally set 21. Some lines allow guests 18 to 20 to drink on certain sailings from other regions. Ships enforce the rule with your onboard card.
Check the Rules for Your Group
Send us everyone’s ages and the sailing you are considering. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will confirm what applies before you pay anything.
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