Carnival, Royal Caribbean update cruise age policies—New restrictions for young travelers

Both Royal and Caribbean cruise companies have revised the age restrictions for unaccompanied guests departing from U.S. locations. As of this month, the minimum age to sail alone on Royal Caribbean ships that originate in North America is 21. And for Carnival Cruise Lines, passengers under 21 must be accompanied by an adult aged 25 or older to board.

Both cruise companies stated the main goal of the adjustment is to ensure that younger passengers are better supervised. However, industry experts speculate that it might also have a negative impact on group travel trends, college vacation reservations, and general youth cruise tourism.

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New restrictions for young travelers

The new Royal Caribbean's policy states that passengers below the legal drinking age in the U.S. must travel with a guardian or relative. Furthermore, travelers will not be able to book their own cabin without a 25 or older chaperone.

Listed below are some of Carnival Cruise's different restrictions based on traveler age:

• Passengers 14 years of age and younger: Must be booked with a relative or guardian (25 years of age or older) in the same cabin or a connecting cabin.
• Passengers 15–17 years of age: Can be separated by up to 3 staterooms from a relative or guardian (25 years of age or older). Must be linked as “Travel With” a relative or guardian 25 years of age or older. Reservation must be noted and cross-referenced.
• Passengers 18–20 years of age: Do not have any restrictions and may book whatever location they prefer. Must be linked as “Travel With” a relative or guardian 25 years of age or older. Reservation must be noted and cross-referenced.

Why did Carnival and Royal update their cruise age policies?

This change in policies seek to avoid situations where young-adult groups cause disturbances on board. Although both companies have claimed the measure will improve the onboard experience, young adults have showed some backlash, as they claim it is a restriction in their autonomy, as well as already made plans for their trips.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines still allow 18-year-olds to travel alone on other international cruises (Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America). This difference could be a complication in vacation planning, as the origin of your trip might vary.