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If you’re single, Carnival is one of our top picks for 18 to 20-something singles cruises. You just then need to focus on the ideal ship with the activities you know most appeal to the age groups. As a parent of an 18-year-old myself, it’s been worthwhile having a fresh look at the best options to keep all family members happy and entertained. However, this can be a tricky age because those over 17 are deemed too old for organized onboard teen activities, and those under 21 are too young to drink and enjoy the bars and nightclubs to the max. However, there are some cruises that allow groups of 18, 19 or 20-year-olds to cruise with friends.
What is the age requirement for Virgin Voyages?
The absence of children on board allows for a more peaceful and tranquil environment, perfect for those seeking a serene getaway. The vast majority of cruise lines require 18 years olds to be traveling with an adult over the age of 21. Remember, just because you can take a river cruise with a four-year-old, it doesn’t mean that you should. Many river cruise lines only recommend their cruises for kids aged eight and older, even though they allow younger children to cruise. In most cases, passenger names, ship and sailing date changes to cruise bookings are allowed by cruise lines, though they're sometimes subject to a per-person service fee.
Can I Cancel or Change a Booked Cruise?
Those aged 16 and 17 can visit on their own if their parents sign a waiver. Anyone younger than 18 must be joined ashore by an adult travel companion, and the cruise line does not allow anyone younger than 18 to enter the spa or thermal areas on its newest ships. Disney is one of the only cruise lines that does not list specific age restrictions for venues such as the theater or hot tubs. Virgin has one of the most relaxed alcohol policies for a mainstream cruise line.
Age Requirements for Booking a Cruise and Use of Website
While a cruise fare might be the same across sellers, a booking that comes with prepaid gratuities or onboard spending money will ultimately be a better deal than one that doesn't have freebies attached. Keep in mind that any perks that came with the original booking almost never transfer to the new ship or sailing date, as the new reservation is considered an entirely new booking. The cruise ship room (or cabin) you pick should be determined by what's most important to you. Is it vital to sit solo outside and soak up the tropical rays in the Caribbean?
Do I Need Travel Insurance When Booking a Cruise?
You can also sail with Royal Caribbean or MSC, provided there are no US ports on your itinerary. I would say that eight years old and above is when kids will most enjoy a river cruise. After this age, they should take more of an interest in learning about the places you visit, so it can be a good educational family holiday. Cruise pricing can be complicated because, much like airfares, cruise fares fluctuate constantly.
Another river cruise line, Tauck, has a selection of cruises called Tauck Bridges, which are aimed at families with kids aged four and up. Most cruise lines follow cancellations schedules, keeping a percentage of the deposit or fare you already paid depending on when you cancel. A good rule of thumb is the closer to the sailing you cancel your cruise booking, the more of your money the cruise line will keep. Some cruise lines and many travel agents allow you to pay off the cruise in installments before the final due date.
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However, they must be in an adjoining cabin or directly across the hall in a non-balcony stateroom unless there is a relative or guardian at least 25 years old. Passengers ages 13 to 17 can occupy a cabin up to three rooms away from their chaperoning adult. You can go on a cruise at 18, but for the majority of cruise lines, particularly in the U.S, you will have to book a cabin with at least one adult over the age of 21. Depending on your views on gambling, 18-year-olds can test out the casinos and poker rooms onboard the ships. It’s well worth looking into which cruise lines provide the best all-round activities and facilities to keep yourself or your years sons and daughters entertained, even if they do have to go with parents. The age requirements vary with each cruise line, but if you’re looking for something outside of Europe, be sure to check this with the cruise line or your travel agent.
Cruises for 18-Year-olds (With or Without Parents) 2024
A travel agent can help you make the best choices all throughout the process — including choosing a destination, cruise ship, and stateroom type. Travel agents also often have access to discounts and perks that you won’t get booking on your own. When booking a cruise for the very first time, we highly recommend finding a reputable travel agent that specializes in cruising to help guide you through the decisions that come with making a cruise booking. Instead of booking separate parts of a trip like your hotel, meals, activities, and transportation, many of those things are all included in the booking of a cruise. For sailings departing from North America, the minimum age requirement for unaccompanied sailing is 21. In contrast, Royal Caribbean’s minimum age to sail unaccompanied on sailings departing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand is 18.
Your Guide to Cruise Line Age Policies
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So look out for family-friendly ships where you won’t feel so bad if your toddler has a screaming tantrum during dinner. In my opinion, some of the best cruise lines for babies are MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises. When comparing cruise quotes and fares, you'll find that cruise prices between sellers tend to be similar. What you're really looking to see is if the price the cruise line is selling at right now is a good one.
Royal Caribbean always reserves the right to ask for proof of age throughout the ship – whether at the bars or the casinos. For complete details on any age related requirements, please see Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and Passage Contract. Note that while most youth programming is included, Royal Babies and Tots is an additional fee of $6 per hour per child from 9am-6pm and $8 per hour per child from 6pm-midnight.
By focusing solely on this demographic, they are able to deliver a cruise experience that exceeds expectations and caters to the specific needs and desires of their target market. When making a reservation with Virgin Voyages, it is essential to provide accurate information regarding the age of all passengers. The booking process requires guests to provide their date of birth and verify that they meet the minimum age requirement. Failure to provide truthful information may result in denied boarding or cancellation of the reservation. If you’re 18 years old and want to cruise without your parents, there are some options. However, most cruise lines require at least one passenger on the booking to be aged 21 or over.
Cruisers must be 18 or older to frequent the ships' nightclubs and discos, while a minimum age of 16 years is required for all onboard hot tubs. MSC's smoking policies do not outline specific age requirements for the possession, purchase, or use of tobacco products while sailing. However, there is a minimum age for adults-only spaces Satellite Sun Deck's Quiet Cove pool and The District. Cruisers must be at least 18 years old to gamble in Norwegian ships' onboard casinos and to collect any winnings. Passengers sailing with Norwegian on North American voyages must be 21 years or older to purchase and consume alcohol.
You can take your kids on a cruise as soon as they are born, although you’ll have a much wider choice if you wait until your baby is six months old. If you’re travelling with someone older than 21, then no – you don’t need to be older than 21. Many cruises accept children and younger adults, but someone in the booking party typically has to be 21, depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Avalon River Cruises allows children aged eight and over onboard its river ships. In addition, Windstar Cruises usually only allows children aged eight or over to cruise, but exceptions to the rule may be made in exceptional circumstances.
