Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have both implemented new minimum age policies for unaccompanied passengers, affecting travelers sailing from U.S. destinations. Royal Caribbean requires passengers to be at least 21 years old to travel alone on ships originating in North America. Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line began enforcing its new age requirement of 21 in February. These changes could influence the travel plans of many, particularly during peak vacation seasons such as spring break and summer.
For Royal Caribbean, the minimum-age policy has been in place for "some time." Passengers under 21 must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old. However, for sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the age requirement to sail unaccompanied is 18. In contrast, Carnival's revised policy mandates that guests must be 21 years old on embarkation day to travel solo. Moreover, individuals aged 20 or younger must travel with a relative or guardian who is at least 25 years old, although the guardian does not need to be a legal guardian.
"Guest ages will be verified at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will result in denied boarding and no compensation will be provided at embarkation."
Norwegian Cruise Line also follows a similar guideline, requiring passengers to be at least 21 years old to travel independently. This mirrors the adjustments made by Royal Caribbean, which previously allowed solo travelers aged 18. Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line maintains an 18-year age minimum for unaccompanied travelers.
Royal Caribbean provides exceptions for their age policy:
"The age limit will be waived for children sailing with their parents or guardians in connecting staterooms; for underage married couples; and for active duty members of the United States or Canadian military."
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has not issued any recommendations regarding the age at which individuals can travel alone. Consequently, each cruise line sets its own policies, reflecting varied requirements across the industry.
