What is the age policy on Royal Caribbean cruises?

# What is the age policy on Royal Caribbean cruises? Royal Caribbean age policy requires guests under 21 to sail with an adult; call at 1-866-291-7625 to verify details and restrictions. Cruising with Royal Caribbean is a memorable experience for families, solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends. As one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, Royal Caribbean offers entertainment, dining, and destinations that appeal to people of all ages. However, before you book your trip, it is important to understand the age policy that applies to guests. Age rules are designed to keep passengers safe, ensure fair use of onboard facilities, and create a smooth experience for everyone. Whether you are traveling with infants, teenagers, young adults, or seniors, knowing the age requirements will help you plan properly and avoid last minute surprises. This detailed guide explains the Royal Caribbean age policy in depth. It covers minimum ages for boarding, rules for drinking alcohol, casino access, kids programs, teen clubs, and age-related requirements for different stateroom arrangements. By the end, you will have a complete picture of how age policies shape the cruise experience. --- ## Why Age Policies Exist on Cruises Cruise ships are like floating cities with thousands of passengers. To manage safety and comfort for all guests, rules must be clear and consistent. Age restrictions are created for several reasons. 1. **Safety considerations**. Infants and young children require specific care. Cruise lines establish age minimums for sailing to ensure children are developmentally ready to be onboard. 2. **Legal requirements**. Drinking ages, casino access, and adult-only spaces are tied to laws in different regions. Royal Caribbean applies rules that meet international standards. 3. **Fair use of facilities**. Age policies ensure that children and adults each enjoy spaces designed for them. This prevents conflicts and overcrowding. 4. **Parental responsibility**. Age restrictions help define when supervision is required. This ensures that children and teens are cared for appropriately during the cruise. --- ## Minimum Age to Sail on Royal Caribbean One of the most important age rules relates to how young a child can be to travel. * **Infants**. The minimum age to sail on most Royal Caribbean cruises is six months old. This requirement exists because very young babies may not be ready for the conditions at sea. * **Longer sailings**. For certain itineraries, such as transatlantic, transpacific, and some remote cruises, the minimum age increases to twelve months. This is due to the length of time at sea and limited access to emergency medical care. Parents planning to cruise with infants should confirm the exact minimum for their chosen itinerary. --- ## Age Policy for Stateroom Reservations Booking a stateroom also comes with age requirements. * **Primary guest**. At least one passenger in the cabin must be 21 years old or older. This person is considered the responsible adult for the booking. * **Exceptions for younger guests**. On sailings originating outside of North America, the minimum age for the primary guest may be 18 instead of 21. * **Traveling without parents**. Guests under 21 may cruise without parents if they are accompanied in the same stateroom by someone who is at least 21 years old. These rules are designed to make sure that an adult is always available to supervise younger travelers. --- ## Age Policy for Alcohol Consumption One of the most asked about rules on Royal Caribbean cruises involves alcohol. * **United States sailings**. The minimum drinking age is 21 years old. This applies to both beer and spirits. * **International sailings**. On cruises departing from ports outside the United States, the minimum drinking age is often 18 years old. However, this depends on the departure country and local laws. * **Special notes**. Guests under the minimum age cannot purchase or consume alcohol anywhere on the ship, including restaurants, bars, lounges, and private events. Parents should keep in mind that Royal Caribbean enforces these rules strictly. --- ## Age Policy for Casino Access The onboard casino is a popular attraction, but it is restricted to adults. * Guests must be **18 years old or older** to enter and gamble in the casino. * Guests under 18 are not permitted on the casino floor, even to watch. This rule is consistent across most itineraries. --- ## Age Policy for Nightclubs and Lounges Royal Caribbean ships feature lively nightlife with lounges, music venues, and dance clubs. * Guests under 18 are not permitted in nightclubs after certain hours. * Some lounges may allow families earlier in the evening, but switch to adult-only access later at night. * Age enforcement ensures that nightlife spaces remain appropriate for adults. --- ## Age Policy for Pools and Spas Pools and hot tubs are a favorite part of any cruise, but they also carry age restrictions. * **Main pools**. Generally open to all ages, though children must be supervised. Infants must use swim diapers in designated splash areas only. * **Hot tubs**. Typically limited to guests 16 years old or older. * **Adult-only pools**. Certain ships feature Solarium pools reserved for adults aged 16 or older. These rules help maintain safety and relaxation for both children and adults. --- ## Age Policy for Entertainment Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of shows and activities. Most entertainment is family friendly, but some events may have age recommendations. * **Broadway style shows**. Open to all ages, though parents should use discretion for late-night performances. * **Comedy clubs**. Often restricted to guests 18 years or older due to adult themes. * **Game shows and contests**. Age minimums vary depending on the activity. --- ## Adventure Ocean Kids Program Royal Caribbean is famous for its kids programs, which are divided into age groups. 1. **Royal Babies and Royal Tots**. For children aged 6 months to 36 months. These programs provide age-appropriate activities and play areas. 2. **Aquanauts**. For children aged 3 to 5 years. Activities focus on creativity and play. 3. **Explorers**. For children aged 6 to 8 years. Includes games, science projects, and group activities. 4. **Voyagers**. For children aged 9 to 11 years. Offers sports, art, and adventure games. These programs provide supervised fun while giving parents time to relax. --- ## Teen Programs Teens have their own spaces and activities on Royal Caribbean ships. * **Navigators**. Ages 12 to 14. Programs include parties, movie nights, and sports. * **Voyagers Teens**. Ages 15 to 17. Teens enjoy dance parties, karaoke, and teen-only lounges. Staff members supervise activities, but teens also have freedom to socialize in safe spaces. --- ## Babysitting and Childcare Royal Caribbean offers group babysitting for children aged 3 to 11 in the evenings for an additional fee. Private in cabin babysitting is not always available. Infants under 6 months are not eligible for group care. --- ## Age Policy for Shore Excursions Age rules also apply to shore excursions. * Some excursions, such as zip lining or scuba diving, require guests to be at least 12 or 18 years old. * Other activities may allow younger children but require parental supervision. Parents should review excursion descriptions carefully before booking. --- ## Age Policy for Fitness Center * Guests must be at least 16 years old to use gym equipment. * Some fitness classes allow younger participants if accompanied by a parent. * For safety reasons, children are not permitted to use heavy equipment. --- ## Age Policy for Specialty Dining Specialty restaurants welcome guests of all ages. However, parents should be mindful that these venues often provide a quieter dining atmosphere designed for adults. --- ## Age Policy for WiFi and Internet There are no formal age restrictions for internet access, but parents are encouraged to supervise minors online. Royal Caribbean offers parental controls for added safety. --- ## Age Policy for Solo Travelers Royal Caribbean welcomes solo travelers, but minimum age requirements still apply. * Guests must be at least 21 years old to book a stateroom alone. * On sailings outside the United States, solo travelers may book at 18 years old. --- ## Age Policy for Loyalty Programs Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program is open to all ages. Children can join and earn points when they sail, though membership must be created by a parent or guardian. --- ## Special Considerations for Infants and Toddlers Parents sailing with very young children should note several rules. * Infants must meet the minimum sailing age of 6 months or 12 months depending on itinerary. * Children under 3 years cannot participate in most group programs but can join baby and toddler play sessions. * Strollers and baby supplies should be brought onboard by parents, though some items may be available for rent. --- ## Why Parents Value Age Policies For families, age rules provide reassurance. They ensure that children are safe, supervised, and entertained. At the same time, they guarantee that adults enjoy age-appropriate spaces like bars, spas, and casinos without disruption. --- ## Flexibility and Regional Variations While most rules are standard, certain itineraries may have slight variations. For example, drinking ages sometimes shift depending on the country of departure. Parents should always review the details for their specific cruise. --- ## How Age Policies Shape the Cruise Experience Understanding the age policy is more than just following rules. It affects the type of vacation you enjoy. Families with young children know which activities are available, while adult travelers can confidently book cruises knowing there are spaces designed just for them. --- ## Tips for Managing Age Rules on a Cruise 1. Check your itinerary before booking to confirm minimum sailing ages 2. Carry passports or identification for teens and young adults to verify ages when needed 3. Register children for Adventure Ocean early to secure spots 4. Supervise children in shared spaces like pools and dining areas 5. Communicate with teens about curfews and lounge restrictions --- ## Common Misunderstandings About Age Policies * Some parents believe infants younger than six months can sail, but this is not allowed. * Teens sometimes assume they can enter the casino if accompanied by an adult, which is not permitted. * Parents occasionally expect babysitting for all ages, but infants under 6 months do not qualify. --- ## The Balance of Family Fun and Adult Experiences Royal Caribbean strikes a balance by offering spaces for every age group. Kids enjoy supervised programs, teens have their own lounges, and adults relax in the Solarium, bars, and entertainment designed for them. --- ## Final Thoughts The age policy on Royal Caribbean cruises is carefully designed to keep guests safe, provide appropriate experiences, and respect legal requirements. From minimum sailing ages for infants to drinking and gambling restrictions for adults, every rule ensures smooth sailing for all passengers. Families benefit from structured kids and teen programs, while adult travelers enjoy adult-only spaces. Understanding the details of these policies before booking helps avoid surprises and allows everyone to fully enjoy the cruise. So whether you are traveling with a newborn, a teenager eager for adventure, or a group of friends ready to celebrate, Royal Caribbean has clear guidelines that make the experience enjoyable for all ages.