# What is the Age Policy on Royal Caribbean Cruises?

Royal Caribbean age policy **Call [phone]** covers infants, minors, and adult requirements to learn rules for traveling with children, teens, and senior guests on cruises.

Cruises are one of the most versatile vacation choices, offering something for every age group. From families with small children to couples celebrating milestones, Royal Caribbean caters to a wide range of guests. However, before booking, it is important to understand the age policy of the cruise line. Knowing the age requirements for infants, children, teenagers, and adults ensures that families and individuals can plan smoothly without surprises at embarkation.

Royal Caribbean has established age policies to provide safety, comfort, and consistency for passengers. These rules cover minimum age requirements for sailing, age restrictions for drinking, gambling, and onboard activities, and guidelines for children’s programs. In this article, we will explore Royal Caribbean’s age policy in detail so that you can prepare for your next cruise with confidence.

## Minimum Age to Sail

One of the first things parents ask is: How young can a child be to sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

* **Infants on most sailings**: The minimum age to sail is 6 months at the time of embarkation.
* **Longer sailings or transoceanic voyages**: For cruises that last 15 nights or more, or transatlantic and transpacific voyages, the minimum age is 12 months.

This policy ensures that infants are old enough to handle the travel experience safely, especially on longer or more demanding itineraries.

## Age Requirements for Solo Travelers

Another common question is whether minors can sail without adults. Royal Caribbean has specific rules for this:

* Guests under 21 years old must be booked in a stateroom with an adult who is at least 21 years old.
* Exceptions are made for married couples under 21 who can provide proof of marriage.
* For guests 21 and older, independent booking is allowed.

This policy ensures that young travelers have responsible supervision during the trip.

## Drinking Age Onboard

Since cruises attract an international audience, drinking age rules can sometimes be confusing. Royal Caribbean simplifies this by setting clear policies:

* **Sailings from North America and many international ports**: The minimum drinking age is 21 years.
* **Certain international departures**: On sailings departing from some regions where the legal drinking age is lower, Royal Caribbean may set the minimum at 18 years.

Regardless of departure port, passengers must follow the age rules enforced onboard. This applies to all alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits.

## Gambling Age

Royal Caribbean ships feature casinos, which are a highlight for many adult travelers. The gambling age onboard is generally set at:

* **21 years old** for most sailings departing from North America.
* **18 years old** for some international sailings, depending on the local laws of the departure port.

Anyone under the legal gambling age is not permitted to enter the casino, even if accompanied by an adult.

## Children and Teen Programs

Royal Caribbean is known for being family-friendly, offering a variety of activities for children and teens. Their **Adventure Ocean Youth Program** divides children into age-appropriate groups to provide safe and fun activities:

* **Royal Babies and Royal Tots (6 to 36 months)**: Supervised play areas and nurseries allow parents to enjoy some free time.
* **Aquanauts (3 to 5 years)**: Engaging games and learning activities designed for preschoolers.
* **Explorers (6 to 8 years)**: Group activities, themed games, and creative play.
* **Voyagers (9 to 11 years)**: Sports, challenges, and team-building games for older kids.
* **Teen Program (12 to 17 years)**: Lounges, dance parties, and sports designed for teens seeking independence and fun with peers.

Each group has age-specific guidelines, and staff members are trained to provide both supervision and entertainment.

## Pool and Activity Age Restrictions

Royal Caribbean ships include pools, whirlpools, water slides, and sports activities. To ensure safety, age restrictions apply:

* **Children in diapers**: Not allowed in pools or whirlpools, even if wearing swim diapers. Instead, ships often provide splash zones designed for young children.
* **Whirlpools**: Generally reserved for guests 16 and older.
* **Rock Climbing Walls and Surf Simulators**: Usually require participants to be at least 6 years old, with height and weight restrictions.
* **Zip Lines**: Available on select ships, often requiring a minimum age of 8 years.

These rules are enforced for safety reasons, so families should plan accordingly.

## Shore Excursions and Age Policies

Shore excursions offered by Royal Caribbean may also have minimum age requirements. For example, certain adventure activities like scuba diving, ATV riding, or zip lining require participants to be a specific age, often 12 or older. Parents should review the excursion details when booking to ensure their children meet the criteria.

## Stateroom Policies for Minors

Royal Caribbean enforces specific stateroom booking policies involving minors:

* Children under 21 cannot occupy a cabin without an adult.
* If families book multiple rooms, at least one adult must be booked in each stateroom with minors.
* Families with older teens may request connecting staterooms to allow more independence while still following policy.

## Celebrating Milestones Onboard

Royal Caribbean cruises often attract guests celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations. While most age policies are firm, exceptions are not typically made for milestone celebrations. For instance, even if someone is turning 18 during the cruise, the minimum age requirements for drinking or gambling still apply based on their age at the start of the sailing.

## Why Age Policies Matter

Age policies on cruise ships serve multiple purposes:

1. **Safety**: Ensuring that infants and young children are old enough to travel comfortably.
2. **Legal Compliance**: Aligning with international laws regarding alcohol and gambling.
3. **Operational Efficiency**: Making sure activities and spaces are appropriate for the right age groups.
4. **Guest Experience**: Providing a family-friendly environment without compromising adult enjoyment.

By establishing these guidelines, Royal Caribbean creates a balanced atmosphere where travelers of all ages can enjoy their vacation.

## Tips for Families Traveling with Children

Families planning a cruise with young children should keep the following in mind:

1. **Bring Required Documents**: Proof of age may be requested, especially for infants, teens, and young adults.
2. **Plan for Child Care**: Book nursery or youth program spots early, as space is limited.
3. **Pack Essentials**: While the ship offers many amenities, parents should bring items like formula, diapers, and favorite toys.
4. **Set Boundaries with Teens**: Discuss age restrictions on alcohol, gambling, and curfews before boarding.
5. **Check Excursion Rules**: Make sure chosen excursions match your children’s ages.

## Frequently Asked Questions about Age Policy on Royal Caribbean Cruises

**1. What is the minimum age to cruise on Royal Caribbean?**
Six months for most sailings and 12 months for longer or transoceanic cruises.

**2. Can a 20-year-old travel without parents?**
No, guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older, except for married couples under 21 with proof.

**3. What is the legal drinking age on Royal Caribbean ships?**
Usually 21, but in some regions, it may be 18.

**4. Can teens enter the casino?**
No, only guests meeting the legal gambling age (18 or 21 depending on sailing) may enter the casino.

**5. Are pools available for diaper-wearing infants?**
No, but splash zones are available for children in diapers.

**6. What is the age limit for the nursery program?**
It is designed for children 6 to 36 months.

**7. Can 18-year-olds book their own stateroom?**
No, the minimum age to book independently is 21.

**8. Do age restrictions apply to all ships in the fleet?**
Yes, but some activity requirements may vary depending on ship design.

**9. What if a child turns the required age during the cruise?**
Policies are based on the child’s age at embarkation, not mid-cruise birthdays.

**10. Can families request exceptions?**
Policies are firm, and exceptions are rarely granted.

## Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean age policy **Call [phone]** covers infants, minors, and adult requirements to learn rules for traveling with children, teens, and senior guests on cruises.

So, what is the age policy on Royal Caribbean cruises? The rules are designed to balance safety, legal compliance, and fun for all passengers. Infants must meet the minimum age to sail, children and teens enjoy supervised programs, and adults can relax knowing everyone is in age-appropriate spaces. Drinking and gambling ages align with international standards, while activity restrictions protect younger travelers from unsafe situations.

By understanding these policies in advance, families can plan a smoother, more enjoyable vacation. Royal Caribbean continues to offer experiences that welcome guests of all ages, ensuring that everyone, from babies to grandparents, can create lasting memories at sea.