How Old Is Your Child?

How old can a child be to go on a cruise? Do they have to share with an adult? Seems simple questions yes? Or is it a minefield?  There are unfortunately age restrictions for all the major cruise lines from a minimum age to sail to any age restrictions venues on board.  With all of this in mind I thought a little guide on the main cruise lines would help you.

With Celebrity cruises babies must be 6 months old on the first day of the cruise. When sailing from the states, passengers must be 21 years old to have a cabin on their own – if not they must share a cabin with adults.  This changes when they sail from Europe if you are under 18 you must share with an adult. 18 and over can share with another 18 year old.

With Cunard a baby must be 6 months old to sail the exceptions are transatlantic, “exotic” and full world cruises, where the minimum age is 12 months.  Passengers must be 18 years old to travel on their own. Travelers ages 16 and younger cannot book a cabin without an adult 16 or over traveling in the same room. Children ages 16 and 17 can be in a cabin by themselves; however, they must be accompanied by an adult age 18 and over in a separate cabin.

P&O Cruises – Again infants must be at least 6 months of age to sail however if you have numerous days at sea watch out  as infants have to be at least 12 months of age. Children must be 18 years of age to travel on their own and children under 16 cannot occupy a cabin with the same age, it has to be someone who is 18 years of age or older.

Princess are the same as P&O really with the exception that children must occupy a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older. Same with Royal Caribbean and NCL cruises. Strangely MSC do not have a minimum age for infants but if they are under a year old they do require a “fit to travel” certificate from their doctor. Same with ages really 18 to share if in Europe, 21 if cruising from the states.  NCL cruises are about the same but be aware of the days at sea- 3 or more consecutive days-infants cannot travel.  The cruise line who “bucks the trend” for infants is Thomson cruises, babies must be over 14 days to sail however they do say they do not recommend a cruise for babies under 6 months – guess that’s the same then!

So now we know what ages they have to be etc ,what about activities on board and going on a excursion on their own?  General rule of thumb is under 18 you cannot go on shore without an adult – but remember if it is the states it is 21 years of age. Any casinos, again same age restrictions apply, this also applies to any nightclubs.  Of course, remember there are plenty of activities on board for the younger set, although the older ones probably think they’re ready to hit the clubs!

I think it is worth noting too that in the respect of cabins families can look for adjoining ones, that certainly gives the adults a bit of privacy whilst still taking responsibility for them or you look for a cabin which can take you all or perhaps look to upgrade to a mini suite or bigger, the choice is there, however, remember larger suites do sell quick.

From my experience, once the kids are on board, they will love cruising as so much for them to do, leaving you to relax just make sure you know about the age restrictions!