When planning a cruise vacation, it’s essential to understand the Carnival age policy. Whether you’re traveling with infants, teens, or a group of adults, Carnival Cruise Line has specific cruise age limits and travel rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. These policies cover everything from the minimum age to sail to requirements for unaccompanied minors and restrictions on alcohol consumption, gambling, and youth programs.
Carnival Cruise Line welcomes families, solo travelers, and groups of all ages. However, to maintain safety and comply with maritime laws, it enforces strict guidelines on who can sail, drink, and travel independently.
At a glance, here’s what you need to know about the Carnival age policy:
Infants must be at least 6 months old to sail.
On certain longer or transoceanic cruises, infants must be 12 months old.
Guests under 21 years of age must travel with a relative or guardian who is at least 25 years old.
The minimum age to drink alcohol on board is 21 years (in most regions).
Guests must be 18 years old to enter the casino or spa alone.
The minimum age to sail with Carnival depends on the cruise itinerary.
For most cruises, infants must be at least 6 months old on the day of embarkation.
For transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, and South America cruises, the minimum age increases to 12 months due to longer sea days and limited medical facilities.
This policy ensures that Carnival can provide safe care for all passengers, especially on voyages with extended periods away from port.
Carnival considers anyone under 21 years of age a minor. These guests cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by an adult meeting specific age criteria.
Guests under 21 must be booked in the same stateroom with an adult who is at least 25 years old.
The accompanying adult must assume full responsibility for the minor throughout the cruise.
Married couples under 21 can sail together if they provide proof of marriage.
Active-duty members of the U.S. military aged 18–20 may travel alone with valid military ID and documentation.
Families with multiple cabins can book minors in adjacent or connecting rooms, provided one cabin contains the guardian (25+ years old).
Carnival is family-friendly and provides special accommodations for young children, but there are clear age-based requirements for infants and toddlers.
As mentioned, infants must be:
6 months old for standard cruises.
12 months old for transoceanic or long itineraries.
Parents must present a valid birth certificate or passport for verification at check-in.
Carnival provides a limited number of cribs and high chairs on board. Parents should request these in advance. Baby-sitting services are also available in the Camp Ocean Night Owls program for children aged 6 months to 11 years (fees apply).
Carnival offers award-winning youth programs tailored to various age groups, but participation depends on a child’s age.
Program NameAge RangeActivities
Camp Ocean 2–11 years Arts, games, themed activities
Circle “C”12–14 years Movies, sports, and social hangouts
Club O2 15–17 years Dance parties, video games, and teen-only lounges
Teens aged 18 and older are considered adults and may access adult areas and entertainment options.
Carnival’s minimum age to book a cabin independently is 21 years old.
However, the policy has exceptions:
Guests under 21 must share a cabin with a guardian 25 or older.
Families traveling together can book minors in nearby or adjoining rooms, as long as the guardian’s cabin is within a few doors.
The lead guest (the person whose name is on the booking) must meet the age requirement.
This rule helps ensure safety and proper supervision of young travelers.
The Carnival age policy also includes clear rules for alcohol consumption and gambling:
The minimum drinking age is 21 years old for U.S.-based cruises.
For cruises departing from Europe or Australia, the minimum drinking age may be 18, depending on local laws.
Guests are not allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages for anyone under the legal drinking age.
The minimum age to gamble on Carnival ships is 18 years old.
Guests under 18 cannot stay in the casino, even as observers.
These rules align with international safety standards and ensure compliance with destination regulations.
Carnival’s spa, fitness, and pool facilities have age-based restrictions to maintain a safe environment for all guests.
Spa access: Guests must be 18 years or older to use the Cloud 9 Spa facilities. However, the ZSPA for Teens program offers limited spa access for ages 13–17 with parental consent.
Fitness centers: Open to guests 16 and older. Teens aged 12–15 may use the gym with a parent’s supervision.
Pools and hot tubs: Open to all ages, though children under 12 must be supervised at all times. Diaper-aged infants must use swim diapers, and regular diapers are not permitted in pools.
Certain Carnival shore excursions have minimum age requirements for safety reasons. Activities like ziplining, snorkeling, or scuba diving often require participants to be at least 8–12 years old, depending on the destination.
Teens and children must be accompanied by an adult guardian during excursions unless the tour specifically allows unaccompanied minors.
While not strictly age-related, Carnival’s pregnancy policy is an essential part of its travel eligibility rules.
Guests who are 24 weeks pregnant or beyond at any point during the cruise are not permitted to sail.
A medical certificate confirming the guest’s due date and fitness to travel must be provided for expectant mothers under 24 weeks.
This rule ensures safety for both mother and baby during sea travel.
All guests — including minors — must carry proper identification.
For domestic cruises, children under 16 may travel with a certified birth certificate. For international cruises, a passport is strongly recommended.
If a minor is traveling without both parents or legal guardians, a notarized letter of consent may be required to comply with international travel laws.
Carnival Cruise Line enforces its age rules to comply with maritime law, safety regulations, and destination requirements. These policies help ensure:
Proper supervision of minors.
Age-appropriate access to onboard facilities.
Compliance with alcohol and gambling laws.
Safety during emergencies or medical situations.
Adhering to these rules helps create a family-friendly atmosphere while maintaining responsible travel standards.
When traveling as part of a youth organization, sports team, or school group, Carnival requires one chaperone (age 25 or older) for every 8 minors. These chaperones must stay in cabins near their assigned minors and remain responsible for their conduct throughout the voyage.
So, what is the age policy on Carnival Cruise Line cruises? In summary:
Infants must be at least 6 months old, or 12 months for long voyages.
Guests under 21 must travel with a guardian aged 25 or older.
The drinking age is 21, and the casino age is 18.
Youth and teen programs are designed for guests ages 2–17, while spa and gym facilities have age restrictions for safety.
Understanding these Carnival travel rules helps families and groups prepare appropriately, ensuring smooth sailing and fun for everyone on board.
1. What is the minimum age to sail with Carnival Cruise Line?
Infants must be at least 6 months old, or 12 months for long or transoceanic cruises.
2. How old do you have to be to sail without a parent or guardian?
You must be 21 years old to travel alone, except for married couples or active-duty military members aged 18–20.
3. Can minors book their own stateroom on Carnival?
No. Guests under 21 must share a cabin with a guardian aged 25 or older, though exceptions apply for adjacent family cabins.
4. What is the drinking age on Carnival Cruise Line?
The minimum drinking age is 21 years for U.S. sailings and 18 years for certain international departures.
5. Are there youth programs for kids and teens on Carnival?
Yes. Carnival offers Camp Ocean, Circle “C”, and Club O2 programs for guests aged 2–17, with supervised activities and entertainment.
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