When planning a cruise vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), understanding the company’s age policy is crucial. Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, or as a group of young adults, Norwegian has specific guidelines for age, supervision, and onboard privileges. These policies ensure safety, compliance with international laws, and a smooth experience for every guest.
The Norwegian Cruise Line age policy is designed to protect passengers and maintain consistency across all itineraries. The rules differ depending on factors such as destination, activity type, and passenger relationships.
Below are the main categories of age-related rules on Norwegian cruises:
Minimum age to sail
Adult and guardian requirements
Policies for minors and young adults
Alcohol and casino age limits
Family and children’s program guidelines
Each of these categories plays a role in determining who can travel, drink, or participate in certain onboard activities.
To board any Norwegian Cruise Line ship, passengers must meet the minimum age requirement depending on the voyage type and destination.
Infants must be at least 6 months old at the time of sailing for most cruises.
For itineraries that include transoceanic, transatlantic, South American, or Hawaiian routes, infants must be 12 months old due to longer travel distances and potential medical limitations.
This rule ensures that young travelers are physically ready for the voyage and that proper medical care can be provided if needed.
One of the most important aspects of the NCL minor policy involves supervision and parental consent. Norwegian Cruise Line has clear distinctions between minors (under 18) and young adults (18–20).
Any passenger under 18 years old is considered a minor.
Minors must travel with an adult aged 21 or older, who is responsible for them throughout the cruise.
The accompanying adult must be booked in the same stateroom or a connecting room.
Guests aged 18 to 20 can sail independently only if they are:
Married and can provide proof of marriage, or
Traveling with an adult in an adjoining stateroom, or
Enrolled in a group booking with appropriate authorization.
For destinations within the United States, the Norwegian under 21 rule is enforced strictly, but in some international itineraries, exceptions may apply depending on local regulations.
The NCL alcohol age limit varies based on the ship’s departure port and cruising region.
On U.S.-based cruises, passengers must be 21 years old to purchase or consume alcohol.
On international sailings, the minimum drinking age is 18 years, but parental consent is required for guests aged 18–20.
Norwegian Cruise Line allows parents or legal guardians to sign a young adult alcohol waiver, permitting their 18–20-year-old child to consume beer and wine while in international waters. However, spirits remain restricted until age 21.
The waiver must be signed in person at embarkation by the parent or guardian who is physically onboard.
For guests who enjoy gaming at sea, NCL age restrictions apply to casino entry and gambling activities:
The minimum age to enter the casino and participate in gaming is 18 years.
Guests under this age are not permitted in casino areas, even when accompanied by an adult.
In certain regions, such as Alaska, the age limit may be higher (21 years), in compliance with local regulations.
For families traveling with children, the Norwegian Cruise Line family policy offers a blend of fun and supervision.
NCL’s Splash Academy and Entourage Teen Club provide age-appropriate entertainment and care.
Splash Academy: Designed for kids aged 3–12, divided into three age groups (3–5, 6–9, 10–12).
Entourage Teen Club: Caters to teens aged 13–17, offering a social space with games, music, and events.
Children under 3 years old are welcome to sail but must remain under direct supervision of a parent or guardian at all times. Babysitting services are available on select ships and sailings for a small fee.
Guests under 21 years cannot occupy a cabin alone.
All minors must share a stateroom with a responsible adult, typically over 21.
Exceptions apply when minors occupy a connecting room adjacent to parents or guardians.
The Norwegian Cruise Line policy for passengers under 21 is among the most defined in the cruise industry.
If you’re planning to travel solo, Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced Studio Staterooms — single-occupancy rooms designed for solo cruisers aged 21 and above.
However, guests aged 18–20 may also book a solo cabin if they meet eligibility criteria (such as joining a group booking with proper authorization).
This setup gives young adults an opportunity to travel independently while adhering to NCL’s cruise passenger age standards.
Norwegian Cruise Line has additional age restrictions for various onboard and shore activities:
Spa access: Minimum age is 16 years (some services restricted to adults 18+).
Fitness center: Guests must be 16 years or older to use equipment independently.
Shore excursions: Certain activities (like ziplining, diving, or jet-skiing) may require participants to be 18+ or have a signed parental waiver.
Water slides and pool areas: Height and weight limits may apply for safety reasons.
Certain destinations enforce unique age rules based on local laws:
Europe & Caribbean: Alcohol allowed at 18+ (with parental consent).
United States & Alaska: Alcohol restricted to 21+.
Asia & Australia: NCL generally adheres to 18+ drinking laws but may differ based on ports.
Understanding these destination-based differences can help passengers prepare necessary documentation or waivers before boarding.
The Norwegian Cruise Line age policy isn’t just a formality — it’s a safeguard. It ensures that minors are supervised, activities remain safe, and local and international regulations are respected. It also helps families and young travelers plan their vacations appropriately, minimizing surprises at embarkation.
For parents, it provides peace of mind knowing that their children can enjoy safe, age-appropriate spaces. For young adults, it clarifies what freedoms they have onboard and which privileges require an accompanying adult.
So, what is the age policy on Norwegian Cruise Line cruises? In summary:
Infants must be at least 6–12 months old to sail.
Guests under 21 years cannot occupy a cabin alone.
The drinking age is 21 (U.S. sailings) or 18 (international itineraries with waiver).
Minors must travel with a responsible adult, and parents may authorize certain privileges for 18–20-year-olds.
Understanding these policies ensures a smoother, more enjoyable cruise for passengers of all ages. Whether you’re a parent planning a family trip, a young traveler setting sail for the first time, or an adult cruiser exploring NCL’s worldwide itineraries, knowing these rules helps you navigate with confidence.
Q1. What is the minimum age to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line?
Infants must be at least 6 months old, and 12 months for longer or transoceanic voyages.
Q2. Can minors sail alone on Norwegian Cruise Line?
No. Passengers under 21 must share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or older.
Q3. What is the drinking age on Norwegian Cruise Line?
It’s 21 for U.S. sailings and 18 for international sailings with parental consent.
Q4. Are there programs for children on NCL cruises?
Yes. NCL offers Splash Academy (ages 3–12) and Entourage Teen Club (ages 13–17).
Q5. Can 18-year-olds travel solo on Norwegian Cruise Line?
Generally no, unless they meet specific conditions, such as being married or traveling in a supervised group.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2026 Portjourney.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
