Carnival Cruise Line just released more stringent policies regarding guests who are below 21 years old. The updated guidelines contain provisions regarding travel companions, accommodations, and minors traveling as a group.
Here are the rules you should know about:
Minors Are Not Allowed to Cruise on Their Own
According to Carnival’s new Minor Policy, guests who are below 21 years old by embarkation day cannot travel by themselves. They must be accompanied by a relative or guardian who is at least 25 years of age.
Adult companions sailing with minors and without their parents or legal guardians must obtain a letter of authorization signed by the parent or legal guardian. Should there be no one authorized to provide permission, other pertinent documents—such as a death certificate, court decision, etc.—can take the place of a signed letter.
Read more: Complete Guide to Carnival Cruise Line Staterooms
Travelers who fail to comply with this rule will be denied boarding and compensation.
Eighteen to 20-year-olds can travel without a guardian if they are legally married or members of the American or Canadian armed forces.
They Must Occupy the Same Stateroom or a Nearby Cabin
The cruise line also issued more specific accommodation rules based on age:
- Passengers 14 years old and below should be booked in the same stateroom as a relative or guardian. Alternatively, they may occupy connecting cabins.
- Fifteen to 17-year-olds can have a separate stateroom from their relative or guardian as long as they are no more than three staterooms apart.
- Eighteen to 20-year-olds can book any cabins they choose.
When making reservations, 15 to 20-year-olds must be booked under the “Travel With” option to indicate a valid traveling companion.
Previously, Carnival didn’t require minors to be booked nearby or in connecting rooms from their guardians.
Age Restrictions for Premium Staterooms
Additionally, Carnival requires the occupants of the Terrazza Staterooms, Havana Staterooms, and Suites to be at least 12 years old.
Minors Traveling as a Group Must Pay Damage Deposits
Carnival Cruise Line classifies minors requiring eight or more staterooms as “minors traveling together as a group.” These types of reservations should be made with the Group Department and a fee of $100 per minor should be paid as a damage deposit. This is remitted during the final payment of the cruise.
The new Minor Policy will be applicable on bookings made from February 1, 2025, onward.
These changes are designed to prevent unruly behavior and close loopholes, like cabin-swapping to bypass drink package rules.
Cruise lines have different policies for younger travelers such as who is considered a minor, the restrictions that apply, and the documents needed so it’s best to check with your cruise operator before booking.
