Can You Go on a Cruise at 18 With a 21 Year Old?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning to go on a cruise with a friend who is three years older than you? You might be wondering if this is possible or if there are any age restrictions. In this article, we will explore whether an 18-year-old can go on a cruise with a 21-year-old.

Age Restrictions on Cruises

Before we dive into the question of whether an 18-year-old can go on a cruise with a 21-year-old, let’s first discuss the age restrictions that apply to cruises.

Most major cruise lines require passengers to be at least 21 years old to book a stateroom or travel alone. However, some cruise lines allow passengers who are at least 18 years old to book a stateroom and travel with someone who is also at least 18 years old.

Cruise Lines that Allow Passengers Under 21

If you are under 21 and want to go on a cruise, it’s important to check which cruise lines allow passengers in your age group. Here are some popular cruise lines that have minimum age requirements of 18:

  • Carnival Cruise Line: Passengers who are at least 18 years old can book and sail without an accompanying adult.
  • Royal Caribbean International: Passengers who are at least 18 years old can book and sail without an accompanying adult.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: Passengers who are at least 18 years old can book and sail without an accompanying adult.

It’s important to note that each cruise line has its own policies regarding age requirements, so it’s always best to check with the specific cruise line before booking.

Sailing with Someone Who is Older

Now let’s get back to the original question: can an 18-year-old go on a cruise with a 21-year-old? The answer is yes, as long as the 18-year-old meets the minimum age requirement for the cruise line and is traveling with someone who is also at least 18 years old.

Booking a Stateroom

If you are under 21 and want to book a stateroom on a cruise, you will need to follow the guidelines set by the cruise line. Some cruise lines require passengers under 21 to have an adult (usually over 25) in the same stateroom. Other cruise lines allow passengers between 18-20 years old to book a stateroom without an adult, but they may need to provide additional documentation such as a notarized letter of consent from a parent or guardian.

Drinking Age Restrictions

It’s important to note that even if you are over 18 and legally allowed to drink in some parts of the world, the drinking age on most major cruise ships is 21. This means that if you are under 21, you will not be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol on board.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are planning to go on a cruise with someone who is three years older than you, it’s important to check the minimum age requirements of the specific cruise line. If both passengers meet the minimum age requirements and follow any additional guidelines set by the cruise line, then it is possible for an 18-year-old to go on a cruise with a 21-year-old.