RCI-Royal Caribbean and CCL-Carnival Cruise Line have revised their policies regarding the minimum age for unaccompanied passengers departing from USA homeports.
As of February 2025, Royal Caribbean requires guests to be at least 21 years old to sail unaccompanied, an increase from the previous minimum age of 18. The change may impact younger travelers planning to cruise without a guardian. However, the age requirement remains 18 for itineraries starting in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Passengers under the legal drinking age in the USA must travel with a guardian or relative and can't book a stateroom independently unless accompanied by someone 25 or older. RCI has stated that exceptions will be made for children traveling with parents or guardians in connecting staterooms, underage married couples, and active-duty members of the United States or Canadian military.
Carnival has also adjusted its policy, requiring all guests booking after February 1st to be at least 21 years old on embarkation day if traveling alone. CCL has confirmed that passenger ages will be verified at check-in, and those who don't meet the requirement will be denied boarding without compensation. Travelers under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a relative or guardian who is at least 25 years old, though CCL doesn't require the guardian to have legal custody of the minor.