Age Requirements for Cruising

Most cruise lines impose a minimum age for children to sail, with many requiring infants to be aged at least six months old on the first day of the cruise, or 12 months old for transatlantic voyages. Families who are travelling with an infant who does not meet the minimum age policy will be denied boarding, so it is important to verify the age requirements at the time of booking your cruise.

As is the case with airlines, cruise lines also impose restrictions on pregnant travellers. In most cases, pregnant women will not be allowed to travel once they have reached 24 weeks, though this may vary depending on which cruise line you are travelling with. All pregnant women, regardless of term, are required to produce a doctor’s or midwife’s letter stating that both mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel and the pregnancy is not classed as high-risk.

Age restrictions are also enforced in several areas on board, including the bar and casino areas. These restrictions are dependent on which cruise line you are travelling with and where in the world the ship is sailing.

If you book an adult-only cruise, there will be further restrictions on the ages of the passengers allowed on board.