This children's age requirement policy is specific to Carnival Cruise Line and is provided for your reference. The details are based on the cruise line's official information. Please ensure that your cruise complies with this policy. Cruise Direct is not responsible for any sudden changes to the policy.
Carnival Cruise Line Children's Age Requirements
Minor Guest Policy: Effective February 1, 2025
Minor Policy for Bookings Created February 1, 2025 and Onward
Guests are required to be 21 years of age (on embarkation day) to travel on their own. Guest ages will be verified at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will result in denied boarding and no compensation will be provided at embarkation. For additional minor age restriction guidelines while on board, click here.
Guests 20 years of age and younger MUST travel with a relative or guardian 25 years of age or older (guardian does not need to be a legal guardian).
- Minors cannot be booked under TBA offers; cabin numbers must be assigned.
- Guests who are 21 to 24 years of age may travel with their minor children.
Where minor guests can be booked in relation to relative or guardian:
- Guests 14 years of age and younger
Must be booked with a relative or guardian (25 years of age or older) in the same cabin or a connecting cabin. - Guests 15 - 17 years of age
Can be separated by up to 3 staterooms from a relative or guardian (25 years of age or older).- Must be linked as “Travel With” a relative or guardian 25 years of age or older. Reservation must be noted and cross referenced.
- Guests 18 – 20 years of age
Do not have any restrictions and may book whatever location they prefer.- Must be linked as “Travel With” a relative or guardian 25 years of age or older. Reservation must be noted and cross referenced.
Specialty Cabin Guidelines
Terrazza Staterooms: Minors must be 12 years of age or older to cruise in Terrazza accommodations.
Havana Staterooms and Suites: Minors must be 12 years of age or older to cruise in Havana accommodations.
Minors Traveling Together or As a Group
- Must follow standard booking guidelines for minors.
- 8 or more staterooms must be booked through the Group Department and a $100 damage deposit per minor will be charged. Prepaid gratuities per minor are due at final payment.
Traveling with Minors:
When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.
Exceptions: Guests ages 18-20 may travel without a relative or guardian of 25 years of age or older under the following conditions:
- Legally married couples, including same gender couples
- Proper documentation must be provided at embarkation. Failure to provide documentation or not conforming to this policy will result in denied boarding and no compensation will be provided.
- Documentation includes: marriage license issued by the County Clerk’s Office; legal proof of civil union; for newly married couples: a copy of the marriage license application or certificate signed by the official that performed the ceremony.
- Qualified Military Personnel
- Applies to US Military Personnel and Canadian National Defense personnel (and their traveling companions in the same stateroom) of 18 – 20 years of age.
- Copy of proof of service must be provided at embarkation. Failure to provide documentation or not conforming to this policy will result in denied boarding and no compensation will be provided.