Cruise vacations offer a world of excitement for all ages, but it’s important to understand the age-related policies, especially when it comes to nightlife and entertainment venues like dance clubs. For young adults aged 18 and over, cruise ships can be a fantastic place to enjoy the nightlife scene. However, cruise lines have specific rules in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. This guide breaks down the key age policies you’ll encounter on a typical cruise, with a focus on dance clubs and other adult-oriented activities.
One of the primary areas where age restrictions come into play is with curfews. Generally, guests aged 17 and under who are not accompanied by an adult (21+) in their traveling party must adhere to a curfew of 1:00 am in public areas. This ensures a comfortable environment for all guests, particularly in the late hours.
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, the policy is straightforward: guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol onboard. This aligns with U.S. federal law. Be prepared to show proper identification with your birth date to verify your age when ordering drinks. Similarly, the legal age for purchasing tobacco products on U.S.-based itineraries and ships is also 21.
For those interested in gambling, casinos onboard have age restrictions as well. Individuals under 18 years of age are not permitted in the casino areas. To play table games, slot machines, bingo, Deal or No Deal, or purchase scratch cards, guests must be 18 years of age or older.
Adult-only retreats, like the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™ found on some cruise lines, are exclusively for guests aged 21 and over. These spaces offer a tranquil escape and are designed for adults seeking relaxation without children.
Spa and fitness facilities also have age guidelines. While salon services are available to guests of all ages, the fitness center and studio generally require guests to be at least 18 years old to use the facilities independently. Minors aged 12-17 may use the fitness areas if accompanied by a parent or guardian, subject to posted restrictions. Spa facilities, including treatments, saunas, steam rooms, Thermal Suites, and Thalassotherapy Pools, are typically reserved for guests 18 years and older. Specific teen spa programs, like ZSPA, may be available for ages 13-17, but often require adult accompaniment and consent for treatments.
Now, let’s focus on lounges, shows, and the dance club – the heart of cruise ship nightlife that many 18 and over guests are eager to experience. While guests under 18 should generally be accompanied by an adult in public areas, the dance club has a specific age policy. Guests under the age of 18 are usually required to leave the dance club by 10:00 pm. This means that for those 18 and over, the dance floor opens up as the night progresses, offering an exciting space to socialize and enjoy music into the later hours. It’s also worth noting that late-night Punchliner Comedy Club shows may have “R” ratings and are not suitable for guests under 18.
Pools, waterslides, whirlpools, and water parks like Carnival WaterWorks™ and Splash Park are generally accessible to all ages, but it’s always wise to check for any specific posted age or height restrictions for particular attractions.
Shore excursions also have age considerations. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older) to participate in shore excursions. Some excursions may have specific minimum age requirements, which will be noted when booking.
Finally, when it comes to getting off the ship in port, minor children aged 16 and older may debark without a parent or guardian. However, for children under 16, adult accompaniment (18 or older) from the same travel group is necessary for debarkation. Parents or guardians can request to raise the age limit for unaccompanied debarkation by contacting the onboard Security department.
Understanding these age policies ensures a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience for everyone. For young adults aged 18 and over looking to enjoy the dance clubs and nightlife, cruise ships offer a vibrant and exciting environment with clear guidelines to ensure responsible fun.
