Minimum Age To Cruise
Carnival
Infants scheduled to cruise with their parents must be at least 6 months old on most sailings. On trans-ocean voyages or those to remote locations with more than two consecutive sea days, infants must be at least 12 months old.
Passengers must be at least 21 years of age to book a cabin and travel alone without a reservation attached to that of someone who is 25 years old or older.
Exceptions are made for cruisers younger than 21 who are married and traveling with a spouse, or in the military. Proof of marriage or active military status is required.
Although passengers aged 18 to 20 can stay in their own cabins anywhere on the ship, they must be traveling with someone at least 25 years of age.
Those 13 to 17 are permitted to stay in their own staterooms, up to three cabins away from a family member or guardian who is at least 25 years old.
Passengers 12 years old and younger who are booked in their own cabins must be either directly next door to or across the hall from a parent or guardian 25 years or older, and they may not stay in a balcony cabin without an adult present.
Celebrity
Passengers must be at least 6 months old to cruise. On sailings with three or more consecutive sea days, the minimum age is 12 months.
On sailings from the U.S., cruisers must be at least 21 years of age to cruise alone. Otherwise, they must be married or travel with an adult who is at least 21 years of age.
Disney
Holland America
Norwegian
Princess
Royal Caribbean
What Will Be Open On Board
The next phase of England’s roadmap, from May 17, will allow for things like indoor dining and activities to reopen.
Therefore cruise lines are planning to have all of their usual onboard amenities on offer including restaurants, pools, shops, waterparks, as well as cinemas and even onboard theatres with live shows and entertainment.
Activities will be on offer as usual, although with social distancing in place which means that in some cases you may need to pre-book.
Visa Requirements For Cambodia
Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Cambodia. Passport holders from all other countries will be charged $89 per person for a Cambodian visa upon arrival into Cambodian ports. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Cambodian visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Cambodian ports.
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
Please note that electronic visas “e-visas” obtained online are only valid to enter Cambodia by air or land. These visas cannot be used to enter Cambodia by sea onboard cruise ships.
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Age Restrictions On Board
Drinking Alcoholic Beverages / Tobacco Products
- Guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol on board. Proper I.D with birth date is required.
- In keeping with U.S. federal law, the age for the sale of tobacco products is 21. This policy is for U.S.-based itineraries/ships only.
Casino and Bingo
- Guests must be 18 years of age or older to play the tables and the slot machines.
- Guests under 18 years of age are not permitted in the casino.
- Guests must be 18 years of age to purchase a bingo card and play.
Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
- Guests must be 21 years of age or older to be in the Serenity adults-only area.
Spa Carnival® and Cloud 9 Spa
- Fitness Center and Studio: Guests must be at least 18 years of age to use the fitness facilities on their own. Minor guests may use the facilities provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian .
- Salon: Salon services are available to guests of all ages.
- Spa Facilities: Guests must be at least 18 years of age to receive treatments or utilize spa facilities, including the sauna and steam rooms as well as use of the Thermal Suite and Thalassotherapy Pool at the Cloud 9 Spas.
- ZSPA: Teens must be accompanied by an adult when they book treatments on board. Parents or a guardian must complete and sign the spas consultation form acknowledging their consent before services are rendered.
Lounges, Shows and the Dance Club
Pools, waterslides, whirlpools, Carnival WaterWorks and Splash Park
Shore Excursions
Norwegian Cruise Line Resumes In The Us
Today is a huge day for Norwegian Cruise Line with the restart of its operations in the U.S. for the first time in over 500 days! Norwegian Encore is departing out of the Port of Seattle, Washington which also restarts NCLs Alaska season.
So the newest ship in the fleet will begin sailing seven-day voyages including stops at Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Sailings will continue through October 16 and when Norwegian Encore does call at Icy Strait Point it will be at the new second pier which has been developed by parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Norwegian Jade became the first NCL ship to restart operations when she departed out of Piraeus, Greece on July 25. The vessel is also the first in the fleet to homeport in Piraeus, the port for Athens and currently sailing the Greek Isles. Norwegian Gem will be the next to restart cruises on August 15 out of Miami, Florida.
Norwegian Cruise Line is keeping things straightforward and simple by having all crew members and all guests fully vaccinated. There are no exemptions or people on board that will not be vaccinated like on other cruise lines.
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What Is The Current Situation
CDC has released all the necessary information that cruise ship operators need to resume passenger operations under the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order , originally issued ). The CSO is a phased approach to resuming passenger operations on cruise ships. CDC may adjust these requirements and recommendations based on public health considerations and other factors. Information about the COVID-19 status of ships sailing under the CSO is available on CDC’s website.
Access To Private Islands
Disney, Norwegian, and Carnival each have a private island oasis port to call upon, but Royal Caribbeans Perfect Day at CocoCay is the crown jewel of the private island scene. This miniature Bahamian gem changed the game when it fully unveiled its $250 million makeover a few years ago.
There youll find a thrilling water park with North Americas tallest water slide, freshwater pools, a swim-up bar, sandy beaches bumping up against the crystal-clear aquamarine sea, free food and drinks , Wi-Fi extending from the ship, and the new Coco Beach Club.
The latter serves up luxuriously juicy filet mignon and massive grilled lobster tails in a setting that includes a private infinity pool on the beach and the chance to rent a beach or floating cabana. Perfect Day is something no small ship can match and is a unique experience that other big cruise lines will likely try to replicate on their own private islands.
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Introducing Your Kids To Other Cultures
Nowhere else on earth, save for the actual United Nations and maybe the Olympics, are so many nations gathered together in harmony, and in one place, like on a cruise ship. If you are interested in raising your kids with a deepened appreciation for other cultures, traveling with young children on a big cruise ship lets them meet other people from far-flung places like the Philippines, Ukraine, India, Croatia, South Africa, Italy, and beyond.
Visa Requirements For Egypt
Passport holders from the following countries require a visa to visit Egyptian ports. This visa must be obtained in advance. Egyptian authorities have the right to refuse guests from the below nationalities from going ashore, even if the visa is obtained. Anyone from these countries who does not possess an Egyptian visa must remain onboard in Egyptian ports.
India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Maldives , Palestine, Philippines, Sri Lanka
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Floatplane Crash In Alaska
We end with some very sad news indeed as a floatplane crashed on Thursday and the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that all six people on board died. Five of those were cruise passengers from the Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship which was docked in Ketchikan for the day. One person was the pilot of the sightseeing plane.
The passengers were on a tour not booked through the cruise line and the wreckage of the plane was found at approximately 2:37 PM on a ridgeline near the Misty Fjords area in Alaska. We have the full coverage over on cruisehive.com and our thoughts are with the families and friends during this difficult time and while cruise lines are celebrating their return to Alaska in recent days just spare a thought to those who lost their lives.
Which Cruise Lines Require Covid
The return of cruising is a reason to celebrate after a long and dry 15 months. But even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provisionally cleared cruises to sail at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, figuring out how to do so as a passenger requires some research. While vaccinated passengers will have an easier time getting on board, the actual requirements vary by cruise line and even by state.
Despite what its being called by each cruise line Traveling Well, Sailing With Safety the idea behind all of the new health protocols is ultimately passenger and crew wellbeing. The following is a breakdown of current COVID-19 health and safety requirements by cruise line.
Where a vaccine requirement is noted, that indicates that the second dose has been administered at least 14 days prior to boarding. Most cruise lines do not accept mixed vaccines. Check CDC and cruise line guidelines for more on which vaccines apply.
Cruise Lines Requiring Full COVID-19 Vaccination
Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven SeasNorwegian Cruise Line Holdings recently made headlines when it sued the State of Florida over its ban on mask and vaccine mandates.
Guests boarding any cruise line in the NCLH portfolio Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, or Regent Seven Seas are required to be vaccinated for all sailings embarking through October 31, 2021.
Crew Requirements: All NCLH crew are required to be fully vaccinated.
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Visa Requirements For Thailand
Passports holders from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Thailand on NCL cruises.
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam.
Diplomatic/Official passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Thailand on NCL cruises.
Passports holders from the following countries can purchase a Thai visa on arrival onboard the ship for $20 per person. Cruises that visit Thailand more than one time will have a $35 per person fee for the visa.
This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Thai visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Thai ports.
Royal Caribbean Internationals Vaccine Policies
For cruises departing from any U.S. port, Royal Caribbean requires all guests 12 years of age and older to be fully vaccinated. Younger travelers not yet eligible for the vaccine will be able to sail with a negative test result at boarding and must follow certain health and safety protocols.
Vaccine requirements are one of the multilayered measures that safeguard the well-being of our guests, our crew and the communities we visit. Additional health and safety measures include our fully vaccinated crew, testing, the robust onboard ventilation system and enhanced cleaning.
In collaboration with multiple national, state and local health and government authorities around the world, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our priority is to maintain everyones well-being while complying with federal, state and local laws as we always have. Royal Caribbean will continue to evaluate and update its health and safety measures as circumstances evolve.
Guests and travel advisors looking for information on our measures can visit the Royal Caribbean website. Our current vaccine policies, which are in line with local regulations, are the following:
*Until further notice for all sailings from the U.S.: Guests 2 and older regardless of their vaccination status must present negative test results when arriving to check in.
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Cruise Ship Color Status
Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Unvaccinated people should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated. With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever. CDC has updated guidance for fully vaccinated people based on new evidence on the Delta variant.
While cruising will always pose some risk of COVID-19 transmission, CDC is committed to working with cruise ship operators to ensure that cruise ship passenger operations are conducted in a way that reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission among crew members, passengers, and port personnel.
With the exception of cruise ships operating in Florida, all cruise ships operating in U.S. waters, or seeking to operate in U.S. waters, must comply with the requirements of the CDC Framework for Conditional Sailing Order and Technical Instructions, even when outside of U.S. waters.
Note: As of July 23, 2021, the CSO and accompanying measures, such as technical instructions, are currently nonbinding recommendations for cruise ships arriving in, located within, or departing from a port in Florida. However, CDC will continue to operate the CSO as a voluntary program for such ships should they choose to follow the CSO measures on a voluntary basis.
See table below for cruise ship color status.
Visa Requirements For India
Anyone who does not hold a passport from India requires a visa to visit Indian ports. The visa can be an embassy-issued visa sticker or an electronic visa. Both types of visas must be obtained in advance, prior to the beginning of the cruise. Guests without the Indian visa must remain onboard in Indian ports.
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Create Your Own Unique Cruise Experience
On a big cruise ship, no two passengers will experience the cruise the same way. This is because the volume of entertainment, activities, dining choices, and excursion options promote individuality. Whether you want to play onboard virtual reality games or soak in a hot tub, the benefit of choosing your own adventure is huge for independent travelers who can use cruising as a way to enjoy a custom-tailored vacation.
Vaccine Required Under Evaluation
Note: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has not yet announced whether or not it will require passengers to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test for COVID-19 to sail.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to evaluate all of our options for protecting the wellbeing of our guests and the communities to which we will sail, the line said in a statement sent to TPG.
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A Wider Variety Of Food Options
On big cruise ships, youll find a vast array of culinary options to choose from. Whether its the rotating menu of authentic street eats on Carnival Mardi Gras, Shaqs Big Chicken , Italian haunts in Central Park on Oasis-class Royal Caribbean ships, the freshest seafood, or a wide selection of dessertsthere is no stone left unturned when it comes to eating on big ships.
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Carnival Cruise Line Minimum Age Policy
Guests Under the Age of 21 MUST travel with a relative or guardian of 25 years of age or older
- The guardian does not need to be a legal guardian.
- The bookings must be cross-referenced with the relative or guardian’s stateroom and documented properly.
- Guests who are 21 to 24 years of age may travel with their minor children.
- Minors Traveling Together: The policy is slightly different because of stricter guidelines as follows:
- Must have 1 chaperone for every 8 minors
- Prepaid gratuities per minor are due at final payment
- 8 or more staterooms must be booked through the Group Department and a $100 damage deposit per minor will be charged.
Traveling with a MinorWhere minor guests can be booked in relation to relative or guardian:
- Guests 12 and younger:If the relative or guardian insists on booking separate staterooms, minors must either be directly across the hall or next door. Guests 12 and under may not be assigned to a balcony stateroom without a relative or guardian .
- Guests 13 – 17 years of age:Can be booked up to 3 staterooms away from a relative or guardian .
- Guests 18 – 20 years of age:Do not have any restrictions and may book whatever location they prefer.
Exceptions: Guests under the age of 21 may travel without a relative or guardian of 25 years of age or older under the following conditions:Legally married couples, including same gender couplesQualified Military PersonnelGetting Off the Ship in PortInfant Policy
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