Princess Cruises is widely known for offering a refined, destination-focused cruising experience that welcomes guests of all ages. However, like all major cruise lines, Princess maintains specific age-related rules that prioritize safety, ensure a smooth boarding process, and create an enjoyable onboard atmosphere for every traveler. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, traveling with teens, or booking a multi-generational getaway, understanding the line’s age policy helps you prepare properly and avoid last-minute surprises at check-in. These policies cover minimum travel age requirements, age-specific rules for stateroom occupancy, supervision guidelines for minors, and restrictions for certain onboard activities.
Age policies are not arbitrary—they are carefully designed to comply with international maritime laws, port authority regulations, and onboard safety standards. Cruise ships operate as floating cities, and Princess must ensure that emergency procedures, medical capabilities, and supervision expectations align with the ages of passengers sailing. These rules also help maintain the onboard atmosphere Princess is known for: relaxed, elegant, and suitable for adults while still accommodating families and younger guests.
Princess Cruises has clear guidelines for the minimum age at which children can sail, and these vary based on itinerary length, destination, and the type of voyage. Infants and children are welcome, but there are rules designed to ensure their safety at sea.
Different aspects of cruising require different age thresholds. These include the minimum age to board, rules for minors traveling without parents, and guidelines for cabin assignments.
The most essential part of the age policy revolves around infants and toddlers.
In most cases, infants must be at least 6 months old on the day of sailing. This rule applies to common itineraries such as Caribbean, coastal, and short voyages.
Some sailings impose stricter age rules due to the distance from land or limited medical facilities onboard.
Transocean and Transatlantic cruises often require infants to be at least 12 months old.
Voyages with extended days at sea also usually adhere to the 12-month rule.
These requirements ensure that the onboard medical team and facilities can adequately support young children during the voyage.
Land-and-sea cruisetours through Alaska may include train rides, bus transfers, and wilderness lodges. For these itineraries, the minimum age may be higher than for cruises alone, depending on the tour segment.
Princess allows minors to travel without their parents under certain conditions, but strict documentation is required.
Passengers under 18 can sail if they are accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old in the same stateroom.
If a minor is traveling with someone other than a parent, Princess often requires:
A notarized permission letter
Authorization for medical treatment
Contact details for parents or legal guardians
These documents help ensure smooth boarding and allow the responsible adult to make decisions if needed.
Princess Cruises has clear policies regarding cabin assignments for younger travelers.
At least one person in each cabin must be 21 years or older. This rule prevents unsupervised minors from being assigned their own rooms. Families traveling with teens typically book connecting cabins or multi-room suites.
Married couples under 21 can occupy a stateroom together, but Princess usually requires proof such as a marriage certificate.
If minors are staying in a separate cabin, parents or guardians must be in an adjacent, connecting, or directly opposite stateroom to ensure supervision.
Princess Cruises offers a wide range of amenities for various age groups, but certain venues and activities have strict age rules for safety and compliance.
Princess’ youth programs are divided into age-specific categories to provide engaging, supervised activities.
Children must be fully toilet trained—Princess does not permit swim diapers or diaper changing in youth club spaces. Activities are age-appropriate and supervised by trained staff.
Teens enjoy their own supervised spaces, complete with games, movies, and themed events. However, teens are not allowed to remain in lounges after official hours.
Swimming areas have some of the most important age restrictions onboard.
Children are welcome in pool areas as long as they are potty trained. Swim diapers—even reusable ones—are not allowed for sanitary reasons.
Most Princess ships restrict hot tub use to guests 16 and older. Some vessels allow younger children under strict parental supervision, but rules vary by ship.
Princess’ Lotus Spa and fitness facilities also have age guidelines.
Many spa treatments require guests to be 18 or older. Some ships offer teen spa services, but they may require parental consent.
The gym is typically limited to guests 16 and older. Supervised teen fitness programs may be offered on select ships.
Princess maintains a strict minimum age for gambling.
Guests must be 18 years or older to enter, sit at tables, or play slot machines. Minors are not permitted in the casino at any time, even if accompanied by a parent.
Princess Cruises’ alcohol policy aligns closely with international maritime standards.
The drinking age onboard is 21 years old on most itineraries.
Some sailings that begin in countries with a lower legal drinking age may reduce the onboard drinking age to 18, but this must be approved by a parent or guardian and is not available on U.S.-based itineraries.
Certain off-ship activities also require minimum ages due to physical demands or safety regulations.
Some excursions—especially adventure-focused ones—have age restrictions. Examples include:
Zip-lining
Snorkeling
Glacier trekking
Dog-sledding
ATV tours
Each excursion lists its own requirements in the Cruise Personalizer.
Minors must have parent or guardian permission to join Princess-operated excursions. Some tours require parents to accompany minors.
All passengers, regardless of age, must participate in safety drills.
Parents traveling with infants receive specialized instructions on life jackets and emergency procedures. Crew members are trained to assist families during drills.
Princess Cruises’ age policy is crafted to keep passengers safe, ensure smooth operations, and provide an enjoyable atmosphere for all onboard. While the rules may seem detailed, they’re easy to follow once you understand the key points: minimum ages to sail, supervision requirements for minors, stateroom occupancy rules, and age-based restrictions for onboard activities. Whether you're traveling with infants, teens, or a multi-generational group, knowing these guidelines in advance ensures a smooth, stress-free vacation from embarkation day to disembarkation.
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