Planning a cruise vacation with Princess Cruises is an exciting experience, whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with your entire family. However, before setting sail, it’s essential to understand the Princess Cruises age policy — a set of rules and guidelines that determine who can sail, what age-specific amenities are available, and how certain privileges such as alcohol consumption or casino entry are managed onboard.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of Princess Cruises’ age policy, covering infants, children, teens, adults, and senior travelers. You’ll also learn about the age-related policies for various onboard activities, dining experiences, excursions, and other services, ensuring you’re well-prepared before booking your next cruise.
The minimum age to cruise on Princess Cruises depends on the itinerary and the type of cruise. Generally, infants must be at least 6 months old on the day of embarkation to travel on most itineraries. However, for certain longer or more demanding voyages — such as transoceanic cruises, South America sailings, or those involving more than two consecutive sea days — the minimum age increases to 12 months.
This rule exists to ensure passenger safety, as these longer itineraries often include extended periods at sea without access to shore-based medical facilities. Princess Cruises prioritizes health and safety, so infants under the required age are not permitted to sail, even if parents are willing to assume responsibility.
Parents traveling with young children should also remember that proof of age (such as a birth certificate or passport) is required at check-in.
Princess Cruises welcomes young travelers, but there are strict age restrictions for minors traveling alone.
Passengers under the age of 21 must be accompanied in the same or connecting stateroom by a parent, guardian, or chaperone aged 21 or older.
Exceptions may apply for married couples under 21, provided they can show valid proof of marriage.
This policy ensures that minors always have a responsible adult on board who can make decisions on their behalf if necessary.
Additionally, minors cannot occupy a stateroom without a qualified adult in an adjacent or connecting cabin, unless special arrangements have been approved by Princess Cruises in advance.
Traveling with infants or toddlers on Princess Cruises is possible but comes with specific guidelines:
Minimum Age:
6 months for most voyages.
12 months for long or remote sailings (e.g., transatlantic, transpacific, or South America).
Cribs and Strollers:
Cribs are available on request but should be reserved in advance due to limited availability.
Strollers are not provided, so families must bring their own lightweight or collapsible strollers.
Baby Supplies:
Baby formula, diapers, and baby food are not sold onboard. Parents should pack all necessary supplies before embarkation.
Childcare Services:
There is no in-cabin babysitting service.
However, Princess Cruises offers Camp Discovery, a supervised youth program, with activities for children starting at age 3 (must be toilet-trained).
These measures are designed to maintain a comfortable and safe environment for the youngest guests onboard.
Princess Cruises is renowned for its family-friendly environment. Its Camp Discovery youth program, developed in partnership with Discovery™, is divided into specific age-based categories, each tailored to provide age-appropriate fun and education.
1. The Treehouse (Ages 3–7)This space is themed like an enchanted forest, offering arts and crafts, storytelling, games, and interactive science activities. Children must be potty-trained to participate.
2. The Lodge (Ages 8–12)Designed for adventure-seeking kids, The Lodge includes games, sports tournaments, creative workshops, and themed science experiments inspired by the Discovery Channel.
3. The Beach House (Ages 13–17)For teens, The Beach House offers a relaxed social environment with video games, movies, talent shows, and dance parties. Teens can also participate in youth-led events such as mocktail mixology and DJ nights.
Each program is supervised by trained youth staff, ensuring both safety and engagement. Parents can rest easy knowing their children are well cared for and having fun.
Teen travelers between the ages of 13 and 17 are free to participate in most onboard activities but must adhere to the general Princess Cruises age restrictions for specific venues.
Teens are not allowed in the casino or bars.
Curfews may be enforced on select ships, usually requiring passengers under 18 to be in their cabins after midnight unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Teens are welcome in designated youth lounges and can attend organized teen-only events managed by youth staff.
The teen programs are especially popular on longer sailings, where they help young travelers make friends and enjoy age-appropriate entertainment.
While Princess Cruises offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment, it also provides tranquil, adults-only spaces for those seeking peace and relaxation.
1. The Sanctuary (Adults Only, 18+)This luxurious retreat offers plush lounge chairs, spa services, and a peaceful ambiance. Entry is restricted to guests aged 18 and above.
2. The Retreat Pool (Adults Only, 18+)On select ships, this quiet pool area allows adults to swim and sunbathe without the presence of children.
3. Bars, Lounges, and Nightclubs (21+ for alcohol consumption)Guests must be 18 or older to enter most lounges, but only those 21 and older can order or consume alcoholic beverages in U.S. waters. On international itineraries, the minimum drinking age may drop to 18, depending on local laws.
These adults-only areas allow for a more serene experience and are ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking relaxation away from family activities.
The Princess Cruises alcohol policy is one of the most commonly asked questions regarding age restrictions. The cruise line enforces a strict legal drinking age onboard:
21 years is the minimum age for purchasing or consuming alcohol on voyages departing from North America (including the Caribbean, Alaska, and Mexico).
On cruises departing from regions where the local drinking age is lower — such as Europe, Asia, or Australia — the minimum age may be 18 years, subject to the laws of the departure port.
Princess Cruises staff are trained to verify age before serving alcoholic beverages. Passengers may be asked to present a government-issued ID or cruise card to confirm eligibility.
Additionally:
Guests aged 21 and older are allowed to bring one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne per person onboard at embarkation, free of corkage fees if consumed in the stateroom.
Additional bottles or consumption in public areas may incur corkage fees.
Beer, hard liquor, and spirits are not permitted to be brought onboard.
This policy maintains a responsible and enjoyable onboard atmosphere while ensuring compliance with international maritime laws.
Princess Cruises has clear guidelines regarding both smoking and gambling, tied directly to age restrictions.
Smoking Policy:
Guests must be at least 18 years old to purchase and use tobacco products onboard.
Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas and the casino’s smoking section (where available).
Casino Policy:
Guests must be at least 18 years old to play in the casino.
Some jurisdictions may raise this limit to 21, depending on local regulations during the voyage.
The cruise line strictly enforces these rules to maintain safety and legal compliance across different international waters.
Each shore excursion or tour offered by Princess Cruises comes with its own age policy. Generally:
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult during any excursion.
Some adventure excursions (e.g., scuba diving, zip-lining, or ATV rides) may have minimum age limits ranging from 10 to 16 years, depending on the activity’s risk level.
Infants are usually restricted from participating in high-adventure or physically demanding shore excursions.
Princess Cruises ensures all excursions are family-inclusive whenever possible but prioritizes safety for all participants.
Princess Cruises offers luxurious spa facilities and fitness centers onboard, but these areas have specific age requirements:
Guests must be 18 years or older to use the fitness center, hot tubs, and spa treatment areas.
Some ships may offer limited spa services for teens (ages 13–17) under the Teen Spa program, but a parent or guardian’s written consent is mandatory.
The Lotus Spa and Thermal Suite are adults-only spaces, ensuring a serene and relaxing atmosphere.
These policies maintain comfort and privacy for adult guests while also offering occasional supervised wellness options for teens.
Swimming is a favorite pastime for cruise guests, but Princess Cruises applies safety-based age and height rules for children:
Children must be toilet-trained to use onboard pools or whirlpools. Swim diapers are not permitted in any pool or hot tub for hygiene reasons.
Some pools have depth restrictions or supervised hours for younger guests.
Lifeguards are not always on duty, so parents must closely supervise their children.
These rules promote safe and sanitary water activities for all passengers.
All main dining rooms and buffet areas onboard Princess Cruises ships welcome guests of all ages. However, certain specialty restaurants or lounges may have age restrictions:
Adult-only specialty dining (e.g., Chef’s Table Lumière or Crown Grill Lounge) may restrict entry to guests aged 13+ or 18+, depending on the venue.
Children’s menus are available in most casual dining venues.
Highchairs can be requested in advance for infants or toddlers.
Families can enjoy flexible dining experiences together while adults can savor fine dining in serene settings.
Princess Cruises ships are equipped with Internet cafés, arcades, and digital gaming zones.
Children under 13 require adult supervision when using computers or accessing the internet.
Teen gaming lounges and digital arcades are available for ages 13–17.
All users must follow the ship’s online conduct policy, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
The primary guest booking a Princess Cruise must be at least 21 years old. This person is responsible for all payments, signatures, and onboard charges linked to the stateroom.
If minors are traveling, their parents or legal guardians must complete and sign the Passenger Agreement and Consent Forms before embarkation.
In cases where minors travel with non-parental guardians (such as grandparents or family friends), additional notarized authorization may be required by Princess Cruises and immigration authorities.
Princess Cruises has specific guidelines for pregnant passengers to ensure the safety of both mother and child:
Guests who have entered or will enter their 24th week of pregnancy by the end of the cruise are not permitted to sail.
Pregnant guests under this limit must provide a medical certificate confirming fitness to travel and expected due date.
Additionally, while there is no upper age limit for adult passengers, travelers with medical conditions are encouraged to consult a doctor before cruising. Elderly guests can enjoy dedicated assistance services and accessible cabin options if needed.
Princess Cruises has long been a favorite among senior travelers, offering comfort, accessibility, and specialized medical care onboard.
There is no maximum age limit for passengers.
Onboard medical staff are available 24/7 for emergencies.
Accessibility services include wheelchair-friendly cabins, priority boarding, and assistance during excursions.
Older adults can also enjoy enrichment programs, lectures, dance classes, and social gatherings designed specifically for mature travelers.
Entertainment is a key part of the Princess Cruises experience. Most shows, movies, and live performances are family-friendly, but some events may have age restrictions:
Comedy shows or late-night events may be limited to guests aged 18+ due to adult humor or themes.
Movies under the stars are open to all ages, though parents should monitor film ratings.
Youth-friendly game shows and talent nights are open to children and teens.
This balance ensures entertainment options suitable for every age group.
CategoryMinimum AgeNotes
Infant6 months (12 for long cruises)Proof of age required
Unaccompanied Minor21+ adult must be in same or adjoining cabinExceptions for married minors
Alcohol Consumption21 (or 18 where legal)ID required
Casino18+ (21+ in some regions)ID check enforced
Spa/Fitness18+Teen spa options with consent
PoolsToilet-trained children onlyNo swim diapers
Shore ExcursionsVaries (usually 5–18+)Depends on activity
Adult-Only Areas18+Includes The Sanctuary and Retreat Pool
Smoking18+Only in designated areas
PregnancyUnder 24 weeksDoctor’s certificate required
Understanding the age policy on Princess Cruises is essential for planning a smooth, stress-free vacation. Whether you’re traveling with a newborn, energetic teenagers, or elderly parents, the cruise line’s structured yet flexible approach ensures that every guest enjoys the right blend of fun, safety, and relaxation.
By following these guidelines — from minimum sailing ages to alcohol and casino restrictions — families can make informed decisions about cabins, activities, and excursions. Princess Cruises continues to be one of the most inclusive and well-regulated cruise lines, balancing family-friendly experiences with adult-only luxuries.
So, before you book your next voyage, review these Princess Cruises age restrictions to ensure everyone in your group meets the requirements. Then, you can focus on what truly matters — soaking up the sun, exploring new destinations, and creating lasting memories at sea.
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