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Can my kids have their own room on a cruise?

However, in general, minors under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a responsible adult in the same stateroom or a connecting stateroom. Some cruise lines may have family suites or cabins that can accommodate families with children. These cabins may have a separate sleeping area for children or bunk beds.



Yes, children can have their own room on a cruise, but policies vary by line and usually depend on the kids' ages and the room's proximity to the parents. Most major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney, allow minors to occupy a separate stateroom if it is directly adjacent (connecting) or across the hall from the parents' room. For children aged 13 to 17, some lines are more flexible, allowing them to be in a cabin a few doors away. However, at least one person in the travel party must typically be 21 (or sometimes 25) years old to officially "lead" the reservation, so you may need to book one parent and one child in each room on paper, even if you switch the sleeping arrangements once onboard. You can usually request extra sets of key cards from Guest Services to ensure everyone has access to both rooms. This setup is a popular choice for families wanting extra space and a second bathroom. Always verify the specific "Minor Guest Policy" of your cruise line before booking, as some luxury or adult-oriented lines may have stricter requirements regarding adult supervision in separate quarters.

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Travelers under the age of 21 must share a cabin with a parent or guardian. Certain cruises require passengers 21 to 24 years old to be accompanied by someone 25 years or older. Minimum age to leave a Costa ship on your own: Passengers must be 18 or older to go on a ship-sponsored shore excursion on their own.

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The good news is that cruise lines have been listening, and many newer ships, and some retro-fitted older ships, have cabins specifically designed for one person. These include select ships in the Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Costa, P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Celebrity and Holland America fleets.

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The pricing structure for a cruise is totally different from that of transportation, entertainment or dining, because it is all three in one. Not only does a child pay the same fare as an adult, but a solo traveler pays the same as or close to the same fare as two adults.

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Safety Measures in Balcony Staterooms It would be very difficult for a small child to reach that lock unless they pulled a chair over to the door and climbed on it. The balconies also have walls and railings with plexi-glass that are at least 42 inches or taller.

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The drinking age on all U.S.-based cruise lines is 21 -- even when sailing international waters. (Under special circumstances, some cruise lines allow 18- to 20-year-olds to purchase and consume alcohol with a parent's consent.) Regardless of the policy, you should never buy a drink for someone under 21.

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Children aged 17 years and under will require a passport or Birth Certificate to travel or government issued photo ID. Children under 16 years of age, who do not have a passport or Photo ID, must have a copy of their birth certificate or their parents Medicare Card.

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Many rooms have bunks that fold down from the wall. They can also bring in a roll-away cot every night after dinner and remove it every morning when they tidy the room. And the two year old will have the option of a pack 'n play or rollaway crib.

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Yes, many ships offer family-friendly cruise activities. Programming might include parades, deck parties, fireworks displays, water shows and breakfasts or meet-and-greets with favorite characters. Some lines have video game systems and host tournaments, and most have arcades.

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If you're looking for a budget-friendly vacation, you can squeeze three to four people in a regular inside, outside or balcony cabin. Just make sure your brood's good with tight quarters and bunk beds. Some cruise lines, like Disney, offer a simple yet sweet amenity -- the room partition.

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Kids can often take part in kids' club or accompany their parents to take part in the many “things to do” on a cruise ship. My kids really enjoy water slides, climbing walls and ropes courses, some of these are high above the ship, too scary for me, but they loved them.

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Can you live on a cruise ship? Yes, and here's how much it costs. Buying into a ship like the MV Narrative is a way to travel the world with fewer hassles, one buyer told CNBC Travel.

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But what if you add a third person into the cabin? You might not realize it, but while most people cruise with two to a cabin, you can cruise with three people… and even a fourth cabinmate. For some passengers this is a great way to sail with family or friends, without the cost of an additional room.

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Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas: All of Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships feature 28 dedicated studio cabins for travelers traveling solo.

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A few lines (including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Norwegian) allow 18- to 20-year-olds to drink alcohol in international waters if their parent or adult guardian signs a waiver form.

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What is the drinking age on board? The drinking age in international waters is 18, in the United States it's 21, and in other ports, we'll go with whatever their country's laws specify.

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At night, supervised teen programming may include interactive games, video game or arcade play, and late-night dance parties. The teen lounges will likely be open for general socializing, as well.

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