Cruise Lines That Allow 18 Year Olds to Travel Alone

For many young adults in the United States, turning 18 marks a significant milestone – newfound independence and the technical status of adulthood. Traditionally, post-high school celebrations like Senior Beach Week have involved renting accommodations to mark the occasion with friends. However, finding hotels willing to rent rooms to individuals under 21 can be challenging, often limiting options for these newly independent travelers.

Cruising presents an exciting alternative for 18-year-olds seeking their first significant trip without parental supervision. With food, lodging, and entertainment often bundled into one price, cruises can offer excellent value and a more predictable budget compared to piecing together expenses on a land-based trip. Despite being considered adults at 18 in the U.S., navigating the age restrictions set by cruise lines for solo travelers requires careful attention. Many major cruise operators have policies that prevent guests under 21 from sailing unaccompanied in a cabin. This guide explores the landscape of Cruise Lines That Allow 18 Year Olds To Travel Alone, offering insights into policies and available options for young cruisers.

Graduation caps tossed in the air by 18-year-old high school graduates celebrating

How Old Do You Have to Be to Cruise Alone?

Generally, booking a cruise at 18 is possible, and you can technically sail without your parents. However, the ability to do so depends heavily on the cruise line and the departure port.

If you are cruising from the United States, the options for solo 18-year-old travelers are significantly more restricted. Most U.S.-based itineraries require at least one passenger in the cabin to be 21 years of age or older. This is a standard policy across many mainstream cruise lines.

However, there are exceptions. Some lines may allow individuals under 21 to sail if they are married and can provide a valid marriage certificate. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line states that two people under 21 can share a stateroom if they are a married couple and present proof of marriage at the pier before boarding.

Cruising from locations outside the United States, particularly Europe, often presents more opportunities for 18-year-olds to sail alone, as some international cruise lines or sailings from regions with lower drinking ages have different policies. When exploring destinations, consider the ease of travel to major cities, similar to traveling to nyc alone as a woman or finding safety information if you wondered is paris safe for solo female travellers.

Disney Magic cruise ship leaving a wake in the ocean, representing independent travel

Which Cruise Lines Allow 18-Year-Olds to Cruise Alone?

While the 21+ rule for solo travelers is common for departures from the U.S., some cruise lines are more accommodating to 18-year-olds, particularly when sailing from European ports.

Options Departing from the United States

Despite the general restriction, a few cruise lines stand out as viable options for 18-year-olds wishing to sail from the United States, typically to destinations like The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Virgin Voyages

Launched in 2021, Virgin Voyages caters exclusively to adults, with a minimum age of 18 to sail. This makes them a prime choice for young adults looking to travel independently. All passengers onboard their ships (Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and the upcoming Brilliant Lady) must be 18 or older, meaning those under 21 can book and sail without needing an older companion.

The Virgin experience is tailored for an adult audience, featuring activities like DJ-led deck parties, unique entertainment, themed events, and even a tattoo parlor. Their private destination, the Beach Club at Bimini, often hosts vibrant pool parties. Notably, Virgin Voyages permits all guests aged 18 and over to consume alcoholic beverages once the ship is in international waters, a significant difference from most other lines departing the U.S.

While Virgin Voyages’ base fares can be higher than some competitors, they include many amenities that are typically extra on other lines, such as Wi-Fi and access to all 20+ onboard eateries, ranging from Mexican and Korean BBQ to Italian and pizza. They do not offer drink packages, with all beverages purchased individually.

Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady cruise ship at sea, a cruise line allowing 18 year olds to travel alone

Disney Cruise Line

Surprisingly, Disney Cruise Line also has a minimum age of 18 to sail unaccompanied. While Disney cruises are known for being family-friendly and feature beloved characters, they do allow 18-year-olds to book and travel independently.

However, the atmosphere is vastly different from adult-only lines like Virgin Voyages. Disney cruises attract many families with young children, and the onboard culture is generally more subdued than party-centric lines. The minimum drinking age on Disney ships is 21, even in international waters (with some exceptions for European departures with parental consent).

Despite the family focus, 18-year-olds sailing on Disney can enjoy activities like lounging by the pool, watching films, and experiencing the unique themed dining rooms. Disney ships also feature adult-only areas, such as the Quiet Cove Pool, which 18-year-olds are permitted to access for a more relaxed experience away from the younger crowd. Affordable short cruises to The Bahamas, visiting destinations like Nassau, Castaway Cay, or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, can be good entry points for young solo cruisers.

Disney Cruise Line Fantasy ship at Castaway Cay, one option for cruising at 18

Options Departing from Europe

For 18-year-olds seeking a wider variety of cruise lines and itineraries, flying to Europe to embark on a cruise is often the best strategy. European-based departures frequently have a lower minimum age requirement to sail alone, typically 18. This opens up options on major lines that may not allow 18-year-old solo travelers from U.S. ports. Exploring destinations is a key part of travel, and finding the best places to travel solo in europe by land or sea can be an exciting planning phase.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is a popular choice with ships offering a vast array of activities, from zip lines and rock walls to surfing simulators and ice skating. While they generally require passengers to be 21 to sail alone from the U.S., their European sailings often permit 18-year-olds to book and travel independently.

Royal Caribbean deploys several ships to Europe during the summer, including both smaller vessels focusing on port-intensive itineraries and larger Oasis Class ships packed with amenities. European itineraries often involve visiting multiple culturally rich destinations, which means less time onboard compared to sea-day heavy Caribbean trips. However, it still allows for exploring exciting ports during the day and enjoying the ship’s amenities and nightlife in the evenings.

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas cruise ship docked in St. Thomas

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises, a European-based cruise line, is often considered a more budget-friendly option compared to some other mainstream lines. While they follow the 21+ rule for solo travelers departing from the U.S., 18-year-olds are typically allowed to embark on their numerous European itineraries alone.

Sailing with MSC offers a diverse crowd and a lively onboard environment. Entertainment options include live music, stage shows, and themed parties. MSC is also known for having reasonably priced drink packages, and sometimes offers bundles combining drink and internet packages with the base fare, potentially leading to additional savings.

MSC World Europa cruise ship sailing, a European option for 18-year-old cruisers

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises, a sister brand to Royal Caribbean, positions itself as a more upscale or “premium” option. Their ships are known for modern design, sophisticated cocktail bars, and elegant dining venues. Similar to Royal Caribbean and MSC, Celebrity generally requires guests to be 21 to sail unaccompanied from the U.S. but allows 18-year-olds on many European itineraries.

Celebrity ships tend to offer fewer high-thrill activities compared to Royal Caribbean but excel in providing a sleek, comfortable base to return to after spending full days exploring ports ashore. As a premium line, Celebrity cruises are typically more expensive, which is an important factor to consider when budgeting for the trip, potentially impacting funds available for shore excursions or other affiliate programs for travel bloggers might promote.

Celebrity Reflection cruise ship docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Can You Drink on a Cruise if You’re 18?

The minimum age to consume alcohol on a cruise ship is a separate policy from the minimum age to sail or travel alone, and it also varies by cruise line and itinerary.

If you are 18 and cruising from the United States, you will generally not be permitted to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages, even if a parent or guardian is onboard. The standard drinking age on most cruise lines departing the U.S. is 21.

However, there are notable exceptions:

• Virgin Voyages: As an adult-only line (18+), Virgin Voyages allows guests aged 18 and over to drink alcohol once the ship is in international waters.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: For cruises departing the U.S. (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), guests aged 18 to 20 may consume beer or wine in international waters if a parent or guardian is sailing with them and signs a consent form with Guest Services.
• Cruising from Europe: If you are cruising from a country in Europe that has a lower drinking age (typically 18), most cruise lines operating in that region will allow 18-year-olds to drink alcohol onboard, regardless of the line’s standard policy for U.S. departures.
• Disney Cruise Line (European Exception): While Disney’s standard drinking age is 21, for round-trip cruises departing from a European country with a lower drinking age, parents or guardians may sign a consent form allowing their 18 to 20-year-old children to consume alcohol while in the parent’s presence.

Tropical drinks on a beach table at CocoCay, related to cruise line drinking age policies

In Most Cases, You Need to Be at Least 21 to Cruise by Yourself

In summary, while turning 18 grants legal adulthood in many places, most major cruise lines departing from the United States require a passenger to be at least 21 years old to travel alone in a cabin. Some lines, like Carnival, even have stricter rules, requiring someone in a cabin with minors to be 25 or older.

However, for 18-year-olds determined to embark on a solo cruise adventure, viable options exist. Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Line allow 18-year-olds to sail alone from U.S. ports, although they offer very different onboard experiences. The range of choices expands significantly if you are willing to travel to Europe to begin your cruise, with lines like Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises welcoming solo 18-year-old passengers on many itineraries. Always check the specific cruise line’s age policy before booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.