Age requirements/shore excursions

by **Nyoshu** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 11:48 pm

Okay, couple of questions. I'm looking to go on a cruise, not necessarily Carnival, but that's my top choice. At any rate, I'm 18 years old, and am looking to book a 5 night Hawaii or Bahama cruise, something real standard. My girlfriend is coming along, but she's 17.

I realize there's age requirements, but what are they, and is there any possible way to get around them? If not, I'll just wait till she turns 18 - it's in August, anyway.

What site has the best deals for cruise packages, anyhow? I tried travelocity, but saw nothing TOO appealing.

Shore excursions: Do I HAVE to take their shore excursions, or can I do my own thing, as long as I'm back on the boat at the required time? Perhaps just go and shop for a bit, eat at a restaurant, etc?

That's all I need to know - I've read up on some FAQs, but couldn't find the answers to those questions.

Any help would be appreciated, feel free to e-mail me at nyoshu@yahoo.com. .

Oh, and one more question. Is there a certain time of year where cruises are slightly cheaper, as not a lot of people are going? I know I probably shouldn't go over Christmas, but would October-November be good?

Thanks!

-Nyoshu

by **JerseyJim** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 4:52 pm

Age policies for cruise lines are fairly strict. Here is Carnival's policy from their FAQ:

How old do you have to be to travel alone?

Guests are required to be 21 years old (on embarkation day) to travel. Guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied in the same stateroom by a parent or guardian 25 or older. The exceptions Carnival will make to this policy are:

1) Parents that are traveling with their children in different staterooms. The bookings must be cross-referenced and documented that they are parents and children traveling together.

2) Grandparents that are traveling with their grandchildren in different staterooms. The bookings must be cross-referenced and documented that they are grandparents and grandchildren traveling together.

3) Married minor couple. The booking must be documented that the couple is married. The couple must have proof of marriage at embarkation or they will be denied boarding without the benefit of a refund.

4) Domestic Partners/Same-Sex Union minor couple. The booking must be documented that the couple are legal Domestic Partners/Same-Sex Union. The couple must have legal proof of partnership/union at embarkation or they will be denied boarding without the benefit of a refund.

Guest ages will be verified at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will be denied boarding and assessed a 100% cancellation penalty. NO exceptions will be made at embarkation.

The Group policy is slightly different because of stricter group terms and conditions including mandatory chaperones, damage deposits and other considerations.

Age requirements/shore excursions

Age requirements/shore excursions

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