Cruise holidays are packed with entertainment for all ages, but for travellers under 18, one of the biggest appeals is the chance to enjoy a little independence – whether that’s exploring the ship, making new friends, or taking part in onboard activities without parents close by.
However, when younger guests are left unsupervised late into the night, it can sometimes lead to disruptions – especially for adults hoping for a peaceful evening or quiet night’s sleep.
To help maintain a calm and safe environment, several cruise lines have introduced curfews for minors, typically those aged 17 and under.
Is your cruise line one of those where kids have strict curfew laws, or might you encounter some late-night young revellers roaming the corridors?
The policies vary quite a lot depending on the cruise line, and some are way stricter than others, but here’s what you need to know…
Cruise Lines That Enforce Curfews for Under-18s
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival imposes a curfew at 1 am for all guests aged 17 and under, unless they are accompanied by someone aged 21 or older from their travel group.
The exception is for teenagers actively participating in youth programmes like Club O2 or Circle C at that time. The aim is to ensure safety while reducing late-night disturbances in public areas.
Carnival’s curfew is a little odd in that it went viral in 2025 with some guests claiming it was a new rule, alongside several other rules.
It’s not though – the curfew has been in place for some time – since at least 2022.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has a standard curfew across the fleet, with all guests aged 17 and under required to be back in their staterooms by 1 am.
The cruise line stresses that parents and guardians are ultimately responsible for supervising their children throughout the voyage.
While some teen activities can run until 1 am or later, notices about any changes to curfews (if in place) are typically listed in the daily Cruise Compass under key information.
The cruise line has also confirmed that it is considering widening the curfew to restrict access to some parts of the ships at other times, to allow adults to enjoy the bars undisturbed.
Norwegian Cruise Line
On Norwegian Cruise Line ships, unaccompanied minors (17 and under) are required to return to their cabins by 1.30 am, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This is a formal policy designed to manage behaviour and ensure a secure onboard environment after hours.
MSC Cruises
Although MSC Cruises does not outline a fixed curfew, the line clearly states that minors must be supervised at all times by a parent or legal guardian.
This seems like an usual policy, and one that certainly isn’t policed. After all, requiring a 16-year-old to have a parent with them when they go to the bar for a soft drink, use the waterslides or pop back to the cabin seems like something that woiuld never be adhered to in practice.
I can confirm that on MSC Cruises, the hot tubs are usually full of kids, with no adults supervising.
Suggested read: Two-Thirds of Cruisers Want Kids Banned From Hot Tubs!
Cruise Lines Without Official Curfews
Many cruise lines prefer to place the responsibility of supervision firmly on the shoulders of parents rather than enforce a formal curfew.
Still, the expectation of proper conduct is always present, and staff have the authority to step in if behaviour becomes problematic.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises does not have a formal curfew policy for teens.
However, children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult when in public areas. Older children and teens can enjoy a level of independence, but respectful behaviour is always expected, especially in the evening hours.
Disney Cruise Line
Surprisingly for such a family-focused brand, Disney Cruise Line does not set a formal curfew for its younger passengers.
On Disney Cruises, children aged 8 and up are allowed to sign themselves in and out of the kids club and roam the ship without an adult no matter what time of day or night it is.
That said, children and teens are expected to behave appropriately, and staff may intervene if concerns arise.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises doesn’t outline a specific curfew policy. These lines trust parents to manage their children’s behaviour and ensure they’re not disturbing other guests late into the evening.
On Princess Cruises, children aged 8 and over can sign themselves out of the kids club.
The Princess Medallion is a helpful tool for families who wish to let their children explore the ship independently. This wearable device means that family members can see each other’s locations using either a mobile phone, or screens that are located by the elevators.
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Even in the absence of a curfew, cruise lines reserve the right to introduce temporary restrictions – either for individuals or groups – if issues arise.
The Consequences of Breaking Curfew
On ships where curfews are enforced, crew and security staff often monitor common areas during the late-night hours.
If minors are found unaccompanied after curfew, they may be asked to return to their cabins.
In serious cases – particularly those involving misconduct, vandalism, or rule-breaking – families may be asked to disembark at the next port, and local authorities could be involved.
While the idea of a curfew might sound strict, it’s really about balancing freedom with responsibility.
For underage guests, the key is to enjoy the fun – within limits that keep everyone safe and happy.
Opinion on Children Roaming Cruise Ships is Split
There’s no universal answer to when a child is ready to explore a cruise ship without adult supervision – it depends on maturity, familiarity with the ship, and parental comfort.
The same goes for the age at which you would leave a child home alone. There’s no set rule. Some children may be ready at age 10, for others you may wish to wait until they are 16.
While cruise lines don’t tend to enforce rules on this, many use kids’ club sign-out ages as an informal guide, typically allowing children aged 12 or 13 to come and go independently.
Some allow younger children (as young as 8!) to sign out with parental permission.
Ultimately, the right age varies by cruise line and family.
It’s best to start with short bursts of freedom – like heading to the buffet or a club activity – before offering full independence. Parental judgment and good communication are key.
Read more: At What Age Should Kids Explore Cruise Ships Alone? Parents Weigh In…
Children in Cruise Ship Hot Tubs
Hot tubs can be another flashpoint for debate on cruise ships, especially when children are involved.
When I polled my Facebook audience on the subject, two-thirds said they believe kids should be banned from using them altogether.
The main concerns were safety, hygiene, overcrowding, and poor behaviour – particularly when children are unsupervised.
However, many parents feel that children should be allowed to enjoy the hot tubs as long as they are respectful and accompanied by an adult.
A common view is that adults-only hot tubs should be enforced, giving grown-ups space to unwind, while supervised children could still enjoy shared or family areas.
As with many cruise controversies, the issue boils (haha) down to balance and enforcement.
It’s another controversial issue regarding kids and cruise lines, and one that I don’t think will be settled definitively anytime soon.
Read more: Two-Thirds of Cruisers Want Kids Banned From Hot Tubs!
Final Word
Cruise holidays are designed for everyone – adults, teens, and children alike. While some cruise lines do impose curfews for under-18s, especially in the late-night hours, the goal isn’t to restrict enjoyment – it’s to promote a safe and respectful environment for all guests.
Supervised fun, age-appropriate independence, and good behaviour go a long way in making cruise ships enjoyable for everyone on board.
Children absolutely deserve to have fun on cruises, exploring, socialising, and making memories.
But with that freedom comes responsibility – whether it’s sticking to curfews, respecting adults-only areas, or simply being considerate of others. When parents set clear boundaries and kids behave respectfully, there’s no reason why younger guests can’t enjoy cruising just as much as the adults do.
Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise
Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)
Let them find your perfect trip…
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
