Age Policy
Royal Caribbean maintains specific age requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience for all guests. Below is a clear guide to the minimum age to sail alone, as well as related policies for infants, alcohol consumption, gambling, and proof of age.
Minimum Age to Sail Unaccompanied
North America Departures
- Guests must be 21 years old to sail without a parent or guardian.
- No guest under 21 will be assigned to a stateroom unless a 21+ adult is booked in the same cabin.
- Underage married couples (must present proof of marriage)
- Active-duty U.S. or Canadian military
- Minors traveling in connecting staterooms with a parent/guardian
International Departures (South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand)
- Guests may sail unaccompanied at 18 years old.
Royal Caribbean may adjust minimum age requirements at any time to comply with local laws and regional regulations
Infant Policy
To ensure safety at sea, Royal Caribbean enforces strict minimum age requirements for infants:
- Infants who do not meet the age requirement will be denied boarding, and no refunds or compensation will be issued.
- 6 months old on the first day of the cruise for most sailings.
- 12 months old for itineraries with:
- Transatlantic or transpacific routes
- Hawaii sailings
- Select South America cruises
- Cruises with 3+ consecutive sea days
Alcohol Policy
Royal Caribbean enforces legal drinking age standards that vary by region:
Minimum Drinking Age by Departure Port
- 21 years old: Sailings departing from North America or the Caribbean
- 18 years old: Sailings departing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand
Important
- At Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, the drinking age is always 21, regardless of itinerary.
- Guests may not provide alcohol to underage travelers.
- Confiscated alcohol will not be returned to guests under 21.
- Violations: including intoxication, supplying alcohol to minors, or bringing prohibited alcohol onboard, may result in denied boarding or removal from the ship at the guest’s own expense.
Gambling Policy
- Guests must be 18 years or older to gamble in the ship’s casino.
- On Alaska sailings, the minimum casino age increases to 21 due to state regulations.
Proof of Age Requirements
- Royal Caribbean reserves the right to request government-issued ID for age verification at any time.
- Age is determined by the guest’s age on the sailing date.
- If a guest turns 21 during the cruise, they may request an onboard age update at Guest Services.
- The guest must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and show valid ID confirming the birthdate.
Dining Information
Fuel every moment of adventure with Royal Caribbean’s incredible dining options. Whether you want a fast bite between activities, a sweet treat after a day in port, or a beautifully prepared multi-course dinner, Royal Caribbean offers delicious dining choices for every taste and travel style.
Included Dining Options
Main Dining Room
Start your morning with a warm, hearty breakfast and end your day with a multi-course dinner served in a stylish, full-service dining room. Menus change daily and feature global flavors, classic favorites, and vegetarian options.
Windjammer Café
Perfect for a quick lunch or a casual meal, the Windjammer Café offers abundant choices — from international cuisine and themed stations to freshly grilled items and comfort food favorites.
Many of Royal Caribbean’s most popular dining venues, including the Main Dining Room and Windjammer, are included in your cruise fare, making it easy to enjoy great meals without extra cost.
Specialty Dining (Additional Charge)
For guests who love elevated culinary experiences, Royal Caribbean offers an impressive lineup of specialty restaurants:
- Chops Grille: Signature steakhouse
- Johnny Rockets: Classic American diner with burgers, fries, and shakes
Desserts, Treats & Casual Snacks
- Ben & Jerry’s: Ice cream, sundaes, and frozen favorites
- Johnny Rockets: Hand-spun shakes and fun desserts
Beverage & Soda Packages
Royal Caribbean offers soda packages for both adults and children on every ship. Purchase onboard at any bar or lounge for unlimited fountain soda throughout your sailing.
Dietary Needs & Special Requests
Royal Caribbean works hard to accommodate dietary requirements whenever possible. Guests may request:
- Food allergy accommodations
- Gluten-free meals
- Kosher meals
- Low-fat and low-sodium meals
- Vegetarian choices are available daily in both the Dining Room and the Windjammer Café — no advance request needed.
- Vegetarian meals, including Indian-style vegetarian options
Available at No Extra Charge
- Lactose-free milk
- Soy milk
- Ensure nutritional drinks
- Kosher meals (with advance notice)
Advance Notice Requirements
- Notify the cruise line 45 days before sailing
- For European and South American itineraries, notify 90 days in advance
- Kosher for Passover requests must be received 90 days prior
Food & Infant Regulations
Infant formula is not provided onboard. Guests may only bring:
- Baby food
- Dry, non-perishable snacks (cookies, crackers, chips, energy bars, etc.)
- Perishable food from home is not permitted.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
While the phrase fuel surcharge can cause a bit of panic for travelers, the reality is that Royal Caribbean maintains a specific legal right to charge one, even though they have historically avoided using it.
The Fuel Supplement Clause
Every Royal Caribbean ticket contract includes a section (typically Section 3.c) that gives the cruise line the right to add a surcharge if fuel prices hit a certain level.
- The Trigger: If the closing price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fuel exceeds $65.00 USD per barrel on the NYMEX.
- The Cost: The surcharge can be up to $12.00 USD per guest, per day.
- The Fine Print: Royal Caribbean is legally allowed to collect this fee at the time of sailing, even if your cruise has already been paid in full. Refusing to pay it can be treated as a cancellation by the guest, meaning you could lose your fare.
Payments / Refunds
Payment Schedule
When you book, you’ll pay a deposit. The remaining balance is due by the Final Payment Date. If you miss this date, Royal Caribbean reserves the right to cancel your reservation and keep your deposit.
| Cruise Length | Deposit (Per Person) | Final Payment Due |
| 1–4 Nights | $100 | 75 Days before sailing |
| 5–14 Nights | $165–$250 | 90 Days before sailing |
| 15+ Nights | $500 | 125 Days before sailing |
| Galapagos | Varies | 160 Days before sailing |
| Note: Suite categories often require a deposit of 10% of the total fare or the standard amount, whichever is higher. |
The Refund Window
If you need to cancel, the amount you get back depends on how close you are to the sail date. The Penalty listed below is the amount Royal Caribbean keeps.
For 1–14 Night Cruises:
- 75+ Days Out: Full refund (except for Non-Refundable Deposit fares).
- 74–61 Days Out: Penalty of the Deposit amount.
- 60–31 Days Out: Penalty of 50% of total fare.
- 30–15 Days Out: Penalty of 75% of total fare.
- 14 Days or Less: Penalty of 100% of total fare (No refund).
Warning on Non-Refundable Fares: If you booked a Non-Refundable Deposit promotion (often the cheapest rate), that deposit is never refunded in cash. Instead, if you cancel before the final payment date, you usually receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) minus a change fee (typically $100 per person).
Refunds for Add-ons (Drink Packages, Shore Excursions)
The rules for Cruise Planner purchases (Wi-Fi, drinks, excursions) are much friendlier than the cruise fare itself:
- Pre-Cruise: You can cancel these for a 100% refund to your original payment method up to 48–72 hours before you sail.
- Onboard: You can often cancel excursions or packages at the Guest Services desk, but you may be subject to a late cancellation fee if it’s within 24 hours of the activity.
Smoking Policy
Royal Caribbean operates under a designated areas only policy. Essentially, the interior of the ship is treated as a smoke-free zone, with a few very specific (and often controversial) exceptions.
Where You CANNOT Smoke
Royal Caribbean is strict about these areas to ensure fire safety and guest comfort.
- Staterooms & Balconies: This is the big one. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside your cabin and on your private balcony.
- Interior Public Spaces: This includes all hallways, elevators, theaters, restaurants, bars, and the Royal Promenade/Esplanade.
- Neighborhoods (Oasis Class): Central Park and the Boardwalk are entirely smoke-free, even though they are open to the sky.
- Family Areas: Smoking is prohibited near kids’ play areas, splash pads, and the jogging track.
Where You CAN Smoke
- Outdoor Decks: Generally, smoking is permitted on one side of the ship (usually the Starboard side, though it varies by ship class) in designated sections of the pool deck.
- The Casino (Casino Royale): Most ships have a designated smoking section within the casino. However, Royal Caribbean has been actively expanding smoke-free casino annexes across the fleet (like the ones replacing Jazz on 4 on Oasis-class ships) to accommodate non-smokers.
Note: Sailings departing from the UK or Australia typically feature 100% smoke-free casinos.
- Cigar Lounges: Some older ships (Freedom and Voyager class) still feature a Connoisseur Club or similar dedicated cigar lounge.
Rules & Fines
- The Fine: If you are caught smoking in your stateroom or on your balcony, a $250 USD cleaning fee will be automatically charged to your SeaPass account. Multiple violations can result in being asked to leave the ship at the next port.
- Electronic Cigarettes (Vapes): Royal Caribbean treats e-cigarettes and vapes exactly like tobacco cigarettes. They can only be used in designated smoking areas.
- Marijuana: Even if you have a medical prescription or it is legal in your home state/port of call, marijuana is strictly prohibited on all Royal Caribbean ships. It is a federal violation in the U.S. and against maritime law; if found, it will be confiscated and you may face legal action or removal.
- Vape Bans in Ports: Be careful when going ashore in 2026—countries like Mexico have significantly tightened laws regarding the import of vapes. Royal Caribbean warns guests that vapes may be seized by local customs if taken off the ship in certain ports.
Age Requirements
- U.S. Departures: You must be 21 years or older to smoke or purchase tobacco.
- International Departures: For most cruises leaving from Europe, South America, or Australia, the age limit is 18.
Travel Protection
Royal Caribbean offers an optional Travel Protection Program (often called Travel Care) that acts as a safety net for your investment. Because cruise cancellations are strictly penalized as you get closer to your sail date, many travelers use this to avoid losing their entire fare.
The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Benefit
The standout feature of Royal Caribbean’s own plan is the tiered cancellation protection. It is divided into two parts:
- Specified Reasons (100% Cash Back): If you cancel for a covered reason (e.g., illness, injury, death in the family, jury duty), you receive 100% of your non-refundable trip costs back in cash.
- Any Other Reason (90% Future Cruise Credit): If you cancel for a reason not covered by the policy (e.g., you just changed your mind or work got busy), Royal Caribbean provides a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equal to 90% of the non-refundable cancellation amount.
Standard Coverage Limits
The policy includes insurance benefits (underwritten by Arch Insurance Company) that cover you while you are traveling:
| Benefit Type | Coverage Limit (Per Person) |
| Trip Interruption | Up to 150% of total trip cost |
| Trip Delay | Up to $2,000 ($250 per day) |
| Emergency Medical | Up to $25,000 (Sickness or Accident) |
| Medical Evacuation | Up to $50,000 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | Up to $1,500 |
| Baggage Delay | Up to $500 (after 6+ hour delay) |
Cost of Protection
The cost is determined by your total cruise fare. In 2026, as cruise prices have risen, insurance premiums have followed. On average, expect to pay between 7% and 10% of your total trip cost for the plan.
Example: For a 7-night cruise costing $1,500 per person, the protection plan typically costs around $119 per person.
Pros & Cons: Royal Caribbean vs. 3rd Party
| Feature | Royal Caribbean Plan | 3rd Party (e.g., Allianz, AIG) |
| Ease of Booking | Very easy; add with one click. | Requires manual data entry. |
| Cancel For Any Reason | Standard (gives 90% credit). | Often an expensive add-on. |
| Medical Limits | Lower ($25k–$50k). | Higher (often $100k–$500k). |
| Age Pricing | Flat rate based on cruise cost. | Pricing increases with age. |
Tipping Policy
Royal Caribbean utilizes a system of automatic daily gratuities to ensure that crew members—both those you interact with and those behind the scenes—are fairly compensated.
Daily Service Gratuities
These are charged per person, per day, and are automatically added to your SeaPass (onboard) account each morning.
| Stateroom Category | Rate (Per Guest, Per Day) |
| Standard Cabins (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony) | $18.50 |
| Junior Suites | $18.50 |
| Suites (Grand Suite and above) | $21.00 |
How to handle these:
- Prepaid: You can pay these in full before you sail. This is the set it and forget it option that prevents a large bill at the end of your trip.
- Onboard: If you don’t prepay, they will appear on your final bill.
- Adjustments: If you experience service issues, you can visit the Guest Services desk before the morning of disembarkation to request an adjustment to the daily amount.
Automatic Add-on Tips
For specific services, the tip is baked into the price at the moment of purchase. You won’t see these on your daily room charge because they are added to individual receipts.
- Beverages & Drink Packages: An automatic 18% gratuity is added to all soda, alcohol, and drink package purchases.
- Specialty Dining: An automatic 18% gratuity is added to cover charges and dining packages.
- Spa & Salon Services: An automatic 20% gratuity is added to all treatments and services.
Who gets the money?
Royal Caribbean distributes these funds among the staff who make your cruise possible, including:
- Stateroom Attendants (and their support teams).
- Dining Services (waiters, assistant waiters, and head waiters).
- Behind-the-scenes staff (culinary teams, laundry, and hotel services).
Extra Tipping (Cash)
While the automatic gratuities cover the basics, many guests choose to bring small denominations of cash for additional above and beyond service. This is completely optional, but common practice for:
- Porters: $2–$5 per bag when dropping luggage at the pier.
- Room Service: $2–$5 per delivery (even though there is a delivery fee, that fee doesn’t always go directly to the server).
- Exceptional Service: Giving an extra $20–$50 to your room steward or favorite waiter at the end of the week is a frequent gesture for standout service.
International Variations
If you are sailing from Australia or the UK, Royal Caribbean often includes gratuities in the base cruise fare to align with local all-in pricing customs. Always double-check your booking confirmation to see if Service Charges are listed as included.
Why Royal Carribean?
The Most Innovative Ships at Sea
Royal Caribbean continually pushes boundaries with game-changing ships like Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Oasis-Class favorites. Expect multi-neighborhood designs, world-first attractions, and immersive entertainment you won’t find anywhere else.
Endless Activities for All Ages
From surf simulators and zip lines to ice-skating rinks, climbing walls, water parks, and escape rooms, Royal Caribbean offers non-stop fun for families, kids, teens, and adults.
Award-Winning Family Experience
Royal Caribbean is consistently recognized as one of the best cruise lines for families. Spacious staterooms, supervised youth programs, and attractions designed for all generations make it the perfect choice for family vacations.
Exceptional Entertainment
Royal Caribbean stages Broadway-caliber productions, ice shows, AquaTheater performances, comedy clubs, live bands, and themed nightlife, all included in your cruise fare.
Dining That Fits Every Travel Style
From complimentary venues to elevated specialty dining, Royal Caribbean offers an unmatched variety: global flavors, fine dining, celebrity-chef concepts, casual poolside bites, and dietary-friendly menus.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Guests love Royal Caribbean’s private island, offering beaches, snorkeling, thrill rides, lagoon pools, beach clubs, and the tallest waterslide in North America. Most experiences are included, with premium upgrades available.
Worldwide Destinations
Explore 300+ destinations: Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia, Transatlantic crossings, and more. Itineraries range from weekend escapes to grand voyages.
Value-Packed Cruise Fares
Royal Caribbean offers premium experiences at prices that remain highly competitive, a strong value for families and multi-generational groups.
Modern, Comfortable Accommodations
Choose from interior rooms to ocean views, balconies, suites, family rooms, multi-bedroom loft suites, and the Ultimate Family Suite, designed for comfort and convenience.
A Cruise Line That Constantly Evolves
From new ships to upgraded private destinations and refreshed onboard technology, Royal Caribbean is always innovating to elevate the modern cruise experience.
FAQ
What is included in a Royal Caribbean cruise fare?
Your fare includes accommodations, most dining venues, entertainment, onboard activities, fitness center access, youth programs, and many ship amenities. Specialty dining, Wi-Fi, drinks, and select attractions may cost extra.
Does Royal Caribbean offer drink packages?
Yes. You can choose from alcoholic packages, a Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic), or a Soda Package. Purchasing in advance often gives you the best price.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are not typically included unless you prepay them. Daily gratuities are added to your onboard account unless prepaid through Top Cruise Deals.
Is Royal Caribbean good for families?
Absolutely. With award-winning kids’ clubs, family suites, water parks, splash zones, and attractions for every age, Royal Caribbean is one of the best family cruise lines at sea.
Do Royal Caribbean ships offer free Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is not included. Guests may purchase Voom Internet packages, often discounted when purchased before sailing.
Can I bring alcohol onboard?
You may bring a limited number of wine or champagne bottles on embarkation day. Beer and spirits are not permitted. Policies vary slightly by itinerary.
What is the dress code?
Most nights are “resort casual.” Some sailings include optional formal nights. Specialty dining venues may have specific attire guidelines.
Is Perfect Day at CocoCay included?
Access to the island itself is included. Premium experiences, such as the water park, cabanas, and Coco Beach Club, require an additional fee.
What time should I arrive at the cruise terminal?
Arrive at your assigned check-in window, as Royal Caribbean uses staggered arrival times to streamline boarding.
When is final payment due?
Final payment is usually due 75–90 days before sailing for most cruises. Holiday and longer itineraries may require earlier payment.