How to get around Royal Caribbean and Carnival age ban that is bad news for young adults

The two largest cruise lines in the world have recently introduced new age rules on all of their cruise ships, which spells bad news for those who are young and want to travel on the open seas.

Yep, officially you now cannot travel with Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line if you are under the age of 21.

Both cruise lines transport millions of travellers around the world every single year, with the Port of Miami being the place the ships call home most of the time.

But as with any rule that you might come across when it comes to age related bans or limits, there are a few specific ways you can get around this.

And here at LADbible, we're more than happy to spell these out for you. And don't worry, every 'hack' is above board and in line with the rules set out by both cruise lines.

What are the age rules on Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruises?

Royal Caribbean passengers embarking from Canada or the USA have to be at least 21 years to board as a solo traveller.

For Carnival cruise passengers, it is the same. But the cruise lines differ in how under 21s can get on board, with Carnival saying the minor has to be accompanied by someone who is older than 25.

For Royal Caribbean, the accompanying passenger's age has to be 21. This is the age that you are as of the first date of sailing, not when you booked the trip. So as long as you turn 21 before departure, you're all good.

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)

What have the cruise lines said about the age ban?

Carnival says that guests who don't meet the age requirements will be denied from boarding the cruise ship of choice.

They will also not be refunded for their trip in any way, with their ID checked at port security.

Royal Caribbean has stressed that its 21 age is a US based restriction, with those embarking across South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand having a minimum age of 18 without being accompanied by someone older.

Your age will be checked when you're boarding your cruise ship (Getty Stock Images)

What exceptions are there to the under 21 rule?

We're glad you asked! Royal Caribbean allows under 21s on its ships in a number of specific moments.

The cruise line says the age limit will be waived if sailing in a connecting stateroom with parents or guardians. It will also not apply to a couple under the age of 21 that are married.

On top of this, active duty members of the United States or Canadian military can travel with Royal Caribbean under the age of 21.

With Carnival, the situation is pretty similar. Married couples are allowed on if under 21.

The cruise line says: "Proper documentation must be provided at embarkation. Failure to provide documentation or not conforming to this policy will result in denied boarding and no compensation will be provided.

"Documentation includes: marriage license issued by the County Clerk’s Office; legal proof of civil union; for newly married couples: a copy of the marriage license application or certificate signed by the official that performed the ceremony."

As well as that, 'US Military Personnel and Canadian National Defense personnel' can also come on board solo if they are aged 18 to 20. As with marriage, you'll have to bring proof of service for embarkation.