Do any cruise lines allow college students under 21 to book a cruise with their 21+ friends?

Question

I attempted to book a Carnival cruise with my boyfriend who is 21. We were forced to call for a refund later that evening when they sent an email saying that no one under 21 (me) could not travel with someone under 25 (him). Does anyone know if all cruise lines are like this or any legal/good ways to avoid it?

Answer 1

Carnival is the only cruise line with the minimum age 25 policy.  Most others require one person in each cabin to be at least 21 years old.  So try another cruise line; you will enjoy them more anyway.  Try Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian or Celebrity.  They are all great lines and have much better food and service than Carnival.

Answer 2

On Carnival.

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:

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.            

Domestic Partners/Same-s*x Union minor couple - The booking must be documented that the couple are legal Domestic Partners/Same-s*x 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.