Cruising with Teenagers: Separate Cabin or Not?

Photo byCruise Fever

As more families are taking to the sea for vacations, the topic of cruising with teens often comes up.

A parent recently asked a community of cruisers if they should let a teenager and friend have their own cabin.

The parent of a 15-year-old boy turned to Reddit for advice. Their teen had requested to bring a friend on their next cruise and, more significantly, to have a separate cabin.

"My son (15) asked if he could bring a friend along with us on our next vacation. I’m completely fine with his friend coming along, I’ll even pay for the fare. The problem is that they want a separate room. I completely understand that," the parent shared.

The post ignited a lively debate. Many parents expressed support for the idea, envisioning a more relaxed vacation with some adult-only time.

Cabin on Carnival CelebrationPhoto byCruise Fever

"When we’ve cruised w/our boys, (who are actually men, btw) we got a balcony and booked the inside room right across the hall. That worked out great," one commenter shared.

Another simply stated, "This is the way, no pesky kids interrupting romantic time."

However, others raised concerns about safety and potential behavioral issues.

"I wouldn’t want them across the ship but definitely adjoining, keeps them from making any impulsive decisions that can be regretted and keeps them safe," cautioned one Redditor.

Another shared their perspective:

"I was always the cookie cutter responsible ‘good’ kid…but when I was 16 and had my own cabin on a cruise… I don’t know it just feels like there won’t be consequences bc your parents aren’t hovering and you’ll never see these people again."

While the desire for independence is understandable, cruise line policies must also be considered. Most require minors to share a cabin with an adult, some flexibility exists.

Photo byCruise Fever

Royal Caribbean, for example, allows minors to have their own rooms if they are near a parent or guardian.

However, as Royal Caribbean states,

"Under 21s – or under 18s if sailing outside North America – can only sail if they’re in a room with a guest who’s 21 – or 18 if sailing outside North America. The only exception is when they’re next door, or immediately opposite, their parent orlegal guardian."

Carnival also has specific guidelines.

Guests 12 and under can have their own rooms if an adult is nearby, but those aged 13 to 17 must be within three doors of a parent or guardian.

The cruise line also imposes a youth curfew requiring guests under 17 to be in their cabins by 1:00 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult.

Balancing the desire for teen independence with safety and cruise line regulations is a challenge many parents face.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to allow teenagers their own cabin requires careful consideration of individual circumstances, cruise line policies, and family dynamics.