In short
Many ships have separate teen clubs, usually for ages 12–14 and 15–17, with their own spaces and evening programmes. Register on the first day — that is when friendships start. Know the rules for under-18s: alcohol, the casino, curfews and going ashore without an adult are restricted. Agree with your teenager how you stay in touch and when to meet.
Teen clubs and activities
- Age groups: often 12–14 and 15–17, sometimes 13–17. Younger and older teens rarely mix.
- Their own space: a lounge with games, music and consoles, sometimes a teen-only deck area.
- The programme runs into the evening: parties, quizzes, sports tournaments, film nights.
- Supervised, but not a classroom: teens can usually come and go. Ask at registration how signing in and out works.
- Day one matters: on the first evening there is often a meet-up. Teens who go then find company for the whole cruise.
On large ships there is more: climbing walls, sports courts, water slides, escape rooms. Smaller and premium ships are calmer and have fewer facilities for teenagers.
Rules for under-18s on board and ashore
| Topic | What usually applies |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Not served under 18; on many ships sailing from the USA, under 21. The cruise card shows the age. |
| Casino | Usually from 18 (on some ships 21). |
| Curfew | Some lines have a time after which under-18s must be with an adult or in the cabin. |
| Going ashore | Under-18s usually leave the ship only with an adult; some lines allow older teens with written parental consent. |
| Gym and spa | Often from 16 or 18, sometimes younger with an adult. |
| Own cabin | Usually only in a connecting or adjacent cabin to the parents. |
Rules differ by cruise line and sometimes by ship. Check them before you book and tell your teenager in advance.
Which cabin works with teenagers
- Connecting cabins: two cabins with a door between them — two bathrooms and privacy for everyone. Popular, and they sell out early.
- Two cabins side by side across the corridor or next to each other: almost as good.
- One cabin for four is cheaper but tight with teenagers: think about the bathroom in the morning.
- A balcony gives extra space; agree clear safety rules for it.
More about cabin types in our guide for families.
Phone, internet and staying in touch
- Internet on board is usually extra. A package for one device or messaging only is often enough for a teenager. Agree in advance what you will pay for.
- Many cruise line apps have a chat between guests on the ship's network — useful for staying in touch without internet.
- Agree on a meeting point and times, for example dinner together and a check-in before a set hour.
- Airplane mode at sea on every phone, or the bill can be a shock. See internet and phone.
Choosing the itinerary
- Ports with action: snorkelling, kayaking, zip-lines, beaches, big cities. Teens often enjoy active excursions more than old towns. See on your own or with an excursion.
- Sea days suit teenagers well: that is when the teen club programme is fullest.
- School holidays: more teenagers on board means more company, but also fuller ships.
- Documents: if a teenager travels with one parent or with grandparents, take a consent letter from the other parent. See documents and visas.
Agree on a few family rules
- When and where you meet every day.
- How late they can stay out, and how they let you know where they are.
- No alcohol, no climbing on railings, no going into crew areas.
- The all-aboard time in port is the same for everyone.
- What they can charge to the cruise card — many lines let you set a limit for a teen's card.
Common questions
From what age is the teen club?
Usually from 12 or 13, in groups up to 17. The exact ages are in the line's information and in the daily programme on board.
Can a teenager go ashore alone?
Usually not under 18 without an adult. Some lines allow older teens to go ashore with written consent from a parent. Check the rules before the cruise.
Can a 16-year-old have their own cabin?
Usually only in a connecting or adjacent cabin to the parents, and the cabin is booked in the parents' name. Rules differ by line.
Can teenagers drink alcohol on a cruise?
No: alcohol is not served under 18, and on many ships sailing from the USA under 21. The cruise card shows the guest's age.
What if my teenager gets bored?
Go to the teen club meet-up on the first evening, look at the sports and the daily programme together, and plan one or two active excursions they choose themselves.
How the club fits in
In the club's search you see the ship and the itinerary of each cruise, so you can choose a large ship with a teen programme and ports with activities. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing. More about booking with points.
General information; age limits, teen programmes and rules for minors differ by cruise line and ship and can change. Check the line's current rules before you book. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.