Carnival Cruise’s New Age Rule: What Filipino Travellers Must Know

Carnival Cruise Line is making waves with a new policy that might just change how young Filipino travellers plan their trips. Starting 1 February 2025, passengers under the age of 21 will need to be accompanied by a relative or guardian who is at least 25 years old. If you're dreaming of a cruise getaway with just your friends, this update is something you'll definitely want to know about.

Also read: Filipino Passport Holders’ Hacks: Expert Tips to Travel the World with Ease

What’s the new rule all about?

Image credit: Carnival Cruise Line | FB official page

The policy means that if you're under 21, you can’t book a cabin or travel alone unless you have a guardian who’s at least 25 years old. This also applies to stateroom assignments—so even if you’re legally an adult at 18, you won’t be able to check into your own room without an eligible chaperone.

Carnival is enforcing this rule strictly. If a guest doesn’t meet the age requirement at check-in, they’ll be denied boarding, and—brace yourself—there won’t be any refunds or compensation. That’s a major bummer if you’ve already made plans and paid for your trip. So, if you’re thinking about cruising, double-check the age rules before booking to avoid any last-minute disappointments.

Why should Filipino travellers care?

Image credit: Carnival Cruise Line | FB official page

While cruises aren’t yet the top choice for young Filipino travellers, they’re starting to gain attention as a unique way to explore multiple destinations hassle-free. For those who are already in the US, have plans to visit, or are considering a different kind of travel experience, Carnival Cruise is a budget-friendly and fun option.

Many Filipinos have family in the US, and a cruise could be a great bonding experience. However, with this new policy, younger travellers visiting relatives in the US might need to adjust their plans if they were hoping to cruise solo or with friends. This is especially relevant for those planning graduation trips or spring break adventures.

Why is Carnival doing this?

Image credit: Carnival Cruise Line | FB official page

Cruise lines have long been a popular choice for group vacations, but managing large groups of young travellers can be challenging. Carnival’s new rule is likely aimed at keeping things more organised and, let’s be real, avoiding some of the wild party scenes that cruises have become known for.

If this sounds familiar, that’s because Royal Caribbean already has a similar policy in place. Their minimum age for solo travellers has been set at 21 for years, so Carnival is really just following the industry trend.

How will this affect young Filipino travellers?

Image credit: Carnival Cruise Line | FB official page

For anyone under 21 who was hoping to book a cruise with friends, this could be a big letdown. Spring breakers, recent graduates, and young adults looking for a fun adventure at sea will need to adjust their plans. Instead of booking a trip with just friends, they’ll need to find a chaperone who meets the new age requirement—or wait until they hit 21 to set sail solo.

On the flip side, families and older travellers might find this rule makes for a quieter, more controlled cruise environment. If you’ve ever seen TikToks of chaotic spring break cruises, you know why some passengers might actually be in favour of this change.

What are the alternatives?

Image credit: Carnival Cruise Line | FB official page

If you’re under 21 and still eager to cruise, there are a few options. Some cruise lines have different policies, so it’s worth checking around to see if any offer a more flexible age requirement. Another alternative is to plan a trip with family members who meet the age criteria, which could still be a fun way to travel while complying with the new rules.

For Filipino travellers, it’s also worth looking into cruise lines that depart from Asia or nearby locations, as some may have different age restrictions. Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong all have growing cruise markets that could offer exciting alternatives.

Also read: The Price of Wanderlust: How Much Do You Really Need to Travel the World?

At the end of the day, the policy change is a reminder to always check the fine print before booking a trip. Whether this new rule makes or breaks your cruise plans, it’s all part of navigating the ever-changing world of travel. And hey, if you’re not quite 21 yet, just think of it as something to look forward to when you finally hit that milestone age!