What are the age limits for infants on royal caribbean cruise?

Traveling with an infant can be one of the most rewarding family experiences—but it also raises important safety, health, and policy questions. One of the most common concerns parents have is: 

What are the age limits for infants on Royal Caribbean cruises?

Quick Answer (At a Glance)

• Minimum age for infants on most Royal Caribbean cruises: 6 months old

• Minimum age for transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, and select long itineraries: 12 months old

• Infants under 6 months: Not permitted to sail

• Infants must be potty-trained to use pools: Yes (swim diapers not allowed in pools)

These rules exist primarily for medical safety, emergency preparedness, and onboard healthcare limitations.

Why Royal Caribbean Has Infant Age Limits

Royal Caribbean’s infant policies are not arbitrary. They are shaped by:

• Maritime medical standards

• Limited onboard neonatal care

• Infectious disease prevention

• Emergency evacuation constraints

• International port regulations

Cruise ships are essentially floating cities—but they do not function like hospitals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), infants under 6 months have immature immune systems and are more vulnerable to dehydration, respiratory infections, and complications from common illnesses.

“Young infants are at higher risk of severe illness due to limited immunity and incomplete vaccination schedules.”— CDC Yellow Book, Travel Health Guidance

Royal Caribbean’s age policies align closely with these global health recommendations.

Official Royal Caribbean Infant Age Policy (Explained)

Minimum Age Requirement (General Rule)

Infants must be at least 6 months old on the first day of sailing for most Royal Caribbean itineraries.

This includes:

• Caribbean cruises

• Bahamas cruises

• Alaska cruises (short itineraries)

• Mediterranean cruises under standard duration

Extended Itinerary Rule (12-Month Minimum)

For longer or more remote cruises, infants must be at least 12 months old.

This applies to:

• Transatlantic cruises

• Transpacific cruises

• Hawaii cruises

• South America cruises

• Cruises with 3 or more consecutive sea days

• Select repositioning cruises

Why the higher age limit?

• Longer distance from advanced medical facilities

• Increased exposure to prolonged motion and environmental stress

• Higher medical risk in emergencies

• Based on publicly available information from Royal Caribbean’s Guest Health, Safety & Security policies, this rule is consistently enforced.

Royal Caribbean Infant Age Limits by Itinerary (Comparison Table)

Cruise Type	Minimum Infant Age
Caribbean / Bahamas	6 months
Alaska (standard)	6 months
Mediterranean (short)	6 months
Transatlantic	12 months
Transpacific	12 months
Hawaii	12 months
Repositioning cruises	12 months
Cruises with 3+ consecutive sea days	12 months

Health and Safety Considerations for Infants at Sea

Immune System Development

According to NIH and PubMed-reviewed pediatric studies, infants under 6 months:

• Have not completed routine vaccinations

• Are at higher risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections

• Cannot safely receive many travel-related vaccines

Cruise ships, despite excellent sanitation protocols, involve:

• Close quarters

• Shared dining areas

• International passengers from multiple regions

Onboard Medical Limitations

Royal Caribbean ships have:

• Qualified doctors and nurses

• Basic pediatric care capability

However, they do not have neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) or pediatric specialists.

For this reason, Royal Caribbean restricts very young infants where emergency evacuation might be delayed.

Are Infants Allowed on Royal Caribbean Cruises Under 6 Months?

No. Royal Caribbean does not permit infants younger than 6 months on any cruise, regardless of itinerary length or destination.

There are no publicly documented exceptions for:

• Preterm infants

• Medical waivers

• Parental consent forms

If parents attempt to board with an underage infant, boarding may be denied without refund, as per cruise contract terms.

Traveling with a 6–12 Month Old Infant: What Parents Should Know

Cruising with a baby aged 6 to 12 months is allowed—but preparation is essential.

Onboard Amenities for Infants

Royal Caribbean offers several infant-friendly features:

• Royal Babies & Tots Nursery (ages 6–36 months, for a fee)

• Complimentary cribs (Pack ‘n Play–style)

• High chairs in dining venues

• Baby-friendly food options (purees available upon request)

• Family staterooms on select ships

Limitations Parents Should Plan For

• No babysitting for infants under 6 months (irrelevant due to policy)

• Nursery hours may vary by ship and itinerary

• Limited availability—advance reservations recommended

Pool and Splash Area Rules for Infants

Are Infants Allowed in Pools?

No, unless fully potty-trained.

Royal Caribbean’s pool policy states:

• Swim diapers are not permitted in pools or hot tubs

• Infants may only use designated splash zones, if available

This policy follows CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) guidelines designed to prevent waterborne illness outbreaks.

Baby Splash Zones

Some newer Royal Caribbean ships feature:

• Diaper-friendly splash pads

• Shallow water play areas

Availability varies by ship class.

Step-by-Step Guide: Booking a Royal Caribbean Cruise With an Infant

Step 1: Confirm Infant’s Age on Sail Date

• Ensure your child meets the 6-month or 12-month minimum

• Age is calculated based on day one of the cruise

Step 2: Choose the Right Itinerary

• Prefer shorter cruises with frequent port stops

• Avoid long sea-day itineraries if traveling with young infants

Step 3: Select a Suitable Stateroom

• Opt for:

  • Spacious balcony cabins

  • Family staterooms

  • Easy access to elevators and medical center

Step 4: Pre-Request Baby Essentials

• Crib

• High chair

• Pureed foods (where available)

Step 5: Pack Thoughtfully

Include:

• Infant medications

• Formula/baby food (allowed)

• Thermometer

• Travel insurance with pediatric coverage

Vaccinations and Health Recommendations for Infants

CDC & WHO Guidance

According to the CDC Yellow Book and WHO travel health advisories:

• Infants should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations

• Parents should consult a pediatrician 4–8 weeks before travel

• Breastfeeding offers additional immune protection during travel

Royal Caribbean does not require proof of infant vaccination, but medical preparedness is strongly recommended.

Travel Insurance: Is It Necessary for Infants?

Yes—strongly recommended.

Look for policies that include:

• Infant medical care

• Emergency evacuation

• Cruise interruption coverage

According to Consumer Reports, families traveling with children face higher odds of unexpected medical claims.

Real-World Example: Cruising With a 7-Month-Old

A family sailing a 7-night Caribbean cruise with a 7-month-old reported:

• Smooth boarding with proper documentation

• Helpful nursery staff for short care sessions

• Challenges with nap schedules during port days

Their key takeaway: Choose flexible itineraries and avoid over-scheduling.

Common Mistakes Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them)

• Booking long sea-day cruises with young infants Choose port-heavy itineraries

•  Assuming swim diapers are allowed in pools Use splash zones only

•  Not bringing enough baby supplies Pack extra formula, diapers, and medications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the minimum age for infants on Royal Caribbean cruises?

Infants must be at least 6 months old on the first day of sailing.

2. Are infants allowed on transatlantic Royal Caribbean cruises?

Yes, but only if they are 12 months or older.

3. Can a 5-month-old baby go on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

No. Infants under 6 months are not permitted.

4. Do infants need passports for Royal Caribbean cruises?

Yes. Most itineraries require a valid passport, even for infants.

5. Are babysitting services available for infants?

Royal Caribbean offers nursery services for ages 6–36 months, for a fee.

6. Can infants use Royal Caribbean pools?

Only if fully potty-trained. Swim diapers are not allowed in pools.

7. Does Royal Caribbean provide baby food?

Limited pureed options may be available onboard, but parents should bring essentials.

8. Is cruising safe for infants?

For infants over 6 months, cruising can be safe when parents plan carefully and follow medical advice.

9. Are there exceptions to the infant age policy?

Based on publicly available information, there are no confirmed exceptions.

10. Should I consult a pediatrician before cruising?

Yes. Health authorities like the CDC and WHO strongly recommend pre-travel consultation.

Authoritative Sources and References

• Royal Caribbean Guest Health, Safety & Security Policies

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)

• World Health Organization (WHO.int)

• NIH / PubMed pediatric travel studies

• CDC Vessel Sanitation Program

• Consumer Reports travel insurance guidance

Final Thoughts: Is Royal Caribbean a Good Choice for Families With Infants?

Royal Caribbean is one of the most family-friendly cruise lines, but its infant age limits reflect responsible safety practices, not restrictions without reason.

If your baby meets the age requirements and you plan thoughtfully, a Royal Caribbean cruise can be a memorable, safe, and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

For parents, the key is understanding the policies, respecting medical realities, and choosing itineraries designed with young travelers in mind.