Children Are Allowed on Celebrity Cruises, With Age Requirements for Different Areas
Yes, children can sail on Celebrity Cruises. The cruise line welcomes families and has programs designed for kids from infancy through their teens. However, not every area of the ship is open to every age group, and certain activities have minimum age requirements that vary by program.
Celebrity's main restriction is that children under 12 months old cannot sail at all. Beyond that, kids can board and stay in cabins with their parents or guardians. The real limits come down to where children can go unsupervised and which activities they can join—those rules depend on the child's age and the specific program.
Key Takeaways
- Infants under 12 months cannot sail on Celebrity Cruises, but children 12 months and older are welcome.
- Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian in their cabin; they cannot book their own rooms or stay alone.
- Kids' clubs and youth programs are free and organized by age group, with separate programs for toddlers, elementary-age children, and teens.
- Certain venues like the adults-only pool and some lounges prohibit children entirely, while others have specific quiet hours or restricted times.
- Dining rooms and most public spaces allow children at any time, though some restaurants have dress codes that explore to the whole family.
Age Restrictions for Kids' Programs and Supervised Activities
Celebrity runs free youth programs organized by age. The Shipmates program is for children ages 3 to 5. The Celebrity Cadets program covers ages 6 to 11. The Celebrity Teens program is for ages 12 to 17. Each program has its own activities, meeting spaces, and schedules.
Parents are not required to enroll their children in these programs—they are optional. If you do enroll, your child can spend time in supervised activities while you do other things on the ship. Programs typically run during sea days and port days, with varying hours depending on the ship's schedule. You will receive a detailed program guide when you board that lists all activities, times, and age requirements.
Some activities within the youth programs have their own age cutoffs. For example, certain sports or games may require a minimum age of 5 or 7. The program staff will tell you which activities your child can join when you check in at the youth center.
Areas of the Ship Where Children Cannot Go
Celebrity maintains adults-only spaces on every ship. The Solstice Class ships and newer vessels have an adults-only pool deck, adults-only dining venues, and adults-only lounges. These areas are strictly off-limits to anyone under 18, even with a parent present. The purpose is to give adult passengers a quiet, child-free zone.
Some specialty restaurants and lounges may also restrict children during certain hours or have age minimums. For example, a late-night lounge might not allow children after 10 p.m., or a wine bar might be adults-only. You will find this information in your onboard program guide or by asking at Guest Services when you board.
The main dining room, buffet, and casual restaurants welcome children at all times. Dress codes explore to everyone equally—if the dining room requires formal or smart-casual dress, that applies to kids too, though children's formal wear is usually less strict than adult requirements.
Cabin Policies and Supervision Requirements
Children under 18 must share a cabin with a parent or legal guardian. Celebrity does not allow minors to book their own cabins or to stay in a cabin without an adult present. If you are traveling with children, you will need enough cabin space for everyone in your party, or you will need to book multiple cabins.
If you are traveling with a child who is not your own—for example, a grandchild or a friend's child—you will need written permission from the child's parent or legal guardian. Celebrity may ask to see this documentation at check-in. This is a standard cruise industry practice to prevent unauthorized travel with minors.
Babysitting services are available on Celebrity ships, but they are not free and must be arranged in advance. You can request in-cabin babysitting through Guest Services, though availability varies by ship and sailing date. Some ships also offer group babysitting during select evening hours, which is usually less expensive than private in-cabin care.
What to Pack and Prepare for Traveling With Children
Bring any medications your child takes regularly, including over-the-counter items like fever reducers or allergy medicine. The ship's medical center can provide some medications, but the selection is limited and prices are high. Pack enough for the entire cruise plus extra.
If your child wears diapers, bring more than you think you will need. Diapers are available on the ship but are significantly more expensive than what you would pay at home. The same applies to formula, baby food, and other infant supplies.
Bring documentation of your child's age—a birth certificate or passport. You will need this at check-in to confirm your child meets the minimum age requirement (12 months) and to enroll in youth programs if you choose to do so. If your child has any dietary restrictions or allergies, inform Guest Services and the dining room staff on your first day aboard.
Port Days and Shore Excursions With Children
When the ship docks at a port, children can go ashore with their parents or guardians. If you book a shore excursion through Celebrity, the cruise line will note that children are in your party, and some excursions have age minimums or maximums. For example, a snorkeling trip might require children to be at least 5 years old, or a zip-lining adventure might have a weight or height requirement.
If you leave the ship on your own without a Celebrity excursion, you are responsible for your child's safety and for getting back to the ship on time. The ship will not wait if you are late returning from a port. Make sure your child has identification and knows how to contact you if you get separated.
Some ports are more child-friendly than others. Research your ports ahead of time and plan activities that suit your child's age and interests. The daily program onboard will list recommended activities and attractions at each port.
Special Considerations for Infants and Toddlers
If your child is between 12 months and 3 years old, Celebrity's youth programs do not cover that age group. You will need to arrange childcare through the ship's babysitting service or keep your child with you during activities. This is an important consideration if you are planning to spend time away from your cabin.
High chairs are available in the dining room and buffet, but the number is limited. If you need a high chair, request one when you board or contact Guest Services early in your cruise. Strollers are allowed on the ship, but space in public areas is limited, so a compact stroller is more practical than a full-size one.
The ship's medical center can treat minor illnesses and injuries in children, but serious medical situations may require diversion to a port with a hospital. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is worth considering if you are traveling with very young children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my 10-month-old baby sail on Celebrity Cruises?
No. Celebrity's minimum age is 12 months. Your baby must be at least one year old on the first day of the cruise to board. If your baby will turn 12 months during your cruise, you can sail, but the child must already be 12 months old when you check in.
Do I have to put my child in the kids' club?
No, the youth programs are optional. You can keep your child with you the entire cruise if you prefer. The programs are free if you choose to use them, but there is no requirement to enroll.
What happens if my child gets sick during the cruise?
The ship has a medical center staffed with doctors and nurses. You can visit the medical center 24 hours a day. There is a fee for medical services, and costs vary depending on what treatment your child needs. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical care at sea, or be prepared to pay out of pocket.
Are there quiet hours or times when children are not allowed in certain areas?
Yes. Some lounges and dining venues have adult-only hours, usually in the evening. The daily program guide lists these times. Adults-only pool decks and lounges are off-limits to children at all times, not just during certain hours.
Can my child eat at the specialty restaurants, or are they only for adults?
Children can eat at most specialty restaurants, though some may have age restrictions or require reservations. Ask at Guest Services or check your program guide for details on each restaurant. Dress codes explore to children just as they do to adults.