How strict is NCL on age restrictions??

[meganharper]

Hello all,

After the cancellation of my recent cruise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my family has been looking into taking the November 14 sailing on NCL Joy. I will be turning 17 next month, so by the time of my sailing, I will be 17 years and 6 months old. This puts me (as well as my two triplet siblings) in an uncomfortable situation, as we will be a bit old for the teen club activities, but too young for the adult activities. Anyone with experience cruising NCL, I was wondering how strictly the age restrictions are enforced for things like Spice H2O. I know NCL has specific "young adult" rules, but they only apply to 18-20. Does anyone have experience with cruisers my age that can provide tips/guidance?? I know in my RCCL sailings I was never asked about my age in the Solarium and I spent a fair amount of time there (I was less than a month away from turning 16).

 

If this is not allowed, it would be much appreciated if someone could guide me to the right place 🙂

Edited April 6, 2020 by meganharper

[DMH15]

NCL is very strict in relation to all age specifications. 

[hallux]

There's no card swipe/check when going into Spice.  That said, as long as you aren't "young looking" and don't draw attention to yourselves it might not be a big issue.  I will say that I saw some, um, "adult activities" going on in one of the hot tubs one time, that's something your parents should be aware of.  Nobody was without clothing but movements were apparent.

[Kirchoff91]

Spice H20 you should be fine like the other member posted they don't check key cards just don't draw to much attention to yourself. I will also say that NCL does have a strict drinking policy as I am older but look younger and I was asked for my card multiple times by security when I was in the nightclub near the casino on the Breakaway 

[david_sobe]

Age restrictions for teen/kids club - very strict.  They know everyone's age as they sign up.  The same for the spa, etc.  But venues like Spice or Haven sundeck its very possible if someone is an older looking teen.  No one is going to care.

[tcfive]

The teen club upper age is 17, you will still be 17.  It has been a few years, but when I traveled with my 17 year old daughter, she was allowed to participate in all the teen club activities.  She also joined her sister  (age 20) in several young adult activites.  They were never questioned.  Both were well behaved and did not draw attention to themselves.  

 

[Love my butler]

To the letter.  It's a liability issue.

[mjkacmom]

Take advantage of not being 18 and go to the teen club the first night to meet up with others your age. You don’t even need to participate in the activities. My older kids were 18 and 20 on our last cruise and met other people, but it was a lot harder without the club.

[Mrdodgy]

Just to echo do not even try they are strict even if you turn 18 on the cruise 

[nelsonewong]

On 4/6/2020 at 12:26 PM, DMH15 said:

NCL is very strict in relation to all age specifications. 

When it comes to Splash Academy.  No one cards anyone to qualify as an adult.

[mugtech]

Very strict if you are 70 years old or older.  Might not even get on the ship.

[complawyer]

we took my grandson on a number of cruises between the ages of 16 - 17 when he was just a few months shy of 18. they are strict with the age requirements, by what they do have for teens your age is called the entourage. i assure you my grandson had an absolute blast, met a much of teens his age and we hardly saw him the entire trip (14 nights) dont worry, join the entourage and you'll be surprised at what a good time youll have

[Monica887]

Very strict. Went on a cruise with a bunch of young teen cousins. All old enough for the teen club except one who was turning 13 a week after the cruise. She was not allowed.