FAQ - Children & teens

Minors Policy

What is the Minors Policy? 

The Minors Policy protects the safety and well-being of all passengers on board. ‘Minor’ refers to any person under the age of 18 (on cruises that do not include a port in the USA) or 21 (on voyages that do include a port in the USA). We have recently updated our Minors Policy, effective July 1st, 2024.

Infants under ONE year OLD

What is the policy for infants one year old and younger?

Infants under one are welcome on board, except for cruises lasting 11 nights or longer. For these longer cruises, infants must already be one by embarkation day.

Why can't infants under one travel on cruises lasting 11 nights or longer? 

This policy is due to long cruises often having multiple days at sea, which can impede our ability to provide urgent medical care for infants.

What if I have booked two seven-night cruises? Does the age requirement for infants under one apply?  

No, the age requirement does not apply in this case, as these are considered two separate sailings.

What happens if a new booking does not comply with the policy?

You will be offered a Free Cruise Move with new pricing or the booking will be cancelled according to the standard cancellation policy.

Children under 18 - 21 YEARS OLD

Are guests under 18 permitted to travel without adult supervision? 

MSC Cruises does not permit minors to occupy a cabin without the presence of at least one adult. For sailings within the US, guests aged 18-20 can be accommodated in a cabin alone, provided they are traveling with a guest aged 21 or older.

Who is considered an adult?

To be considered an adult, passengers must be 18 or 21 years old at the time of embarkation, depending on the itinerary.

Is there an exception?  

Yes, an exception applies for minors under 18 traveling with one parent or legal guardian, provided the following conditions are met:

 

  • The parent/legal guardian must specifically request at the time of booking that the minors be assigned a cabin without an adult and sign a liability waiver, which must be submitted to the Contact Centre.
  • The parent/guardian is traveling with 2 to 5 minors.
  • The cabin is occupied by either one minor aged 12 or older, or two minors, with the eldest at least 12 and the youngest at least 8.
  • No more than two minors may occupy a cabin without an adult. 

For MSC Lirica, Musica, and Fantasia class ships:

  • Parent/guardian and minors must stay in connecting cabins, and the balcony of the minors' cabin will be locked.

For all other MSC ships:

  • The parent or legal guardian and the minor(s) shall be accommodated in connecting cabins with the minor cabin’s balcony being locked or in interior adjacent cabins**.
  • The parent or legal guardian shall be required to purchase a bracelet to have access to the cabin occupied by the minor(s) at any time during the cruise.

What is the definition of ‘adjacent cabins’?

‘Adjacent cabins’ is defined as two cabins, at least one without a balcony, which have no more than 3 cabins between them, and that pertain to the same assembly station and corridor.

What is the definition of ‘connecting cabins’? 

‘Connecting cabins’ is defined as to cabins that are connected by an internal door.

Where can I find a liability waiver? 

You can download a liability waiver here. Please ensure the waiver is signed by the parents or legal guardian of the minors. The waiver must be submitted to your travel agent for bookings made in Travel Agency and to MSC if you booked your cruise through our Contact Center or website. A signed copy must be brought at embarkation.

How are the ages of minors verified? 

The ages will be verified through official documents provided during embarkation.

Who manages the restrictions mentioned above?

All restrictions mentioned above are handled directly through the Contact Center.

Can guests under 21 travel alone in the US?  

Travellers of all nationalities must be at least 21 to travel alone on cruises embarking in the US or travelling to the US. They must have turned 21 by the time they enter a U.S. port. Guests aged under 21 must travel accompanied by their parents or a legal guardian. Otherwise, a signed authorization letter from the absent parent must be provided when booking, along with the name of a chaperon or a designated individual in charge of the minor

Can guests aged 18-20 stay in a cabin alone? 

Yes, guests aged 18-20 may stay in a cabin alone if they are traveling with someone aged 21 or older, without any additional requirements.

Will I be advised regarding their their bookings not compliant with the policy?  

Yes, MSC Cruises will contact guests with confirmed bookings. Guests be offered the following options:


  • Free Cruise Move to sailings with ports outside the US.
  • Free Cruise Move to another (later) available date (on available sailings at the time of the Cruise Move) if, for this new sailing, the guests will be 21.
  • Or our Standard Cancellation Policy will apply.

What happens if a new booking does not comply with the policy for US guests under 21? 

The guest will be offered a Free Cruise Move with new pricing or the booking will be cancelled according to the standard cancellation policy.

Children & teens

Mini & Juniors Club

Are you ready for a fun-packed cruise?

You and your children are about to embark on a vacation filled with new experiences and good times! So, as parents, you can relax and enjoy some quality time by yourselves, knowing that your children are in safe, expert hands.


Fill in the form and enroll your child in the MSC Mini & Juniors Club to get a head start on the fun! 


Please note that this is not an automatic online registration form. Please complete and print the form to save time upon embarkation . You and your child will still need to visit the MSC Mini & Juniors Club staff once onboard to complete registration.

Will the Kids Club be open in the  next months? And what kind of kids’ activities will be available?

Our Kids Club and family activities will welcome kids and parents in a healthy and safe environment fun and enjoyable experience.


What can babies and small children eaton board?

All children on board our ships can enjoy delicious, nutritious dishes and varied, fun main courses. Our huge menu selection is designed according to children's tastes as well as their nutritional needs.

What kind of onboard entertainment isavailable for the younger guests?

There are ad-hoc programmes designed for every age group, as well as sports competitions, contests, quizzes, treasure hunts, and games in the swimming pool. A fully-equipped games room is also available with a vast selection of toys selected according to the needs of each age group. These range from board games, draughts, chess, stencils, art, blackboards, modelling clay, colouring, group games and much more.

Are the children's activities provided at an additional cost?

No, the activities are free.

Are cots and highchairs available onboard?

Yes, a limited number of cots and highchairs are available on board, although please be prepared for increased demand for these during the high season. Please be sure that the travel agency faxes your request for these items at the time of booking.

Is it possible to leave children onboard while parents disembark for an excursion?

Yes, provided that the miniclub staff is notified one day prior to the excursion. 

Can children register in the MSC Voyager Club?

Yes, MSC Voyagers Club membership is open to all ages. However, if you are under 18, subscription can only be completed by a parent or legal guardian.
The following information is required: name, last name and date of birth. Email is optional.

Please see the MSC Voyagers Club terms & conditions for further details.

Do you have special security for children?

Every child is issued with an MSC ID wristband during embarkation. This Wristband must be worn at all times during the cruise for security.

Do you provide any equipment for parents with young children?

We do everything we can to make life easier and as comfortable as possible for all our guests. Partnering with world-leader Chicco, we provide a limited quantity of beautifully-designed bottle warmers, strollers, and many other items, on board for your combined comfort and convenience. Among the shops on board, you’ll find a Chicco corner with a selection of great products for babies and toddlers, including nappies.
Also a limited number of cots and highchairs are available on board, although please be prepared for increased demand for these during the high season. Please be sure that the travel agency sends your request for these items at the time of booking via e-mail.