One thing I love about cruising is the adults-only areas on each ship. Even when our kids were younger, and especially while our kids were younger, my husband and I loved having a space where we could take a break from all kids.
Every Royal Caribbean ship has an adults-only relaxation area at the front of the ship called the Solarium. This week, the company just announced a change in age requirements to enjoy this adults-only space.
Minimum age increased from 16 to 18
While the minimum age to enjoy the Solarium used to be 16, Royal Caribbean just announced the new requirement is 18 years of age. That aligns with what we’ve experienced on Disney Cruise Line (18+) but falls short on what we’ve seen on Carnival (21+).
This message about the change went out to travel agents:
“At Royal Caribbean, our guest’s feedback matters. This is why we have decided to keep our ‘adult-only’ areas consistent, and update the Solarium age restriction from 16+ to 18+ years old. The Solarium is a relaxing indoor-outdoor retreat for our adult guests. Positioned at the front of every ship, the crystal canopy area presents fantastic views and stays warm while your clients enjoy swimming pools, whirlpools and the lounge area.”
Reactions on Social Media
I’m in a few Royal Caribbean Facebook groups, and from what I’ve seen, most people think this change is reasonable. A few are upset that their well-behaved 16- and 17-year olds can no longer use the space. And, some think the space should increase to 21+.
I think the policy change makes sense. I’m sure there are many 16- and 17-year olds who behave just fine in the Solarium by themselves. However, many times when they come in larger groups, shenanigans ensue. I like that 18-20-year-olds can use the space because they don’t have access to the teen club space.
Cruisers, what do you think of this change?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
agree with both comments above! I highly value my adults-only spaces and am very perturbed when i see kids in them! There are so few spots that adults can go to just relax without extra charges and noise.
As a parent of three well traveled kids that know how to behave around adults in public…
This is a good change. Adults entering an adults only area should expect to find only adults there. I’m surprised it wasn’t 18, or even 21+ already.
It’s definitely a good change. You have to also look at this realistically. They do not “card” people coming into the solarium. If the age is set at 16, you can expect you’ll see a bunch of 14-15 year olds in there. Setting it to 18 basically means you’ll now see fewer kids in that age range but will still likely see the 16-17 year olds who are well behaved enough not to draw any attention to themselves by being disruptive.