What Is The Age Policy For Aurora Expeditions: What Aurora Expeditions Guests Should Know for 2026
This is one of the questions our advisors hear most often about minimum age requirements on Aurora Expeditions - here's what's actually true.
The core rule guests run into is the minimum sailing age for infants: Aurora Expeditions has lowered its minimum sailing age to 6 years old across its expedition programme as part of a broader industry shift toward family-friendly expedition travel, with children aged 6-15 eligible for savings on select sailings.
If minimum age requirements affects an upcoming trip, call +1-800-406-8495 and we'll walk through it with you. It's a good idea to call the cruise line's accessibility desk directly once you've booked, since ship-specific details can differ even within the same fleet. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age policy for Aurora Expeditions?
Minimum age requirements vary by itinerary type, with some routes (like transatlantic crossings or extended sea days) setting higher infant age minimums than typical 7-night sailings. This is one of those details that's always worth verifying directly rather than assuming it applies the same way fleet-wide. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Can minors sail without a parent or guardian?
Most lines require anyone under 21 to be accompanied by an adult 25 or older in the same or a connecting cabin, with some exceptions for older teens on certain sailings - policies vary by line. If your needs change after booking, updating the cruise line as early as possible is better than waiting until check-in. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Is there a different age policy for river or expedition cruises?
Yes, some river and expedition lines set higher minimum ages than mainstream ocean cruises given the physical demands or adult-oriented atmosphere of those itineraries. Bringing printed confirmation of any accommodation request to the terminal is a smart backup in case of a records mix-up. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Do age requirements change for holiday or themed sailings?
Occasionally, particularly for adults-only or specialty themed cruises, which may raise the minimum age above the line's standard policy. It's a good idea to call the cruise line's accessibility desk directly once you've booked, since ship-specific details can differ even within the same fleet. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
What ID is needed to prove a child's age at check-in?
A birth certificate or passport showing date of birth is typically required for infants and young children at embarkation. Ship age and refurbishment history can affect exactly what's available, so a same-brand ship built years apart may differ in this respect. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Who can confirm the exact age policy for my Aurora Expeditions sailing?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can confirm the specific requirements for your itinerary. It's a good idea to call the cruise line's accessibility desk directly once you've booked, since ship-specific details can differ even within the same fleet. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Does the minimum age policy apply to both parents and children equally?
The minimum sailing-without-an-adult age applies specifically to minors traveling without a qualifying adult in their cabin - children traveling with a parent or guardian aren't subject to that particular restriction. Ship age and refurbishment history can affect exactly what's available, so a same-brand ship built years apart may differ in this respect. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Is Aurora Expeditions's age policy the same for casino access as it is for cabin-sharing rules?
No, these are often different - the minimum age to share a cabin without an adult (commonly 18-21) is usually separate from casino or alcohol age rules, which follow local or flag-state laws. Ship age and refurbishment history can affect exactly what's available, so a same-brand ship built years apart may differ in this respect. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
What documentation proves a guest's age at check-in?
A government-issued photo ID or passport showing date of birth is used to verify age at the terminal for check-in and any age-restricted onboard activities. Ship age and refurbishment history can affect exactly what's available, so a same-brand ship built years apart may differ in this respect. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Are there different age policies for river cruises versus ocean cruises?
Not fundamentally different in structure, though river cruise lines sometimes set slightly different minimum ages for solo minors given their smaller ship size and different guest demographics. These arrangements tend to work best when requested at booking rather than added as an afterthought closer to departure. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.