Can You Drink At 18 On A Cruise? (Drinking Ages Explained!)
Did you just turn 18 and wondering if you can enjoy a drink on your next cruise? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it should be and it depends on the cruise line and region..
We’ll help break it down so you’ll be prepared and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Can You Drink At 18 On A Cruise?
Different cruise lines have different regulations, but generally, 18-year-olds can visit bars or nightclubs alone or with friends and family who are also 18+. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the legal drinking age on all ships that dock in the U.S, as well as many U.S.-based cruise lines worldwide, is 21.
For cruises sailing between Australia, New Zealand, China, Europe, and Singapore, you’ll find that the drinking age is 18 years old.
On the other hand, if you’re cruising between Japanese ports, the legal age increases to 20 years old.
Keep in mind that some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, may require parental consent if you are under 21 years old.
This could be applicable for cruises outside North America, including Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia.
As you can see, your ability to drink at 18 on a cruise largely depends on where you’re sailing and the specific cruise line’s rules.
Let’s break down these rules and regulations a little further so you know exactly what you’re signing up for…
Drinking Age On Cruises
General Rules For Having A Drink On A Cruise
On most cruise ships, the drinking age is 21 when the ship is within US waters.
However, the age limit varies between 18 to 21 years old as you sail in international waters or aboard some cruise lines.
This can depend on the cruise line’s policies, the destination, and the country of departure.
For instance, on Royal Caribbean cruises, the minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages is 21, making it consistent throughout all their ships.
It’s crucial to respect the rules set by each cruise line, as those who break them may face consequences, including parents who supply alcohol to their underage children.
International Waters
When sailing in international waters, some cruise lines may allow passengers aged 18-20 to consume alcohol.
Norwegian Cruise Line is an example of this, as they permit passengers between 18 and 20 years old to drink alcohol once the ship leaves international waters.
However, parental consent is required for guests under 21.
It’s essential to keep in mind that while some cruise lines allow for a lower drinking age, this may only apply when the ship is in international waters, so make sure you’re aware of the rules and restrictions for each stage of your journey.
In summary, understanding the drinking age policies on different cruise lines and in various regions is key to ensuring a smooth sailing experience.
By respecting these guidelines, you can have a fun and enjoyable cruise vacation without any unexpected hiccups.
Cruise Line Policies
Carnival Cruise Lines
On Carnival Cruise Lines, the drinking age is generally 21 years old. However, when sailing from a non-U.S. port, such as the ones in Europe or Australia, the legal drinking age is lowered to 18 years old.
This is so Carnival can comply with the drinking age policies in those countries. Remember that this policy may sometimes vary and can be subject to change.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
If you find yourself on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll notice that the legal drinking age is 21 years old onboard all their ships.
However, there is an exception when sailing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, or New Zealand, where the minimum age to consume alcohol is lowered to 18.
Nevertheless, it’s important to keep in mind that the drinking age at private destinations remains 21, regardless of the sailing origin.
Norwegian Cruise Lines
With Norwegian Cruise Lines, guests aged 18-20 years old can purchase and consume beer or wine when the ship is in international waters (3 miles out of U.S. territorial waters).
Parental consent is required for all cruises where guests are under 21 years old. It’s worth noting that this age modification does not apply for Alaska and Hawaii sailings.
Be attentive to the specific policy details before embarking on a Norwegian Cruise.
Princess Cruise Lines
Princess Cruise Lines takes a strict approach, maintaining a 21 years or older drinking age policy for all beverages across their ships despite the originating location.
This policy applies throughout the duration of the cruise and does not change based on the ship’s location.
Make sure you’re aware of this policy if you plan to sail with Princess Cruise Lines.
Impact of Port Laws
Embarkation Location
When planning your cruise, it’s essential to consider the embarkation location as it can affect your drinking age while onboard.
For instance, if your cruise embarks from a U.S. port, you will usually need to be 21 years old to consume alcohol.
However, exceptions apply when the ship sails at least 3 miles outside of U.S. territorial waters. In these cases, you can purchase and consume beer and wine if you are between 18 to 20 years old.
Parental consent will be required, and a form needs to be signed to grant permission for this age group.
Outside of the United States, different embarkation locations may offer varying drinking age restrictions.
For example, if your cruise departs from a port in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, or Singapore, the drinking age may be lower at 18 years old.
In Japan, the legal drinking age is 20 years old. Make sure to research the specific policies of your cruise line before booking.
Port of Calls
As your cruise takes you to different ports of call, keep in mind that local laws may impact your drinking privileges.
Each country has its own legal drinking age, which may affect your ability to consume alcohol both onboard and ashore. Be aware of these restrictions and follow the local laws at each destination.
For example, when visiting a port in the Caribbean, the local drinking age may range from 18 to 21 years old.
On the other hand, countries in Europe typically have a lower drinking age, which is often 18 years old.
To help keep things clear, familiarize yourself with the drinking age policies at the following port categories:
- Caribbean Ports: Drinking age ranges between 18 to 21 years old.
- European Ports: Drinking age is typically 18 years old.
- Asian Ports: Drinking age varies depending on the country, with Japan requiring passengers to be 20 years old.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to stay informed about the drinking age restrictions for both your embarkation location and each port of call you visit during your cruise.
Keep in mind that these policies are subject to change and may vary between cruise lines.
Taking these factors into account will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience while respecting local laws.
Can You Drink At 18 In International Waters?
Many cruise lines have policies that prohibit passengers under the age of 21 from consuming alcohol.
However, there are a few exceptions, especially when in international waters.
If you’re 18 and interested in enjoying an alcoholic beverage during your cruise, you’ll be pleased to know that several cruise lines allow passengers aged 18 to 20 to drink in international waters.
Some require parental consent, while others simply have age restrictions in place.
Below is a quick list of cruise lines that permit drinking at 18 in international waters:
- Celebrity Cruises (requires parental permission)
- Costa Cruises
- Cunard Cruises
- Disney cruises (requires parental permission)
- Fred Olsen
- Holland America
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line (requires parental permission)
- P&O Cruises
Keep in mind that these policies may change and it’s important to check with your specific cruise line before booking.
While many cruise lines will allow drinking at 18 in international waters, they may still have restrictions in place, especially when approaching U.S. or Middle Eastern ports.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the cruise itinerary, as the legal drinking age on board may be determined by the itinerary rather than international waters.
In most cases, if a U.S. or Middle Eastern port is on your itinerary, you won’t be allowed to drink at 18, even when the ship is in international waters.
Can You Drink At 18 On A Bahamas Cruise?
When it comes to the legal drinking age, the Bahamas has set it at 18 years old. This means that, technically, while you’re exploring the picturesque islands in the Bahamas, you can indeed enjoy a local beverage if you’re 18 or older.
However, things get a little bit more complicated when you’re aboard the cruise ship.
Cruise lines each have their own set of rules for the minimum drinking age on their ships.
Although the legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18, many cruise lines have a strict 21-year-old policy when it comes to consuming alcoholic beverages on their vessels.
For example, Royal Caribbean International requires that all passengers consuming alcoholic beverages on their ships be 21 or older if the sailing originates from North America or the Caribbean.
Now, there’s a bit of a caveat here – some cruise lines have private islands in the Bahamas, such as Carnival’s Half Moon Cay or Disney’s Castaway Cay. While you’re on these islands, you might assume that the Bahamian legal drinking age applies.
However, keep in mind that each cruise line has its own set of rules, which could still require passengers to be 21 or older to drink, even on their private islands.
One more thing to remember is that some cruises may allow 18-year-olds to drink on the ship while in international waters, but not while docked at a port in the United States or other countries with stricter drinking ages.
Additionally, there could be certain ports, like Amsterdam, where you’re allowed to indulge in specific activities while ashore but not on the ship.
Can 18 Year Olds Drink On Cruises In Mexico?
If your cruise itinerary includes a stop at a Mexican port, you’ll generally be allowed to drink alcohol according to local laws when you’re ashore, as their legal drinking age is 18.
This means you can indulge in some local flavors and cocktails while exploring Mexico’s popular tourist destinations.
However, it is important to note that the drinking age onboard the ship may be different. Most cruise ships enforce a minimum drinking age of 21, especially if the cruise originates from a US port.
It means that even if you are in international waters or within Mexican territory, you might not be allowed to buy or consume alcoholic beverages on the ship.
For instance, on most Carnival cruises, the minimum age to purchase and consume alcohol on the ship is 21, regardless of the legal drinking age in the destination ports.
Similarly, Royal Caribbean International has a minimum drinking age of 21 for sailings originating from North America or the Caribbean.
Although these rules may seem strict, they’re in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers, including families and young adults. It’s crucial that you respect the cruise line’s policies and adhere to the age restrictions while on board.
In summary, if you’re 18 and cruising to Mexico, you can drink while ashore and exploring the local destinations.
However, be prepared for the possibility that you might not be able to consume alcohol on the ship, depending on the cruise line’s policies.
Always make sure to double-check the cruise guidelines and age restrictions before booking your vacation to avoid any disappointment or complications during your journey.
