How strict is the drinking age on cruises?

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phantom_of_valkyrie

You know everyone is kinda right. I was on NCL with my cousin when we were both 20 and they didnt care b/c St Martin's drinking age was 16. and Carib is international waters. but they stopped serving us once we got within distance of Miami. You wouldn't have a problem with that if you were truly getting to international waters but when you are off the coast of Alaska (as opposed to Carib islands) you will still be in US waters. However, you can sneak a bottle of vodka on in your luggage (as long as you are over 21). You bring a water bottle and keep refilling. If he gets a soda fountain card, he can mix and match. And the last night of the cruise you get back all the alcohol you have bought on the ship. We ended up having 2 bottles extra (which meant we would have to wake up at 5:30 to declare with customs) so instead our group stayed up all night and drank those 2 bottles and saw Miami come into view. Now as far as wine with dinner, they dont care at all. At dinner, we all alternated who bought the wine (including the underage ones) and no one cared b/c the parents are present.

That was Carnival and NCL though. Don't know about Holland America but since everyone on Holland is 60+ I doubt they would even notice if he carried around the water bottle filled with rum.

tbugs

They are very strict about drinking age of 21.

If someone else buy him the drinks and one of the many security officers asks for his ID, the entire family is in deep trouble. The ship has the right to put them ashore with no refund at the next port - and probably will.

soccerknocker199

on the ships it is 21 but he probably looks like twenty one so one way is for someone to by his drinks for him and give them to him then he can drink because they most lily will not ask if he is old ebough if he looks old enough but if he trys to buy the drinks he will not be able to.

craftyttangl254

call the cruise line company they should be able to answer any of your questions good luck. fyi international waters are 2 miles off of the coast and the legal age in the USA is 21

Almost all cruise lines have raised their drinking age to 21 except a few European cruises. The age of the passenger is electronically imprinted on the identification card issued to you when you board. This card is called different things based on the cruise line - but is used for all purchases on board. The 20 year old will not be permitted to purchase alcohol on board. Most cruise lines outline in their terms and conditions that anyone found providing alcohol to underage people can be removed from the ship at the next port of call. Better call your cruiseline and find out what's what with them.

CollaredShirt452

You will have to be 21 because that is the LEGAL DRINKING AGE. Hope i helped!

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