I'm going on a cruise, and I'm 18, do i get some alcohol legally?

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As a travel agent, let me try to correct some of the answers here and answer your question as well.

When you board the ship, your passport information and your picture will be placed the magnetic strip of a card (looks like a credit card) that'll be used for your room key, for all your purchases (cash not accepted on board), and your ID.

When you order a drink on board and try to pay for it, they will swipe your card and all of your info, including your picture will appear, and it will "flag" you if you are under 21. If you try to use someone else's card they will see its not your picture and not only will they not serve you, but they may report you to the security officer and he has the choice of putting you off the ship at the next port and you're on your own. If someone from your group or family buys you a drink on board and you are caught, everyone in your party could be removed from the ship at the next port and all of you would be on your own to find your way back home. Read the Terms and Conditions of the ship's passenger contract that comes with your ticket and you will see they have every right to do this and have done so with many passengers.

Very few, if any cruise ships are registered in the U.S., so on board you are subject to the laws of the country in which the ship is registered and the captain of the ship has the right to enforce the law on board as he sees fit. Most cruise lines have enacted the "age 21 rule" for purchasing and consuming alcohol on board a ship because of the problems they've had with underage drinking and complaints from other guests about unruly and drunken passengers.

You can probably drink in most ports in the Caribbean (except Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands as they are subject to US laws), Mexico, or Europe because countries usually have lower or no age limits, however, if you appear intoxicated when you are ready to board, the cruise line has the option to not allow you back on board if they believe you will be a problem (just like the airlines can refuse passage to inebriated passengers).

You can also purchase alcohol ashore (except US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico), but the cruise line takes all alcohol purchases and stores them for all passengers and returns them on the last night you're on board. However, if you are not 21 you will not be allowed to receive the alcohol and, if somehow, you do manage to get your purchase, you will be screened at customs and, if they find your alcohol, at the very least, they will confiscate it.

julie j

Unfortunately the "correct" information given by T is not all 100% I have worked for Princess and the only place where you photo appears is when it is placed in the rather large machine at the gangway and in other discreet areas of the ship. This is because it is not necessary for all crew to have access to your information e.g. DOB and stateroom number.The bars DO NOT have access to your photo but they are always on the lookout for underage drinkers and will contact security whohave access to check your age. It is not worth the hassle if you get caught.

Marjery B

On land you can. Please observe local laws - The crew on board will not serve you. They will not serve anyone who will likely serve you on board. Your card key will have a designation that you are under 21.
I also cruised with someone who was 1 month shy of his 21st birthday- when I gave him a beer near the pool - I was thoroughly questioned and had to assure the staff both beers were for me. They assured me I would be invited off of the ship at the next port if I supplied alcohol to minors.

tbugs

If you are cruising on a ship that has offices in the USA, the answer is NO.

You can buy drinks ashore legally when you are 18 in some countries but you cannot bring the liquor back on board or drink legally on board if you are under 21.

Do not even try as they have very strict penalties.

shhhhhhhhhhhimhiding

Not on the ship. last time i checked you had to be 21 onboard. Where the ship puts into port will let you drink if you re within their drinkling age

jagsea

If you are travelling on American cruise ships you need to be 21 and over. If you are on Australian ships the age is 18. As there are very strict laws on this you will be caught if you try and drink. And all bar staff are on the look out for underage drinking so even if you don't purchase the drinks security and bar staff can pick up on it and they can have your age verified by a phone call.

TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

No, and "don't even think about it"!! But your parents can sign for you to have wine with dinenr.

Megan

On the ship? If it's leaving from America, no, I don't believe so. However if you're going to Mexico, or some other country that allows drinking at 18 or at any age, then once you are on land, yes you can drink. And if you're sneeky you can buy it on the land and bring it back onto the ship. I brough mucho absolut vodka back to my dorm room this way a few years ago.

entertainer

depends on where you are crusing.

Veronica's Mommy

i went on a cruise few years ago.. i went to the bahamas... and i saw 14 year olds drinking.. it all depends on where you are traveling and the cruiseline have fun!

nsimeone2000

Where are you going?

Why do you even what alcohol!

babbles

more likely then not. Dress nice and you'll get some.

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