Can You Drink at 18 on a Cruise in International Waters?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning to go on a cruise but wondering if you can enjoy a drink at the age of 18? The answer is not straightforward as it depends on various factors such as the laws of the country where the ship is registered, the policies of the cruise line, and the location of the ship. Let’s dive deeper into each of these factors.

Laws of the Country

The laws governing alcohol consumption on a cruise ship in international waters are determined by the country where the ship is registered. Most major cruise lines register their ships in countries that have lower drinking ages than in the United States.

For example, Royal Caribbean’s ships are registered in The Bahamas where the legal drinking age is 18. Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line’s ships are registered in Panama where 18-year-olds can legally drink.

Policies of Cruise Lines

Even though a country may permit 18-year-olds to drink alcohol, individual cruise lines may have their own policy regarding alcohol consumption. Some cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line require passengers to be at least 21 years old to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages onboard while others like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line allow passengers who are at least 18 years old to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.

Location of Ship

Another factor that determines if an 18-year-old can drink alcohol on a cruise ship is its location. When a ship is within 12 miles of shore, it falls under the jurisdiction of that country’s laws regarding alcohol consumption. Therefore, even if a passenger is legally able to consume alcohol onboard due to age or other factors, they may not be allowed to do so when the ship is within close proximity to land.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not an 18-year-old can drink on a cruise ship depends on various factors including where the ship is registered, the policies of the cruise line, and the location of the ship. It’s important to research these factors before booking a cruise to ensure you are aware of any restrictions or guidelines that may apply.