What Cruise Lines Let You Drink at 18?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning to take a cruise but worried about not being able to drink because you’re not yet 21? Don’t worry, there are some cruise lines that allow passengers as young as 18 to enjoy alcoholic beverages onboard.

Why the Drinking Age on Cruise Ships is Different from Land

Before we dive into the list of cruise lines that allow 18-year-olds to drink, let’s first understand why the drinking age is different on a cruise ship compared to on land. Cruise ships operate in international waters, which means they aren’t subject to the same laws and regulations as those on land. Therefore, while the drinking age is 21 in the United States, it can be different on a cruise ship.

Cruise Lines That Allow Passengers Under 21 to Drink

Here are some popular cruise lines that will allow passengers who are at least 18 years old to consume alcohol onboard:

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises allows guests who are 18 years or older to consume beer and wine onboard with parental consent if sailing in Europe, South America, Australia, or Asia. However, for sailings departing from North America, guests must be at least 21 years old.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line also allows guests who are at least 18 years old to consume beer and wine with parental consent if sailing in Europe. However, for sailings departing from North America or South America ports (excluding Brazil), guests must be at least 21 years old.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International allows guests who are at least 18 years old to consume beer and wine with parental consent if sailing in Europe, Asia, Australia or New Zealand. However, for sailings departing from North America ports or Caribbean destinations (excluding Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands), guests must be at least 21 years old.

Things to Keep in Mind

While these cruise lines may allow 18-year-olds to drink, there are still some things to keep in mind. First, you will need to have parental consent.

Second, some cruise lines may require that you wear a wristband or other form of identification indicating that you’re of legal drinking age. Finally, keep in mind that if you’re caught drinking underage, you could face serious consequences such as being removed from the ship at the next port of call or even being banned from cruising with that particular line again.

Conclusion

If you’re under 21 but still want to enjoy a drink on your cruise vacation, don’t worry! As long as you’re sailing with one of these cruise lines and have parental consent, you’ll be able to indulge in a beer or glass of wine onboard. Just remember to drink responsibly and follow all rules and regulations set by the cruise line.