Can 18 Year Olds Drink on Cruise Ships?

By Alice Nichols

Are you an 18-year-old planning to take a cruise? You may be wondering if you can legally drink on the ship. The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors.

Firstly, the legal drinking age varies depending on the cruise line and destination. In many countries, including the United States, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. However, some cruise lines have a minimum drinking age of 18 years old.

If you are sailing from a country where the legal drinking age is 18 years old or younger, then you may be able to drink on board. For example, if you are sailing from Europe or Australia, where the legal drinking age is generally 18 years old, then you may be able to drink on board.

However, even if you are sailing from a country with a lower drinking age limit, some cruise lines still enforce their own policy of having a minimum drinking age of 21 years old. This means that even if it’s legal for an 18-year-old to drink in port, they may not be able to do so on board.

It’s important to note that cruise lines take underage drinking seriously and have strict policies in place to prevent it. They often require passengers to show identification when purchasing alcohol, and bartenders may refuse service if they suspect someone is underage.

If an underage passenger is caught drinking or attempting to purchase alcohol on board, they could face serious consequences such as being detained by onboard security or being disembarked at the next port of call.

In conclusion, whether or not an 18-year-old can drink on a cruise ship depends on several factors such as the cruise line’s policy and the destination’s legal drinking age limit. It’s always best to check with your chosen cruise line before booking your trip and ensure that you follow their policies while onboard.

Remember that cruising is meant to be a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone onboard. So, whether you’re 18 or 21, make sure to drink responsibly and follow all rules and regulations set in place.