How Strict Are Cruise Ships With Alcohol?

By Robert Palmer

Cruise ships are a popular vacation option for many people. They provide a unique experience of traveling on the high seas while enjoying various onboard amenities.

One of the many amenities that cruise ship passengers often partake in is alcohol consumption. However, it’s essential to understand how strict cruise ships are with alcohol before embarking on your journey.

Age Restrictions

Like any other place that serves alcohol, cruise ships have strict age restrictions. The legal drinking age on most cruise ships is 21 years old.

This age limit applies to all alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine. If you’re under 21 and caught drinking, you could face severe consequences like being kicked off the ship or even legal charges.

Alcohol Policies

Cruise ships have different policies regarding alcohol consumption. Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring their alcohol onboard, while others do not permit it. Most ships will allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard but will charge a corkage fee if consumed in public areas like restaurants.

Purchasing Alcohol Onboard

If you plan on purchasing alcohol onboard, it’s essential to know how much you can buy and at what times. Most cruise lines limit the number of drinks that passengers can purchase at one time to two alcoholic beverages per person. Additionally, some cruise lines may limit the number of drinks that can be purchased per day.

Drink Packages

Many cruise lines offer drink packages that allow passengers to pay a flat fee for unlimited drinks throughout their trip. These packages usually come with restrictions such as only allowing one drink per person at a time and not being applicable for premium beverages.

Enforcement

Cruise ships take their alcohol policies seriously and enforce them strictly. The staff is trained to identify intoxicated passengers and take necessary actions like cutting them off from further purchases or even confiscating their alcohol. Passengers caught violating the policies could be removed from the ship at the next port of call, and in severe cases, face legal charges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cruise ships have strict alcohol policies that are enforced rigorously. It’s essential to understand these policies before embarking on your journey to avoid any unnecessary trouble. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your vacation onboard.