Carnival Cruise Drinking Age?

Question

Tomorrow I am flying to Puerto Rico to go on a Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines. I'm 20 years old and while I realize that if we were embarking from the US the drinking age would be 21 regardless of if we were in international waters or in a port that allowed drinking at 18, I was wondering if it mattered that we were embarking from San Juan. The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, so would the cruise ship take on that drinking age and allow me to order drinks? I would be with my family and they are ok with me drinking. Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

The drinking age on Carnival and  all cruise ships is age 21 or older. And it does not matter whether you are on the ship in a US or a foreign port, its the same. It does not matter that you are in international waters, its still age 21. The only exception to this is that some cruise lines will allow those over age 18 but under age 21 who are accompanied by a parent to drink beer and wine IF their parents sign a waiver to allow them to drink.

While those under 21 cannot drink on the ship, they will be able to drink in the bars and restaurants in port stops. The drinking age in all other countries is age 18 so you can enjoy yourself there. But don't try bringing alcoholic beverages back on ship; it will be confiscated.

OK, now that we got the legal stuff out of the way, just have a family member who is over 21 order two drinks at a time and you share/sample one.  Or if you are in a showroom, have them go to the bar and get two drinks.

Answer 2

If you wish to purchase any alcohol while on a cruise, you must be 21 years of age.

Answer 3

I just went on a cruise leaving from San Juan and I was wondering the same thing. On each of the itineraries, they listed that ONLY 21 and up were allowed to drink. They were strict with this and on board as well. I remember them checking IDs of 40 year olds, so they're pretty strict with the age policy.

Answer 4

Drinking Alcohol On Board

The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age.  In the event that Bar/Restaurant/Gift Shop staff are in question that a guest is less than 21 years old, they shall request picture identification, prior to serving the drink or selling the bottle of liquor.