How strict are they at the bars on Carnival Cruises?

Question

Do they ID every time you buy a drink or do they issue a bracelet at the beginning of the cruise specifying that you are over 21? I am 20 and want to be able to have a good time!

Answer 1

they are very strick!! You will not get way with it

Answer 2

Extremely strict.  Watch out - you won't like being the man overboard.

Answer 3

Good luck.  They are SUPER strict.

Answer 4

They will indeed do everything in their power to prevent those under 21 from drinking on the boat. They face heavy fines and possible revocation of their liquor license for non-compliance, as well as possible barring from US waters, and are subjected to frequent sting operations where underage people with fake IDs (undercover agents) try to buy alcohol. As far as they know, you could be just another one.

However, since you will probably be going to a destination outside the US, know that the drinking age in many other countries is 18 or younger, if they even care to check. Just make sure not to bring any alcohol back with you, as it will be confiscated either on your return to the boat or during the security inspection prior to the end of your cruise.

Answer 5

They are very strict and know when you board who is under 21 because you have to show a birth cert. or passport to get on. With the terroist problems now using a fake ID would be a very bad idea. If you get caught with alcohol on board and you are under 21 they may send you home. I would not even think about trying it.

Answer 6

Everyone has a keycard to open their stateroom.  It is issued when you board the ship and has your date of birth embedded in it and photograph embedded, too.

The keycard is also your method of payment aboard the ship.  You give the keycard to the server when you order a drink and the charge goes automatically onto your bill.

The keycard for someone under 21 (when you get on the ship) is a different color for those over 21.  The bartenders or servers will NOT serve to those with the wrong color keycard.

Answer 7

The various cruise lines are very strict, as other posters have indicated. They need to be very aware of the law, liabilities and the potential to have their licensures revoked.

To purchase any drinks on board (anything carbonated or alcoholic costs money), you will need to present your Sail and Sign card. Your card will most certainly be either color-coded or digitally encoded to indicate that you are under 21. So, you may not get 'carded' per se, but your card will likely give you away.  

My suggestion: stay away from the ship's bars.  They take underage drinking very seriously, and you could potentially risk a penalty up to being asked to leave the cruise. A few drinks is not worth ruining your vacation over!  You could try your luck on shore, but be careful there as well.  Remember that you are in a foreign country, and unless you know for sure what the laws are, you could be taking a BIG chance.