Is the 21 minimum drinking age on a cruise ship a law, or just a policy that the cruise ship adopted?

Question

I was told that international law states that the drinking age in international waters is 18, but I was reading in the cruise liners' websites that you have to be 21 to drink aboard the ship. Is there some law saying this, or is 21-and-over policy for alcoholic beverages merely a policy that the cruise liner has adopted??

Answer 1

My friend just recently went on a cruise, and he is 21.  The cruise that he went on, you had to be over 21, that is what they told him. ( he went on the Royal carribean cruise).  Some may have different laws, when you are in international waters that you are able to drink at age 18. I think it mostly depends on the cruise.. but i am not sure.

Answer 2

it is policy

Answer 3

It is probably the policy of  an American based Cruiseline yes. I know when I flew to italy @19 I was able to buy alcohol after we were officially over international waters. Of course in Italy I knew a 12 who was buying alcohol.

Answer 4

on international waters you cant get in trouble for underage drinking - just like Mexico - i dont think you even have to be 18 to drink - the ships probally adopted this policy to safe guard themselves - now you can get in trouble for consuming alcohol in the states being under 21 but i dint think you can for consuming it once in international waters -

drink responsibly

home girl against alcoholic homicide

Answer 5

My best guess would be no, they wouldnt serve to those under 21 because since the ship is docked in an American city, whose law states that you have to be 21, Im guessing they have to uphold those laws of that particular city. Like I said though, thats my best GUESS

Answer 6

American cruise ships probably adopt American laws so 21 would be the drinking age if you are on an American ship.  So its probably just policy of the ship because they don't want American lawsuits.  If you are porting in Mexico or other countries the drinking age is 18 in these countries and you would be allowed to drink at these ports.

Answer 7

Carnival owns a European line Costa Cruises.  They cater to a European standard and drinking is subject to country rules at port but the website indicated drinking age is 18.  Irregardless, you should contact the cruise line directly and make sure your needs are addressed.

Answer 8

I think... they won't sell it to you, but if you still got it you wouldn't really get in trouble, it'd just be a matter of getting it.   There's not any police there to arrest you.  But please... don't overdo it, okay?   I'm 22, never had a drop of alcohol in my life, and my life is perfectly fine without alcohol in it.  Don't feel like you have to have it.

Answer 9

I cruise a lot and would not WANT someone 21 or under with no one to answer for drinking and partying.

Would your parents actually let you go?  Either get older and wiser or take Mom.

Answer 10

21 is the legal drinking age anywhere,,,but if you cruise to to Cancun,anywhere in Mexico,the age is 18...please drink responsibly