Question about IDs with Drink Package

[livinginyellow]

When you buy the drink package, do you still need to carry around ID with your card?

 

I know this question is a bit silly, but my boyfriend and I are sailing in November and we are planning on buying the drink package. We did something similar at an amusement park near us not too long ago and they still forced us to carry our IDs around which felt goofy to us because we had already bought the package - didn't that mean we were 21? We understand the legality of it but want to see if we should prepare to bring a card holder that will protect both our RCI cards and our IDs.

 

Also: are there bars in the pool areas? (We are sailing on the Grandeur) or solely in the adult pool areas? If there are, how late are they open?

 

Thanks!

Edited August 18, 2014 by livinginyellow

[Clarea]

When you buy the drink package, do you still need to carry around ID with your card?

 

I know this question is a bit silly, but my boyfriend and I are sailing in November and we are planning on buying the drink package. We did something similar at an amusement park near us not too long ago and they still forced us to carry our IDs around which felt goofy to us because we had already bought the package - didn't that mean we were 21? We understand the legality of it but want to see if we should prepare to bring a card holder that will protect both our RCI cards and our IDs.

 

Also: are there bars in the pool areas? (We are sailing on the Grandeur) or solely in the adult pool areas? If there are, how late are they open?

 

Thanks!

There are bars in the pool area. The Cruise Compass (daily schedule) or TV channel will list venue operating hours.

 

A bar server may ask for a picture ID if they do not have easy access to view the photo associated with a SeaPass card. Unfortunately, people have given their SeaPass card to under age guests in the past, and asking for a photo ID is has become necessary at times.

Edited August 18, 2014 by clarea

[livinginyellow]

There are bars in the pool area. The Cruise Compass (daily schedule) or TV channel will list venue operating hours.

 

A bar server may ask for a picture ID if they do not have easy access to view the photo associated with a SeaPass card. Unfortunately, people have given their SeaPass card to under age guests in the past, and asking for a photo ID is has become necessary at times.

 

So we should plan to bring a holder that can easily keep our ID's with it?

[gi_pam]

I forget what they do exactly, but they permanently alter the cards of those under 21 - clip the corner off, maybe?

 

I know they clipped the corners of my kids' passes on NCL but I forget if that's what they did on RC. So the fact that your card is unaltered is "proof" that you're over 21.

 

But, yes, they may ask for ID if they think people are handing their passes to under-21s. I don't know how easy it is for the bartenders to check the picture on the computer.

 

I was only 21 on our first cruise, and was never asked for ID. But that was a long time ago. Also, if you're cruising during a time when there are a lot of teens on board, they may be more cautious, especially if you look young.

[Clarea]

So we should plan to bring a holder that can easily keep our ID's with it?

That might be useful and save you some time.

[Mrs_Tiki]

On our two most recent RCL cruises on Jewel and Freedom, those who were under 21 were issued different key cards to distinguish them from those who were of legal age. The ones for under 21's had what we called the "dancing children" superimposed on the generic background.

[akcruz]

The under 21's have a shadow of people on them while the 21 and over don't have the shadow.

 

To the OP I would have your ID ready for at least the first few days until the bartenders get to know you just in case.

[kahcarre]

When I sailed on Freedom, I didn't need my ID once! I actually asked the same question and carried it around with me for a day or two, but no one asked for it. I look young and always, always get ID'ed at restaurants and bars at home in Atlanta, but no problem on the cruise. I did catch them looking at me funny a few times right after I ordered a drink, but then they scanned my SeaPass and saw the equally young looking picture on there, and had no issue :)

Edited August 18, 2014 by kahcarre

[livinginyellow]

When I sailed on Freedom, I didn't need my ID once! I actually asked the same question and carried it around with me for a day or two, but no one asked for it. I look young and always, always get ID'ed at restaurants and bars at home in Atlanta, but no problem on the cruise. I did catch them looking at me funny a few times right after I ordered a drink, but then they scanned my SeaPass and saw the equally young looking picture on there, and had no issue :)

 

Awesome! Thanks, we'll make sure to keep it in a pocket for a day or two to figure it out.

[AustinCruise]

Our kids had 'm1' on their sea pass cards. Was assuming this meant minor, but never asked.

[MattInFLL]

It depends on the bartender and the youthfulness of your look, and how well they get to know you. On Majesty this weekend, there was a group letting under 21s in their group use the older ones' sea passes, and the bartender caught on and started IDing and then stopped the 21 year old from buying drinks at his bar, too.

 

They sell a card holder in the gift shop you can wear around your neck. Easily holds your sea pass card and an ID. Actually quite handy around the ship.

[Merion_Mom]

It depends on the bartender and the youthfulness of your look, and how well they get to know you. On Majesty this weekend, there was a group letting under 21s in their group use the older ones' sea passes, and the bartender caught on and started IDing and then stopped the 21 year old from buying drinks at his bar, too.

 

They sell a card holder in the gift shop you can wear around your neck. Easily holds your sea pass card and an ID. Actually quite handy around the ship.

 

Good bartender! :)