Adventure Drinking Age Question

[DJan07]

Hello Everyone,

 

Our family is taking a cruise on the Adventure of the Seas on July 8, 2007. I will be 18 at the time of the cruise and was wondering about the drinking age onboard the ship. I did some research and was unable to find a clear answer. I know that they changed it from 18 to 21 this past July, but it states that countries where the age is lower, a parent can sign a waiver. After doing some research I found that the drinking age in Puerto Rico (where the cruise departs) is 18. Well, because Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory I wasn't sure if those rules applied. I'm not looking to go get hammered or anything, but I've never had any alcohol before and was interested in trying a few things out here and there under the supervision of my parents. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Derek

[vmom]

I believe the drinking age is 21 onboard all ships. The drinking age at the port will depend on the port you are at.

 

OOPS The original post was a typo.

[DJan07]

I apologize if I sound rude, but I'm certain that the drinking age aboard all ships is 21 now (minus what I'm asking about). They changed it July 28 of this year and I know because that is what's on the RCI website. Thank you for your fast response, though! :)

 

Derek

[Cruising89143]

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/pdf/Alcohol_Waiver_July_2006.pdf

 

Derek, above is the policy but basically the age is 21 unless you are sailing out of Europe or South America. Looks like you are out of luck on this one.

[vmom]

I apologize if I sound rude, but I'm certain that the drinking age aboard all ships is 21 now (minus what I'm asking about). They changed it July 28 of this year and I know because that is what's on the RCI website. Thank you for your fast response, though! :)

 

Derek

 

thanks for catching that! It was a typo. I meant to say its 21, not 18. It was recently changed. Guess I'm just over tired and not thinking straight. Better get some sleep.

[BearySweet2Cruise]

yes it is definately changed. I signed a waiver for my 18 yr old when we sailed in July.. she was on the last sailing that still allowed 18 yr olds to drink. We went back again in Sept, and she could not drink.. waivers are no longer.. we did pack a 6 pack of budweiser and she drank one each night in the cabin. I do not condone this behavior as long as it is limited to 1 or 2 and in the presence of parents supervision.. she is a smart girl amd knows to never drive and drink.. I also trust her enough to know she will not drink away from home with friends, and we feel a lot safer if she is to drink, she does it at home.

[StormGoddess]

I just have to ask. To the poster right above me... is it really worth the risk of being thrown off the ship and losing the whoe cruise for providing alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age???

[TEXASMUNK]

Back onboard in Cozumel....drinking age is 18. Young man, could hardly stand up, runs into his worse nightmare ....a very angry Dad. Son got very meek, very humble and was escorted to the cabin by Dad. Did not see the young man again.....

[nrdsb4]

I just have to ask. To the poster right above me... is it really worth the risk of being thrown off the ship and losing the whoe cruise for providing alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age???

 

I think in many states, it's perfectly legal to allow your own child to drink in your own home under your supervision. This does not extend to other peoples' children, just the homeowner's. So though I don't know RCI's exact policy, I just don't see them throwing someone off the ship for allowing their 18 year old to drink a beer in their own room. Seems to me the risk would be minimal for anyone from RCI even knowing about it.

[CaptData]

I agree, drinking age in Mexico is 18. Having said that Carlos and Charlie may be an eye opener for you about what can happen if drinking to excess. Do go with parents. My son went when he was 20. He said that people do act stupid when they drink to much. He does not drink and drive.

[StormGoddess]

I think in many states, it's perfectly legal to allow your own child to drink in your own home under your supervision. This does not extend to other peoples' children, just the homeowner's. So though I don't know RCI's exact policy, I just don't see them throwing someone off the ship for allowing their 18 year old to drink a beer in their own room. Seems to me the risk would be minimal for anyone from RCI even knowing about it.

 

In most states, it's NOT legal per the alcohol and tabacco regulations. And that poster is in Florida, as I am...and it is hardly legal here. But I was referring to the ship. And yes the policy and rules of RCI does indeed state they can take action for providing minors, or anyone under 21 with alcohol. I suppose since doing away with the waivers, RCI does not want nor need the liability.

[nrdsb4]

 

In most states, it's NOT legal per the alcohol and tabacco regulations. And that poster is in Florida, as I am...and it is hardly legal here. But I was referring to the ship. And yes the policy and rules of RCI does indeed state they can take action for providing minors, or anyone under 21 with alcohol. I suppose since doing away with the waivers, RCI does not want nor need the liability.

 

Per Wikipedia:

 

Contrary to popular belief, few states specifically prohibit minors' consumption of alcohol in private settings (an exception includes Connecticut). In some cases or states, alcohol permits can be purchased at a cost to the parent or legal guardian. As of 2006, 20 states do not specifically ban underage consumption and an additional 15 states have family member and/or location exceptions to their underage consumption laws. [5]

Federal law explicitly provides for religious, medical, employment and private club possession exceptions; as of 2005, 31 states have family member and/or location exceptions to their underage possession laws. [6]

 

Regardless, I simply find it impossible to believe RCI will throw a parent off a ship for offering a beer to their 18 year old child in the privacy of their own room. The only way I see it happening is if the child became very intoxicated and caused some sort of problem on the ship. That was not the case in the post you referenced.

[DJan07]

Sorry to cause all this controversy. I am very conservative when it comes to partying and drinking and thinks of that nature. I think I'm a very mature teenager and was simply just looking to try some new things under my parents supervision. Unless it is allowed, I wouldn't drink a single drop, even if my parents agreed to let me try something. I don't know how this thread went from legal drinking on the ship to parents getting arrested, but I thank you for your replies and opinions.

 

Derek

[nrdsb4]

Sorry to cause all this controversy. I am very conservative when it comes to partying and drinking and thinks of that nature. I think I'm a very mature teenager and was simply just looking to try some new things under my parents supervision. Unless it is allowed, I wouldn't drink a single drop, even if my parents agreed to let me try something. I don't know how this thread went from legal drinking on the ship to parents getting arrested, but I thank you for your replies and opinions.

 

Derek

 

You will be able to try out a few drinks at most of the ports, though if you've never drank before I would highly recommend that you do it under your parents' supervision. I'd start with a pina colada or a beer or something. Some of the fruity drinks are deceptively strong.

 

Have fun whether you try out the local libations or not. A nice cocktail can enhance an experience, but it doesn't define it and certainly not much is lost if you go without.

[DJan07]

You will be able to try out a few drinks at most of the ports, though if you've never drank before I would highly recommend that you do it under your parents' supervision. I'd start with a pina colada or a beer or something. Some of the fruity drinks are deceptively strong.

 

Have fun whether you try out the local libations or not. A nice cocktail can enhance an experience, but it doesn't define it and certainly not much is lost if you go without.

 

Very well put! I won't be disappointed if I don't try anything, but I guess I'm just trying to be older than I am. :p We are a very active family when it comes to excursions so I never thought about trying something in port. Thanks for your opinion!

 

Derek

[SharkCruiser24]

I agree, drinking age in Mexico is 18. Having said that Carlos and Charlie may be an eye opener for you about what can happen if drinking to excess. Do go with parents. My son went when he was 20. He said that people do act stupid when they drink to much. He does not drink and drive.

 

They are not very strict with the drinking age of 18 in Carlos and Charlies my younger brother (17) was allowed to drink there, however we were with our parents. In most of the Caribbean countries, they aren't strict with the drinking age, especially when you are with an adult. In Barbados my cousins (around 10) drink shandy's everyday.

[Jewelly]

I am sailing Jan 19 on Sovereign of the Seas with my two daughters. One is 25 and one 20. On past cruises my 20 yr old ordered wine with dinner. She is going to be really upset about this. I'd have chosen a different cruise line if I had read their updated policy. I think it's stupid that my grown daughter can't order two glasses of wine with dinner. rrrrrrrrrrrr......

[HurricaneSally]

All cruise lines are now the same. 21 to drink. You're grown daughter will have to adjust.

[hstrybuf]

Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under age 21, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Vacation Policys.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/search/processSearch.do;jsessionid=0000CZgein0zBHX3VkOHvqLDTle:10ktmf25f?ip_server=prdiphrase-unstruct-new222.dmz.rccl.com%3A200&ip_text=alcohol

[pcur]

Deb (hstrybuf) is correct. RCCL is making a pretty gigantic deal out of the underage drinking thing.

 

It's discretionary about what they will do, but my guess is there will be no one serving and underage passenger alcohol if they know the passenger's age. So, ordering wine at dinner may result with the waiter or head waiter asking to see the SeaPass card to check the ages the first time wine is ordered. Maybe not. It's a toss-up.

 

Serving a few beers to an 18 yo in the cabin is not going to be observed by any crew member, but it is against the cruise line's policy.

[pcur]

Deb (hstrybuf) is correct. RCCL is making a pretty gigantic deal out of the underage drinking thing.

 

It's discretionary about what they will do, but my guess is there will be no one serving and underage passenger alcohol if they know the passenger's age. So, ordering wine at dinner may result with the waiter or head waiter asking to see the SeaPass card to check the ages the first time wine is ordered. Maybe not. It's a toss-up.

 

Serving a few beers to an 18 yo in the cabin is not going to be observed by any crew member, but it is against the cruise line's policy.

[BearySweet2Cruise]

I just have to ask. To the poster right above me... is it really worth the risk of being thrown off the ship and losing the whoe cruise for providing alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age???

 

what happens in the cabin is no ones business, (except now I made it everyone's business only because I posted that)... does not matter. The room steward does a great job in keeping the beer cooler full of ice all the time... and the chances of being kicked off the ship for such a silly minor thing is pretty unlikely. drunken, unruly behavior and tearing up the ship.. then yes.. I would expect to be thrown off the ship... but this is not an issue that warrents disembarkation.. am I worried? NOT IN THE LEAST!

those who think its wrong... that is ok.. we are all entitled to our own opinion, for me, I will do what I think is best... and I see no problem with it.. not like she is getting skunk face drunk...:eek: but 1-2 beers is not a big deal.. beer is only 3.2 % alcohol, hardly enough to cause a problem. At least I have no fear of her sneaking drinks or getting drunk with friends. At least if she has a beer or two, she does not have to hide it and she is home, not out driving or sneaking it from a friend... smart in my book.. I have a wonderful responsible daughter. Those who disagree... so what... it is ok to disagree. :)

[BearySweet2Cruise]

They are not very strict with the drinking age of 18 in Carlos and Charlies my younger brother (17) was allowed to drink there, however we were with our parents. In most of the Caribbean countries, they aren't strict with the drinking age, especially when you are with an adult. In Barbados my cousins (around 10) drink shandy's everyday.

 

WOW.. I have no issue with an 18 yr old drinking under parental supervision, but age 10?? that is ridiculous... and very scarey!!:eek:

[MGoBlue2]

what happens in the cabin is no ones business

What happens in their cabin is their business (unless you own the ship, then it's your business). And you agree to follow their rules when you sign the cruise contract.

[katiel53]

I think in many states, it's perfectly legal to allow your own child to drink in your own home under your supervision. This does not extend to other peoples' children, just the homeowner's. So though I don't know RCI's exact policy, I just don't see them throwing someone off the ship for allowing their 18 year old to drink a beer in their own room. Seems to me the risk would be minimal for anyone from RCI even knowing about it.

 

I think if you read the policy on the website for RCI, you will change your mind. They can throw you off the ship for allowing someone under 21 to drink. I am not even getting into the policy of bringing alcohol onboard.

 

 

To me, it's not worth taking the chance, but then again, I'm not one to live dangerously, lol.

 

 

Katie