18-20 year olds must be accompanied by an adult - Really??

[wcook]

Your constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, etc.

 

If I own a restaurant or bar in New York or California, can I decide to make a rule that blacks or Asians (just to use examples), cannot enter? Can I make a rule that says under 25 cannot enter? I don't think that would hold up if constitutionally challenged.

 

Just to be clear... the US Constitution does put some limits on discrimination by the government... but does very little to affect discrimination by private business. Laws have been passed that prevent much discrimination by businesses. However

 

- Discrimination is allowed if there's a legally justified reason for the description (keeping kids from buying X-rated movies for instance)

 

- Many laws on age discrimination are there to protect the elderly, not the young. It is often legal for companies to discriminate against the young just because they want to.

[thelion]

Not at all! BUT ... I would support raising the voting age back up to 21 ...

 

AND ... allow 18yo's to book a cruise IF they were in the military. Vote at 18 IF they were in the military also. (That would be a nice perk for serving our country.)

 

FYI ... I joined the Marines at 17 and we were allowed to drink at the clubs while on-base only (never off-base). We couldn't vote and that irritated me a bit.

 

They DO allow you to book alone at 18 if you are in the military.

 

Dear friends:

 

I'm sorry, but I don't buy all of those arguments you are making that the cruise line is a private, for-profit, business so it can make its own rules.

 

Your constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, etc.

 

If I own a restaurant or bar in New York or California, can I decide to make a rule that blacks or Asians (just to use examples), cannot enter? Can I make a rule that says under 25 cannot enter? I don't think that would hold up if constitutionally challenged.

 

I honestly don't think the cruise line age restriction would hold up either, if constitutionally challenged. However, I don't think anybody has ever challenged it. And since most people seem to agree with it, the likelihood of it getting challenged is not very high.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

 

It would, actually. The Constitution does little to restrict discrimination when it comes to patronage of private businesses. The age protection has more to do with employment law and does not often apply to "too young" but rather "too old." In fact, it has repeatedly been upheld that "too young" is not protected: think smoking laws, drinking laws, pornography laws, restricted living laws. All of these would be unconstitutional if "too young" was protected in the way you are stating. In fact, they have all been upheld multiple times.

 

You cannot make a rule that blacks and asians may not enter - you can make a rule that under 25 may not enter.

 

It is ok, few people really understand the intricacies of our Constitution and heck - if people HERE don't get it, we can hardly expect anyone else to ;)

[galavant3]

Except speeding, right. I think we can all agree it's OK to break those laws sometimes. Plus maybe one or two more. But beyond that, no picking and choosing.

 

In my 36 years of driving I have never gotten a speeding ticket. It isn't because I've been lucky. I just drive the speed limit. I will admit to being in the minority. I will also admit to being an obsessive "rule follower". None of my kids have ever gotten a speeding ticket either (knocking wood). For them, it might be luck. I can't be sure :)

[galavant3]

Dear friends:

 

I'm sorry, but I don't buy all of those arguments you are making that the cruise line is a private, for-profit, business so it can make its own rules.

 

Your constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, etc.

 

If I own a restaurant or bar in New York or California, can I decide to make a rule that blacks or Asians (just to use examples), cannot enter? Can I make a rule that says under 25 cannot enter? I don't think that would hold up if constitutionally challenged.

 

I honestly don't think the cruise line age restriction would hold up either, if constitutionally challenged. However, I don't think anybody has ever challenged it. And since most people seem to agree with it, the likelihood of it getting challenged is not very high.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

 

The drinking laws are a little different. Years ago each state set their own drinking age. The problem was, kids were driving miles to neighboring states to drink. Then, they would drive home. As you can imagine, it created potentially dangerous situations.

 

In 1984, the minimum drinking age act was passed so that each state had the same drinking age. My understanding is that a state that does not comply loses a portion of highway funding.

 

I do believe it is reasonable to set age limits for drinking and my understanding is that most countries have drinking age limits (could be wrong). I would think that these laws are passed for the protection of these younger citizens. I don't think refusing to serve an 18 year old alcohol qualifies as age discrimination.

 

Each state still sets the legal age for driving. Again, the age discrimination issue does not seem to apply. Each state determines a safe driving age for that state.

 

Edit: Someone with a legal background will know this for sure. Can an establishment refuse to serve alcohol to anyone, regardless of age? For some reason, I think that is the case.

[cruisebunnies]

Not at all! BUT ... I would support raising the voting age back up to 21 ...

 

AND ... allow 18yo's to book a cruise IF they were in the military. Vote at 18 IF they were in the military also. (That would be a nice perk for serving our country.)

 

FYI ... I joined the Marines at 17 and we were allowed to drink at the clubs while on-base only (never off-base). We couldn't vote and that irritated me a bit.

Thanks for your service to your country.How about we allow 18-20 year olds on cruises they are at least fun and restrict silly old farts who insult the staff etc..The 18-20 ,s look better in bathing suits at the pool too!

[bplazo]

Well, not exactly. Even though the state technically allows it, restaurants seem to be able to rightfully deny underage drinking, even if the parents are present. Too much potential liability.

 

When our son was 20 on the last cruise, he wasn't allowed to drink on board. When we were in port, he was free to have a beer if he wanted. I was ok with that since we never separate in port.

 

As a parent, the one message I do not want to send is that you can pick and choose which laws you want to obey.

 

I agree, I have always followed the rules when cruising with my daughter. If the age to be in the Solarium was 16 she did not go in, Casino was 18 and she definately did not drink on the ship until she was 21. I do not question the rules I just follow them.

[waterbug123]

You would think they would make some exceptions! But then again, where do they draw the line?

 

Bingo! Draw the line for a couple who are engaged, and suddenly all the spring breakers are claiming to be "engaged" to each other.

I agree that there are some 18-23 year olds who are very responsible, but the cruiselines know that the majority of 18-23 year olds who would book a cruise are going to be of the "spring break" type and just don't want that.

[waterbug123]

Since many on this particular thread seem to believe it is just fine to restrict those 18 to 20 wild somethings from booking, drinking, renting a car, etc. Would you support raising the age to join the military to 21 or 25. After all, you seem to think they are not responsible!! .

 

First of all, I have all the respect in the world for anyone in the military, 18 years old or otherwise. But the military actually teaches, supports and promotes responsibility due to the very way in which in is organized and functions, and a big part of that involves supervision of lower ranking members by their superiors.

A cruise ship on the other hand, offers a very different experience for an 18 year old on their own.

[waterbug123]

I thnk what the problem is because college students in the USA are not legally allowed to drink when they do get the chance they do and spoil it for every other 18-20 year old who wish to travel without a parent.

 

It's been quite a few years since I was a college student, but trust me.... college students in America do not have to wait until they travel alone to Cancun or wherever to drink. Drinking to excess is alive and well throughout the year on American college campuses, despite being illegal for most of those involved.

[waterbug123]

 

Edit: Someone with a legal background will know this for sure. Can an establishment refuse to serve alcohol to anyone, regardless of age? For some reason, I think that is the case.

 

If that person appears to be intoxicated, yes.

[kimberley]

An 18 year old can't sail on ANY line by themselves except on Disney I believe

 

They can cruise on P & O, Costa and Thomsons at the age of 18.

[rmillsap]

Direct from the RCCL web site

"No Guest younger than the age twenty-one (21) will be assigned to a stateroom unless accompanied in the same stateroom by an adult twenty-one (21) years old or older. A guest's age is established upon the first date of sailing.

 

This age limit will be waived for children sailing with their parents or guardians in connecting staterooms; for underage married couples; and for active duty members of the United States or Canadian military.

Certain other restrictions and conditions will apply; such as compliance with the age twenty-one (21) alcohol policy, and proof of marriage for underage couples or proof of active duty military status. Required)."

I like the exception for military.

[mszpolaris]

As a 20 year old myself, I agree with the rules that cruise lines put out. Certain restrictions are necessary to keep the fun for everyone.

 

Sometimes you need to punish the group for some's behavior.

[Trekker954]

And i was also told that Carnival will not allow a singles under 25 years old to book a cruise.

[nycruiser80]

And just to be clear - I am happy that the cruise lines are trying to create some order. I agree with that. I was just surprised' date=' that is all. I guess I was a nerd and always hung out with nerds ;) (I don't call myself a nerd anymore - just an "old soul" LOL) At 18-20 I would have fit in perfectly with a "senior citizen cruise"!!! :D[/quote']

 

 

LOL. I know what you mean! I am 30 and back when I was 18-21 I never drank and was and still is an "old soul". I RARELY drink now and its a glass or two if that once in a blue moon. But as with most things in life the majority ruin it for the minority!

[Stags14]

When I was in this age group, I understood the rule. I'm 30 now but when I turned 25 I made sure I had that cruise booked!

 

I have a huge amount of respect for the men and women in the armed forces, but just because they are serving in the military it does not mean that they are not in the age group who likes to drink and get wild. No disrespect, but they are just as crazy as everyone else in this age group. The rule is for the group's own safety and to preserve the atmosphere of the vacation. They can go to Cancun or Aruba or wherever... so I'm sure they don't really care. I didn't.

[crusinmama06]

Certain other restrictions and conditions will apply; such as compliance with the age twenty-one (21) alcohol policy, and proof of marriage for underage couples or proof of active duty military status. Required)."

 

 

Well, then there you have it. RCI does allow the military to be an exception. Thanks rmillsap.

[Maxiecat3]

And i was also told that Carnival will not allow a singles under 25 years old to book a cruise.

 

The basic rule on Carnival, since we are talking mainly about 18-21 year olds, everybody in the cabin must be 21. If anybody is under 21, then at least 1 person 25 years old must be booked into the cabin. That is one of the reasons my DS is going on the Majesty OTS in March for spring break. He is 21 but his other 3 friends that attend USF are all 20. They would have preferred 2 cabins but the ages didn't work out. The strange part about the pricing is they are paying more per person with 4 to a cabin than they would have with 2 seperate cabins.

 

Gregg

[Sillyjilly]

It is correct, and they are strict. I think there is some kind of exemption you can request if you are married.

 

This is true. My son got married at 19. They had to show their marriage certificate to cruise for their honeymoon without an "adult".

[wrp96]

Your constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, etc.

 

 

Actually age discrimination is only disallowed in regards to those over the age of 40. Those of us under the age of 40 have no protections in regards to age.

[Rancher Dave]

Actually age discrimination is only disallowed in regards to those over the age of 40. Those of us under the age of 40 have no protections in regards to age.

 

Lots of extra paperwork to lay off someone over 40...

 

The travel industry wants things calm for all guests and under 25 is used by many travel vendors as the cut off so those over 21 should be happy that RCCL doesn't go all the way to 25 as the cut off level...

[Bakincakes]

So if "underaged" pax can use a marriage certificate to get around the age cutoff..how in the world do lines handle gay couples?

 

Are they discriminated against because they can't produce a marriage certificate?

[uksimonusa]

So if "underaged" pax can use a marriage certificate to get around the age cutoff..how in the world do lines handle gay couples?

 

Are they discriminated against because they can't produce a marriage certificate?

 

If they are married then they should have a marriage certificate.

[livylotte]

So if "underaged" pax can use a marriage certificate to get around the age cutoff..how in the world do lines handle gay couples?

 

Are they discriminated against because they can't produce a marriage certificate?

 

0ops just edited .... didn't understand the question!

 

Perhaps a Civil Partnership would be ok?

[Bakincakes]

0ops just edited .... didn't understand the question!

 

Perhaps a Civil Partnership would be ok?

 

 

Not sure..but many States don't offer those kinds of things..so I was wondering just how that situation might be handled.

 

I'd hate to think that gay couples might not be able to cruise if their ages disqualify them.:(

 

Maybe I'll go to the G/L board and ask.