Can my 20 year old drink?

[bigeagle12]

Read your contract and RCI rules posted above .. they can boot you off the ship .. and they will .. is it worth the risk? Your trip insurance will not pay for your interrupted trip in this case!

 

Although you may get away with it certain places on the ship .. do not try it in any of the clubs .. Security is watching !!!

[cruiseguy1016]

You live in Philadelphia. She is 20. She is not allowed to drink in Philadelphia at 20. Whatever she does to get away with it in Philly, maybe she can do the same on the ship.

[TigerLady]

We are leaving on Adventure of the Seas this Sunday. We will be traveling as a family with my 20 and 23 year old daughters. How difficult will it be for my 20 year old to drink? Will it be a problem? How is it accomplished? Any info will be appreciated.

 

If your cruise is out of Europe, no problem. In the states, the drinking age is 21..Sorry

[cabana1]

Yay Host Karen! Thank you for addressing this issue. To the OP: If you are okay with her drinking and she doesn't look 16 have someone buy her one here or there. As long as she doesn't get out of control who cares if she has 1 foo foo drink by the pool? I was 22 on my first cruise, looked 18, and never got bothered by the staff while walking around with one in my hands. As long as she has common sense and doesn't draw a lot of attention to herself she'll be all good!

[JoeTN]

To the OP: As someone who's sailed on another line with the same drinking policy when he was 20 (and a member of the United States Army stationed in germany - i.e. I could drink everywhere except that cruise ship), per RCCL rules, no, your daughter can't drink.

 

That being said, if you Mom, being a responsible adult, purchase her the occassional drink and she dosen't get retardedly drunk, then yes, she'll be able to drink. I would be careful where you allow her to drink (not in the casinos or near bars), but ordering her a drink on the pool deck or whatever, you'll be fine.

 

And yes, before I get flamed, RCCL could have you thrown off the ship. RCCL can also throw you off the ship for smuggling alcohol and a host of other offenses, but it never happens. I do agree if she makes a scene while drunk, you're screwed.

[juniorsmom]

I bought my 20 year old son a drink and there was no problem. Just don't make a big deal of it. No one will be the wiser. (DS) still legal to drink where we live.

[zSolarStar]

I was just on the Navigator. My boyfriend and I are both 22, but I get told I look younger once in a while. I was surprised that whenever he would order, say, 2 rum runners and give them his card, they wouldn't check mine to make sure I'm of age. So I'd say just order a bunch of drinks yourself and share. You might even be able to keep them stocked in your mini-fridge.

[Bell Ringer]

"However, my 2 boys will be 18 in a couple of years time and at that age they can legally drink in this country. I can imagine that it would be quite frrustrating for them if they were to cruise with us 2 years later and yet not be able to have a beer."

Then maybe cruising is not the vacation for your family at that time.

[beachchick]

As a reminder, here is the original post, since some members seem to have forgotten the question. The OP is not looking for a discussion about whether the drinking age is appropriate, what effect raising or lowering the drinking age has on traffic accidents, or if he/she is a good or bad parent. Please address the questions asked or your off topic posts will be removed. If you feel you cannot answer these questions, please do not post.

 

Karen

HostKaren@CruiseCritic.com

 

Fair enough and some of the posts have been really OT. However, here's my answer to the original question:

 

We are leaving on Adventure of the Seas this Sunday. We will be traveling as a family with my 20 and 23 year old daughters. How difficult will it be for my 20 year old to drink? Will it be a problem? How is it accomplished? Any info will be appreciated.

 

How difficult it will be depends on how vigilant the crew is in checking. Those who've mentioned the difference between you or her sister ordering an extra drink by the pool versus ordering her drinks at one of the bars are correct. They check more at some places than at others.

 

It could be a problem if she is drinking and either gets into trouble or has her Sea Pass checked by security or any number of other ways they can find out if underage pax are drinking. Technically, they can put you off the ship at the next port.

 

It's accomplished by breaking the very clearly stated rules laid out by RCI. (Not laws; cruise line rules.) You or her sister could buy the drink and give it to her. You or her sister could lend her your Sea Pass (but they can also ask for regular photo ID).

 

Host Karen: I do not feel that pointing out that in order to do this, they must break specific rules is at all OT. Getting into a debate about whether US drinking laws are good, bad, or indifferent is OT. Repeatedly stating that "I can drink at home, I should be allowed to drink on this cruise" is OT. But stating simple facts in response to a direct question is not OT.

 

beachchick

[Dr_DNA]

"However, my 2 boys will be 18 in a couple of years time and at that age they can legally drink in this country. I can imagine that it would be quite frrustrating for them if they were to cruise with us 2 years later and yet not be able to have a beer."

Then maybe cruising is not the vacation for your family at that time.

 

According to RCCL's rules, no, a 20 year old is not allowed to drink onboard unless they are on European sailings and the parent signs a waiver. From a US port, there are no exceptions. Can she get away with it if a parent provides it for her? Probably, but she's breaking the rules. It doesn't matter if she can drink at home or not (some states you can, others you can't- see http://www.alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/stateprofiles/ for a state by state breakdown); when you are on a ship, you are subjected to the ship's rules. I think that Bell Ringer's last statement is the key. If drinking an alcoholic beverage is a priority, then I would suggest waiting until she is 21. If not, enjoy the cruise minus the alcohol!

[KatieGator]

Yay Host Karen! Thank you for addressing this issue. To the OP: If you are okay with her drinking and she doesn't look 16 have someone buy her one here or there. As long as she doesn't get out of control who cares if she has 1 foo foo drink by the pool? I was 22 on my first cruise, looked 18, and never got bothered by the staff while walking around with one in my hands. As long as she has common sense and doesn't draw a lot of attention to herself she'll be all good!

 

ITA (on the advice, and the "yay" for Host Karen :))

[theotherchad]

Post one more Yay for Karen!!! Another thread on a similar subject recently got really flamey (I know that's not a word, but you know what I mean).

 

Also, OP, don't sweat too much the folks who warn that you could get kicked off the ship. RCCL is not in the business of disembarking paying customers for minor rule infractions, and as long as you buy the drinks, the drinking is moderate and no drunken scenes ensue, you shouldn't have a problem at all.

The key is that this is all about RCCL rules, not laws, and RCCL very carefully writes the rules in a way that gives them a lot of leeway to enforce them (or not) as they see fit, which generally means that they are going to be reasonable about it, unlike certain off topic posters I could mention. (Sorry Karen, I couldn't resist! ;) )

 

Have fun!!!

[logan1_2000]

We will be traveling with my 20 and 23 year old daughters. How difficult will it be for my 20 year old to drink?

 

Can your 20 year old daughter drink? CAN SHE EVER!! Wow, drank 3 sailors under the table. And wow is she fun when she drinks ....

 

Sorry, its late in the day, I saw the title on the thread, I got carried away. I'm sure she's a lovely girl of fine moral fiber and all you meant was some wine with dinner. The wise-guy in me took over. And apologies to any who serve in the navy if you were offended by the reference to drinking sailors under the table. I thank you for your willingness to serve.

 

And please try not to tell DW how my instincts still include being a wise-*ss

[flatfoot41]

if he's thirsty!

[newbiecruiser09]

Never cruised so I can't say for sure but since we are coming into Spring Break weeks, I would think the crew and security may be extra vigilant about the underage drinking enforcement. I would be extra careful if buying drinks for her.

[going2cruz]

I absolutely am the parent! What do you do when your child is 1 month short of their 21st birthday....we all want to have fun and yes, that includes drinking. So she is old enough to go to school full time and work full time, but not old enough to have a couple of drinks on her 1ST spring break vacation? Get real.

 

 

Well said....your right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cruiserbryce]

really...no she cant, but in our experience, RC isnt always very strict about id'ing

[tori0417]

before i turned 21 i drank on cruises with no problem. here is the key....make sure someone of age ( you) runs a tab with the same bartender every night and just put everyones drinks on that one tab. that way it doesnt look like you are buying for just her. i do agree with making sure that she drinks responsibly....but that actually goes for everyone 21 or not.

[excitedcruzr]

in port........ no problems

 

on board....... the fun hateing americans have decided to spread their 21+ mantra to international waters

 

my only advice- tip well :), a few bucks can buy you anything

 

Can and will RCI charge a minor if they drink in port and come back on the ship obviously a bit trashed?

[Bethwte]

Can and will RCI charge a minor if they drink in port and come back on the ship obviously a bit trashed?

 

As far as I know unless once on the ship the minor begins to behave completely out of control or is very disruptive, no, I do not believe RCCL can or will do anything about it. As they have not furnished to alcohol, it is really not their issue if someone not of age boards intoxicated or not. Someone please feel free to correct me if I am wrong about this though.

[PhoenixCruiser]

Can and will RCI charge a minor if they drink in port and come back on the ship obviously a bit trashed?

 

Yes, if they cause trouble or do damage to the ship.

 

###

[Gon2hwe]

I can see the cruise line's point in doing this. College age kids do tend to over induldge when they drink, and do stupid stuff like jumping off the ship! In a couple weeks there's going to be some that do it, without fail!

[FanofFlorida]

Can and will RCI charge a minor if they drink in port and come back on the ship obviously a bit trashed?

 

:confused: "charge" them with what?

If they are going to deny boarding to drunk minors, on what basis?

 

To the op- the common sense responses is what I would pay attention to. I am also a mom of teens, and appreciate your concern. Most parents would not even ask for peer advice.

[beachchick]

I absolutely am the parent! What do you do when your child is 1 month short of their 21st birthday....we all want to have fun and yes, that includes drinking. So she is old enough to go to school full time and work full time, but not old enough to have a couple of drinks on her 1ST spring break vacation? Get real.

 

You're right. You are the parent. Do you encourage her to break the law when she's at home? I'm sorry, but you asked: What you say is "These are the rules laid out by RCI. I'm sorry, but that's the way it is." If she is an adult, she (and you) will accept that.

 

Your thread title is "can" she drink. Well, according to the cruise line, no. It's up to you whether you respect that or not.

 

beachchick

[El Mono]

Why shouldn't she?

She might not be able to order the drinks but to drink them?

 

To drink beer and wine would be to obvious if she looks young, but a drink would be impossible to know if its a "virgin" one or with alcohol. I really don't think that a waitor or security would go on and check all drinks that "might" include alcohol, should they taste it to find out if it contains rum or is just a plain coke? To run to the bar and check with the bartender who served what drink to which company? Sorry, I just don't belive that.

 

Or she can have her drinks in the cabin, a few fast shots and she can keep up with the rest of you easy :D

 

 

I find it very strange here that there seems to be such strong condemnations of drinking alcohol wile being under 21 but such accepted tolerance against smuggling alcohol onboard, which is also against the rules.

 

I have seen in many posts that one should not pick and follow the rules one like but follow all, does that only applies to people under 21 and its ok for an older person to choose?