Help CenterThe drinking age onboard a cruise depends on both the cruise line policy and the region where the ship is sailing. Here's a clear breakdown:
🥂 Standard Drinking Age by Cruise Line (U.S. Departures)
| Cruise Line | Drinking Age (U.S. Departures) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | 21 | 18 in some non-U.S. regions |
| Carnival | 21 | No exceptions |
| Norwegian | 21 | 18–20 allowed to drink with parental consent on some cruises |
| Celebrity Cruises | 21 | 18+ on some international sailings |
| Princess Cruises | 21 | 18 in certain countries |
| MSC Cruises | 21 (U.S. cruises) | 18 on European and South American sailings |
| Disney Cruise Line | 21 | No exceptions |
| Holland America | 21 | 18 in international waters on some itineraries |
🌍 Exceptions Based on Itinerary:
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International waters or non-U.S. sailings:
Some cruise lines lower the drinking age to 18 when the ship sails in regions like:-
Europe
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South America
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Asia
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Australia
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Parental consent exceptions:
On Norwegian Cruise Line, guests 18–20 years old may drink beer or wine with written parental consent on certain sailings (not from the U.S.).
⚠️ Important Notes:
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You must show valid government-issued photo ID to purchase alcohol.
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Cruise lines enforce the drinking age strictly, especially on U.S.-based sailings.
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Bringing your own alcohol is generally restricted or limited (check your cruise line’s BYO policy).
✅ In Summary:
| Sailing Region | Minimum Drinking Age |
|---|---|
| U.S.-based cruises | 21 |
| Europe & many international cruises | 18 (varies) |
Always check your specific cruise line’s alcohol policy based on your ship and itinerary to be sure.