Verified answer

The answer to your question is yes, they are very strict, and do enforce that rule. I really would follow the rules because if you don't you may be forced off the ship as soon as possible.

Here's what Royal Caribbean says about the policies

Q: Why do I need a beverage waiver?

A: Effective as of all sailings commencing on or after July 28, 2006, the minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Royal Caribbean International ships is 21.

On cruises departing from European and South American countries, where the legal drinking age is typically lower than 21, a parent who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) who is between the ages of 18 to 20, may sign a waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages. Please note: Waivers will be provided to parents upon check-in.

The 18- to 20 year-old must agree to comply with Royal Caribbean's policies, including among other things, agreeing to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. Restrictions apply, and this policy is subject to change without notice.

1

It doesnt depend on the cruise liner or ship. It all depends on your destination like in Hawaii u can not gamble they lock it down the Casino. But like in the caribbean or mexico u can gamble/ international waters but u have 2 be @ least 18 years of age. And 2 drink u have 2 be 21. And no u can not evade their policies. Unless you want to have one bad cruise they do have security cameras. And U use your sail and sign card to make purchases if it is set up 2 a credit card, which btw is the only way 2 make a purchase during your cruise. And when they swipe your card it does have a picture and it does have your age. And they do have security cameras. ESPEACIALLY IN THE CASINOS AND BARS!

The crew is usually very strict about this kind of thing as there is a zero-tolerance policy aboard ship and they can be fired on the spot, no questions asked, if they are ever caught serving alcohol to a minor.

When you check in at the pier, you will have to present a U.S. Passport or certified copy of your birth certificate and those are pretty hard to fake.

Your age at check in will determine your age for the entire cruise, and as someone else previously mentioned, your age will be linked with your Sea Pass card. When you purchase any beverage, they have to swipe your Sea Pass card, and it will note your age, and they will have to override that you are under 21. It will also be recorded what you bought, where you bought it, when you bought it, and who the server was.

That information then would come up on a report for either the F&B Manager or Bar Manager that one of their staff did an override and served alcohol to a minor. It's a lot of risk for the crew.

The ID you are issued when you board the ship will show your age and your photo, and no other ID will be accepted on board. The official ID is based on your passport, which shows age and photo. Attempting to use a fake or borrowed passport or to alter a passport is a federal crime. Finally, ship personnel are required to follow the cruise line's rules, and they will be caught and fired if they do not, so don't even ask them to put their jobs on the line just so you can have a beer or pull the handle on a slot machine.

Simple. Under-age drinking and gambling is not allowed. ID will be checked. Fake ID will probably not work. Cheaters will be thrown to the whales.

Regards,

Dan

Eh...

Normally it is enforced from the country of origin, e.g. the country in which the vessel is currently registered. In saying that I lost a friend off a cruise ship who was 16 and got very drunk and fell off, so be on guard yourself.

Fake ID seems to be the best bet if you are interested, I would advise you to inform your parents though, just in case, and you should be fine.

On Royal, when you use your SeaPass card (it's your room key, plus it acts as a "credit card" for purchases on the ship) it brings up all of your information, including your age. So, if you're planning on hanging out in the bars or buying your own drinks with your card (you can't pay cash), don't expect them to serve you. On one of the cruises I've been on (Royal) my sister and I got drinks at the bar and even though the SeaPass gives your age, they still asked me for my ID. In the casino, I'm sure there's security who wouldn't mind asking to see your card/ID to verify your age.

sorry but cruises have to check you because people would take it to far. not saying that you would but get some1 else to buy you the drink like ur parents if they say its ok cuz it your going out of the country the leagle drinking age is younger. well have fun even if things dont turn out the way you want (=

Sorry you have to be 21. It is based on where the ship is from and since they do business with the different countries and the general age is 21 that is what they go with. I agree it is wrong however the law is the law.