Royal Caribbean Drinking Policy Change

Minimum Drinking Age Changed to 18

Royal Caribbean Ships Sailing from

South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand  

In Spring 2012, new alcoholic beverage rules take effect for Royal Caribbean ships sailing from International ports (South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand). 

Currently, 18- to 20-year-old passengers cruising in the aforementioned regions are allowed to purchase alcohol onboard -- as long as their parents sign a waiver. Under the new policy, parents will no longer be required to sign the waver. 

The minimum drinking age on Royal Caribbean ships sailing from North America will remain at 21.

RCI says that the change is to "better accommodate the cultural norms in the regions of the world where Royal Caribbean ships sail." 

This change brings Royal Caribbean ships in line with its competitors. The onboard drinking ages generally reflect laws in the region in which the ship is sailing. For instance, the minimum drinking age for Costa Cruises is 18 for any vessel leaving from a non-U.S. port and 21 for any cruise leaving from the United States. Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines and others have similar policies.

While the policy gets parents off the hook for signing a waiver - it shouldn't get them off the hook for the actions of their children.  The last thing we want to be writing about in future columns would be any accident connected with the change in this policy.  Please drink responsibly and make sure everyone in your party, regardless of age, does so also.