Cruise Line Alcohol Policies
Please find below the latest alcohol policies for many of the cruise lines. As I look around the many cruise forums on the internet, this is one of the most often asked questions. I have researched the cruise lines listed below for their latest policies and gathered them into one location.
I will try to keep this page updated every month or so. If you don’t see a cruise line listed, drop me a note and I will try to add it to the list.
This page last updated: February 23, 2010
| Azamara Cruises | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 for all North American Cruises, For European and South American sailings, parents may sign a waiver when traveling with their sons or daughters 18-21 allowing them to consume alcohol. | 2 bottles of wine per state room | All alcohol purchased either on board in duty free shop or in port will be held for passengers until disembarkation. | $25 for wine opened in dining room or specialty restaurant | |
| Enforcement Policy Reserves the right to search luggage for any kind of container such as mouthwash or water bottles for alcohol. Alcohol will be disposed of and no compensation given to passengers. They also reserve the right to deny boarding or disembark passengers for alcohol violations. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Not much chatter as this is a brand new cruise line. Azamara’s site states they will follow the same policies as Celebrity |
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| Carnival Cruise Line | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 or older | One bottle of wine or champagne per person | All alcohol purchased either on board in duty free shop or in port will be held for passengers until disembarkation. | $10 in Dining room, $14 in Supper club | |
| Enforcement Policy Any alcohol (other than wine) hidden in luggage or in carry-ons will be confiscated, disposed of, and passengers will receive no compensation. They also have a ban on bringing excessive amounts of Non-Alcoholic drinks such as water, juice and soda. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Enforcements seems uneven. Some passengers report luggage being x-rayed and when contraband was found they had to open the luggage and the item was confiscated. Others report stashing a plastic bottle of liquor or a bottle in bubble wrap that was not confiscated. Some report their electric iron being confiscated but not their alcohol. |
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| Celebrity Cruises | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 for all North American Cruises, For European and South American sailings, parents may sign a waiver when traveling with their sons or daughters 18-21 allowing them to consume alcohol. 21 for all North American Cruises. | 2 bottles of wine per state room | All alcohol purchased either on board in duty free shop or in port will be held for passengers until disembarkation. | $25 for wine opened in dining room or specialty restaurant | |
| Enforcement Policy Reserves the right to search luggage for any kind of container such as mouthwash or water bottles for alcohol. Alcohol will be disposed of and no compensation given to passengers. They also reserve the right to deny boarding or disembark passengers for alcohol violations. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Actual enforcement seems some what uneven and may vary with itinerary, ship, or staff. For example, some passengers on a Pacific Northwest wine cruise reported purchasing wine ashore and consuming in dining room with corkage fee, others passengers on different cruises report wine or other alcohol being confiscated and held till disembarkation. |
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| Costa Cruises | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 years or older for all cruises departing from the US, 18 for any cruise departing from other ports. | Costa website says no food or drink may be brought aboard, but some cruisers report bringing wine with prior authorization. | All alcohol purchased either in on board duty free shop or in port will be held for passengers until disembarkation | $10 per bottle for previously authorized wine. | |
| Enforcement Policy All bags are x-rayed and liquor is confiscated until disembarkation. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Enforcement seems be very uneven. Reports vary from “I just hid it in by beach bag wrapped in a towel and nothing was said” to “Security showed it to me right on the x-ray and it was so obvious. The kept it for me till the end of the cruise.” Others say they just hid it in their checked luggage and it was not a problem. |
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| Crystal Cruises | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21or older for liquor, However depending on the departure location or itinerary, 18 -21 year olds may be permitted to consume beer or wine, while in US waters guest must be 21. | Yes, for in state room consumption only. Wine may be brought to the dining rooms with a corkage fee. | Alcohol purchased in ports or in t he duty free shop may be consumed in State Rooms | $15 for wine opened in dining room or specialty restaurants | |
| Enforcement Policy None |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Most passengers feel that Crystals lenient BYOB policy is because they are an expensive luxury cruise line. Because the initial price is so expensive they don’t have to “make-up” the difference of a lower price through alcohol sales. |
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| Cunard Line | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 18 years or older in Britain or International Waters, 21 while in US ports or waters. | One bottle of wine or champagne per person over 18 | All alcohol purchased either on board in duty free shop or in port will be held for passengers until disembarkation. | $10 for wine consumed in dining room | |
| Enforcement Policy Will confiscate hold liquor bottles until disembarkation. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Many passengers report successfully smuggling both extra bottles of wine and liquor, while others have had it confiscated. |
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| Disney Cruises | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 years or older for all cruises | Yes, for in state room consumption only. Wine may be brought to the dining rooms with a corkage fee. | Alcohol purchased in ports may be consumed in State Rooms, items purchased in the duty free shop will be held until disembarkation | $15 | |
| Enforcement Policy Coolers are no longer permitted, and alcohol carried on board must be in a carry-on and may not exceed 22″ wide, 14″ high and 9″ deep. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Disney now publishes their alcohol policy on their website, and it is one of the most lenient in the industry. Online chatter at the cruise boards confirms this. |
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| Holland America | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 years or older for all cruises | Wine and Champagne, no specified limits | All alcohol purchased either on board in duty free shop or in port will be held for passengers until disembarkation, except for wine and champagne | $15 for wine consumed in dining room. | |
| Enforcement Policy Will confiscate hold liquor bottles until disembarkation. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Enforcement seems uneven. Some passengers report that not only were they permitted to bring onboard their wines and champagne, but also an occasional liquor bottle. |
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| Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage) |
Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| Not specified | Yes, for in state room consumption only. | Allowed for in room consumption | Not Permitted | |
| Enforcement Policy None, other than it must be consumed in room |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Not much chatter. |
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| Oceania Cruises | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 for all destinations 21 for all destinations | Yes, beer and liquor for in room consumption only. Wine and champagne may be brought to restaurants for corkage fee | Allowed for in room consumption | $20 | |
| Enforcement Policy None, other than beer and liquor must be consumed in room |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Lots of happy passengers report no hassles and even getting tips from security on where to get great wines in port. |
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| MSC Cruises | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 years or older | None | All alcohol purchased either on board in duty free shop or in port will be held for passengers until disembarkation. | Not Permitted | |
| Enforcement Policy In order to ensure our health and security standards, starting November 1st 2008, it will be strictly forbidden to bring food and beverage onboard the vessels of our fleet.In compliance with this regulation and in order to guarantee the above standards, during embarkation a careful check control will be carried out through all passengers luggage. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Online chatter states that enforcement is uneven. Some passengers packed liquor or wine in check bags upon embarkation, some just brought it onboard from ports in not so obvious bags. Consistently there seems to be no corkage policy, so even wine must be consumed in cabin and not in the dining room. However one passenger even reported that their waiter did uncork the bottle they brought in the dining room. Another reported knowing someone who brought aboard 30 bottles of wine. |
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| NCL | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| Alaska and Hawaii, minimum age is 21, on other destination, parents of 18 to 20 year olds may sign a waiver allowing their son or daughter to consume wine and beer. All cruises 21 years old is minimum for liquor | Wine and champagne only if they are not on the NCL wine list, Corkage fee is applied to all bottle brought on board, not just those consumed in the dining rooms. | Wine and Champagne purchased in port can be brought on board for consumption in dining rooms and $15 corkage fee is applied, liquor purchases held until disembarkation | $15, applied at the time wine is brought onboard | |
| Enforcement Policy Luggage and packages searched. Liquor confiscated and held, Corkage fee applied to all wine. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Actual enforcement seems some what uneven and may vary with itinerary, ship, or staff. Some passengers report packing wine and liquor in their suit case, delivered to their room and nothing ever being said. Others with two bottles of wine had to pay corkage upon embarkation when it was discovered in packed luggage. |
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| Princess Cruises | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 on all ships except Sea Princess, where it is 18 due to largely British passengers | None | Wine and Champagne can be brought on board for consumption during port visits, liquor will be held until disembarkation | $15 in dining room | |
| Enforcement Policy No enforcement measures mentioned by Princess, other than security to help you store your shore purchases until the end of the cruise |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Passengers report bringing liquor and wine aboard during embarkation and port visits |
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| Regent Seven Seas | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 all cruises | Allowed, but why bother, Regent included a 2 bottle bar set up in room and complementary wine with some meals | Allowed for in room consumption | $10 | |
| Enforcement Policy None, other than it must be consumed in room |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Regent has an inclusive alcohol policy so it is rare that passengers bring their own wine or liquor on board. |
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| Royal Caribbean International | Drinking Age | BYOB at Embarkation | In Port Purchases | Corkage Fee |
| 21 for all North American Cruises, For European and South American sailings, parents may sign a waiver when traveling with their sons or daughters 18-21 allowing them to consume alcohol. | None | All alcohol purchased either on board in duty free shop or in port will be held for passengers until disembarkation. | Not Permitted | |
| Enforcement Policy Reserves the right to search luggage for any kind of container such as mouthwash or water bottles for alcohol. Alcohol will be disposed of and no compensation given to passengers. RC also prohibits passengers from bringing any non-alcoholic beverages onboard, unless medically required with doctors note. They also reserve the right to deny boarding or disembark passengers for alcohol violations. |
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| Online Chatter about Policy Online Chatter seems to be all over the board for this one. Some passengers report that if you try to smuggle you have to go to the pursers office and open you luggage and turn over liquor to security. Others report stashing it in luggage and it arriving with no problems. Many say that they just put it in a less obvious container in order to smuggle it on. Some report security letting liquor go on with a wink and a smile while others report their water bottles being opened and sniffed for alcohol. Even the rule on non-alcoholic beverages seems to be unevenly enforced. |
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i’m traveling on RC-Splendour of the Seas this month and allergic to sulfites. Contacted special needs who informed me that i was not allowed to bring ORGANIC vodka/red wine onboard, in spite of them not having either available. Can’t seem to get permission – this is a 14 day cruise w/o alcohol??
help!
and thanks.
rana, hopefully the info we have corresponded on via email will help you with your situation. Please let us know the outcome.
On this subject of alcohol would be nice if you could also include average cost of glass of wine/cocktails on the various cruise lines.
Thanks for having this info available!
Wow Ruie Dee, it sounds like you’ve come up with a great idea for my next project.:) I put it on my short list and see if I can find that information and have it up on the site soon.
We heard back from Rana, she reports that she brought a bubble wrapped bottle of organic vodka, was honest about what it was when she went through security, but discrete and there was no problem brining it aboard. Others may have the same experience or a different one. If you have any experience with bringing alcohol onboard please share it with us here at Cruise Talk.
Hi, I am 20 years old, and I am going on a cruise for my 21st birthday, but unfortainately a week before I actually turn 21.Do you know if my parents can sign a waiver before I get on the cruise? They are not coming with me. Any help would be appreciated. I am traveling Norwegian Cruise Line.
Thank you!
Amanda, the waiver for the wine and beer for 18-21 year olds on NCL is only applicable if your parents would be accompanying you on the cruise. The idea is that they would make sure that you are drinking beer and wine responsibly. Is there no way that you could change your sail date until after you turn 21?
Two weeks ago I read on AOL front page about alcohol on cruise ships. I clicked on it and began reading. It said Carnival DOES ALLOW people to bring alcohol on board, and it said Royal Caribbean DOES NOT ALLOW alcohol. I realize it’s probably not a good practice, but I just wish everyone would get on the same page!
Thanks for your input Shelia…the worst part about the cruise line alcohol polices is the uneven enforcement. Also that you might get a different answer depending on who you talk to at the cruise line. The other weird part is that cruise lines that are often different name brands for the same cruise company will have different policies. I tried to include the “official” policy as well as what actually happens when passengers try to board with liquor. So I’m sure its clear as mud.
I am 20 years old and I want to go on a cruise around may-july and I want to drink alcohol. What cruise will let me if I have a waver signed with my parents permission and i have a 22 year old going with me, can they be responible for me with my parnets permission and still allow me to drink?
Hi Justin,
Your parents must be traveling with your for them to sign the waiver to allow you to drink beer and wine on most of the cruise lines. The 22 year old traveling with you will most likely not qualify as your responsible party. There are a few lines sailing out of a few different departure points that will allow those 18 to 20 to drink, and they are listed above. If you are not cruising one of those line you will most likely not be served alcohol.
I am going on a Royal Caribbean cruise out of LA to Mexico in May with my parents, I am 19 years old, will I be able to drink beer and wine on the cruise?
Courtney, your cruise is departing out of LA so the drinking age for all alcoholic beverages is 21, with no waivers or exceptions.
All of these ships sell wine and other drinks… but what are the pirces.??
Are they moderate, exorbinate or ???
F
The prices on alcohol vary from cruise line to cruise line, with higher end lines tending to charge a bit more for the drinks. Generally the prices vary from about $3.50 to $6.00 for a beer and $5.00 to $12.00 for a glass of wine. Mix drinks vary depending on the brand of liquor, with top shelf brands costing in the $8.00 to $12.00 range. Wine by the bottle is generally what you would pay in a restaurant at home, maybe a bit more. Those prices are about double or triple the retail price. Ships often run drink specials and some have happy hours with discounted drinks.
My husband and I are going on the Millennium wine cruise this September. Since the purpose of the cruise is to visit the various wineries in Canada and the U.S. has Celebrity made an exception for this cruise? It seems we should be allowed to bring back wine from the various wineries, especially since meals are going to be developed around the wines.
Mary Leigh,
I have heard anecdotal reports of Celebrity allowing wine to be brought on board for consumption on these wine cruises. There is no official exception on these cruises, but it may just be that employees look the other way on this type of cruise.
If you do purchase wine in port and bring back to the ship, they may ask to hold the wine for you until the end of the cruise. If you have a way to transport it home, then it wouldn’t be too big a deal. You could just drink it when you get home. But if you have to get it home on a plane, then you might be in a bit of difficulty. I know its not the same as enjoying your wine while on vacation, but the wineries may be able to ship wine home for you.
I think there might be two different ways to go. One would be to discuss with your wine steward if people may bring wine purchased ashore to the dining room with a corkage fee? If this is generally the policy on this cruise then you might be OK even for in room consumption with-out a corkage fee. Another option is to simply return from your excursion with wine in a carry-on bag or gym bag and see if security says any thing to you. When I was in Madeira, I bought a small bottle of Madeira wine, and the security lady let it through.
I hope you enjoy your cruise and please report back to us about what they allowed and didn’t allow.
I will be 20 at the time of the cruise, leaving out of Puerto Rico on Royal Caribbean. Will I be able to drink if my parents sign a waiver?
Hannah, I did a bit more research for you and it looks like though the drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, the Royal Caribbean Cruises out of San Juan still follow the North American rule of 21 years old.
I am going on the RC Splendour of the Seas Greek Isles cruise in July with my boyfriend and his family. The cruise leaves from Venice and I am 18 years old…would his parent’s be able to sign the drinking waiver or does it have to be signed by my legal guardian?
The policy says that you must be traveling with your own parent or legal guardian, and they must sign the waiver. So from what I can tell you would not to be able to drink while on board the ship. I have no idea how strict they are in enforcing the rules, but per the rules no drinking on board at all.
Does the Disney Cruise line have a parental consent form that can be signed to allow guests under 21 (specifically, an 18 year old) to drink with the parents permission when they will be boarding together? Thanks for any help!
I have never heard of this policy for any of their North American departures. In general if they do make an exceptions, the cruise lines do it our of Europe. But I am not aware of any exception form for any of Disney sailings. I do not believe that Disney allow anyone under 21 to consume alcohol on any of their cruise.
I am going on a cruise on NCL next week. I called and ordered 2 bottles of white zinfindal to the cabin and so did my friend along with a shrimp platter (total 4 bottles). They call it “Bon Voyage Gifts”. The wine is for consumption in our cabin only. Will we have to pay a corkage fee per bottle?
Rita, I believe that since you have purchased these Bon Voyage gifts through NCL you would not be charged a corkage fee for these bottles. The cruise company has sold them to you as a convenience a head of time and I just can’t imagine them double charging you by adding corkage fee on top of their profits for selling you the wine. The corkage fees that the lines charge cover the service of the waiter or wine steward who serves you the wine in the restaurant and the loss of profits for them not selling your the wine. Since they have sold you the wine in the first place and you would be serving your wine yourself, I would certainly hope that there would be no corkage fee for Bon Voyage gifts to yourselves. I would call a customer service rep from NCL to double check that, but I just can’t imagine that this would be any different from other cruise lines that do not charge a corkage fee for bon voyage gifts.
Great informative site. If the answer in the BYOB column is “none” – does that mean no liquor or no stated policy? And does anyone know what one pays for bottled water on a cruise ship? thanks!
Last cruise we were on (Celebrity) we bought a pass for unlimited pop/soda and after going to several lounges we found we were able to buy a bottle of liquor which we kept in the room for the duration and simple refilled with tonic etc. We have heard this is a very quiet policy for obvious reasons and wonder if this is possible with HAL (specifically Oosterdam) or should we simply stock up on a few bottles of wine/bubbly. Thanks in advance.
Michelle, “None” in the BYOB policy means that “No alcohol is permitted to be brought aboard for consumption by passengers.” I’m sorry if the chart is confusing. I may try to clarify that during my next update to the page.
Merritt, I have never heard of this being done on HAL, but I have also not heard of buying the liquor like you did on Celebrity, and I’ve cruise Celebrity 5 times. I would say if you like having a drink or two in your room, then bring some wine onboard when you embark. That way you’ll for sure be covered.
Thanks again for your interest in my site.
Michelle,
I have never bought the bottled water on my cruises, so I can’t remember the price. They usually try to sell it to you when you are going ashore, but I think the price must have been high, like $5 for a 1 liter bottle, and that is why I have always passed it up. I have found the regular drinking water to be very good. I believe they have their own water purification/filtering system on the ship, so the drinking water is very good.
I just wanted to let you know that a couple years ago my family and I went on a cruise with Princess Cruise Lines and we were able to bring 2 bottle per state room. My sister and I were not 21 yet, so we were not permitted to bring any in (obviously); however my parent got around it by saying I was staying with Mom, and my sister with my dad. So they got 4 bottles in, which helped them out with costs a lot.
Stephanie,
Usually the cruise lines require, at least in name, to have a parent in each room, unless they are adjoining or sometimes if they are side by side or right across the hall. Though once on board they really don’t care where you end up sleeping when a family shares two cabins. As you mentioned, one advantage of this requirement that applies in favor of passengers is the ability to bring on allowances for two cabins.
If i’m taking a NCL cruise i understand i can drink beer and wine at 18 with a parent waiver and they must accompany me, but when we port in other countries with drinking age at 18 am i allowed to drink liquor not just beer and wine. Btw your info has been great help
Thanks.
Matt, I believe when you are in port you can drink anything you please. However, I would advise not getting overly intoxicated. If you appear overly intoxicated when you come back to the ship it could be reason for them to deny you boarding. So drink what you like in moderation and enjoy your trip. I’m glad this site was helpful to you. Again, I hope you have a wonderful cruise.
hahah ill be sure not to drink to much and thanks again
Im going on NCL jewel 7 day western carribean cruise january 31, I am 19, my boyfriend and all of his friends are 23 and older, so my parent or guardian wont be there, so could one of them sign a waiver for me to drink??? Also, my boyfriends dad is going, could he sign the waiver maybe??? He could pretend to be my step-dad or something??
I don’t believe that they would allow that. You may inquire about it once you are onboard and see if they will make some kind of exception, but I have not heard of them doing this.
I do not see Carnival miracle here. Wondering how many bottles we can bring packed in luggage on board ship from port? I live local to port, so not worrying about TSA/etc. If the rule is 2, can we get by with 2per person, if sharing a state room? Not just a smuggler, know the wine I like won’t be on board.
Thanks
CruiserK,
Carnival is near the top of the list as the policies are listed by Cruise Line rather than specific ships. Carnival allows 1 bottle wine or champagne per person to be carried on. So you can probably each carry a small carry-on type bag with the wine inside the bag.
I hope that helps and enjoy your cruise.
What a nice person to post such helpful information. I read oceania crufises has changed their policy to 21. Anyway, i was wondering if all the cruises that sre 21 and up to consume applied once the cruises were underay in internaitional waters? Thanks.
Stimmer,
Thanks for the heads up on the 21 year old drinking age for Oceania. I have updated the chart.
The 21 and up policy is a policy implemented by the cruise line and NOT required by law when in international waters. However, most cruise lines do not want the liability of having young drinkers consuming more alcohol than they are able to handle. The 21 and over LAW does usually apply while cruising Alaska and Hawaii, because often those cruises spend much of their time in US waters rather than International waters. The cruise lines also dont’ want to have to look at their location on a GPS in order to determine if they can serve a 19 year old a drink.