royal caribbean cruise drinking age

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What is the legal drinking age onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

Effective immediatly on all sailings, the minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Royal Caribbean International is as follows.

• The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean International ships on sailings originating in North America is twenty-one (21).
• The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean International ships on sailings originating in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is twenty-one (21).
• The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean International ships on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is eighteen (18). 
• The minimum age to consume alcohol at all private destinations remains twenty-one (21) without regard to where the sailing originated. 

The Company retains the right, on rare occasions, to raise the minimum age of alcohol consumption on any sailing when local laws require or permit such a modification.

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• Royal Caribbean's Alcohol Policy: Guidelines, Restrictions, and FAQs

ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S ALCOHOL POLICY: GUIDELINES, RESTRICTIONS, AND FAQs

If you are planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, it is important to familiarize yourself with their alcohol policy to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Understanding the guidelines, restrictions, and frequently asked questions regarding alcohol will help you make informed decisions and abide by the cruise line’s regulations. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy, covering everything from the permitted drinking age to the quantity of alcohol you can bring onboard.

To begin, it is crucial to note that Royal Caribbean has established a minimum drinking age of 21 years old for all sailings departing from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. However, for cruises departing from non-U.S. ports, where the legal drinking age may be lower, the minimum age for consuming alcohol on board is 18 years old. It is essential to carry a valid government-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport, to prove your age and comply with the policy.

In terms of alcohol consumption, Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne on board. Each stateroom or suite is permitted to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne at the beginning of the voyage. Please note that these beverages must be carried on in your carry-on luggage, and any additional bottles or other types of alcohol will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise. To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to review the specific guidelines on Royal Caribbean’s website regarding the packaging and transportation of alcohol.

Royal Caribbean’s alcohol policy also extends to the onboard bars and restaurants. Guests are prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages to be consumed in public areas. However, the cruise line offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages available for purchase, including cocktails, spirits, beers, and wine. The prices on board are comparable to those found at land-based establishments, and Royal Caribbean frequently offers beverage packages that provide unlimited alcoholic drinks for a fixed price. These packages are a convenient option for guests who plan to indulge in alcoholic beverages throughout their cruise.

To ensure a safe and responsible drinking environment, Royal Caribbean reserves the right to refuse service to any guest who shows signs of intoxication or does not comply with the alcohol policy. The cruise line also offers various non-alcoholic beverage options, including mocktails, smoothies, and specialty coffees, catering to guests who prefer non-alcoholic alternatives.

In conclusion, understanding Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy is essential for a hassle-free cruise experience. By familiarizing yourself with the guidelines, restrictions, and frequently asked questions, you can ensure compliance with the cruise line’s regulations and make informed decisions regarding alcohol consumption. Remember to review the specific policy on Royal Caribbean’s official website for the most up-to-date information and enjoy your cruise responsibly.

For more detailed information, please visit Royal Caribbean’s official website [1].

[1]: https://www.royalcaribbean.

What are the drinking rules on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean’s alcohol policy ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers. Guests must be at least 21 years old to consume alcoholic beverages on board, except when sailing from ports in Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia, where the minimum drinking age is 18. Passengers are not allowed to bring their own alcohol on board, including in carry-on luggage. However, guests can purchase beverage packages that suit their preferences and enjoy a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout their cruise. It is important to note that excessive consumption of alcohol is not permitted, and Royal Caribbean reserves the right to deny service or remove passengers who violate the alcohol policy. For more details and specific guidelines, please visit Royal Caribbean’s official website.

Is Royal Caribbean strict with alcohol?

Royal Caribbean has specific guidelines and restrictions in place regarding alcohol consumption on their cruise ships. Passengers are allowed to bring a limited amount of alcohol for personal consumption, but additional restrictions apply to certain types of beverages. The cruise line also offers a variety of alcoholic beverages for purchase onboard, including package options. It is important for passengers to familiarize themselves with the policy to ensure compliance and an enjoyable experience. For more detailed information, please refer to Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy: Guidelines, Restrictions, and FAQs on their official website: [https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/Onboard-Experience/Can-I-bring-alcohol-onboard](https://www.royalcaribbean.

Can you get more than one drink at a time on Royal Caribbean?

According to Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy, guests are allowed to purchase more than one drink at a time. However, it is important to note that this is subject to the discretion of the ship’s staff and may vary based on the specific venue and circumstances. The policy aims to promote responsible drinking and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests. For more information on Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy and guidelines, please refer to their official website: https://www.royalcaribbean.

Can you bring your own bottle of liquor on a cruise?

According to Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy, guests are not allowed to bring their own bottles of liquor onboard. However, they do offer a variety of beverage packages that cater to different preferences and budgets. These packages provide guests with the convenience of enjoying unlimited alcoholic beverages throughout their cruise. It’s important to note that any alcohol purchased during the cruise will be safely stored and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the trip. For more information on Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy and beverage packages, please visit their official website: https://www.royalcaribbean.

Royal caribbean water policy

Royal Caribbean has a comprehensive Alcohol Policy in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests onboard their ships. The policy states that guests must be at least 21 years old to consume alcoholic beverages, and valid identification is required. The cruise line also prohibits guests from bringing their own alcohol on board, with the exception of two bottles of wine per stateroom for personal consumption. Royal Caribbean offers a variety of alcohol packages for guests to choose from, allowing them to enjoy unlimited beverages throughout their cruise. It is important to note that excessive consumption of alcohol is not encouraged, and the cruise line reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who appears to be intoxicated. For more information on Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy, please visit their official website: [https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/alcohol-policy](https://www.royalcaribbean.

Royal Caribbean is a leading cruise line known for its exceptional service and world-class amenities. As part of their commitment to providing an enjoyable and safe experience for all guests, the company has established an Alcohol Policy that outlines guidelines, restrictions, and frequently asked questions. Understanding these policies is essential for anyone planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, as it ensures a smooth and hassle-free vacation. In this article, we will delve into the details of Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this aspect of your cruise.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that Royal Caribbean has specific guidelines in place to ensure responsible alcohol consumption throughout their ships. These guidelines aim to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all passengers. The legal drinking age on all Royal Caribbean cruises is 21 years old, regardless of the ship’s departure port or itinerary. This policy is strictly enforced, and guests may be required to present a valid identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify their age.

When it comes to bringing alcohol onboard, Royal Caribbean has a policy that restricts guests from bringing their own beverages, including alcohol, with them. However, there is an exception for two bottles of wine or Champagne per stateroom on embarkation day. These bottles must be 750ml or less and should not be consumed in public areas. A corkage fee may apply if guests wish to consume their wine or Champagne in the ship’s restaurants or bars.

While bringing your own alcohol is limited, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of beverage packages that cater to different preferences and budgets. The Deluxe Beverage Package, for example, provides unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise. This package includes a wide selection of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. It’s important to note that all guests sharing a stateroom, including minors, are required to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if one adult in the room purchases it.

For guests who prefer a more limited selection of beverages, Royal Caribbean also offers the Refreshment Package. This package includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as premium coffees, bottled water, fresh-squeezed juices, and non-alcoholic cocktails. The Classic Soda Package is another option, providing unlimited fountain soda and refills at any bar or lounge.

To ensure compliance with their Alcohol Policy, Royal Caribbean reserves the right to confiscate any alcohol found in guests’ luggage or brought onboard during embarkation. Additionally, any alcohol purchased in ports of call or onboard during the cruise will be stored by the ship’s crew and returned to guests on the last day of the voyage.

When it comes to consuming alcohol onboard, Royal Caribbean promotes responsible drinking. Excessive or irresponsible consumption of alcohol that results in disruptive behavior may lead to intervention by the ship’s security staff. This intervention may include confiscation of alcohol, debarkation at the next port of call, or even legal action. It’s important for guests to be mindful of their alcohol consumption and to respect the comfort and safety of fellow passengers.

For guests who have specific questions or concerns about Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy, the company provides a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions on their official website. These FAQs cover topics such as the age requirement for purchasing alcohol, the availability of non-alcoholic beverages, and the policies for bringing alcohol onboard. Familiarizing yourself with these FAQs can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience with Royal Caribbean.

To further enhance your understanding of Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy, we recommend visiting the official Royal Caribbean website at www.royalcaribbean.com. Here, you will find detailed information about their policies, guidelines, and frequently asked questions. You can also contact Royal Caribbean directly through their customer service channels for any additional inquiries or clarifications.

In conclusion, Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy is designed to promote responsible alcohol consumption and maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests. Understanding the guidelines, restrictions, and frequently asked questions surrounding alcohol onboard is essential for a seamless cruise experience. By adhering to these policies, guests can fully enjoy the diverse range of beverages available onboard while respecting the comfort and safety of fellow passengers.

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Legal drinking age on cruise ships: What you need to know

Legal drinking age on cruise ships: Are you planning a cruise but want to be sure you meet the legal drinking age? Perhaps you are wondering if your older kids can join you for a beverage on your upcoming cruise. Understanding the legal drinking age aboard cruise ships is crucial in any circumstance.

To ensure you properly plan your next holiday, you will learn the minimum age to drink on cruise ships in this article.

Ambassador Cruise Line Drinks: Cost and Packages

The legal drinking age on cruise ships

It varies what age is legal to drink on cruise ships. What ship you are on, where you are leaving from, and where you are going to end up are all factors that affect the minimum age requirements.

You can select a cruise that complies with the minimum drinking age in most parts of the world, which ranges from 16 to 18.

It’s crucial to remember, though, that all ships that dock in the United States and many international cruise companies with their headquarters in the United States have a legal drinking age of 21.

The legal drinking age for cruises departing from Australia and traveling through New Zealand, China, Europe, and Singapore is eighteen.

However, the legal age rises to 20 if you’re traveling between Japanese ports while on a cruise.

Remember that if you are under 21, some cruise lines, like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, might need your parents’ permission.

This may be relevant to cruises taking place in regions other than North America, such as Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. As you can see, where you’re traveling and the policies of that particular cruise line will have a big impact on whether you can drink on a trip at the age of 18.

Let’s take a closer look at these guidelines so you can understand exactly what you’re getting into.

General Guidelines for Drinking While Cruising

When a cruise ship is in US territorial waters, the standard drinking age is 21. However, whether you travel in international seas or on some cruise lines, the age restriction varies from 18 to 21 years old. The policies of the cruise company, the destination, and the country of departure may all have an impact on this. For example, the legal drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on Royal Caribbean cruises is 21, and this applies to all of their ships.

Respecting the policies established by each cruise company is essential since violators, particularly parents who provide alcohol to their minor children, risk facing repercussions.

International Waters

Some cruise lines permit guests who are between the ages of 18 and 20 to imbibe alcohol when traveling in foreign waters.

One example of this is the Norwegian Cruise Line, which allows alcohol consumption for guests between the ages of 18 and 20 as soon as the ship departs international waters.

However, visitors under 21 must have parental approval.

Remember that although some cruise lines permit a lower drinking age, this might only be applicable when the ship is in international waters. Be sure you are aware of the regulations and limitations for each leg of your trip.

In conclusion, the secret to guaranteeing a peaceful sailing experience is to be aware of the drinking age regulations on various cruise lines and in different places.

You can experience an unexpectedly hassle-free cruise holiday by adhering to these suggestions.

Carnival Cruise Lines Policies

The standard drinking age on Carnival Cruise Lines is 21. However, the legal drinking age is reduced to 18 when sailing from a port outside of the United States, such as those in Europe or Australia.

Royal Caribbean drink prices 2024: Cost and Menu This is to ensure that Carnival complies with those nations’ laws on the legal drinking age. Keep in mind that this policy could alter or modify at any time.

Royal Caribbean

The legal drinking age on all Royal Caribbean cruises is 21, as you will note if you happen to be aboard one of their ships. Except, that is, if you’re sailing out of South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, or New Zealand, where the legal drinking age is reduced to 18.

However, it’s crucial to remember that, regardless of the sailing origin, the drinking age at private locations is still 21.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

When the ship is in international waters—three miles outside of U.S. territorial waters—guests between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one may purchase and consume wine or beer on Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Any cruise with attendees under the age of 21 must have parental approval. It is important to note that sailings to Alaska and Hawaii are not subject to this age change.

Prior to boarding a Norwegian Cruise, pay close attention to the precise policy specifics.

Princess Cruise Lines

Princess Cruise Lines adopts a rigorous stance, upholding a 21-year-old minimum drinking age for all of their ships’ beverages, regardless of where they are made.

The ship’s location has no bearing on this policy, which is in effect for the entire cruise.

If you intend to travel with Princess Cruise Lines, be sure you are aware of this policy.

Alcohol on Cruise Ships: Age Restrictions, Drink Packages, and Prohibited Items

The effects of port laws

The site of embarkation is a crucial factor to take into account when organizing your trip because it influences your onboard drinking age.

For example, if your cruise ships out of a port in the United States, you will typically need to be 21 years old to drink alcohol.

There are, however, some exclusions if the ship travels more than three miles outside of US territorial seas. In these situations, if you’re between the ages of 18 and 20, you’re allowed to buy and drink wine and beer.

For this age group, parental authorization will be necessary, and permission must be granted by signing a form.

There may be variations in the drinking age limits at different embarkation points outside of the United States.

For instance, the legal drinking age may be lowered to 18 if your cruise leaves from a port in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, or Singapore.

The legal drinking age in Japan is twenty years old. Before making a reservation, be sure you understand the specific policies of your cruise line.

Port of Calls

Remember that the rules of the places you visit while on your cruise may affect your ability to drink.

The legal drinking age in each nation varies, which could limit your options for consuming alcohol both onboard and off. Recognize these limitations and abide with the laws of the place you are visiting.

For instance, the legal drinking age in a Caribbean port may be between 18 and 21 years old. However, the legal drinking age in most European countries is lower—it is commonly 18 years old. Learn about the drinking age regulations at the following port types to help keep things clear:

• Caribbean Ports: The legal drinking age is eighteen to twenty-one.
• European Ports: the legal drinking age is normally eighteen.
• Asian Ports: Each country has a different legal drinking age; in Japan, for example, passengers must be 20 years old.

In the end, it is your responsibility to remain aware of the legal drinking age in each port of call that you visit throughout your cruise as well as the site of your embarkation.

Remember that these guidelines could alter or differ between cruise operators.

By keeping these things in mind, you can make sure that your sailing experience is seamless and pleasurable while still adhering to local laws.

Private Island Exceptions to the Drinking Age

Some cruise lines offer private islands as potential destinations; their private island drinking age policies differ from those of their ships. Here are a few instances:

• Norwegian Cruise Line: To possess or consume alcohol at the cruise line’s exclusive locations, guests must be at least 21 years old.
• Royal Caribbean International: The minimum drinking age for private islands on Royal Caribbean International ships is 21, regardless of the departure place.
• Celebrity Cruises: To drink alcohol at any of the company’s exclusive locations, you must be at least 21 years old.
• Holland America: All Holland America ships have a 21-year-old minimum drinking age. Verifying Identity on Cruise Ships

On a cruise, not all regulations are supposed to be broken! When you ask for a drink on a cruise ship, they will verify your ID if you appear underage. The same holds for areas that are only accessible to people who meet a particular minimum age. You can receive a wristband stating that you are a minor.

Cruise Ship Bar

For instance, some cruise ships let guests into the casino as young as 18, but drinking is only permitted for those who are at least 21. As a result, you can receive a bracelet to let the personnel know that you are a minor.

Packaged Drinks and Children

Numerous cruise lines provide drink packages designed exclusively for minors, which do not include any alcoholic beverages. For instance, MSC Cruises offers coffee, energy, and soft drinks as part of their drink package for kids. For $30 per person per day, Celebrity Cruises also provides a zero-proof package that includes some delectable zero-proof beverages that kids can enjoy with their parents.

Below is a quick list of cruise lines that permit drinking at 18 in international waters:

• Celebrity Cruises (requires parental permission)
• Costa Cruises
• Cunard Cruises
• Disney cruises (requires parental permission)
• Holland America
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line (requires parental permission)
• P&O Cruises

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Cruise Guide to the Drinking Age in the Caribbean

Going on a cruise to the Caribbean or heading off to a Caribbean resort? Are you looking to sip cocktails or enjoy a cold beer while sitting on a Caribbean beach? While the US may require you to be 21 years old to drink, and your cruise ship out of the US may require you to be 21, the drinking age in Caribbean countries is typically under 21.

This article will cover the drinking age in various Caribbean countries. If we miss a popular destination, please feel free to leave a comment below, and we will work to add them to our list.

US Virgin Islands Drinking Age: 18 Years Old

Roatan honduras drinking age: 18 years old, virgin voyages beach club at bimini drinking age: 18 years old, what is the drinking age in the caribbean (eastern), antigua and barbuda drinking age: 16 years old.

Once you’re off the ship and enter the port, you can enjoy a drink if you are 16 years or older!

Bahamas Drinking Age: 18 Years Old

The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18 years old. This goes for all islands in the Bahamas. Once you are off the ship, if you are over the age of 18, you will be able to enjoy as much alcohol as you would like.

Just so you know, cruise ship private islands in the Bahamas may require you to be 21 or older to drink. See our section below on each cruise line’s age limits for drinking at the

Barbados Drinking Age: 18 Years Old

The age used to be 16. However, the drinking age for Barbados has been raised to 18 years old.

Cuba Drinking Age: 16 Years Old

While no cruises are sailing to Cuba, the legal drinking age here is 16.

Dominica Drinking Age: 16 Years Old

The drinking age in Dominica is only 16.

Dominican Republic Drinking Age: 18 Years Old

The Dominican Republic has a drinking age of 18. So if you are heading to the beautiful port of Puerto Plata or visiting anywhere else in the Dominican Republic and 18 years or older, you can enjoy a drink.

Grenada Drinking Age: 16 Years Old

Grenada does not have a drinking age for off-premise drinking; however, if you are on-premise, such as at a bar, you must be 16 years old to purchase and consume alcohol.

Haiti Drinking Age: 16 Years Old

Haiti is complex. Technically, they passed a drinking age of 18 in 2012; however, it was never signed into law. They do have a law that bans anyone under the age of 16 from entering a bar, club, or any other location that serves alcohol.

Puerto Rico Drinking Age: 18 Years Old

While Puerto Rico is part of the United States, it’s drinking age is only 18 years old. You can both purchase and consume alcohol in Puerto Rico if you are 18 or older.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Drinking Age: 18 Years Old

You only need to be 18 or older to consume alcohol in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Saint Lucia Drinking Age: 16 Years Old

Saint Lucia has the drinking age set to only 16.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Drinking Age: 16 Years Old

Trinidad and tobago drinking age: 18 years old, turks and caicos islands drinking age: 18 years old.

Just like Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands is part of the United States but has a drinking age of only 18. Feel free to kick back and enjoy a few island cocktails as long as you are 18 or older.

What is the Drinking Age in Mexico and the Western Caribbean?

Mexico drinking age: 18 years old.

Mexico’s drinking age is 18 years old. While some states may allow minors to consume with parental consent, most places that serve tourists will require you to be 18 years or older.

Our experience is that some areas of Mexico may be more relaxed. Cozumel can be hit or miss on how strict they are.

Belize Drinking Age: 18 Years Old

While legally, the drinking age is 18 in Belize, it is rarely enforced. Many places will not ask for an ID and will serve minors.

Cayman Islands Drinking Age: 18 Years Old

Cayman laws are very strict and require anyone drinking to be 18 years or older.

Jamaica Drinking Age: 18 Years Old

If you are 18 or older, grab a Red Stripe or any other alcoholic beverage! The drinking age here is only 18!

The drinking age here is defined as 18 years old.

What is the drinking age on cruise ships’ private islands?

When determining are cruises worth it for your next vacation, many cruises will offer a private island or private beach club.

Each private island/beach club sometimes follows different age limits than its host country follows. Below, we have broken out each cruise line’s drinking age for their private islands.

The rules can get complex as they often depend on which country your ship has set sail from, while others have a hard set limit to enjoy alcohol on their island.

When drinking on the cruise ship private islands, you will want to keep your sea pass card handy so you can easily pay for your drinks. Our tip is to keep your sea pass card inside of a lanyard and keep it hung around your next. As you continue to enjoy your cocktails, you will feel good knowing that your pass to get back on the ship didn’t fall out of your pocket and is hanging around your neck.

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay Drinking Age: 21 Years-Old

While CocoCay is located in the Bahamas, where the legal drinking age is 18, Royal Caribbean has set the drinking age for Perfect Day at CocoCay to 21 years old, regardless of where your ship originated.

Royal Caribbean’s Labadee Drinking Age: 21 Years-Old

Labadee is located in Haiti, where the legal drinking age is only 16 years; however, just like CocoCay, Royal Caribbean has set the drinking age for Labadee to 21 years old. Because Labadee is a walled-off private location, you cannot leave the private area and enter Haiti.

Disney’s Castaway Cay Drinking Age: 21 Years Old

Disney’s Castaway Cay is included in the cost of a Disney cruise , giving you that private island relaxation. Disney will follow the rules of the originating country for the ship, which will be the USA, making the drinking age for Disney’s Castaway Cay 21 Years Old.

MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay Drinking Age: 21 Years Old

MSC Cruises has a beautiful private island with amazing beaches to sit back and grab a drink on included in the cost of a MSC cruise ; however, you will need to be 21 years of age to do this. Even though this private island is located in the Bahamas, where the drinking age is 18, MSC has set the drinking age to 21.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay Drinking Age: 18 Years-Old*

Norwegian Cruise Line allows you to drink at 18 once you hit international waters and while on their private island, with one key exception. You must have a parent or legal guardian on the sailing, and they must sign a consent form allowing the 18-20-year-old to consume alcohol. They will be limited to only beer and wine and will not be permitted to have cocktails and liquor.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Cay Drinking Age: 18 Years-Old*

Harvest Cay is in the Dominican Republic, where the legal drinking age is 18. As with Great Stirrup Cay, there are a few stipulations that you must follow to enjoy a drink. First, you must have a parent or legal guardian on the sailing, and they must sign a consent form allowing the 18-20-year-old to consume alcohol. The second limitation is they can only have beer and wine and will not be permitted to have cocktails and liquor.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Half Moon Cay Drinking Age: 21 Years Old

Carnival Cruise Line is the “fun ship”; however, in 2018, they updated their policies to increase the drinking age to 21 years old on their ship and their private islands.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Princess Cay Drinking Age: 21 Years Old

As mentioned above, the policies were updated in 2018, increasing the drinking age to 21.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Amber Cove Drinking Age: 21 Years Old

Amber Cove follows Carnival Cruise Line’s drinking age policy of 21. This was changed in 2018 and is in line with their on board ship policies and their other private islands.

If you are under 21 and sailing on Virgin Voyages, you are in luck! While they do not have a private island, they take over the Beach Club at Bimini, which follows Bahamian law of 18 years of age to drink.

Be Safe and Drink Responsibly

Remember, no matter how old or young you are, be safe and drink responsibly. It’s important to make responsible choices when it comes to alcohol consumption. Always make sure that you have a responsible person with you to help you get back to the ship if you overindulge.

In our cruise packing list guide , we mention bringing cash. We highly recommend using cash to pay for your drinks while in port to protect yourself from credit card theft.

Share this blog post on social media to spread the word about the importance of drinking responsibly in the Caribbean. Stay safe and enjoy your time responsibly!

Source: Legal Drinking Age in Americas on Wikipedia

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Drinking Age on a Cruise Ship: Can You Drink Under 21?

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If you’re planning a cruise vacation, you’re probably wondering about the drinking age on cruise ships. As a seasoned cruiser, I know that navigating the rules and regulations surrounding alcohol consumption can be a bit tricky.

Although cruise ships sail in international waters, the minimum drinking age depends on your ship, itinerary, and the laws governing your departure and return port.

We’ll help you understand the minimum drinking age on a cruise ship to help you prepare for your next vacation.

Table of Contents

What is The Drinking Age on a Cruise Ship?

The legal drinking age on cruise ships depends on the cruise line and the itinerary.

Most cruise lines sailing in North America have a minimum drinking age of 21. Cruises departing or returning to the U.S. follow the U.S. U.S.deral, which sets the national minimum drinking age at 21. 

Although Mexico and Canada have minimum drinking ages of 18 and 19, all U.S.-based cruise lines set the minimum drinking age at 21, even when sailing in international waters.

The cruise line staff strictly enforces the minimum drinking age. Passengers caught drinking alcohol under the age limit or giving alcohol to guests under the minimum drinking age may face consequences, including disembarkation.

Many countries have drinking ages lower than the U.S. Cruises saU.S.g to Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America often have a lower legal drinking age of 18.

Minimum Drinking Age on Major Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line has a clear and strict policy that guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol on board. Carnival enforces the policy across all areas of the ship where alcohol is sold or served, including bars, lounges, and gift shops.

It’s important to note that Carnival Cruise Line reserves the right to request identification from any passenger before purchasing alcohol. The cruise line staff refuse to sell alcohol to anyone who cannot provide proper identification or appears to be under the influence.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruise’s minimum drinking age of 21 applies to all Celebrity cruise ships and itineraries.

However, on sailings departing from Europe, South America, and Australia a parent who is sailing with their child can sign a waiver alowing 18-20 year olds to consume alcoholic beverages.

If a guest celebrates their 21st birthday on the cruise ship, they may ask the Front Desk Manager to adjust the ship’s records to permit them to consume alcohol for the remainder of the cruise.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises has a simple policy: the minimum onboard drinking age is 21 for sailings with U.S. departures and 18 for sailings from non-US ports.

Cunard Line

Cunard Line’s minimum drinking age is 18, except in U.S. waters, where the minimum drinking age is 21.

This means that when a Cunard ship is sailing in international waters or visiting ports outside the United States, passengers 18 years of age or older are allowed to purchase and consume alcohol on board.

However, when the ship enters U.S. territories or ports, the minimum drinking age is raised to 21 to comply with U.S. federal law.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has a minimum drinking age of 21 and requires a valid photo I.D. to purchase and consume alcohol on Disney Cruise Ships .

However, parents and guardians can sign a Beverage Consent Form allowing their 18- to 20-year-old children to purchase and consume alcohol on round-trip cruises departing from any European country with a lower drinking age. The same policy applies to repositioning cruises between Hawaii and Australia.

Additionally, the drinking age is lowered to 18 on round-trip cruises departing Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Brisbane.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises’ minimum drinking age for cruises departing from the United States is 21. For cruises departing from countries other than the United States, the minimum drinking age is 18.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) guest policy has minimum drinking age of 21. However, passengers 18-20 years old may purchase and consume beer and wine if traveling with a parent or legal guardian and in international waters, except for sailings in Alaska and Hawaii. The parent or legal guardian must be onboard the sailing and sign a Parent Consent Form for their child at the Front Desk.

If a guest celebrates their 21st birthday during the cruise, they may ask the Guest Services Manager to modify the ship’s records to permit their consumption of alcohol during the remainder of the cruise. When changing the ship’s records, you will be asked to present a valid government-issued I.D. to show your proof of age.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises sailings from North America have a minimum age of 21 for consuming alcohol on their ships.

However, sailings from Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand have a legal drinking age of 18 on Princess cruise ships , and cruises between Japanese ports have a minimum age of 20.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International’s minimum drinking age is 21 for North Americans and itineraries visiting Dubai. The legal drinking age is 18 for sailings in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

The minimum drinking age is 21 at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

Virgin Voyages

The drinking age on Virgin Voyages ships varies depending on the location:

• In international waters, the minimum drinking age is 18 years old.
• When the ship is in United States waters, the minimum drinking age is 21.
• In other ports of call, Virgin Voyages adheres to the laws and regulations of the specific country.

Drinking Age on Private Islands

Many cruise lines operate private islands and resorts. Some cruise line private islands have different drinking ages than the cruise line ships.

Here is a list of the drinking ages at many of the cruise lines private destinations:

• Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay Drinking Age : 21 Years Old
• Royal Caribbean Labadee Drinking Age : 21 Years Old
• Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay Drinking Age : 21 Years Old
• Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay Drinking Age : 21 Years Old
• Carnival Cruise Line’s Half Moon Cay Drinking Age : 21 Years Old
• Princess Cruises Princess Cays Drinking Age : 21 Years Old
• MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Drinking Age : 21 Years Old
• Celebrity Cruises’ Little Stirrup Cay Drinking Age : 21 Years Old

Consuming Alcohol in Ports of Call

Once you leave the ship, you are governed by the laws and regulations of the port city. You are not bound by the cruise ship’s rules when you’re on land. In other words, if the country’s legal drinking age is 18, you can consume alcohol in ports of call, even if the ship’s drinking age is 21.

You’ll be happy to know that the drinking age in most Caribbean countries is 18. If you’re unsure, you can ask your cruise line staff or the port attendants.

Marcello De Lio

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Can You Drink On a Cruise at 18? (& What Cruise Lines Allow 2024)

If you are based in the U.S, where the drinking age on cruises is 21 years old, you may be wondering if it’s any different on a cruise ship.

Whether you are aged 18 to 20 or you are looking on behalf of a younger family member.

In some cases, the answer is very clear, however, as is often the case, there are also many variables and instances in which it may be acceptable to drink at 18.

In fact, under the right circumstances, most cruise lines do allow 18-year-olds to drink alcohol, but it depends on what country you are from and where you are sailing.

Here we take a deeper look.

How Old Do You Have to be to Drink on a Cruise?

The drinking age for all cruise ships within US waters is 21.  Across the rest of the world, the drinking age varies from 18 to 21 years old, including in some US cruise lines, although parental permission may be required.

Can 18-Year-olds Drink on Cruises?

There are some circumstances where 18 years olds can drink alcohol.

The 3 main factors are:

• Cruise line
• Geographical departure of the ship
• Parental consent

What Cruise Lines Allow Drinking at 18?

All US cruise ships in US waters adhere to the legal drinking age law of 21.   US waters are considered territorial waters extending 12 nautical miles from the baseline, the low waterline of the coast.

Can You Drink At 18 On A Cruise In International Waters?

Many cruise lines allow 18-year-olds to drink alcohol if they depart from international waters , even if it is a US cruise line.

These include:

• Celebrity Cruises (parental permission)
• Costa Cruises
• Cunard Cruises
• Disney cruises (parental permission)
• Holland America
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line (parental permission)
• P&O Cruises 
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Virgin voyages

If you’re single, you might be interested in which of the above cruise lines are the best cruises for 18 to 20 somethings .

Carnival Cruise Drinking Age

Although well known as the party and fun cruise line, Carnival is one of the strictest regarding the drinking age .

The Carnival Cruise drink age is 21 years of age in both US Waters and when sailing in international waters There are no exceptions and no option for parental permission to be allowed to drink any younger.

Carnival clearly states:

“ Guests must be 21 years or older to be served alcohol on board. Proper I.D with birth date is required.” Carnival Cruise

You might also be interested in our best carnival singles cruises .

Can You Drink At 18 On Royal Caribbean?

While in US waters, you have to be 21 or over to be able to drink alcohol on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.  As well as applying to all ships originating from North America, it also applies to those originating from Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

In specific International waters, you can drink alcohol from the age of 18 years and up from sailings originating in:

• New Zealand
• South America

For confirmation, see the Royal Caribbean legal drinking age policy here .

You might also be interested in our 7 ways to cheat the Royal Caribbean drinks package .

Can You Drink On Norwegian Cruise Line at 18?

In US waters, the minimum drinking age for alcohol is 21.  

However, guests from 18 can purchase and consume alcohol once the ship is at least 3 miles outside of US territorial waters.  Parental consent will be required, and a form will need to be signed.  This will give permission for the 18 to 20-year-olds to drink beer and wine only, no hard liquor.

Find full info under “Alcohol” in the NCL Guest Conduct Policy here .

Can You Drink On a Disney Cruise at 18?

In US waters, the legal drinking age on a Disney cruise ship is 21.   Make sure you take a form of valid photo I.D as this will be required as proof of age.

In international waters, Disney cruise allows people to purchase and drink alcohol at 18 as long as they have their parent’s permission. 

Disney Cruise alcohol policy here .

Can You Drink On a Princess Cruise at 18?

Passengers disembarking from and sailing in US waters are not allowed to buy or consume alcohol until the age of 21. 

However, for some cruises around the rest of the words 18 year old can drink alcohol on a Princess cruise, with the exception being Japan, where the age is 20.

For cruises between Australia/New Zealand, China, Europe and Singapore ports, the drinking age will be 18 years old. For cruises between Japanese ports, the drinking age will be 20 years old. Princess Cruises

It is also worth noting that guests under 18 will have to leave the onboard Night Clubs by 11.00 pm.

This is an example of just one difference between choosing a Princess vs Carnival cruise .

Can You Drink On a Celebrity Cruise at 18?

Guests on Celebrity cruises are expected to adhere to the minimum drinking age of 21 in US waters.

Although if guests embark from a country outside the US where the drinking age is lower than 21, they will be allowed to drink onboard if parents or legal guardians sign a waiver giving their consent.

Can 18 Year Olds Drink on Cruises in Mexico?

If you embark from a US port, you would have to adhere to the minimum drinking age of 21 while on a cruise ship in Mexican waters.

However, if you leave the cruise ship and visit a port in Mexico where the legal drinking age is 18 you can purchase alcohol while off the ship.

Crystal Cruises Beer and Wine Only

Outside of Us territorial waters, 18 to 20-year-olds can buy and consume beer and wine only   They will not be able to drink hard liquor until they are 21.

Can You Drink Alcohol if you Turn 18 on a Cruise?

If you have an 18th birthday while on a cruise and 18-year-olds are allowed to drink alcohol, you would also be able to buy and consume alcoholic beverages while onboard.  In some instances, depending on your cruise line, your age is verified upon boarding.  Therefore you may need to visit Guest Services with evidence of ID to prove your new age so they can update your details so you can get served.

Can You Drink on a Caribbean Cruise at 18?

If you cruise ship sales from a North American port, the minimum drinking age is 21.  If your cruise ship embarks from a port outside the US, the drinking age depends on the cruise line and, in some cases, whether parental consent is given to drink at 18.

Can 18-year-Olds Visit Bars and Nightclubs on a Cruise?

Most cruise lines will allow 18-year-olds to hang out in bars and nightclubs with friends and family or even by themselves.  

They will, however, have to abide by the cruise lines drinking age rules. This will often mean that although they can hang out at bars, they can’t drink alcohol until they are 21

Related Posts:

• Can You Bring Your Own Alcohol on a Cruise
• Can You Bring Wine on a Cruise
• Cruises for 18-Year-Olds (With or Without Parents)
• Drinking Age In International Waters (for each Cruise Line)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink underage on a cruise .

Whether you are 18 to 20  years of age, if you are deemed underage by the cruise line rules, you will not be able to purchase any alcohol. Staff will not serve underage or anyone else attempting to purchase drinks on behalf of minors.

Anyone caught buying alcohol for minors could get into trouble if caught and, depending on the circumstances, possibly be kicked off the ship. 

Can an 18-year-old Drink on Cruises With Dinner?

Most cruise line drinking rules apply to meals in the same way they do at bars and nightclubs.  This means if a person aged between 18 to 20 is deemed underage for drinking, they will not be able to order or consume wine or any other alcohol at meal times.

One exception is the British cruise line P&O Cruises which allows 16 and 17-year-olds to drink alcohol with a meal.

Can 18-Year-olds Drink Alcohol in the Cabin?

If 18-year-olds are deemed underage, they should not be by drinking in their cabins.   However, it is not unheard of for teens to smuggle or sneak alcohol to their cabins.  This is likely to go unnoticed unless the teens in question overindulge and get caught outside the cabin inebriated.

Can You Drink At 18 On a Cruise With Parental Consent

Outside of US waters, some cruise lines allow parents or legal guardians to sign a waiver giving consent for their 18 to 20-year-old to drink alcohol on board.

Parental consent in international waters is required on:

• Celebrity Cruises 
• Disney cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line

Can You Drink on a Cruise at 17?

The only main cruise line which offers drinking to 17 years olds is P&O cruises which allow alcohol with a meal to anyone over 16 years of age.

In US waters, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol.  Departures from international waters may allow drinking from the age of 18.  

Related Posts

What Happens if Caught Sneaking Alcohol on a Cruise?

What do Cruise Ships do with Food Waste?

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• Royal Caribbean International

Legal drinking age on the ship

By Runner50 , February 9, 2011 in Royal Caribbean International

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I will be traveling with my son who is 20, not quite the legal age, we will be doing the 4 day cruise to cozemel. I also know they only serve 21 and older on the ship, would I be able to get him a drink while we are on the pool deck, or are they really that strict, that they go around and check id's?

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21 on the ship....but he can drink in port. If you get him a drink, and he doesn't get 'crazy" with it, no one will know. Just don't hand it to him in front of the bartender!

Speaking from experience, it can happen. My father ordered several drinks which he handed to me. They were delicious. As long as you are careful you should be fine.

silentbob007

According to the guest conduct policy, they can put you off the ship for providing alcohol to minors onboard, even if they are in your guardianship. Drinking off the ship ... no problem. Will this happen? Probably not ... but it is taken seriously.

Yeah. The best advice is just to not do it, but if you do, and you get caught, then it's really important to not do it again. If you get caught once, they could throw you off the ship, but most likely wouldn't. If they've caught you and warned you once, you probably don't want to get caught again . . .

We were on FOS with our 20 year old grandson. We found the security to be very strict and alert. You can obviously try it, but don't be surprised if you get caught. The security were very polite, no problem, but did their job.

janekowlaski

why are parents so permissive these days? I do not understand why parents these days are so eager to corrupt their children. why is it ok to break the law on a ship? would you smuggle a beer to your underage child at the tavern by your house? Or perhaps let your two yr old smoke a pack a day? (see below pic)

Please tell me how your response is an answer to the OP direct question.

Is it possible it is only an attempt to cast what your moral beliefs are on the person versus giving a direct answer?

Did you read the postings before you that actually answered the question?

How do you know the OP has a two year old with a nicotine habit :)

Please, I have a 21 year old daughter. Ask her or or anyone else that is a junior in college if alcohol has been made available for them. Even then you don't know if they have tried it do you...

Using a large morals cast net instead of a direct answer might not serve much value.

To the OP, you do run the risk, however small of getting yourself in trouble. It is really your call.

Enjoy your vacation!

The 21 year old US law doesn't apply in International Waters. RCCL chose several years ago to envoke different rules for cruises out of different areas.

The law in the states varies. In Illinois, a parent may give their under 21 child a drink in a private residence. In Wisconsin, a parent may approve of a drink in an establishment for their under 21 child.

They do check IDs...if you get caught buying a drink for someone who is underage you can be invited to debark at the next port.:) They do not fool around with underage drinking on RCI.

What month are you cruising? March or April? You can count on Royal Caribbean to be ULTRA vigilant during spring break season.

CaribeDiver

OMG!!!!!!!! All the Freakin' holier than thou DOOMS DAYERS!!!! If you want to buy an extra drink for your 20 year old son then go ahead. The ship is not going to know and they are not going to throw you off the ship. Be advised though that if your son gets drunk and acts a fool and gets caught there may be some consequences for this since he is under age. Don't worry about and don't let all the CC hall monitors distort things.:rolleyes:

OMG!!!!!!!! All the Freakin' holier than thou DOOMS DAYERS!!!!

:rolleyes: Overreact much? One over-the-top response (not including yours), and it becomes "All the Freakin' holier than thou DOOMS DAYERS!!!!" You're just as bad.

haha, the Cruise Critic hall monitors are out. good one!

If it's questioned then you could be removed from the ship for providing alcohol to an underage guest. Will it be questioned? That I can't answer. Hope you enjoy your cruise either way!

Mrs Miggins

The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. For all cruise ships on a European route the accompanying parent can sign a waiver. Then the 18 - 20 year olds on board may order and drink alcohol.

My parents always told me it was rude to insult someone else's parents. :rolleyes:

Its 21 on Royal Caribbean

Its right up there on the cutting edge of age restrictions on alcohol consumption along with the USA, Oman, Pakistan, Indonesia and Kazakstan.

Fine group of people to be bunched in with.

Yeah, you could be removed from the ship, but I really think it's more likely to go the way manu4evr described it. They'll politely, but firmly, remind you of the rules. But if you've been warned and continue to do it, that's when it becomes likely you could be shown the exit.

Islandergirl

Its 21 on Royal Caribbean   Its right up there on the cutting edge of age restrictions on alcohol consumption along with the USA, Oman, Pakistan, Indonesia and Kazakstan.       Fine group of people to be bunched in with.  

Lol. That made me laugh.

I could never understand why Americans are allowed to vote at 18, considered an adult at 18, parents can kick you out of the house at 18, but they can't buy a drink with their friends. I just don't understand it. Children in many European countries will have a sip of wine with dinner, and there are far less alcoholics in those places. It's called responsible drinking taught at an early age. To me, if it's off limits there is more of a chance of irresponsible drinking.

That being said, when I was 19 (legal in Canada) I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise and we were allowed to drink beer or wine, but not hard liquor. I'm guessing that has changed?

At the end of the day I think it's the parent's decision.

Lol. That made me laugh.   I could never understand why Americans are allowed to vote at 18, considered an adult at 18, parents can kick you out of the house at 18, but they can't buy a drink with their friends. I just don't understand it. Children in many European countries will have a sip of wine with dinner, and there are far less alcoholics in those places. It's called responsible drinking taught at an early age. To me, if it's off limits there is more of a chance of irresponsible drinking.   That being said, when I was 19 (legal in Canada) I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise and we were allowed to drink beer or wine, but not hard liquor. I'm guessing that has changed?   At the end of the day I think it's the parent's decision.

Exactly. We live in the USA but are from England. Went back on a trip when our eldest was 20 and she had no problem drinking whenever she wished. Return to the states and all of a sudden she can’t drink because… well it’s the law. Why is it the law? No idea. Nobody has come up with a valid reason as far as I can see.

We are off on a cruise next week. The eldest is now 21 so no problem. Her boyfriend will be with us and he isn’t 21 until August.

If we went with NCL he could drink beer and wine. If we went to Canada he could drink. If we went to the islands he could drink.

He can drink off the ship on port days.

But on the high seas on a Bahamas (drinking age 18) registered ship he won’t be allowed to consume alcohol. All because Royal Caribbean have chosen to follow some obscure USA law?

Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness………

Yeah, nice one.

And don't forget, fight in wars at 18.

Ohhh...that's a good one!

It was implemented primarily to reduce alcohol-related deaths among young drivers.

Yes it's changed. Now it's only allowed for cruises to/from non-North American destinations. If you sail to Europe or from South America you can still authorize them to drink beer or wine, but from the US or Canada, nope.

And it's not that RCCL has chosen to follow a US law. It's that they had one too many stupid incidents involving 18-21 year olds getting drunk (specifically after someone went overboard on Mariner). The fee to buy a bottle of liquor and be able to drink it onboard went away around the same time for about the same reason (it also helped the RCCL bottom line). They got tired of defending lawsuits from people that didn't want to take responsibility for their own actions.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Royal Caribbean responds after father of 20-year-old man who 'jumped off' cruise ship claims he was 'served alcohol' underage

Other passengers say he was 'pretty drunk' when the incident occurred.

Royal Caribbean has responded following claims that a 20-year-old man who jumped overboard had been served alcohol despite being underage.

On April 4, Levion Parker, from North Port, Florida, jumped overboard from the 11th deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship after an argument with his dad.

The Liberty of the Seas was returning to Fort Lauderdale following a four-day cruise when the incident occurred.

The cruise line immediately launched a search and rescue mission alongside the US Coast Guard, but it was suspended five days later on April 9.

Other passengers have since come forward to share what happened.

Bryan Sims told The Post that he was hanging out with Parker and his brother in the hot tub 'until 3:30am.'

He said that Parker, who was 'sat right beside [him] the whole time], was 'pretty drunk'.

He continued: "As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess.

"When we got to them, he said to his dad, 'I’ll fix this right now.' And he jumped out the window in front of us all."

The 20-year-old's father, Francel Parker, has since accused the cruise line of serving alcohol to his underage son.

"We don't drink. I'd like to know how my son was served so much alcohol," he demanded.

But, in a statement from Royal Caribbean, the cruise company reiterated it had a strict underage drinking policy.

They told UNILAD: "Our hearts go out to the family, and we continue to offer them our support and assistance during this difficult time.

"Our policies strictly prohibit guests under the age of 21 from being served alcohol onboard."

It has been suggested that Levion had gotten drunk while the ship was docked in the Dominican Republic earlier that day, where the legal drinking age is 18.

"The ship was docked in the Dominican Republic that day, so we cannot speak to what guest did when he was off the ship," a source told the Daily Mail.

Eight days on from Levion's disappearance, Francel is still holding out hope for his son.

“As soon as he went off the side, I prayed over him," he told the Daily Sun.

"I was confident the prayers I said over my son were heard. I stand on the word of God.

"I believe he is alive."

Topics:  Royal Caribbean , Travel , US News , Cruise ship

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Drinking Age

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For young adults who enjoy stand-up, the Punchliner Comedy Club , fleetwide on Carnival Cruise Line, offers both family shows and late-night shows for audiences 18-plus. A few Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships have dedicated comedy clubs Norwegian also brings Second City improv comedians on several ships.

What Counts As The Us For A Cruise

Some cruise lines count any cruise that includes at least one US port in the itinerary as a US cruise. For others, only cruises that depart from US ports are included in this definition. This can make a difference, for example, for a transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York.

Cruises to Alaska and Hawaii sometimes have their own rules. For example, NCL allows 18-year-olds to drink beer or wine with a parental waiver, but this rule doesnt apply to Alaska or Hawaii cruises where guests must be 21 or over to drink.

Can You Drink On A Cruise At 18 With Parents Permission

Some cruise lines allow guests aged 18, 19 and 20 to drink on a cruise with the permission of a parent or guardian.

The parent or guardian will usually have to fill in a waiver to allow their son or daughter to drink. The parent or guardian must also be a passenger on the cruise.

Also, you cant just ask your 21-year-old friend to be your guardian for the duration of the cruise, they must be your full-time legal guardian for the waiver to be accepted.

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Are Free Drinks Available Onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises

Related: Royal Caribbean Cruise FAQ

Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members of RCI’s Crown & Anchor loyalty program have access to three nightly drink vouchers for venues across the ship via the Exclusive Nightly Diamond Event, or, alternatively, on ships where there is a dedicated Diamond Lounge , they can access complimentary drinks in the lounge at happy hour. Additionally, those booked in a Grand Suite or higher suite category have access to an exclusive Suite Lounge with a nightly complimentary happy hour. Free drinks are often available at art auctions and the Top-Tier Special Event for select past passengers.

Is Unlimited Drinks On Cruise Worth It

You can use our drink package calculator to see if its worth it for you. Consider that a beer on the ship costs between $6-8, including gratuity. For a drink package running $60, youd have to drink about 8-10 beers each and every day including on days when you are in port to get your moneys worth.

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Are There Any Special Cruise Activities Geared To 18

A few lines have meet-and-greets for young adults to meet other cruisers their age, but its assumed that passengers age 18+ will just participate in the regular cruise activities: hanging out by the pool, joining in dance classes or trivia games, playing ball on the sports court, etc. If your teen or young adult isnt going to be satisfied hanging out with the family, consider bringing a friend along on your vacation.

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Can You Drink At 18 On A Caribbean Cruise

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines The minimum age to consume alcohol on a Royal Caribbean International ships on sailing originating in North America is 21. The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean International ships on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is eighteen .

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Drinking In A Port Of Call

Many people dont realize it, but the United States has one of the oldestdrinking ages in the world. Most other countries have a legal age limit of 18 years old to drink.

Once you are in a port, the cruise lines rules no longer apply to you. Instead, you are under the laws and regulations of that country. Therefore, if the countrys legal age limit is 18 to consume or buy alcohol, then you can do so legally. Note that if you are on a cruise lines private island, even if it is in a country with a lower drinking age, then the cruise lines rules on drinking will apply.

For those under 21, youll be happy to know that the legal drinking age throughout the Caribbean is 18 years or under. In addition, a couple of countries have drinking limits of 16.

Royal Caribbean Coffee Package

Passengers interested in the specialty coffee offered onboard will be happy with the Cafe Select Coffee Card. The card lets you redeem up to 15 specialty coffees throughout your cruise.

The card costs $31, and you only need to enjoy eight premium coffees to break even on your purchase. Its important to note that regular brew coffee is available for free on the ship. Passengers can use the card for espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and more.

Before purchasing the card, there are a few things to consider:

• You cant use the Cafe Select Coffee Card at Starbucks Cafes
• Both the Deluxe Beverage Package and the Refreshment Package include specialty coffee. So, if you plan on enjoying specialty coffee, you only need to purchase one beverage package, not both.

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What Can An 18 Year Old Do On A Disney Cruise

Each Disney Cruise ship offers a number of areas reserved exclusively for adults. Guests 18 and over can enjoy: Stylish, sophisticated nightclubs and lounges featuring cocktails, entertainment and dancing . The Quiet Cove Pool, a tranquil oasis where you can swim, enjoy whirlpool spas or soak in the sun.

Can I Sea Some Id The Abcs Of Cruise Line Age Policies

By Heidi Sarna

You may think anything goes in those lawless international waters, but truth is, the cruise lines maintain fairly strict policies governing the age at which you can drink booze, gamble and occupy a cabin alone. Typically, the combination key/ID/charge cards each passenger is issued clearly indicate if the holder is under age. The only hope of getting a drink on a cruise ship if you’re an underage teen is getting some older sucker to buy it for you when no one’s looking. If a cruise line wants to be hard nosed, they can eject transgressors from the ship at the next port of call — at their own cost. Drinking laws may be much more lenient on shore, for instance in the Caribbean.

Of course it wasn’t always this way. Just a decade ago rowdy high school groups were a common sight on big cruise ships, especially during the spring break months. Barely chaperoned mobs of young binge drinkers would practically take over a ship, hogging deck chairs, spilling out of cabins, passing out in hallways, puking on stairs and boldly staggering up to adults in bars asking for drinks .

Age Policies of the Major Lines

All passengers must be 21 years old to drink alcohol no matter where the ship is sailing. You must be 18 to gamble in the casino if you’re under age 21, there must be at least one person in the cabin over 25.

Celebrity Cruises

Costa Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Holland America

Norwegian Cruise Line

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas

Read Also: Are Celebrity Cruises Good For Families

What Is The Newest Norwegian Cruise Ship

Newest Norwegian Cruise ShipsNorwegian Bliss. Year launched: 2018. Class: Breakaway Plus Class. Norwegian Joy. Year launched: 2017. Related: New Viking Ocean Cruise Ships. Norwegian Escape. Related: Splash Academy on Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Getaway. Year launched: 2014. Norwegian Breakaway. Year launched: 2013. Norwegian Epic. Year launched: 2010.

What Is Carnival Cruise Line Cancellation Policy

Those booked on voyages departing on or before July 31, 2021, and wishing to cancel can do so up to 30 days prior to embarkation day for a full refund in the form of a future cruise credit. The credit must be used within one year of the original sailing date.

Carnival Cruise Line said it plans to offer a 2019 cruise of 24 days, the longest in its 46-year history. The transpacific cruise is scheduled to depart Long Beach on Oct. 5 and arrive in Singapore on Oct. 30.

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How Old Do You Have To Be To Drink On A Cruise

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If youre aged 18, 19 or 20, you might be wondering at what age can you drink on a cruise ship?

The legal age to drink alcohol on a cruise varies between 16 and 21 years. The exact age to drink on a cruise depends on the cruise line, the location of the cruise ship, the type of alcoholic beverage and whether a minors parents are present or not.

As a general rule, you have to be 21 to drink on a cruise in the United States and 18 elsewhere in the world. However, there are some exceptions.

Are There Cops On Cruise Ships

Unlike airplanes with Federal Marshals, cruise ships have no police authorities aboard . The few security guards on the ships are loyal to their employer who pays their salary not to the passenger. When a crime occurs, the cruise lines first notify their risk managements departments and their defense lawyers.

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Drinking Age On A Cruise Ship

Ok, first things first. Most cruises wont let you drink on the cruise ship if you arent 21 years old . Here are the official policies of three major cruise lines:

Royal Caribbean The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean International ships on sailings originating in North America is twenty-one .

Carnival Guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol onboard. Proper I.D with birth date is required.

Princess Cruises The legal drinking age of 21 years is always observed onboard and proof of age may be required. All onboard staff are trained to take their responsibility to not serve alcohol to underage guests seriously. The age restrictions are clearly posted in the bars.

So if you are sailing one of these cruise lines, even with a parent on board, then you cant drink while on the ship.

However, Norwegian Cruise Lines is more lax in their policy. If you are considered a young adult and you are sailing with a parent who signs a waiver, then you can drink wine and beer aboard the ship but not cocktails.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Passengers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol.

Can You Bring Soda On A Cruise

The majority of cruise lines do allow guests to bring onboard some soda on embarkation day. It is rare for this to be allowed on any other day of the cruise and there is usually a limit per passenger.

There are some cruise lines where youre not allowed to bring on any soda at all. I personally very rarely bring my own soda on a cruise. I may bring a bottle or two in my hand luggage but usually purchase a soda package.

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Cruise Lines Alcohol Policy Guide:

You may bring your own favourite liquor, beer or wine for private consumption in your suite or stateroom. If you wish to consume your liquor, beer or wine in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, each bottle is subject to a corkage fee.

You are able to bring the alcohol mentioned above onboard on embarkation day or when docked in port. There is a corkage fee if youd like to consume the alcohol in any bar, restaurant or public space. The corkage fee is $10 which I dont think is too bad!

It is one the lowest corkage fee on this list.

Drinking Age With Amazara: 21

Does royal caribbean ever offer free drink packages.

Royal Caribbean doesnt offer free drinks packages. However, you might be able to find an all-inclusive deal that includes the drink package bundled with your cruise fare.

Cruise lines are constantly running special promotions to entice future cruise passengers. And, Royal Caribbean is no different. Special offers might include a kids sail free promotion, free gratuities,low minimum deposit, or buy one cruise fare and get one half off.

Some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, have run promotions that include a free drinks offer. If you are lucky enough to find one of these deals, youll get a drink package bundled with your cruise fare.

Before getting too excited, its important to remember a few things. Cruise lines run specials all year round. Usually, the bigger the freebie, the bigger the base fare. A cruise that generally costs $599 might cost $899 with the free drinks promotion.

Cruise lines will often use the word included rather than free. Instead of a free drinks promotion, you are more likely to see a drinks included special. They use this wording because the drink packages arent actually free. The price is adjusted to include the cost of the drink package.

So you might not be getting as good of a deal as you expected.

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Cruise Ship Drinking Age

Being in the Family Travel business we get this question a lot!

Besides individual family cruise vacations, we help plan a lot of cruise groups . One important family “celebration vacation” are cruises in lieu of a high school graduation party. Organizing a graduation cruise instead of a party can be a really fun and affordable way to gather the entire family together for one last big “hurray” before “your baby” heads off to college. Parents and teens alike want to know cruise ship rules when it comes to drinking ages.

Of course legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21. This law extends 3 miles off our shores. Different countries around the world give younger teens drinking rights. This becomes a bit tricky for cruise lines because of course they cater to international guests and sail in international waters. Some cruise lines make exceptions for these variations and others do not.

You ask and we answer…..

Disney Cruise Line -The drinking age on board is 21, and a valid photo I.D. is required. However, during round trip cruises departing from any European country that has a lower drinking age, parents or guardians may sign a Beverage Consent Form that allows their 18- to 20-year-old children to consume alcoholic beverages while in the adults presence

Carnival – Guests who are under age 21 may not consume any alcoholic beverage aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Carnival requires a valid, unexpired ID from all guests attempting to purchase alcohol aboard the ship.

P& o Cruises Drinking Age

P& O Cruises policy states:

Anyone under the age of 18 will not be served alcoholic beverages on board and must not be in possession of alcohol.

It is prohibited to attempt to purchase alcohol for those under 18 in the bars and shops on board, although 16 and 17 year olds may be bought modest amounts of beer, cider or wine to drink with a meal in the restaurants when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

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How Much Is The Royal Caribbean Drink Package

Here are the latest prices of Royal Caribbeans drink packages, which are subject to change:

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $63-89 per person
• Refreshment Package: $29-38 per person
• Classic Soda Package: $12-$15 per person

The price of Royal Caribbean drink packages varies depending on the sailing date, cruise ship, and itinerary. You should always purchase your drinks package in advance for the best price.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package: Ultimate Guide

When booking a cruise with Royal Caribbean, its important to consider whether or not the drink package is worth it.

A Royal Caribbean drink package offers many benefits, but it might not be worth the cost to most passengers. This ultimate guide will help you determine whether Royal Caribbeans beverage package is right for you. We will also cover frequently asked questions, money-saving tips, and more.

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Can You Bring Alcohol On A Marella Cruise

Marella will confiscate all alcohol brought on-board by passengers, with the exception of alcohol purchased on the outbound flight to the ship proof of purchase will be required.

It is worth noting that Marella are an all-inclusive cruise line with hundreds of alcohol drinks already included in the cruise fare. For the full alcoholic drinks, list check out this post:

Drinking Age With Marella: 18

If youd like to learn more about cruising with Marella, all Marella content on the site can be found here.

Can You Bring Alcohol On A Princess Cruise

Guests agree not to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind onboard for consumption, except one bottle of wine or champagne per adult of drinking age per voyage which will not be subject to a corkage fee.

You are able to bring more than the one bottle of wine mentioned above but all other bottles will be subject to a $15 corkage fee each.

Drinking Age With Princess Cruises: 21

If youd like to learn more about cruising with Princess, my other Princess content can be found here.

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Heartbreaking video shows cruise ship passenger swimming, fishing with friends week before fatal jump

H eartbreaking video shows 20-year-old Levion Parker happily swimming in the ocean and fishing with his pals just a week before he drunkenly jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and was never seen again.

The TikTok video was posted by Parker’s friend, Kaleb Felty, on March 27 and shows Parker beaming on a boat off Florida and splashing around in the shallows.

At one point, a shirtless Parker holds up a fish he’d just caught. Another clip shows him fighting with a fish on his line as it darts under the boat before it cuts to Parker taking a dip in the sea.

Felty posted several other videos of Parker, including one of him hunting with a bow and arrow. In another video he dubbed a “typical Levion moment,” Parker feeds pelicans a fish out of his hands from a boat.

Parker’s pal also posted a slideshow of several photos of the two together, writing “I will see you again one way or another.”

Parker, of North Port, Florida, jumped off the 11th deck of the Liberty of the Seas around 4 a.m. on April 4, plummeting 200 feet into the Atlantic in front of his helpless brother and father while heading to Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island, Florida officials said.

He had been drinking and had just gotten into an argument with his father, witnesses said.

“There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately,” cruise passenger Deborah Morrison told The Post.

“His family was horrified. Just beside themselves,” she added.

Royal Caribbean said it “immediately” launched search boats to look for the 20-year-old and alerted the Coast Guard, which later took over the search. 

The boy’s stunned father, Francel Parker, told The Daily Sun he threw six life rings off the ship in hopes of saving his son before the massive vessel was able to come to a stop about 20 minutes later.

Five days later, The Coast Guard called off its search.

Francel Parker is demanding to know how his underage son was given alcohol on the four-day cruise.

However Royal Caribbean sources told The Daily Mail he could have purchased the booze offboard, where the drinking age is 18.

“We have a strict policy on underage drinking. We did not serve this guest on board,” the source told the outlet. “The ship was docked in the Dominican Republic that day, so we cannot speak to what guest did when he was off the ship.”

Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever

Seven agonizing nights aboard the Icon of the Seas

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Updated at 2:44 p.m. ET on April 6, 2024.

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MY FIRST GLIMPSE of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, from the window of an approaching Miami cab, brings on a feeling of vertigo, nausea, amazement, and distress. I shut my eyes in defense, as my brain tells my optic nerve to try again.

The ship makes no sense, vertically or horizontally. It makes no sense on sea, or on land, or in outer space. It looks like a hodgepodge of domes and minarets, tubes and canopies, like Istanbul had it been designed by idiots. Vibrant, oversignifying colors are stacked upon other such colors, decks perched over still more decks; the only comfort is a row of lifeboats ringing its perimeter. There is no imposed order, no cogent thought, and, for those who do not harbor a totalitarian sense of gigantomania, no visual mercy. This is the biggest cruise ship ever built, and I have been tasked with witnessing its inaugural voyage.

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“Author embarks on their first cruise-ship voyage” has been a staple of American essay writing for almost three decades, beginning with David Foster Wallace’s “A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again,” which was first published in 1996 under the title “Shipping Out.” Since then, many admirable writers have widened and diversified the genre. Usually the essayist commissioned to take to the sea is in their first or second flush of youth and is ready to sharpen their wit against the hull of the offending vessel. I am 51, old and tired, having seen much of the world as a former travel journalist, and mostly what I do in both life and prose is shrug while muttering to my imaginary dachshund, “This too shall pass.” But the Icon of the Seas will not countenance a shrug. The Icon of the Seas is the Linda Loman of cruise ships, exclaiming that attention must be paid. And here I am in late January with my one piece of luggage and useless gray winter jacket and passport, zipping through the Port of Miami en route to the gangway that will separate me from the bulk of North America for more than seven days, ready to pay it in full.

The aforementioned gangway opens up directly onto a thriving mall (I will soon learn it is imperiously called the “Royal Promenade”), presently filled with yapping passengers beneath a ceiling studded with balloons ready to drop. Crew members from every part of the global South, as well as a few Balkans, are shepherding us along while pressing flutes of champagne into our hands. By a humming Starbucks, I drink as many of these as I can and prepare to find my cabin. I show my blue Suite Sky SeaPass Card (more on this later, much more) to a smiling woman from the Philippines, and she tells me to go “aft.” Which is where, now? As someone who has rarely sailed on a vessel grander than the Staten Island Ferry, I am confused. It turns out that the aft is the stern of the ship, or, for those of us who don’t know what a stern or an aft are, its ass. The nose of the ship, responsible for separating the waves before it, is also called a bow, and is marked for passengers as the FWD , or forward. The part of the contemporary sailing vessel where the malls are clustered is called the midship. I trust that you have enjoyed this nautical lesson.

I ascend via elevator to my suite on Deck 11. This is where I encounter my first terrible surprise. My suite windows and balcony do not face the ocean. Instead, they look out onto another shopping mall. This mall is the one that’s called Central Park, perhaps in homage to the Olmsted-designed bit of greenery in the middle of my hometown. Although on land I would be delighted to own a suite with Central Park views, here I am deeply depressed. To sail on a ship and not wake up to a vast blue carpet of ocean? Unthinkable.

Allow me a brief preamble here. The story you are reading was commissioned at a moment when most staterooms on the Icon were sold out. In fact, so enthralled by the prospect of this voyage were hard-core mariners that the ship’s entire inventory of guest rooms (the Icon can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers, but its inaugural journey was reduced to 5,000 or so for a less crowded experience) was almost immediately sold out. Hence, this publication was faced with the shocking prospect of paying nearly $19,000 to procure for this solitary passenger an entire suite—not including drinking expenses—all for the privilege of bringing you this article. But the suite in question doesn’t even have a view of the ocean! I sit down hard on my soft bed. Nineteen thousand dollars for this .

The viewless suite does have its pluses. In addition to all the Malin+Goetz products in my dual bathrooms, I am granted use of a dedicated Suite Deck lounge; access to Coastal Kitchen, a superior restaurant for Suites passengers; complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream (“the fastest Internet at Sea”) “for one device per person for the whole cruise duration”; a pair of bathrobes (one of which comes prestained with what looks like a large expectoration by the greenest lizard on Earth); and use of the Grove Suite Sun, an area on Decks 18 and 19 with food and deck chairs reserved exclusively for Suite passengers. I also get reserved seating for a performance of The Wizard of Oz , an ice-skating tribute to the periodic table, and similar provocations. The very color of my Suite Sky SeaPass Card, an oceanic blue as opposed to the cloying royal purple of the standard non-Suite passenger, will soon provoke envy and admiration. But as high as my status may be, there are those on board who have much higher status still, and I will soon learn to bow before them.

In preparation for sailing, I have “priced in,” as they say on Wall Street, the possibility that I may come from a somewhat different monde than many of the other cruisers. Without falling into stereotypes or preconceptions, I prepare myself for a friendly outspokenness on the part of my fellow seafarers that may not comply with modern DEI standards. I believe in meeting people halfway, and so the day before flying down to Miami, I visited what remains of Little Italy to purchase a popular T-shirt that reads DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL across the breast in the colors of the Italian flag. My wife recommended that I bring one of my many T-shirts featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, as all Americans love the beagle and his friends. But I naively thought that my meatball T-shirt would be more suitable for conversation-starting. “Oh, and who is your ‘daddy’?” some might ask upon seeing it. “And how long have you been his ‘little meatball’?” And so on.

I put on my meatball T-shirt and head for one of the dining rooms to get a late lunch. In the elevator, I stick out my chest for all to read the funny legend upon it, but soon I realize that despite its burnished tricolor letters, no one takes note. More to the point, no one takes note of me. Despite my attempts at bridge building, the very sight of me (small, ethnic, without a cap bearing the name of a football team) elicits no reaction from other passengers. Most often, they will small-talk over me as if I don’t exist. This brings to mind the travails of David Foster Wallace , who felt so ostracized by his fellow passengers that he retreated to his cabin for much of his voyage. And Wallace was raised primarily in the Midwest and was a much larger, more American-looking meatball than I am. If he couldn’t talk to these people, how will I? What if I leave this ship without making any friends at all, despite my T-shirt? I am a social creature, and the prospect of seven days alone and apart is saddening. Wallace’s stateroom, at least, had a view of the ocean, a kind of cheap eternity.

Worse awaits me in the dining room. This is a large, multichandeliered room where I attended my safety training (I was shown how to put on a flotation vest; it is a very simple procedure). But the maître d’ politely refuses me entry in an English that seems to verge on another language. “I’m sorry, this is only for pendejos ,” he seems to be saying. I push back politely and he repeats himself. Pendejos ? Piranhas? There’s some kind of P-word to which I am not attuned. Meanwhile elderly passengers stream right past, powered by their limbs, walkers, and electric wheelchairs. “It is only pendejo dining today, sir.” “But I have a suite!” I say, already starting to catch on to the ship’s class system. He examines my card again. “But you are not a pendejo ,” he confirms. I am wearing a DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL T-shirt, I want to say to him. I am the essence of pendejo .

Eventually, I give up and head to the plebeian buffet on Deck 15, which has an aquatic-styled name I have now forgotten. Before gaining entry to this endless cornucopia of reheated food, one passes a washing station of many sinks and soap dispensers, and perhaps the most intriguing character on the entire ship. He is Mr. Washy Washy—or, according to his name tag, Nielbert of the Philippines—and he is dressed as a taco (on other occasions, I’ll see him dressed as a burger). Mr. Washy Washy performs an eponymous song in spirited, indeed flamboyant English: “Washy, washy, wash your hands, WASHY WASHY!” The dangers of norovirus and COVID on a cruise ship this size (a giant fellow ship was stricken with the former right after my voyage) makes Mr. Washy Washy an essential member of the crew. The problem lies with the food at the end of Washy’s rainbow. The buffet is groaning with what sounds like sophisticated dishes—marinated octopus, boiled egg with anchovy, chorizo, lobster claws—but every animal tastes tragically the same, as if there was only one creature available at the market, a “cruisipus” bred specifically for Royal Caribbean dining. The “vegetables” are no better. I pick up a tomato slice and look right through it. It tastes like cellophane. I sit alone, apart from the couples and parents with gaggles of children, as “We Are Family” echoes across the buffet space.

I may have failed to mention that all this time, the Icon of the Seas has not left port. As the fiery mango of the subtropical setting sun makes Miami’s condo skyline even more apocalyptic, the ship shoves off beneath a perfunctory display of fireworks. After the sun sets, in the far, dark distance, another circus-lit cruise ship ruptures the waves before us. We glance at it with pity, because it is by definition a smaller ship than our own. I am on Deck 15, outside the buffet and overlooking a bunch of pools (the Icon has seven of them), drinking a frilly drink that I got from one of the bars (the Icon has 15 of them), still too shy to speak to anyone, despite Sister Sledge’s assertion that all on the ship are somehow related.

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The ship’s passage away from Ron DeSantis’s Florida provides no frisson, no sense of developing “sea legs,” as the ship is too large to register the presence of waves unless a mighty wind adds significant chop. It is time for me to register the presence of the 5,000 passengers around me, even if they refuse to register mine. My fellow travelers have prepared for this trip with personally decorated T-shirts celebrating the importance of this voyage. The simplest ones say ICON INAUGURAL ’24 on the back and the family name on the front. Others attest to an over-the-top love of cruise ships: WARNING! MAY START TALKING ABOUT CRUISING . Still others are artisanally designed and celebrate lifetimes spent married while cruising (on ships, of course). A couple possibly in their 90s are wearing shirts whose backs feature a drawing of a cruise liner, two flamingos with ostensibly male and female characteristics, and the legend “ HUSBAND AND WIFE Cruising Partners FOR LIFE WE MAY NOT HAVE IT All Together BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE IT ALL .” (The words not in all caps have been written in cursive.) A real journalist or a more intrepid conversationalist would have gone up to the couple and asked them to explain the longevity of their marriage vis-à-vis their love of cruising. But instead I head to my mall suite, take off my meatball T-shirt, and allow the first tears of the cruise to roll down my cheeks slowly enough that I briefly fall asleep amid the moisture and salt.

I WAKE UP with a hangover. Oh God. Right. I cannot believe all of that happened last night. A name floats into my cobwebbed, nauseated brain: “Ayn Rand.” Jesus Christ.

I breakfast alone at the Coastal Kitchen. The coffee tastes fine and the eggs came out of a bird. The ship rolls slightly this morning; I can feel it in my thighs and my schlong, the parts of me that are most receptive to danger.

I had a dangerous conversation last night. After the sun set and we were at least 50 miles from shore (most modern cruise ships sail at about 23 miles an hour), I lay in bed softly hiccupping, my arms stretched out exactly like Jesus on the cross, the sound of the distant waves missing from my mall-facing suite, replaced by the hum of air-conditioning and children shouting in Spanish through the vents of my two bathrooms. I decided this passivity was unacceptable. As an immigrant, I feel duty-bound to complete the tasks I am paid for, which means reaching out and trying to understand my fellow cruisers. So I put on a normal James Perse T-shirt and headed for one of the bars on the Royal Promenade—the Schooner Bar, it was called, if memory serves correctly.

I sat at the bar for a martini and two Negronis. An old man with thick, hairy forearms drank next to me, very silent and Hemingwaylike, while a dreadlocked piano player tinkled out a series of excellent Elton John covers. To my right, a young white couple—he in floral shorts, she in a light, summery miniskirt with a fearsome diamond ring, neither of them in football regalia—chatted with an elderly couple. Do it , I commanded myself. Open your mouth. Speak! Speak without being spoken to. Initiate. A sentence fragment caught my ear from the young woman, “Cherry Hill.” This is a suburb of Philadelphia in New Jersey, and I had once been there for a reading at a synagogue. “Excuse me,” I said gently to her. “Did you just mention Cherry Hill? It’s a lovely place.”

As it turned out, the couple now lived in Fort Lauderdale (the number of Floridians on the cruise surprised me, given that Southern Florida is itself a kind of cruise ship, albeit one slowly sinking), but soon they were talking with me exclusively—the man potbellied, with a chin like a hard-boiled egg; the woman as svelte as if she were one of the many Ukrainian members of the crew—the elderly couple next to them forgotten. This felt as groundbreaking as the first time I dared to address an American in his native tongue, as a child on a bus in Queens (“On my foot you are standing, Mister”).

“I don’t want to talk politics,” the man said. “But they’re going to eighty-six Biden and put Michelle in.”

I considered the contradictions of his opening conversational gambit, but decided to play along. “People like Michelle,” I said, testing the waters. The husband sneered, but the wife charitably put forward that the former first lady was “more personable” than Joe Biden. “They’re gonna eighty-six Biden,” the husband repeated. “He can’t put a sentence together.”

After I mentioned that I was a writer—though I presented myself as a writer of teleplays instead of novels and articles such as this one—the husband told me his favorite writer was Ayn Rand. “Ayn Rand, she came here with nothing,” the husband said. “I work with a lot of Cubans, so …” I wondered if I should mention what I usually do to ingratiate myself with Republicans or libertarians: the fact that my finances improved after pass-through corporations were taxed differently under Donald Trump. Instead, I ordered another drink and the couple did the same, and I told him that Rand and I were born in the same city, St. Petersburg/Leningrad, and that my family also came here with nothing. Now the bonding and drinking began in earnest, and several more rounds appeared. Until it all fell apart.

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My new friend, whom I will refer to as Ayn, called out to a buddy of his across the bar, and suddenly a young couple, both covered in tattoos, appeared next to us. “He fucking punked me,” Ayn’s frat-boy-like friend called out as he put his arm around Ayn, while his sizable partner sizzled up to Mrs. Rand. Both of them had a look I have never seen on land—their eyes projecting absence and enmity in equal measure. In the ’90s, I drank with Russian soldiers fresh from Chechnya and wandered the streets of wartime Zagreb, but I have never seen such undisguised hostility toward both me and perhaps the universe at large. I was briefly introduced to this psychopathic pair, but neither of them wanted to have anything to do with me, and the tattooed woman would not even reveal her Christian name to me (she pretended to have the same first name as Mrs. Rand). To impress his tattooed friends, Ayn made fun of the fact that as a television writer, I’d worked on the series Succession (which, it would turn out, practically nobody on the ship had watched), instead of the far more palatable, in his eyes, zombie drama of last year. And then my new friends drifted away from me into an angry private conversation—“He punked me!”—as I ordered another drink for myself, scared of the dead-eyed arrivals whose gaze never registered in the dim wattage of the Schooner Bar, whose terrifying voices and hollow laughs grated like unoiled gears against the crooning of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

But today is a new day for me and my hangover. After breakfast, I explore the ship’s so-called neighborhoods . There’s the AquaDome, where one can find a food hall and an acrobatic sound-and-light aquatic show. Central Park has a premium steak house, a sushi joint, and a used Rolex that can be bought for $8,000 on land here proudly offered at $17,000. There’s the aforementioned Royal Promenade, where I had drunk with the Rands, and where a pair of dueling pianos duel well into the night. There’s Surfside, a kids’ neighborhood full of sugary garbage, which looks out onto the frothy trail that the behemoth leaves behind itself. Thrill Island refers to the collection of tubes that clutter the ass of the ship and offer passengers six waterslides and a surfing simulation. There’s the Hideaway, an adult zone that plays music from a vomit-slathered, Brit-filled Alicante nightclub circa 1996 and proves a big favorite with groups of young Latin American customers. And, most hurtfully, there’s the Suite Neighborhood.

I say hurtfully because as a Suite passenger I should be here, though my particular suite is far from the others. Whereas I am stuck amid the riffraff of Deck 11, this section is on the highborn Decks 16 and 17, and in passing, I peek into the spacious, tall-ceilinged staterooms from the hallway, dazzled by the glint of the waves and sun. For $75,000, one multifloor suite even comes with its own slide between floors, so that a family may enjoy this particular terror in private. There is a quiet splendor to the Suite Neighborhood. I see fewer stickers and signs and drawings than in my own neighborhood—for example, MIKE AND DIANA PROUDLY SERVED U.S. MARINE CORPS RETIRED . No one here needs to announce their branch of service or rank; they are simply Suites, and this is where they belong. Once again, despite my hard work and perseverance, I have been disallowed from the true American elite. Once again, I am “Not our class, dear.” I am reminded of watching The Love Boat on my grandmother’s Zenith, which either was given to her or we found in the trash (I get our many malfunctioning Zeniths confused) and whose tube got so hot, I would put little chunks of government cheese on a thin tissue atop it to give our welfare treat a pleasant, Reagan-era gooeyness. I could not understand English well enough then to catch the nuances of that seafaring program, but I knew that there were differences in the status of the passengers, and that sometimes those differences made them sad. Still, this ship, this plenty—every few steps, there are complimentary nachos or milkshakes or gyros on offer—was the fatty fuel of my childhood dreams. If only I had remained a child.

I walk around the outdoor decks looking for company. There is a middle-aged African American couple who always seem to be asleep in each other’s arms, probably exhausted from the late capitalism they regularly encounter on land. There is far more diversity on this ship than I expected. Many couples are a testament to Loving v. Virginia , and there is a large group of folks whose T-shirts read MELANIN AT SEA / IT’S THE MELANIN FOR ME . I smile when I see them, but then some young kids from the group makes Mr. Washy Washy do a cruel, caricatured “Burger Dance” (today he is in his burger getup), and I think, Well, so much for intersectionality .

At the infinity pool on Deck 17, I spot some elderly women who could be ethnic and from my part of the world, and so I jump in. I am proved correct! Many of them seem to be originally from Queens (“Corona was still great when it was all Italian”), though they are now spread across the tristate area. We bond over the way “Ron-kon-koma” sounds when announced in Penn Station.

“Everyone is here for a different reason,” one of them tells me. She and her ex-husband last sailed together four years ago to prove to themselves that their marriage was truly over. Her 15-year-old son lost his virginity to “an Irish young lady” while their ship was moored in Ravenna, Italy. The gaggle of old-timers competes to tell me their favorite cruising stories and tips. “A guy proposed in Central Park a couple of years ago”—many Royal Caribbean ships apparently have this ridiculous communal area—“and she ran away screaming!” “If you’re diamond-class, you get four drinks for free.” “A different kind of passenger sails out of Bayonne.” (This, perhaps, is racially coded.) “Sometimes, if you tip the bartender $5, your next drink will be free.”

“Everyone’s here for a different reason,” the woman whose marriage ended on a cruise tells me again. “Some people are here for bad reasons—the drinkers and the gamblers. Some people are here for medical reasons.” I have seen more than a few oxygen tanks and at least one woman clearly undergoing very serious chemo. Some T-shirts celebrate good news about a cancer diagnosis. This might be someone’s last cruise or week on Earth. For these women, who have spent months, if not years, at sea, cruising is a ritual as well as a life cycle: first love, last love, marriage, divorce, death.

Read: The last place on Earth any tourist should go

I have talked with these women for so long, tonight I promise myself that after a sad solitary dinner I will not try to seek out company at the bars in the mall or the adult-themed Hideaway. I have enough material to fulfill my duties to this publication. As I approach my orphaned suite, I run into the aggro young people who stole Mr. and Mrs. Rand away from me the night before. The tattooed apparitions pass me without a glance. She is singing something violent about “Stuttering Stanley” (a character in a popular horror movie, as I discover with my complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream Internet at Sea) and he’s loudly shouting about “all the money I’ve lost,” presumably at the casino in the bowels of the ship.

So these bent psychos out of a Cormac McCarthy novel are angrily inhabiting my deck. As I mewl myself to sleep, I envision a limited series for HBO or some other streamer, a kind of low-rent White Lotus , where several aggressive couples conspire to throw a shy intellectual interloper overboard. I type the scenario into my phone. As I fall asleep, I think of what the woman who recently divorced her husband and whose son became a man through the good offices of the Irish Republic told me while I was hoisting myself out of the infinity pool. “I’m here because I’m an explorer. I’m here because I’m trying something new.” What if I allowed myself to believe in her fantasy?

“YOU REALLY STARTED AT THE TOP,” they tell me. I’m at the Coastal Kitchen for my eggs and corned-beef hash, and the maître d’ has slotted me in between two couples. Fueled by coffee or perhaps intrigued by my relative youth, they strike up a conversation with me. As always, people are shocked that this is my first cruise. They contrast the Icon favorably with all the preceding liners in the Royal Caribbean fleet, usually commenting on the efficiency of the elevators that hurl us from deck to deck (as in many large corporate buildings, the elevators ask you to choose a floor and then direct you to one of many lifts). The couple to my right, from Palo Alto—he refers to his “porn mustache” and calls his wife “my cougar” because she is two years older—tell me they are “Pandemic Pinnacles.”

This is the day that my eyes will be opened. Pinnacles , it is explained to me over translucent cantaloupe, have sailed with Royal Caribbean for 700 ungodly nights. Pandemic Pinnacles took advantage of the two-for-one accrual rate of Pinnacle points during the pandemic, when sailing on a cruise ship was even more ill-advised, to catapult themselves into Pinnacle status.

Because of the importance of the inaugural voyage of the world’s largest cruise liner, more than 200 Pinnacles are on this ship, a startling number, it seems. Mrs. Palo Alto takes out a golden badge that I have seen affixed over many a breast, which reads CROWN AND ANCHOR SOCIETY along with her name. This is the coveted badge of the Pinnacle. “You should hear all the whining in Guest Services,” her husband tells me. Apparently, the Pinnacles who are not also Suites like us are all trying to use their status to get into Coastal Kitchen, our elite restaurant. Even a Pinnacle needs to be a Suite to access this level of corned-beef hash.

“We’re just baby Pinnacles,” Mrs. Palo Alto tells me, describing a kind of internal class struggle among the Pinnacle elite for ever higher status.

And now I understand what the maître d’ was saying to me on the first day of my cruise. He wasn’t saying “ pendejo .” He was saying “Pinnacle.” The dining room was for Pinnacles only, all those older people rolling in like the tide on their motorized scooters.

And now I understand something else: This whole thing is a cult. And like most cults, it can’t help but mirror the endless American fight for status. Like Keith Raniere’s NXIVM, where different-colored sashes were given out to connote rank among Raniere’s branded acolytes, this is an endless competition among Pinnacles, Suites, Diamond-Plusers, and facing-the-mall, no-balcony purple SeaPass Card peasants, not to mention the many distinctions within each category. The more you cruise, the higher your status. No wonder a section of the Royal Promenade is devoted to getting passengers to book their next cruise during the one they should be enjoying now. No wonder desperate Royal Caribbean offers (“FINAL HOURS”) crowded my email account weeks before I set sail. No wonder the ship’s jewelry store, the Royal Bling, is selling a $100,000 golden chalice that will entitle its owner to drink free on Royal Caribbean cruises for life. (One passenger was already gaming out whether her 28-year-old son was young enough to “just about earn out” on the chalice or if that ship had sailed.) No wonder this ship was sold out months before departure , and we had to pay $19,000 for a horrid suite away from the Suite Neighborhood. No wonder the most mythical hero of Royal Caribbean lore is someone named Super Mario, who has cruised so often, he now has his own working desk on many ships. This whole experience is part cult, part nautical pyramid scheme.

From the June 2014 issue: Ship of wonks

“The toilets are amazing,” the Palo Altos are telling me. “One flush and you’re done.” “They don’t understand how energy-efficient these ships are,” the husband of the other couple is telling me. “They got the LNG”—liquefied natural gas, which is supposed to make the Icon a boon to the environment (a concept widely disputed and sometimes ridiculed by environmentalists).

But I’m thinking along a different line of attack as I spear my last pallid slice of melon. For my streaming limited series, a Pinnacle would have to get killed by either an outright peasant or a Suite without an ocean view. I tell my breakfast companions my idea.

“Oh, for sure a Pinnacle would have to be killed,” Mr. Palo Alto, the Pandemic Pinnacle, says, touching his porn mustache thoughtfully as his wife nods.

“THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S your time, buddy!” Hubert, my fun-loving Panamanian cabin attendant, shouts as I step out of my suite in a robe. “Take it easy, buddy!”

I have come up with a new dressing strategy. Instead of trying to impress with my choice of T-shirts, I have decided to start wearing a robe, as one does at a resort property on land, with a proper spa and hammam. The response among my fellow cruisers has been ecstatic. “Look at you in the robe!” Mr. Rand cries out as we pass each other by the Thrill Island aqua park. “You’re living the cruise life! You know, you really drank me under the table that night.” I laugh as we part ways, but my soul cries out, Please spend more time with me, Mr. and Mrs. Rand; I so need the company .

In my white robe, I am a stately presence, a refugee from a better limited series, a one-man crossover episode. (Only Suites are granted these robes to begin with.) Today, I will try many of the activities these ships have on offer to provide their clientele with a sense of never-ceasing motion. Because I am already at Thrill Island, I decide to climb the staircase to what looks like a mast on an old-fashioned ship (terrified, because I am afraid of heights) to try a ride called “Storm Chasers,” which is part of the “Category 6” water park, named in honor of one of the storms that may someday do away with the Port of Miami entirely. Storm Chasers consists of falling from the “mast” down a long, twisting neon tube filled with water, like being the camera inside your own colonoscopy, as you hold on to the handles of a mat, hoping not to die. The tube then flops you down headfirst into a trough of water, a Royal Caribbean baptism. It both knocks my breath out and makes me sad.

In keeping with the aquatic theme, I attend a show at the AquaDome. To the sound of “Live and Let Die,” a man in a harness gyrates to and fro in the sultry air. I saw something very similar in the back rooms of the famed Berghain club in early-aughts Berlin. Soon another harnessed man is gyrating next to the first. Ja , I think to myself, I know how this ends. Now will come the fisting , natürlich . But the show soon devolves into the usual Marvel-film-grade nonsense, with too much light and sound signifying nichts . If any fisting is happening, it is probably in the Suite Neighborhood, inside a cabin marked with an upside-down pineapple, which I understand means a couple are ready to swing, and I will see none of it.

I go to the ice show, which is a kind of homage—if that’s possible—to the periodic table, done with the style and pomp and masterful precision that would please the likes of Kim Jong Un, if only he could afford Royal Caribbean talent. At one point, the dancers skate to the theme song of Succession . “See that!” I want to say to my fellow Suites—at “cultural” events, we have a special section reserved for us away from the commoners—“ Succession ! It’s even better than the zombie show! Open your minds!”

Finally, I visit a comedy revue in an enormous and too brightly lit version of an “intimate,” per Royal Caribbean literature, “Manhattan comedy club.” Many of the jokes are about the cruising life. “I’ve lived on ships for 20 years,” one of the middle-aged comedians says. “I can only see so many Filipino homosexuals dressed as a taco.” He pauses while the audience laughs. “I am so fired tonight,” he says. He segues into a Trump impression and then Biden falling asleep at the microphone, which gets the most laughs. “Anyone here from Fort Leonard Wood?” another comedian asks. Half the crowd seems to cheer. As I fall asleep that night, I realize another connection I have failed to make, and one that may explain some of the diversity on this vessel—many of its passengers have served in the military.

As a coddled passenger with a suite, I feel like I am starting to understand what it means to have a rank and be constantly reminded of it. There are many espresso makers , I think as I look across the expanse of my officer-grade quarters before closing my eyes, but this one is mine .

A shocking sight greets me beyond the pools of Deck 17 as I saunter over to the Coastal Kitchen for my morning intake of slightly sour Americanos. A tiny city beneath a series of perfectly pressed green mountains. Land! We have docked for a brief respite in Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis. I wolf down my egg scramble to be one of the first passengers off the ship. Once past the gangway, I barely refrain from kissing the ground. I rush into the sights and sounds of this scruffy island city, sampling incredible conch curry and buckets of non-Starbucks coffee. How wonderful it is to be where God intended humans to be: on land. After all, I am neither a fish nor a mall rat. This is my natural environment. Basseterre may not be Havana, but there are signs of human ingenuity and desire everywhere you look. The Black Table Grill Has been Relocated to Soho Village, Market Street, Directly Behind of, Gary’s Fruits and Flower Shop. Signed. THE PORK MAN reads a sign stuck to a wall. Now, that is how you write a sign. A real sign, not the come-ons for overpriced Rolexes that blink across the screens of the Royal Promenade.

“Hey, tie your shoestring!” a pair of laughing ladies shout to me across the street.

“Thank you!” I shout back. Shoestring! “Thank you very much.”

A man in Independence Square Park comes by and asks if I want to play with his monkey. I haven’t heard that pickup line since the Penn Station of the 1980s. But then he pulls a real monkey out of a bag. The monkey is wearing a diaper and looks insane. Wonderful , I think, just wonderful! There is so much life here. I email my editor asking if I can remain on St. Kitts and allow the Icon to sail off into the horizon without me. I have even priced a flight home at less than $300, and I have enough material from the first four days on the cruise to write the entire story. “It would be funny …” my editor replies. “Now get on the boat.”

As I slink back to the ship after my brief jailbreak, the locals stand under umbrellas to gaze at and photograph the boat that towers over their small capital city. The limousines of the prime minister and his lackeys are parked beside the gangway. St. Kitts, I’ve been told, is one of the few islands that would allow a ship of this size to dock.

“We hear about all the waterslides,” a sweet young server in one of the cafés told me. “We wish we could go on the ship, but we have to work.”

“I want to stay on your island,” I replied. “I love it here.”

But she didn’t understand how I could possibly mean that.

“WASHY, WASHY, so you don’t get stinky, stinky!” kids are singing outside the AquaDome, while their adult minders look on in disapproval, perhaps worried that Mr. Washy Washy is grooming them into a life of gayness. I heard a southern couple skip the buffet entirely out of fear of Mr. Washy Washy.

Meanwhile, I have found a new watering hole for myself, the Swim & Tonic, the biggest swim-up bar on any cruise ship in the world. Drinking next to full-size, nearly naked Americans takes away one’s own self-consciousness. The men have curvaceous mom bodies. The women are equally un-shy about their sprawling physiques.

Today I’ve befriended a bald man with many children who tells me that all of the little trinkets that Royal Caribbean has left us in our staterooms and suites are worth a fortune on eBay. “Eighty dollars for the water bottle, 60 for the lanyard,” the man says. “This is a cult.”

“Tell me about it,” I say. There is, however, a clientele for whom this cruise makes perfect sense. For a large middle-class family (he works in “supply chains”), seven days in a lower-tier cabin—which starts at $1,800 a person—allow the parents to drop off their children in Surfside, where I imagine many young Filipina crew members will take care of them, while the parents are free to get drunk at a swim-up bar and maybe even get intimate in their cabin. Cruise ships have become, for a certain kind of hardworking family, a form of subsidized child care.

There is another man I would like to befriend at the Swim & Tonic, a tall, bald fellow who is perpetually inebriated and who wears a necklace studded with little rubber duckies in sunglasses, which, I am told, is a sort of secret handshake for cruise aficionados. Tomorrow, I will spend more time with him, but first the ship docks at St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is more charming in name than in presence, but I still all but jump off the ship to score a juicy oxtail and plantains at the well-known Petite Pump Room, overlooking the harbor. From one of the highest points in the small city, the Icon of the Seas appears bigger than the surrounding hills.

I usually tan very evenly, but something about the discombobulation of life at sea makes me forget the regular application of sunscreen. As I walk down the streets of Charlotte Amalie in my fluorescent Icon of the Seas cap, an old Rastafarian stares me down. “Redneck,” he hisses.

“No,” I want to tell him, as I bring a hand up to my red neck, “that’s not who I am at all. On my island, Mannahatta, as Whitman would have it, I am an interesting person living within an engaging artistic milieu. I do not wish to use the Caribbean as a dumping ground for the cruise-ship industry. I love the work of Derek Walcott. You don’t understand. I am not a redneck. And if I am, they did this to me.” They meaning Royal Caribbean? Its passengers? The Rands?

“They did this to me!”

Back on the Icon, some older matrons are muttering about a run-in with passengers from the Celebrity cruise ship docked next to us, the Celebrity Apex. Although Celebrity Cruises is also owned by Royal Caribbean, I am made to understand that there is a deep fratricidal beef between passengers of the two lines. “We met a woman from the Apex,” one matron says, “and she says it was a small ship and there was nothing to do. Her face was as tight as a 19-year-old’s, she had so much surgery.” With those words, and beneath a cloudy sky, humidity shrouding our weathered faces and red necks, we set sail once again, hopefully in the direction of home.

THERE ARE BARELY 48 HOURS LEFT to the cruise, and the Icon of the Seas’ passengers are salty. They know how to work the elevators. They know the Washy Washy song by heart. They understand that the chicken gyro at “Feta Mediterranean,” in the AquaDome Market, is the least problematic form of chicken on the ship.

The passengers have shed their INAUGURAL CRUISE T-shirts and are now starting to evince political opinions. There are caps pledging to make America great again and T-shirts that celebrate words sometimes attributed to Patrick Henry: “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.” With their preponderance of FAMILY FLAG FAITH FRIENDS FIREARMS T-shirts, the tables by the crepe station sometimes resemble the Capitol Rotunda on January 6. The Real Anthony Fauci , by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears to be a popular form of literature, especially among young men with very complicated versions of the American flag on their T-shirts. Other opinions blend the personal and the political. “Someone needs to kill Washy guy, right?” a well-dressed man in the elevator tells me, his gray eyes radiating nothing. “Just beat him to death. Am I right?” I overhear the male member of a young couple whisper, “There goes that freak” as I saunter by in my white spa robe, and I decide to retire it for the rest of the cruise.

I visit the Royal Bling to see up close the $100,000 golden chalice that entitles you to free drinks on Royal Caribbean forever. The pleasant Serbian saleslady explains that the chalice is actually gold-plated and covered in white zirconia instead of diamonds, as it would otherwise cost $1 million. “If you already have everything,” she explains, “this is one more thing you can get.”

I believe that anyone who works for Royal Caribbean should be entitled to immediate American citizenship. They already speak English better than most of the passengers and, per the Serbian lady’s sales pitch above, better understand what America is as well. Crew members like my Panamanian cabin attendant seem to work 24 hours a day. A waiter from New Delhi tells me that his contract is six months and three weeks long. After a cruise ends, he says, “in a few hours, we start again for the next cruise.” At the end of the half a year at sea, he is allowed a two-to-three-month stay at home with his family. As of 2019, the median income for crew members was somewhere in the vicinity of $20,000, according to a major business publication. Royal Caribbean would not share the current median salary for its crew members, but I am certain that it amounts to a fraction of the cost of a Royal Bling gold-plated, zirconia-studded chalice.

And because most of the Icon’s hyper-sanitized spaces are just a frittata away from being a Delta lounge, one forgets that there are actual sailors on this ship, charged with the herculean task of docking it in port. “Having driven 100,000-ton aircraft carriers throughout my career,” retired Admiral James G. Stavridis, the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, writes to me, “I’m not sure I would even know where to begin with trying to control a sea monster like this one nearly three times the size.” (I first met Stavridis while touring Army bases in Germany more than a decade ago.)

Today, I decide to head to the hot tub near Swim & Tonic, where some of the ship’s drunkest reprobates seem to gather (the other tubs are filled with families and couples). The talk here, like everywhere else on the ship, concerns football, a sport about which I know nothing. It is apparent that four teams have recently competed in some kind of finals for the year, and that two of them will now face off in the championship. Often when people on the Icon speak, I will try to repeat the last thing they said with a laugh or a nod of disbelief. “Yes, 20-yard line! Ha!” “Oh my God, of course, scrimmage.”

Soon we are joined in the hot tub by the late-middle-age drunk guy with the duck necklace. He is wearing a bucket hat with the legend HAWKEYES , which, I soon gather, is yet another football team. “All right, who turned me in?” Duck Necklace says as he plops into the tub beside us. “I get a call in the morning,” he says. “It’s security. Can you come down to the dining room by 10 a.m.? You need to stay away from the members of this religious family.” Apparently, the gregarious Duck Necklace had photobombed the wrong people. There are several families who present as evangelical Christians or practicing Muslims on the ship. One man, evidently, was not happy that Duck Necklace had made contact with his relatives. “It’s because of religious stuff; he was offended. I put my arm around 20 people a day.”

Everyone laughs. “They asked me three times if I needed medication,” he says of the security people who apparently interrogated him in full view of others having breakfast.

Another hot-tub denizen suggests that he should have asked for fentanyl. After a few more drinks, Duck Necklace begins to muse about what it would be like to fall off the ship. “I’m 62 and I’m ready to go,” he says. “I just don’t want a shark to eat me. I’m a huge God guy. I’m a Bible guy. There’s some Mayan theory squaring science stuff with religion. There is so much more to life on Earth.” We all nod into our Red Stripes.

“I never get off the ship when we dock,” he says. He tells us he lost $6,000 in the casino the other day. Later, I look him up, and it appears that on land, he’s a financial adviser in a crisp gray suit, probably a pillar of his North Chicago community.

THE OCEAN IS TEEMING with fascinating life, but on the surface it has little to teach us. The waves come and go. The horizon remains ever far away.

I am constantly told by my fellow passengers that “everybody here has a story.” Yes, I want to reply, but everybody everywhere has a story. You, the reader of this essay, have a story, and yet you’re not inclined to jump on a cruise ship and, like Duck Necklace, tell your story to others at great pitch and volume. Maybe what they’re saying is that everybody on this ship wants to have a bigger, more coherent, more interesting story than the one they’ve been given. Maybe that’s why there’s so much signage on the doors around me attesting to marriages spent on the sea. Maybe that’s why the Royal Caribbean newsletter slipped under my door tells me that “this isn’t a vacation day spent—it’s bragging rights earned.” Maybe that’s why I’m so lonely.

Today is a big day for Icon passengers. Today the ship docks at Royal Caribbean’s own Bahamian island, the Perfect Day at CocoCay. (This appears to be the actual name of the island.) A comedian at the nightclub opined on what his perfect day at CocoCay would look like—receiving oral sex while learning that his ex-wife had been killed in a car crash (big laughter). But the reality of the island is far less humorous than that.

One of the ethnic tristate ladies in the infinity pool told me that she loved CocoCay because it had exactly the same things that could be found on the ship itself. This proves to be correct. It is like the Icon, but with sand. The same tired burgers, the same colorful tubes conveying children and water from Point A to B. The same swim-up bar at its Hideaway ($140 for admittance, no children allowed; Royal Caribbean must be printing money off its clientele). “There was almost a fight at The Wizard of Oz ,” I overhear an elderly woman tell her companion on a chaise lounge. Apparently one of the passengers began recording Royal Caribbean’s intellectual property and “three guys came after him.”

I walk down a pathway to the center of the island, where a sign reads DO NOT ENTER: YOU HAVE REACHED THE BOUNDARY OF ADVENTURE . I hear an animal scampering in the bushes. A Royal Caribbean worker in an enormous golf cart soon chases me down and takes me back to the Hideaway, where I run into Mrs. Rand in a bikini. She becomes livid telling me about an altercation she had the other day with a woman over a towel and a deck chair. We Suites have special towel privileges; we do not have to hand over our SeaPass Card to score a towel. But the Rands are not Suites. “People are so entitled here,” Mrs. Rand says. “It’s like the airport with all its classes.” “You see,” I want to say, “this is where your husband’s love of Ayn Rand runs into the cruelties and arbitrary indignities of unbridled capitalism.” Instead we make plans to meet for a final drink in the Schooner Bar tonight (the Rands will stand me up).

Back on the ship, I try to do laps, but the pool (the largest on any cruise ship, naturally) is fully trashed with the detritus of American life: candy wrappers, a slowly dissolving tortilla chip, napkins. I take an extra-long shower in my suite, then walk around the perimeter of the ship on a kind of exercise track, past all the alluring lifeboats in their yellow-and-white livery. Maybe there is a dystopian angle to the HBO series that I will surely end up pitching, one with shades of WALL-E or Snowpiercer . In a collapsed world, a Royal Caribbean–like cruise liner sails from port to port, collecting new shipmates and supplies in exchange for the precious energy it has on board. (The actual Icon features a new technology that converts passengers’ poop into enough energy to power the waterslides . In the series, this shitty technology would be greatly expanded.) A very young woman (18? 19?), smart and lonely, who has only known life on the ship, walks along the same track as I do now, contemplating jumping off into the surf left by its wake. I picture reusing Duck Necklace’s words in the opening shot of the pilot. The girl is walking around the track, her eyes on the horizon; maybe she’s highborn—a Suite—and we hear the voice-over: “I’m 19 and I’m ready to go. I just don’t want a shark to eat me.”

Before the cruise is finished, I talk to Mr. Washy Washy, or Nielbert of the Philippines. He is a sweet, gentle man, and I thank him for the earworm of a song he has given me and for keeping us safe from the dreaded norovirus. “This is very important to me, getting people to wash their hands,” he tells me in his burger getup. He has dreams, as an artist and a performer, but they are limited in scope. One day he wants to dress up as a piece of bacon for the morning shift.

THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE TITANIC (the Icon of the Seas is five times as large as that doomed vessel) at least offered its passengers an exciting ending to their cruise, but when I wake up on the eighth day, all I see are the gray ghosts that populate Miami’s condo skyline. Throughout my voyage, my writer friends wrote in to commiserate with me. Sloane Crosley, who once covered a three-day spa mini-cruise for Vogue , tells me she felt “so very alone … I found it very untethering.” Gideon Lewis-Kraus writes in an Instagram comment: “When Gary is done I think it’s time this genre was taken out back and shot.” And he is right. To badly paraphrase Adorno: After this, no more cruise stories. It is unfair to put a thinking person on a cruise ship. Writers typically have difficult childhoods, and it is cruel to remind them of the inherent loneliness that drove them to writing in the first place. It is also unseemly to write about the kind of people who go on cruises. Our country does not provide the education and upbringing that allow its citizens an interior life. For the creative class to point fingers at the large, breasty gentlemen adrift in tortilla-chip-laden pools of water is to gather a sour harvest of low-hanging fruit.

A day or two before I got off the ship, I decided to make use of my balcony, which I had avoided because I thought the view would only depress me further. What I found shocked me. My suite did not look out on Central Park after all. This entire time, I had been living in the ship’s Disneyland, Surfside, the neighborhood full of screaming toddlers consuming milkshakes and candy. And as I leaned out over my balcony, I beheld a slight vista of the sea and surf that I thought I had been missing. It had been there all along. The sea was frothy and infinite and blue-green beneath the span of a seagull’s wing. And though it had been trod hard by the world’s largest cruise ship, it remained.

This article appears in the May 2024 print edition with the headline “A Meatball at Sea.” When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.

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Breaking news, vacation horror as ‘drunk’ son, 20, jumps from royal caribbean cruise in front of family.

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A cruise turned into a nightmare for people aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas when a young man jumped overboard shortly after 4 a.m. Thursday.

The 18-story ship was sailing between Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island when the as-yet-unidentified man jumped off one of the decks.

According to onlookers, his father and brother watched helplessly as he leaped over the side.

Some passengers said it appeared to be an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment decision. 

“I had hung out with him and his brother in the hot tub until 3:30,” passenger Bryan Sims tells The Post. ” It was standing room only. He sat right beside me the whole time.”

“He was pretty drunk,” Sims continues.

“As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess.” “When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all.” 

“There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately,” another passenger,  Deborah Morrison, told The Post.

“His family was horrified. Just beside themselves. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through.”

“It was insane,” says Sims. “It was just surreal.” 

In a statement to The Post, Royal Caribbean said its crew immediately sprang into action following the incident.

“The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort alongside the US Coast Guard, who has taken over the search,” the statement reads.

“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”

News of the apparent suicide attempt quickly spread among the guests — and many of them tried to help in any way they could.

“The early morning was definitely somber as so many people came out of their cabins to stare at the sea, hoping to be able to aid in finding the person,” said Amy Phelps Fouse, a passenger on the ship.

“Royal Caribbean has been excellent at communicating updates throughout the day,” Fouse continued. “They have asked that people act with compassion in light of the tragic situation.”

Overboard incidents on cruise ships are rare.

According to the Washington Post , about 386 people were reported to have gone overboard on the major cruise lines between 2000 to 2020.

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The incidents, whether accidental or intentional, are often deadly.

In the past few years, most cruise lines have enacted onboard safety measures and surveillance systems to help reduce the risk of overboard deaths.

The Coast Guard confirmed to The Post it is still conducting a search and rescue operation in the waters off Cuba. The man has not yet been found.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to  SuicidePreventionLifeline.org .

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