Alcohol on Med cruise?

[pandanasbearz]

Hi everyone!

"So basically I'm booked on my 1st DCL cruise on August the 24th and since I am 18 and have read the FAQ on the disney cruise web stating:

The drinking age aboard ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. is required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service to anyone.

In recognition of the expectations of our multi-national guests, for roundtrip cruises departing from European countries, where the legal drinking age is lower than 21, a parent or guardian who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) and/or ward(s) who is between the ages of 18 and 20, may sign a beverage waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages while onboard. Parents or guardians may complete the beverage waiver in the Guest Ticket Booklet or inquire about the waivers upon check-in. Please note: The 18 to 20 year old must comply with all laws and Disney Cruise Line policies related to the consumption and distribution of alcohol in Europe, including among other things, agreeing to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. This policy is subject to change without notice."

Does anyone have any experience on this? I'm just want to make sure since I study in England, I'm allowed to drink at 18 so I could have a little fun on board

Thanks in advance!

 

[mmouse37]

Hi everyone!

"So basically I'm booked on my 1st DCL cruise on August the 24th and since I am 18 and have read the FAQ on the disney cruise web stating:

The drinking age aboard ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. is required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service to anyone.

In recognition of the expectations of our multi-national guests, for roundtrip cruises departing from European countries, where the legal drinking age is lower than 21, a parent or guardian who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) and/or ward(s) who is between the ages of 18 and 20, may sign a beverage waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages while onboard. Parents or guardians may complete the beverage waiver in the Guest Ticket Booklet or inquire about the waivers upon check-in. Please note: The 18 to 20 year old must comply with all laws and Disney Cruise Line policies related to the consumption and distribution of alcohol in Europe, including among other things, agreeing to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. This policy is subject to change without notice."

Does anyone have any experience on this? I'm just want to make sure since I study in England, I'm allowed to drink at 18 so I could have a little fun on board

Thanks in advance!

Are your parents/guardian sailing with you and willing to sign the form? That is the question. And, since it says the policy can change at any time I would call DCL and ask if the policy is still in effect. They don't always update the website quickly if policy happens to change.

MJ

 

[lanejudy]

2 key points - first, assuming you are on the Magic Mediterranean cruise on Aug. 24th. If you're cruising the Caribbean, it doesn't matter where you study. Second, as PP pointed out, your parents would need to be cruising with you to sign the waiver. An 18-yr-old can cruise without parents, but if you want the waiver you need your parents to be there as well.

There are plenty of ways to "have a little fun onboard" without drinking alcohol.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[pandanasbearz]

Yes my parents are cruising with me. Since I cant go into vibe since the policy changed I'm still at a loss....

I know there's club 18-21 but still no dedicated space

 

[bats]

Yes my parents are cruising with me. Since I cant go into vibe since the policy changed I'm still at a loss....

I know there's club 18-21 but still no dedicated space

Your dedicated space is the Quiet Cove pool!!!

Signing the authority makes it real easy ... my nephew was 18 on his last Med cruise with DCL and his mum just signed it. He's a responsible drinker and only actually had a few pints throughout the whole week.

Don't forget you can take your own onboard, so pop to Tesco before you pack .. or, grab something at Barca port (there's a little shop inside selling spirits and beer).
All alcohol must be in your hand luggage though, so if you pack it in your hold luggage for the flight, you'd then need to transfer it to your hand luggage before boarding.

 

[MrsScooby]

Hi everyone!

"So basically I'm booked on my 1st DCL cruise on August the 24th and since I am 18 and have read the FAQ on the disney cruise web stating:

The drinking age aboard ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. is required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service to anyone.

In recognition of the expectations of our multi-national guests, for roundtrip cruises departing from European countries, where the legal drinking age is lower than 21, a parent or guardian who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) and/or ward(s) who is between the ages of 18 and 20, may sign a beverage waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages while onboard. Parents or guardians may complete the beverage waiver in the Guest Ticket Booklet or inquire about the waivers upon check-in. Please note: The 18 to 20 year old must comply with all laws and Disney Cruise Line policies related to the consumption and distribution of alcohol in Europe, including among other things, agreeing to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. This policy is subject to change without notice."

Does anyone have any experience on this? I'm just want to make sure since I study in England, I'm allowed to drink at 18 so I could have a little fun on board

Thanks in advance!

I didn't know this! Thanks for posting
My DS is 19 and we will be sure to sign the waiver for him
The sailaway drink is delicious and usually not very strong, so after you get your waiver signed have one of those.

I don't recommend binge drinking as not only does it make you look like an idiot it causes doubt as to whether the waiver was a good idea in the first place (and you'll have a hard time getting the trust back let alone your drinking waiver from DCL). Don't be that guy !!!

 

[MrsScooby]

oh and just FYI, I know there was a Wii game station in one of the adult lounges the last time we sailed the Magic as my DH played wii bowling with some people we met there.
Don't know if it is still there but that looks like something the 18-20 year old age group might like to pass the time away in between ports.

 

[lilpooh108]

Your dedicated space is the Quiet Cove pool!!!

Don't forget you can take your own onboard, so pop to Tesco before you pack .. or, grab something at Barca port (there's a little shop inside selling spirits and beer).

Bats, you are always so helpful. Didn't know about the Barca port convenience store.

Is there a good wine shop somewhere in the center of town? Or do supermarkets in Barcelona carry a wide selection?

I asked on my Meet thread but got no responses.

 

[DCL Repeaters]

Bats, you are always so helpful. Didn't know about the Barca port convenience store.

Is there a good wine shop somewhere in the center of town? Or do supermarkets in Barcelona carry a wide selection?

I asked on my Meet thread but got no responses.

When in the Port of Barcelona for a DCL cruise in 2010, there was a shop in the port that sold wine. We picked up several very good wines there.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Where is the best place in Barcelona to buy liquor at a good price? We are flying from the US to Barcelona a few days pre cruise; is there a duty free shop in the arrival area when we land, and if so is that our best bet? If not, where in the city is the best place to buy vodka/rum at decent prices?

 

[kcashner]

The policy you quoted was in effect on the 2011 Med cruises. As noted, policies are subject to change at any time.

I certainly hope that you can have "a little fun" without needing to use brain altering chemicals to do so.

The 18-21 group will meet nightly at 10 or 10:30 with a CM; the most important night is the first one. What will happen from there is totally up to the group. If you want to have activities scheduled, let the CMs know--this can include games and crafts in Diversions, games on the sports deck, etc. Many of the activities that the teens do can be scheduled for the 18-21s if you tell the CM that you want them. If the group just sits there, the CM will schedule a couple of lunches and that's it.

Obviously, all adult activities are open to you. Often the 18-21s wander over to Rockin Bar D after their meeting in Diversions.

 

[lilpooh108]

Where is the best place in Barcelona to buy liquor at a good price? We are flying from the US to Barcelona a few days pre cruise; is there a duty free shop in the arrival area when we land, and if so is that our best bet? If not, where in the city is the best place to buy vodka/rum at decent prices?

I dunno about Barcelona shops, but if you wanna do Duty Free my opinion is to just buy it as you are departing and the airline gives it to you as you board since you're not allowed to carry it through anymore.

You pick it up as you enter the gangway.

In my experience, most European cities DO NOT have a duty free shop accessible when you land. In fact, most of the time I don't even have to go through immigration since the hours are so limited. I've landed in Italy and France a few times very early or very late and walked right out the door of the airport. All shops are closed. No immigration booth.

 

[Figment_Fan]

This will make the trip a little more interesting. My son indicated that he wanted to try some of the wines in France and Italy as he knows this is a once in a lifetime trip. (Hopefully not, but at least he is very appreciative) He will turn 19 during the over night in Venice. He looked up the drinking age as he has been with us when we have visited winerys in the past and he tries the different juices. He would like to actually taste what they have and asked if we would be alright with that. He loves to cook and is interested in pairings of food with the wine. My DW and I told him, yes on land, when he is with us. But, the boat????

I'll have to think about this. He leaves for college when we return, and it would be nice to have him experience that drinking is not an end all to be all. Take the forbidden fruit aspect out of the equation.

Hmm, I'm going to have to process this further. That is, if the policy is still in place.

Thank you for the information.

 

[MrsScooby]

This will make the trip a little more interesting. My son indicated that he wanted to try some of the wines in France and Italy as he knows this is a once in a lifetime trip. (Hopefully not, but at least he is very appreciative) He will turn 19 during the over night in Venice. He looked up the drinking age as he has been with us when we have visited winerys in the past and he tries the different juices. He would like to actually taste what they have and asked if we would be alright with that. He loves to cook and is interested in pairings of food with the wine. My DW and I told him, yes on land, when he is with us. But, the boat????

I'll have to think about this. He leaves for college when we return, and it would be nice to have him experience that drinking is not an end all to be all. Take the forbidden fruit aspect out of the equation.

Hmm, I'm going to have to process this further. That is, if the policy is still in place.

Thank you for the information.

I like the fact that if this policy is in place I can offer my son a sip of my wine at dinner.
I also think it depends on the individual young adult. Some can handle it and some can't.
My DS is a freshman in college and he says that he has a hard time socializing with the kids who's only goal is to find some alcohol. Not his thing.
He might not even want any alcohol on the cruise but the waiver allows him the option to try a drink if he later decides he wants to

 

[lilpooh108]

This will make the trip a little more interesting. My son indicated that he wanted to try some of the wines in France and Italy as he knows this is a once in a lifetime trip. (Hopefully not, but at least he is very appreciative) He will turn 19 during the over night in Venice. He looked up the drinking age as he has been with us when we have visited winerys in the past and he tries the different juices. He would like to actually taste what they have and asked if we would be alright with that. He loves to cook and is interested in pairings of food with the wine. My DW and I told him, yes on land, when he is with us. But, the boat????

I'll have to think about this. He leaves for college when we return, and it would be nice to have him experience that drinking is not an end all to be all. Take the forbidden fruit aspect out of the equation.

Hmm, I'm going to have to process this further. That is, if the policy is still in place.

Thank you for the information.

I think it's a great idea for him to try it. Good for you for being open minded. Children in Europe grow up with table wine, etc. I have a good friend who is American but grew up in Italy...according to him there's not much binge drinking there and wine drinking really isn't that big a deal.


I think that anything in moderation is fine. Especially if we're talking about 18-19 YO who is trying wines for purposes of understanding the food. It's not hard liquor.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I dunno about Barcelona shops, but if you wanna do Duty Free my opinion is to just buy it as you are departing and the airline gives it to you as you board since you're not allowed to carry it through anymore.

You pick it up as you enter the gangway.

In my experience, most European cities DO NOT have a duty free shop accessible when you land. In fact, most of the time I don't even have to go through immigration since the hours are so limited. I've landed in Italy and France a few times very early or very late and walked right out the door of the airport. All shops are closed. No immigration booth.

Thanks for the tip! I had forgotten that we do have a duty free shop at Philadelphia (PHL) where we fly from and we can purchase some alcohol there to carry on. That will be even better since the prices will be in USD. Seems like the easiest way to go. Now we'll just have to find a supermarket in Barcelona where we can pickup some bottled water and we'll be all set.

 

[StephenKay]

Hi there,

Our DD is 18 in a few weeks and is sooo looking forwarding to our JUN Magic cruise which she would like to be able to join her parents in the lounges on the Magic. Our DD understands alcohol and its affects, however wants to partake in a few drinks and enjoy the various nightclub ents that she has only heard of over the 10 previous cruises. We shall be signing the wavier however we shall also be keeping a close eye.

As for good alcohol stores, we always shop in a small Carrefour shop in Las Ramblas on the main shopping Street leading there. We have found a great little "booze" shop at Rambla de los Estudios, 113
E - 8002 Barcelona near playa de catalunya metro, it's basically a 7-11 with a good selection of wines and spirts, we use this to stock up on various wines and spirts prior to a cruise as we find the port shop to be pricey.

Please remember to drink responsibily !!

 

[pjacobi]

In recognition of the expectations of our multi-national guests, for roundtrip cruises departing from European countries, where the legal drinking age is lower than 21, a parent or guardian who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) and/or ward(s) who is between the ages of 18 and 20, may sign a beverage waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages while onboard.
Does anyone have any experience on this? I'm just want to

What about European countries with a drinking age as low as 16 to purchase alcohol? Some countries are as low as 14 for consumption of alcohol.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_drinking_age#Europe



-Paul

 

[itdoesntsmell]

DCL have set they're limit at 18+ to accomodate what they think is appropriate for that market and what they can accommodate.
Last thing you want is <18 yr olds drinking and then going to the Vibe!

US Law determines that a 18 yr old is considered an adult under law, and therefore I think the cut off for drinking alcohol at 18 is appropriate one these cruises.
Eitherway, they are never going to please everyone.

 

[jayteadunn]

Good point. I wasn't aware of the form to sign. The onboard TV explains that 21 is it on the ship