Drinking Age?

[Fawn]

I am 22 and I was raised the same way growing up. My parents allowed me to start having wine or mixed drinks at home with them since I was 16 years old. On occasion, they would order me a drink out at a restaurant or a special event and 9 times out of 10, it was not a problem. On occasion if they were asked if they were ordering something for me and said yes and the server said they could not do that, they respectfully said no problem. Like you said, it would be the person ordering the drink who would have gotten in trouble. And if the server/bartender serves someone underage without checking ID just to make an extra buck, then that is and should be their problem if they want to risk losing their jobs.

I firmly believe that the way I was raised made me much more responsible when I eventually did drink outside of my parents presence in college and even after I turned 21. On my first DCL cruise my mom and I made our own drinks on board or occassionally she'd order me one discreetly, and now that I'm 21 and traveling with my younger siblings, 20 and 19, I have done and will continue to do the same for them.

Too bad our American culture didn't follow in European footsteps years ago, since in that case we wouldn't have to have this debate in the first place! But I'm glad to finally see some company from another person who feels the same as me on this subject.

It sounds as if our families have the exact same practices. My girls don't drink somewhere if they are asked not to...simple respect.

I agree with being more responsible, also. My girls have never gone drinking at parties...they've always found it a little stupid. They have a very mature attitude about it.

This is one of those subjects that people have very firm ideas on. Whatever works for each of us is the right decision.

 

[DMMarla07860]

I am 22 and I was raised the same way growing up. My parents allowed me to start having wine or mixed drinks at home with them since I was 16 years old. On occasion, they would order me a drink out at a restaurant or a special event and 9 times out of 10, it was not a problem. On occasion if they were asked if they were ordering something for me and said yes and the server said they could not do that, they respectfully said no problem. Like you said, it would be the person ordering the drink who would have gotten in trouble. And if the server/bartender serves someone underage without checking ID just to make an extra buck, then that is and should be their problem if they want to risk losing their jobs.

I firmly believe that the way I was raised made me much more responsible when I eventually did drink outside of my parents presence in college and even after I turned 21. On my first DCL cruise my mom and I made our own drinks on board or occassionally she'd order me one discreetly, and now that I'm 21 and traveling with my younger siblings, 20 and 19, I have done and will continue to do the same for them.

Too bad our American culture didn't follow in European footsteps years ago, since in that case we wouldn't have to have this debate in the first place! But I'm glad to finally see some company from another person who feels the same as me on this subject.

I couldn't have said it better myself, I was raised this way as well. Although I do know of bartenders getting in trouble(no on dcl that I know of but other places)for servering to people underage other places and of course my friend getting caught they id us all in Rockin' Bar D so couldn't drink

 

[DISFamily18]

I am NOT flaming...But please keep in mind business/resturnats/bars have all lost their liquor licenses in california for serving minors..and YES many, many folks have been arrested in under-cover sting operations..with adults purchasing under 21 year olds alcohol/beer. It really is a crime, and one that our family is not willing to commit, and not just because DH is in law enforcement Besdies what if someone who saw the waiter turn the other way..reported him..and he lost his job?? That would be awful

Not to harp on the point but I don't think it is a crime if it happens beyond the territorial boundary of the US. Thus, I don't think Disney would be in any danger of loosing their license or even subject to any fines. The ships are even registered in the Bahamas. The bartender would certainly be in violation of Disney policy and subject to their disciplinary process but that's an internal situation for them to handle.

If a parent wants to allow their older teenager to have a drink that's up to them. If Disney has a problem with it they could politely ask the parents to not do it. However, some people on the ship may be from other countries where the drinking age is younger or even nonexistent. This becomes an interesting question of values and culture rather than law.

Cheers

 

[mmackeymouse]

During the day by the adult pool, a couple times I ordered two drinks and give them one to share...the waiters saw this and never cared. They were well behaved, never drunk and with their Mom. I'm sure if they were running around the ship, being obvious with liquor and acting like fools, it would be a different story.

Wow, this really sounds a little bit dirty and wrong to me. No offense to you at all, but I dunno, it seems like blatant disregard for the rules.

I mean, it is one thing on the islands, but if the rules on the ship is that the drinking age is 21, it seems like breaking the rules to buy alcohol for your under 21 children.

Of course, I am a non drinker from a family of non drinkers, so that is just my perspective. Heck, I think even if the rules are different in a different country, that you should obey the laws that you were raised by.

 

[DMMarla07860]

Wow, this really sounds a little bit dirty and wrong to me. No offense to you at all, but I dunno, it seems like blatant disregard for the rules.

I mean, it is one thing on the islands, but if the rules on the ship is that the drinking age is 21, it seems like breaking the rules to buy alcohol for your under 21 children.

Of course, I am a non drinker from a family of non drinkers, so that is just my perspective. Heck, I think even if the rules are different in a different country, that you should obey the laws that you were raised by.

I totally agree with what you said, on the islands it is one thing, but rules on the ship is drinking age is 21, if they want to do something then, for underage drinking I say go for it rules are rules, that's why this last drink I only had a drink or 2 on the islands beside Castaway Cay of course, but didn't on the ship

 

[kcashner]

There is no problem with an individual choosing to have a drink on an island or in a country where it is legal for them to purchase alcohol. The issue is their behavior upon returning to the ship. They will not be confined to their cabin, thrown in the brig, or turned into any authorities for drinking on the islands. If they return to the ship and are disruptive, it is the behavior on the ship that will result in appropriate action.

KTTW cards are coded M (minor), A (adult) or B(between, I think) which means they are 18-20. Guests with a B are allowed in adult areas but may not purchase alcohol. Servers are supposed to request a KTTW card for EACH alcoholic beverage purchased, but frequently don't for obviously older couples. If they swipe a KTTW card which is not coded as "adult" for an alcoholic beverage, their screen will flash and change color! Selling or serving alcohol to a guest under 21 can result in termination of their contract. Obviously, DCL will look at each case individually (did the guest try to "trick" the CM or did the CM do it knowingly?) Yes, we are all aware of 18s who have been served, but DCL has continually upgraded it's system to prevent this.

If YOU purchase alcohol and allow your child to drink it, no DCL employee has violated any DCL policy. It is not the bartender's job to police you in that setting. Again, the behavior exhibited by the minors could become an issue.

All that said, my DD was served an alcoholic punch at the captain's reception on the Magic in March. She is 18 and easily looks 24 (she was initially asked to leave The Stack when she was 17 and the CM politely told her that this area was reserved for teens!). I questioned her about it, and she said "he didn't say anything, just asked me if I wanted it." Not following the policy...but no KTTW was swiped. She took one sip and handed it to me!

 

[Aquagirl]

^^ Oh good, does this mean that I do not have to carry my ID with me when I want to purchase a drink from the bar? If my card is coded that I am over 21, they won't need an ID? I am 33, but still get carded. Although it can be a pain, I will probably complain when I stop getting carded, haha.

 

[kcashner]

^^ Oh good, does this mean that I do not have to carry my ID with me when I want to purchase a drink from the bar? If my card is coded that I am over 21, they won't need an ID? I am 33, but still get carded. Although it can be a pain, I will probably complain when I stop getting carded, haha.

You won't need ID anywhere on the ship--your KTTW serves as your ID, charge card, room key, etc. THe only time you will need an addition photo ID is to get on and off the ship.

 

[Fawn]

All that said, my DD was served an alcoholic punch at the captain's reception on the Magic in March. She is 18 and easily looks 24 (she was initially asked to leave The Stack when she was 17 and the CM politely told her that this area was reserved for teens!). I questioned her about it, and she said "he didn't say anything, just asked me if I wanted it." Not following the policy...but no KTTW was swiped. She took one sip and handed it to me!

We have had the same experience at the Captain's reception. More than half the time my 19 year old...who looks older...is offered a drink. I'm not sure, but I don't think she's ever actually taken one...she's a conk cooler/daiquiri kinda girl.

At one of the concierge parties, the conceirge themselves got her a drink they said she knew she'd love! They were our concierge, so I'm assuming they knew how old she was? BTW, she didn't like it and didn't drink it!

On the other hand, my 25 year old has cruised with us and been asked to show her card to get a drink at the reception...even got a hard time once from a rude waiter!! She is always mistaken for the younger sister...a situation she will enjoy someday!

 

[Aquagirl]

You won't need ID anywhere on the ship--your KTTW serves as your ID, charge card, room key, etc. THe only time you will need an addition photo ID is to get on and off the ship.

Great, thank you!!! I have not been on a cruise in almost 3 years I think that I always carried my ID with me. I swear on my first cruise that they asked for my ID for drinks. Maybe I am remembering incorrectly or the cards were not carded back then.

 

[Fawn]

Great, thank you!!! I have not been on a cruise in almost 3 years I think that I always carried my ID with me. I swear on my first cruise that they asked for my ID for drinks. Maybe I am remembering incorrectly or the cards were not carded back then.

They did used to ask for licenses. Now, however, I believe you card is good enough.

 

[DMMarla07860]

I got carded the first two nights of my back-to-back cruise February 21st-March 7th, 2009. I was 20 so wasn't buying any drinks or anything, but I know if they didn't think you were 18 years old they asked to see id, so if your traveling with anyone who is 18 or so and look younger liked I do have them care a id. I became great friends with Nyoman that way though the second night so after that wasn't carded anymore

 

[kcashner]

You'll get "carded" if you are in an adult area and don't look 18. You'll also get carded for alcohol purchases.

DD NEVER got carded before she turned 18 (yes, she went to the adult areas a couple times on the cruise of her birthday before the actual day...and always with me). On the next cruise (after turning 18) she got carded at least twice.

 

[miztigg]

I am NOT flaming...But please keep in mind business/resturnats/bars have all lost their liquor licenses in california for serving minors..and YES many, many folks have been arrested in under-cover sting operations..with adults purchasing under 21 year olds alcohol/beer. It really is a crime, and one that our family is not willing to commit, and not just because DH is in law enforcement Besdies what if someone who saw the waiter turn the other way..reported him..and he lost his job?? That would be awful

senior frogs in cozmel 18 is the legal drinking age she was 18 so no law was broken so they could not lose thier licence

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I look young for my age and about 5 years ago I was refused a drink even though my card was coded with an A, they didn't believe that was my card so I had to run back to my room and get my drivers license to prove it was really me.

 

[DMMarla07860]

I look young for my age and about 5 years ago I was refused a drink even though my card was coded with an A, they didn't believe that was my card so I had to run back to my room and get my drivers license to prove it was really me.

this is one of the reasons I always carry my divers license with me, like you I look young then I really am, so then after I show them my drivers license I have no problem

 

[kutchyone]

A bartender ont he Wonder from Australia told us that if I ordered drinks for the kids, 20 and 19, that he would give them to me and and it was my business if I gave them to them. I did start doing that the last two nights of our cruise in January. Don't get me wrong, they were not drinking that many drinks, maybe 3 all day each with tons of food in between.

 

[mmackeymouse]

A bartender ont he Wonder from Australia told us that if I ordered drinks for the kids, 20 and 19, that he would give them to me and and it was my business if I gave them to them. I did start doing that the last two nights of our cruise in January. Don't get me wrong, they were not drinking that many drinks, maybe 3 all day each with tons of food in between.

But, and bear with me here, I am not trying to criticize. If the drinking age in the States is 21, and the drinking age on the ship is 21, why break the rules?

I mean, kids in the adult area, the dress code, all these things people are up in arms over, and I agree with them, because it is a breach of DCL's suggestions. And, the drinking age, in my estimation is a much more serious rule than the dress code, and no one seems at all to mind doing that?

It just makes no sense to me.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

But, and bear with me here, I am not trying to criticize. If the drinking age in the States is 21, and the drinking age on the ship is 21, why break the rules?

I mean, kids in the adult area, the dress code, all these things people are up in arms over, and I agree with them, because it is a breach of DCL's suggestions. And, the drinking age, in my estimation is a much more serious rule than the dress code, and no one seems at all to mind doing that?

It just makes no sense to me.

I respect your opinion, but I feel the opposite way…I’m sure there are a lot people who agree with you, and a lot who agree with me, and then many others in between…this is one of those “hot topics” that gets people all fired up since people are adamant in their differing opinions.

Personally, I am much more offended by people not obeying the dress code than if I saw a 20 year old having a drink that his or her parent bought for them or allowed them to have. Like I said earlier in this post, this is how I was raised, being able to drink in the company of my parents when I was underage. I personally am not bothered someone underage drinking on the ship if they are not belligerently drunk or anything, since if they are just relaxing with a drink with their parents and minding their own business, that is not infringing on my experience. However, when someone is dressed inappropriately in the dining room, that DOES infringe on my experience because it takes away from the nice atmosphere. I feel the same way about the dress code in WDW that is rarely enforced—they make you listen to their rundown of the dress code when you make your reservations for the WDW signature restaurants yet time after time we still see people in the restaurant in flip flops or tank tops, which I find very inappropriate when you are in a beautiful restaurant dropping $200 for dinner for a family of 4 and yet you are sitting across from someone too inconsiderate to even put a clean sleeved shirt and shoes on.

This is just my opinion on what matters and doesn’t matter to me. Everyone has his or her own values and things that are no big deal or that really bother them. It’s vacation where people from all over the world with totally different values are coming together, so disagreements are bound to happen, but as long as you are happy with what works for you within reason without disrespecting anyone else, then that is all that matters.

 

[kcashner]

But, and bear with me here, I am not trying to criticize. If the drinking age in the States is 21, and the drinking age on the ship is 21, why break the rules?

I mean, kids in the adult area, the dress code, all these things people are up in arms over, and I agree with them, because it is a breach of DCL's suggestions. And, the drinking age, in my estimation is a much more serious rule than the dress code, and no one seems at all to mind doing that?

It just makes no sense to me.

I agree...but there's really nothing I can do about it. DCL already has a policy which they enforce strictly with their employees. If a CM serves alcohol knowingly to an underage guest, he/she will no longer be a DCL employee.

I've also seen DCL aggressively try to determine HOW an underage guest was obtaining alcohol--the 17 year old was behaving inappropriately, was drunk, and DCL security suspected the alcohol was being supplied by either a brother or father. They were actively questioning other teens--"did you see him drinking? did you see where he got it?" etc.

I think that if you get on the ship, you agree to abide by the ship's rules regardless of whether you have the same rules in your home. I also feel that there is a huge difference between a rule (or policy) and a "suggestion" such as the dress code.

However....it is not my place to interfere with another guest unless that individual by violating a rule is interfering with my enjoyment of my vacation.