Interesting Experience Regarding Alcohol/Age Verification on the Fantasy

[undertheradar]

Perhaps you are sensitive to being carded? Consider looking young a plus and understand that there are severe penalties for serving underage guests.

 

[Anisum]

It's the cruise line's policy, I understand where it may feel belittling and in a sense I get that, I've been there. I was cruising with Disney and my college friends at the same age and would get carded from time to time. That being said, I would rather they do their job and card people than have underage kids getting trashed because they didn't card. The solution is generally just carry your ID with your KTTW card is that happens a lot.

That being said, with cruises outside the US, always assume you need ID when getting off the boat, even when cruising in the U.S. I would suggest taking some form of ID. I'm not saying take your passport everywhere because they're hard to replace if stolen but some form of photo ID is generally good to have readily available during travel. In fact, the fact that you didn't hear it before getting ready for the Castaway Cay 5k is surprising because they generally harp on that at the show the night before, during any announcements, etc.

While I don't necessarily think cast members should be question you beyond "Can I see your ID?" I think that is the only part of the experience that may be worth contacting Disney about. Even then, it's something I would brush off as a bad joke or whatever especially since it should really only happen the first time you interact with a specific bartender. They usually get pretty good at recognizing guests so I rarely was asked about an ID by the same person twice.

 

[lbus42]

I’m 61 and occasionally STILL get carded. It depends on the policy of the establishment. Doesn’t bother me one bit.

 

[Spotthecat]

Hmmm...my ID is stuck in the safe for the duration of the cruise except for Castaway Cay. I never even thought that someone would need it anywhere else than getting on/off the boat, but I guess at the bars...what is the legal drinking age on the ship? I would be confused as at home it's 19, so the KTTW card having the A for adult still wouldn't give the server your age. So I guess you still need to carry your ID to the bars? That would annoy my sister, who at 44 still gets carded as she's barely 4'11" in heels

 

[FSU Girl]

I think what they said is uncalled for and some bartenders can be rude about asking for ID. I'm 28 and get carded constantly, even in England where the drinking age is like 16 or something. When I was in Vegas recently I was dying of thirst and sat at the bar to ask for a cup of water. The bartender was super rude and told me I can't have water or sit there being under 21. I thought it was pretty funny being carded for water and he was really smug thinking I'd have to leave. I handed over my ID which he scanned and he looked really upset as he gave me my water. If it's really bothering you about some of the comments I would write to Disney. Asking for ID is one thing, but rude comments is another.

 

[SG131]

I can understand exactly how you feel and the comments they gave you are totally unnecessary. Not related to Disney cruise but I hate when you go to a restaurant and get poor service because you look young and people assume you aren’t going to tip well. I graduated college before I could drink and am now an engineer. I may not order very adventurous things, but that doesn’t mean you should assume I’m just cheap and won’t tip so I’m not worth your time.

I’ve heard so many great things about the staff on the cruises, so it’s disappointing to hear that in this situation they were not a step above the rest like they seem to be in most other things.

 

[DLgal]

I was carded at a Chili's three years ago (at the age of 36) while I had my two adolescent sons with me. The waiter said "I thought you were 19." I was like, "this is my 12 year old son..,"

It happens. Get used to it. Wait until you start dining at high end restaurants and get treated like crap because they assume you are young and poor. Story of our lives (DH looks young too.)

 

[jAcKs_x0]

I appreciate all of the detailed comments based on your past experiences! To clarify, our issue was not with being carded, but rather with the rude comments that followed. I was also curious on the policy of having government IDs for age verification versus the KTTW card (as I knew our photos popped up when they were scanned) and we heard conflicting information on the ship.

In addition, for both St. Maarten and St. Thomas we brought a photo ID off the ship, but we were never asked for a photo ID to get back on the ship, just for our KTTW. Having your KTTW card was drilled into our head. The mention of a photo ID wasn’t as explicit for Castaway (like it was for other ports), and coupling that with our experience of not being asked for it in the two ports prior, we were under the impression that a photo ID wasn’t necessary. We brought the photo ID after seeing the sign during the 5K checkin, but we were never asked for it again to get back on the ship.

We were not against showing our government ID when needed, we were just unsure of the official policy. We were more than willing to comply with the rules, and did as such, just not willing to deal with backlash/disrespect/belittling that we received.

 

[ACQUADUCK]

I just returned from the most wonderful vacation on the 7 night Fantasy cruise. I had an amazing time with my college best friend, both of us cruising for the first time. What we found interesting (and sometimes downright rude) was the amount of cast members who neglected to believe that we were of drinking age. Not only were we questioned, but the comments that followed after really put us off. Things ranging from "where are your parents" to "are you old enough to be alone" to "you know you can get in a lot of trouble using your mom's KTTW card to buy alcohol", it became exhausting and just plain disrespectful. I'm 24 years old, very blessed and grateful that the hard work in my career has allowed me to be fortunate enough to pay for my entire cruise by myself, so why can't I receive the same respect as another self-paying adult? I'm fully aware that I look very young, especially without makeup (i.e. at the pool bar) and that I will "enjoy it when I'm older", but it doesn't help being reminded that my appearance is in line with someone who just graduated high school. In addition, in a slightly similar situation, I was checking in for the castaway 5K, when the cast member looked at my ticket and KTTW and mentioned that I don't need a photo ID. I shrugged it off, just assuming my ticket stated something that I didn't need one. As I sat down I noticed a sign that said all guests aged 18+ needed photo ID. So I went back to the cast member and asked why she felt I didn't need an ID and she said it was because I was under 18. I told her I was 24 and she said "Oh, actually, you do need one". I ran back up to my room in time to grab it before we were sent off the ship, but I was so frustrated considering my KTTW had an "A" for "Adult", and the cast member neglected to see it/simply judged me based on my appearance. In hindsight, I should have brought it to begin with, I was just under the impression that at Castaway the only form of ID needed was your KTTW, but now I know that's not the case. All in all, I mostly wanted to share my experience, and see if anyone else has ever had this experience before? Or if anyone has any advice/if it's worth it to reach out to someone from DCL to share our experience? I didn't leave this experience on the comment card, because we couldn't quite explain the situation with a 1-5 rating, so I figured I could reach out once we got home. FWIW, at WDW I've almost always been ID'd, but I know their policy is "looks under 30 must be ID'd", and yet have never received a comment (nor the disrespect) about my age. Thanks for listening, I appreciate any welcome advice!

Comments like, "where are your parents" to "are you old enough to be alone" to "you know you can get in a lot of trouble using your mom's KTTW card to buy alcohol", are condescending, rude, and as you mention, you worked hard to pay for an expensive cruise.

Whilst there are rules to check ID they should be professional about it and comments if this nature are totally unnecessary and unacceptable.

Do complain to DCL.

Very sorry that's your first experience.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm with the others about the comments. I have zero issues being carded at now 30 and didn't have issues prior to that. What I would have issues with is the additional comments. An ID card with your age is sufficient to show you are old enough to drink/be in an establishment/place.

However, I would have reached out to a manager right then and there if I truly felt the comments were done with rudeness. If I felt the comments were just plain annoying I would have reached out to someone while on the ship or at the very least I would have already contacted Disney about it. I wouldn't expect anything to come about from it but surely there are better ways of ensuring someone is of appropriate age than saying/asking "where are your parents", "are you old enough to be alone" and "you know you can get in a lot of trouble using your mom's KTTW card to buy alcohol".

The instance with Castaway Cay should have been handled right there with a manager, yes OP you should have brought your ID, however if the CM is not appropriately reviewing KTTW cards then that is a training/compliance issue.

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

I feel that if you've come to this forum to ask about it, it's bothering you enough to email DCL about it.

When I was 24 years old I had my daughter at the doctor's office to have her 6 month shots. I was a bit upset about how much pain it would cause her and after her first shot my daughter screamed so loudly that cried and I asked my MIL to please hold her and I left the room. Later my MIL told me that the nurse was making snarky comments about this is why high school children should not have babies - as they cannot handle true adult life situations. Looking back on that, it was VERY rude and entirely out of line. I was 24 years old, not 15 and her comment and tone were downright rude.

Speak up, for all of us that have been in this situation - speak up!
I'm now 44 and get carded everywhere we go -- along with my daughters who are now over 21.

 

[bumbershoot]

That depends on the ship. We were actually told upon boarding that we didn't need anything for the rest of the cruise except our KTTW and nothing was mentioned about Castaway Cay. We got on and off just fine without our IDs. First I'm hearing we needed them. So it may be a rule, but it's not universally made very clear.

D oyou still have your Navigator? It should say on there that ID was needed. Castaway is the Bahamas. It’s a different country. ID requirements don’t change from sailing to sailing. Just because they might not look at it doesn’t mean you don’t need it.

 

[undertheradar]

Isn't there still the Bahamian security check point before returning to the ship? That requires photo id for all over 18.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Definitely the rude comments are unnecesary. If they have to card you, that’s cool. I think it’s kinda dumb if they mark the KttW card with the A for anyone over 21. It’s right there. You can’t fudge that. It’s according to official documentation of date of birth. Overkill for them to continually card you but I guess they want to be over-cautious.

I’m 43, almost 44, and I still get carded. I usually proclaim that person my BFF of the day and have a great laugh. When I go places with just my sons who are 20 & 22 we get comments about what a sweet big sister I am to be buying them things or taking them to lunch. Just yesterday my younger son went for a haircut & his stylist asked where his girlfriend is. He was like ??? because he’s never brought a girlfriend to the shop where he gets his hair cut. The stylist said, “You know, that lady who came with you the first time....”. He died laughing. “That’s my MOM!” When I was younger I wanted to be treated my age so if someone assumed I was too young for something I didn’t like it. There’s definitely a tipping point where someone assuming you are younger is such a huge moment of happy! BUT, sarcasm or unnecesary comments just aren’t appreciated and I get that.

If it still bothers you, OP, you could maybe write a letter to DCL and make your voice heard. In the future, if you have some extra sheets of paper you can write out any thoughts you have and attach them to the comment card.

Glad you had a great cruise otherwise. I look forward to the first time my boys cruise without me. They’ll do great, I’m sure, but like so many other things I also know they’ll have a deeper appreciation of just how much I do.

 

[nas1861]

Some people have no awareness of the rudeness they exhibit. Being asked for an ID can be flattering and can be annoying but the person asking should keep all comments to themselves. I am 42 and get carded all the time. Last year a server at WDW wouldn't tell me what drinks he had on the tray because he thought I wasn't old enough. Told me "these are for adults". You won't even tell me what is on the tray? Didn't even ask for my ID to verify at first. After I told him I was old enough, he asked for my ID. The lady behind me was in a slight panic that he needed to see ID since she didn't have any. He told her it was only for people that looked under 21. Funny thing is, she most likely was the same age as I was. At the same dessert party, I went to a different server who was much more professional and just politely asked for my ID. As I was getting it out I side whispered that she can see it but I'm 41. And she made some comment about how good I looked and that she believed me but still needed to see it. Not a problem, I was already in the process of retrieving it when I made the comment. In the span of 15 minutes I had both spectrum, the absolute rude oaf and a nice polite person. Yes, it happens that if you look young people are going to question you but there is a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it and we expect better of Disney cast members to be more on the right way of doing it. It's easy to say in hindsight that you should have said something to a manager and I'm sure you will next time but the first couple of times it happens, you are so flustered by the exchange, you don't know what to say. At 42, I would definitely march myself straight to a manger and complain. Not sure I would have at 24. Don't beat yourself up too much, you will be better prepared when it happens again.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hmmm...my ID is stuck in the safe for the duration of the cruise except for Castaway Cay. I never even thought that someone would need it anywhere else than getting on/off the boat, but I guess at the bars...what is the legal drinking age on the ship? I would be confused as at home it's 19, so the KTTW card having the A for adult still wouldn't give the server your age. So I guess you still need to carry your ID to the bars? That would annoy my sister, who at 44 still gets carded as she's barely 4'11" in heels

The letter code on the KTTW card is "A" for adult (over 21); "B" for adult (18-20); and "C" for child (under 18).

Onboard you do not need to have your ID to order alcoholic drinks, as they use the KTTW card. Off the ship, you may need an actual ID. Some ports drinking age is 18, while others it's 21.

 

[DMMarla07860]

The letter code on the KTTW card is "A" for adult (over 21); "B" for adult (18-20); and "C" for child (under 18).

Onboard you do not need to have your ID to order alcoholic drinks, as they use the KTTW card. Off the ship, you may need an actual ID. Some ports drinking age is 18, while others it's 21.

Actually since I looked young I needed my ID from time to time was ordering drinks. Not till the past few cruises did I really not need it, just saying a lot of the times you don't need it on the ship, but other times you do, lucky the past cruises since 2010 I've known at least one bartender, manager etc, so haven't needed it, but sometimes if a bartender or server I haven't had helped me I got asked for ID. I have no problems so I basically just carry ID with me since we need it getting off at ports anyway and if I didn't I'd forget it in my wallet lol

 

[Geomom]

The letter code on the KTTW card is "A" for adult (over 21); "B" for adult (18-20); and "C" for child (under 18).

Onboard you do not need to have your ID to order alcoholic drinks, as they use the KTTW card. Off the ship, you may need an actual ID. Some ports drinking age is 18, while others it's 21.

Thanks for posting this. My oldest turned 18 this year. I was curious as to how they would know if someone was 21+ vs. 18+ by looking at the KTTW cards. DD18 looks young--at Disney World we had multiple people ask if she and DD14 were twins. I know DD18 will be asked to show her card anytime she's in an adult only area.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks for posting this. My oldest turned 18 this year. I was curious as to how they would know if someone was 21+ vs. 18+ by looking at the KTTW cards. DD18 looks young--at Disney World we had multiple people ask if she and DD14 were twins. I know DD18 will be asked to show her card anytime she's in an adult only area.

Yeah, that's what happened to our (then) 19 year old. He got carded in the Quiet Cove area (for just being in the area) about 6 times before the CMs there got to know him.

 

[Sunshine2U]

When we sailed NCL our photo came up with every time they swiped our keycard. The reason I know is we had the unlimited drink package and I was making a lot of "purchases" on that trip. It was also used by security as we left and re-boarded at each port - I know they checked because I had to remove my visor and sunglasses every time. I thought DCL also had this same procedure. If so, it would not be necessary for them to comment about your age. Simply swiping would allow them to verify who you are. Is this not the case? I never noticed on DCL - just assumed.