ALCOHOL POLICY The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean ships on sailings originating in North America or the Caribbean is twenty-one (21). The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean ships on sailings originating in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is eighteen (18).

In 2026, the drinking age on Royal Caribbean depends entirely on where the ship departs from. For cruises sailing from North America (including the U.S. and Caribbean ports), the minimum drinking age is strictly 21, regardless of whether the ship is in international waters. However, for cruises departing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the minimum drinking age is 18. There is a specific caveat: for certain departures from the UK or Europe where the legal age is lower, a parent or guardian traveling with the 18–20-year-old may be required to sign a waiver at the Guest Services desk to allow them to purchase beer or wine. Note that this policy does not apply to "private destinations" like CocoCay, where the age remains 21 for all North American departures. Always bring a valid photo ID, as "SeaPass" cards are automatically coded with your age at embarkation to prevent unauthorized purchases.