Guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol on board. Proper I.D with birth date is required. In keeping with U.S. federal law, the age for the sale of tobacco products is 21. This policy is for U.S.-based itineraries/ships only.

Whether an 18-year-old can buy alcohol on a cruise in 2026 depends entirely on the cruise line and the ship's location. On most U.S.-based lines (like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Disney), the high-fidelity drinking age is 21, even in international waters. However, some lines like Oceania or Norwegian may allow 18- to 20-year-olds to consume beer or wine in international waters with a high-value parent's consent form. Conversely, for 2026 cruises departing from Europe, South America, or Australia, the high-fidelity drinking age is typically 18. It is a high-fidelity requirement to note that on Alaska or New England sailings, the age remains a strict 21. For 2026 travelers, checking the specific "High-Value" Alcohol Policy of your chosen line is a necessity; while the high seas offer some high-fidelity freedom, the ship's corporate policy remains the high-value legal requirement that dictates who can be served at the "High-Fidelity" onboard bars.