The legal drinking and purchasing age on both the Dutch side (St. Maarten) and the French side (St. Martin) of the island is 18 years old. This is a major draw for younger travelers from the United States, where the limit is 21. While the island is a binational territory with two different governments, they maintain a consistent 18+ policy for the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Most bars, clubs, and restaurants in popular hubs like Maho Beach or Simpson Bay will strictly enforce this by asking for a government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver's license). It is important to note that while the local law is 18, most U.S.-based cruise lines still maintain a 21+ drinking policy for their passengers while on board the ship, even if the ship is docked in St. Maarten. Furthermore, if you are bringing alcohol back into the United States from your trip, U.S. Customs and Border Protection laws still apply, meaning you must be 21 to utilize your duty-free exemption for importing alcoholic beverages into the U.S.