This is a common question for many 18 year olds looking to go on a Mexico cruise. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, however the rules are more complicated on a cruise ship, even when sailing in Mexican waters. Here is an overview of the laws and cruise line policies regarding underage drinking on Mexico cruises.
The Legal Drinking Age in Mexico
The legal drinking age across Mexico is 18 years old. This means anyone 18 or older can legally purchase and publicly consume alcohol in Mexico. However, some resorts and tour operators may set their own minimum drinking age policies, which can be higher than the national legal limit.
Cruise Line Drinking Age Policies in Mexico
Most major cruise lines set their minimum drinking age at 21 years old. This includes cruise ships sailing in Mexico waters, as well as shore excursions in Mexican ports. The cruise ship is viewed as an extension of the country it is registered in. As most major cruise lines are registered in the U.S., they adhere to U.S. age limits for alcohol consumption.
Some specific cruise line drinking age policies for Mexico cruises include:
- Carnival Cruise Line – 21+ years old
- Royal Caribbean – 21+ years old
- Norwegian Cruise Line – 21+ years old
- Disney Cruise Line – 21+ years old
- Princess Cruises – 21+ years old
- Holland America – 21+ years old
These policies are strictly enforced while on board the cruise ship, in cruise ports in Mexico, and during sponsored shore excursions. However, passengers who are 18, 19 or 20 years old can legally drink alcohol when they disembark in Mexico on their own and are not part of an organized cruise line activity.
Drinking Age on Shore Excursions
Cruise lines prohibit under 21 drinking during sponsored shore excursions. If you book tours and activities through the cruise line, you must follow the ship’s drinking age rules. This includes activities like:
- Booze cruises
- Pub crawls
- Beer tastings
- Distillery tours
- Parties or clubs
If you want to join these types of adult-oriented activities in Mexican ports, you would need to book them independently and disembark without any cruise line supervision. You accept full liability when drinking under 21 in Mexico this way.
Being Turned Away from Bars & Clubs
Even if you are 18 and legally able to drink in Mexico, some bars, clubs and tour operators may turn you away if you are under 21. This is because they cater heavily to cruise ship tourists and don’t want to risk any violations. It’s best to have a valid ID that shows you are of legal drinking age in Mexico to avoid any issues.
Purchasing Alcohol Independently in Ports
If you disembark your cruise ship on your own in Mexico, you can legally purchase and drink your own alcohol at 18. You can buy from liquor stores, bars, restaurants and other venues that serve alcohol in Mexican ports. Keep in mind you need a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport.
Bringing Alcohol Onboard Underage
Purchasing alcohol ashore in Mexico and smuggling it onto your cruise ship comes with great risks. All cruise lines prohibit underage passengers from possessing or consuming alcohol onboard, even if purchased legally on shore. Trying to bring alcohol onboard can lead to confiscation, denied boarding and even removal from the cruise.
Penalties for Underage Drinking on a Cruise
If you are caught violating the drinking age policy on a cruise ship, there can be serious consequences. Possible penalties include:
- Confiscation of alcohol – Any alcohol found in your possession will be confiscated if you are under 21.
- Denied boarding – You may not be allowed to re-board the ship after a port stop.
- Removal from cruise – You can be put off the ship at the next port and left to get home on your own.
- Future cruise ban – Cruise lines share watch lists of rule breakers who can be prohibited from future cruises.
- Alerted authorities – Local police may be contacted if there are any disturbances, vandalism, fights etc. related to underage drinking.
Tips for 18 Year Olds on Mexico Cruises
Here are some tips for 18-20 year olds to enjoy Mexico cruises while abiding by the rules:
- Don’t attempt to violate the drinking age rules on the cruise ship.
- Wait until you are 21 to book booze or party cruises.
- In Mexico ports, leave organized shore excursions to drink legally at 18 on your own.
- Bring a valid ID to prove your age in Mexico.
- Don’t try to smuggle alcohol back onboard.
- Avoid disturbances that could alert authorities if drinking in Mexico.
- Stay with friends and exercise caution when out drinking underage.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks for 18 Year Old Cruisers
If you are sailing under 21, focus on enjoying all the fun non-alcoholic parts of a Mexico cruise. Possibilities include:
- Pools, waterslides, and activities
- Shows and entertainment
- Youth clubs or programs
- Shore excursions and tours
- Spas, gyms, sports
- Shopping, sightseeing
- Teen clubs or mixers
- Gaming, movies, bowling
- Mocktails and soda
Traveling with Family vs. Friends
If you are 18 and traveling with your family on a Mexico cruise, it’s best to abide by not only the cruise line rules but any guidelines set by your parents as well. Try to enjoy quality time with your family.
If traveling with friends, be very clear on your plans for drinking vs. not drinking before embarking. Peer pressure can be strong but remind your friends you could get them in serious trouble.
Being Considerate of Other Passengers
Keep in mind even legal drinking at 18 can be disturbing for some passengers if done irresponsibly. Be discreet, quiet and considerate to others if consuming alcohol in Mexico under 21.
Waiting Until 21
The simplest option is always to wait until you are 21 to consume alcohol on a cruise ship or in ports. At 21, you can fully enjoy cruise activities like bar crawls, tastings, themed parties and more without worrying about repercussions.
Conclusion
While 18 year olds can legally drink in Mexico, cruise ship policies prohibit under 21 alcohol consumption. For 18-20 year olds, it’s best to focus on fun non-alcoholic activities while onboard and only drink independently in ports once disembarked. Waiting until 21 is the easiest way to avoid issues. With some caution, 18 year olds can still have an amazing time on Mexico cruises.