19, first-timer, and overwhelmed!

[katie0077]

Hello everyone,
My friend and I (both 19) have decided to take a cruise together in August, 2006. Possibly Hawaii or the Carribean. But... easier said than done. The options are overwhelming. Any suggestions on a cruise line, length if trip, or destination? Also, I am interested in a cruise with an under-21 drinking age. We will be traveling by ourselves, will this be a problem or is anyone over 18 allowed to travel alone? As you can see, I'm lost ... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Have a great day,
Katie

[Dave]

Katie,

Perhaps an agent with more knowledge will jump in here, but for the most part the mainstream cruise lines will not accept bookings from 19 year olds without someone older staying with them in the same cabin. This can be someone who is 21 or even 25. Look at Royal Caribbean's policy: RCCL booking policy

[Billy in FLL]

I agree with Dave, most cruiselines have a minimum age limit if not at least 21. An agent may be your best source. They can make the calls to various lines and verify age limits/restrictions. Also regarding the under 21 drinking age, from what I understand, all guests must be 21. Hope I helped.

Billy

[Jim C.]

And not that I would be against you cruising, but also don't "lie" about you age and book anyway expecting to be able get on the cruise. They will be checking your ID (passport and or birth certificate) when you embark. I'd hate to see you put money on a cruise and lose it because they won't let you on.

Any way to get a parent, relative, or friend (21 or over) go with you? That way you get to have fun as well as the person you talked into going...

[Dave]

Good point Jim. The cruise lines will refuse passage to anyone who isn't as old as they claim, and will say thank-you for the money you gave them since they will not refund a penny in that instance.

Like you, I have no problem with responsible singles under 21 cruising with me. But they need to do it by the rules.

[jerryc]

hi
we just booked on rci with 2 teenagers..2 cabins ...at least one person in cabin must be 21...also that person must sign waiver for 18-20 year olds to drink beer or wine on ship...no liquor

[LHP]

The ships generally are 21 and over to drink. However, if you cruise to Mexico, it is only 18 in town.

A bigger problem is going to be booking the cruise since you must be 21. Do you have a friend that is 21 that can go with you??

I love how people can bring infants on board but an 18 yr old cant get on the ship without someone 21? So LAME. Kids under 15 should be banned!

[Dave]

lbt43,

Let's not start up with this kids age thing again, okay?

Dave, With all do respect, I will start whatever I please.