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As a 20th birthday present to me, my aunt would like to take my friend and I on a cruise aboard the Navigator, out of Rome. We've done a lot of research on the drinking policies and are extremely angry that after drinking in Europe, living on our own, being complete adults, that when we step onto a cruise line we become underages Americans. What's worse is that even the European cruise lines are adopting the same 21 policies... What's with the dictatorship? We're more responsible drinkers than many adults, mainly because we drink more often and we know our limits and we know how to behave in order to to not cause trouble. We've been informed that my aunt, an adult herself who would gladly take responsibility for us on board, is not allowed to sign our 18 waiver. Why not? I hope these cruise lines realize how much business they're losing from unhappy customers in this age range

Your complainant is not too specific about their sons misdemeanour, leaving us to speculate as to the full implication, but it does occur to me that they rather dote upon their 20 year old son who, indisputably is an adult if age is anything to go by. Having said that we all know that age goes overboard from time to time, especially when drink takes over. Our daughter and husband are avid travellers on Cruise ships taking as many as three or four cruises every year but last Christmas their experience was spoilt by youths who been drinking excessively trying to set fire to a large Christmas Tree on board the ship. Some folk spend good money at Christmas-time to get away from that sort of behaviour which, sadly can be found in many town and village centres not only at Christmas but any time of the year. Cruise lines, in general, are concerned about making cruises a good experience for all concerned - not to be spoilt by the exceptional few.

On the whole i agree with the drinking laws on board the ships and dont really mind having to sign a waiver form for our 18 yr old to drink on board american ships. I haven't come across the curfews though and we have all cruised about 6 times on various lines. i also recollect that when my daughter was 16-17 she was still 'out' after 1.00am on numerous occasions and as late as 2.30am on IOS. I must add that she is a very well behaved and sensible girl. However i think i would have been most annoyed had i noticed a curfew in place .

From your point of view this was unfortunate, however ALL American ships operate the same way, the drinking age is 21, is Europe some but not all will allow some 18-21 to drink with a signed waiver from the parents, some like Princess do not (at least they didn't used to last time I was there with them). It is also in their terms and conditions. They are an American company and therefore operate under US laws etc - the vasy majority of their passangers are also American and many would be upset to see anyone under 21 drinking. It is disapointing that they do not mention it on their wesbite though. I suppose to be fair Regent, Silversea, Seaborne etc are very adult lines and make very little allowance for children which under US law they are until they are 21 drinking wise.

It does seem ludicrous. Children ages 12 and over are charged as adult price on RC ships if sharing cabin with parents and for excursions. On P&O children are charged as children if they are under 17. Additionaly (and changing the subject completely :]) Disney class children as adults at the age of 11 too, for the purpose of buying theme park tickets. What is the curfew for under 18s? My kids will be 16 and 17 when we go on IOTS and I expect them to be able to meet for coffee and a chat with new friends certainly up to midnight.

That's really interesting. We have just returned from a lovely cruise on Voyager of the Seas - RCI - and the treatment of young adults was the one thing that I found odd. Like you we were sailing in the Med, out of Barcelona so our very nearly 19 year old son was most definitely an adult (and we paid adult rates). I found it irritating that we had to sign a waiver to "allow" him to drink when he was in Europe, not in America. I totally understand that when holidaying in America then you "do as the Romans do" but we were not in America. We were in Europe and when we went ashore then he and his 17 year old brother were legally allowed to drink. I knew the waiver system was in operation and was prepared for it but would have been totally furious in your position - on behalf of your adult son. I suggested on my review that it would be a more sensible idea for all 18 year olds to be able to drink in Europe and any American parents who did not want their children to drink could then sign something to say this. Personally I can't imagine anyone being so petty. Before our son was 18 he and we travelled extensively in Europe where, of course, he was allowed to drink. I totally agree that no-one wants drunken hooligans of any age rampaging on a ship but with the drinks prices being as they are on the American lines then I think this unlikely in the extreme. Also there was curfew for the under 18s which was irritating for our sons as one could stay out and one could not. Part of the fun (for them) of being on holiday is being up half the night - not causing trouble - just chatting with new friends. The curfew meant that all the chatting went on in the cabins!