When does RCI's new drinking age begin?

[Jocap, Cumbria]

I've been asked about the change to the drinking age in RCI, which is supposed to alter to 18 years this spring, when the ship sails from any country where the adult age is 18 years. Does anyone know if this is to be April- or even before?
I wonder whether Celebrity will follow the same policy, as it did with the removal of the 15%, and the addition of kettles, when sailing from Southampton. People on my roll call are quite interested in this.
RCI does seem to be the listening cruise line for different countries, even removing (or adding in the price) the gratuities in Australia.
Jo.

[Cruise Fairy, Indiana USA (2)]

What is the new policy? They already allow over 18's to drink on European cruises....

[Jocap, Cumbria]

Hi, CF....I still want to meet you on a cruise!
RCI used to allow it with a signature of a guardian, in Europe. Seeing as how an adult cannot have a guardian, they're dropping that bit, and have announced that the drinking age will be that of the country where they're sailing from, so Europe, Australia etc, will allow any adult to drink without a paper from anyone else. They announced this before Christmas, and said it would start in the spring. Perhaps I should just say that spring starts on March 21st?
Hope you've some good cruises booked- we're trying Celebrity this spring-
Jo.