Cruise lines choose which laws they follow.
Because they depart from American ports, both Royal Caribbean (RCL) and Carnival cruise line (CCL) Use US federal law in most cases.
That's why cruise ships prohibit marijuana and CBD, even when legally prescribed. In that case, federal law trumps state law which makes any cannabis products, including CBD sold at gas stations or other random locations, strictly prohibited on board.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line explains big changes to its casino program
Cruise lines also use the minimum drinking age of 21 for voyages departing from North America. In theory, they could accommodate passengers over 18 when sailing to some Caribbean islands with a lower drinking age, but they choose not to.
Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line use 18 as the legal age for gambling at their casinos, but each requires that at least one person on each reservation be 21 or older. That means someone under 21 could win a free cruise at the casino. , but would need someone over 21 years old to travel with them.
Cruise lines also have age-based areas on their ships. Royal Caribbean, for example, recently raised the age of its adults-only Solarium from 16 to 18 years old. Additionally, both cruise lines have 18+ areas starting at a certain time of night.
However, Carnival passengers (at least some of them) want to allow passengers who do not meet an age requirement into an adult event, as long as their parents give permission.
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Image source: John Heald/facebook
Carnival answers questions from the comedy club
Carnival brand ambassador John Heald answered several questions about the cruise line's adults-only comedy shows on his facebook page. The cruise line presents all-ages and 18+ comedy shows at its Punchliner comedy clubs and sometimes at its main theater.
“We love Carnival and have traveled 13 times on your wonderful cruise line! I know you have no plans to do this, but I wanted to make sure you heard my opinion. The R-rated comedy show is already booked up and I've seen adults. “I was turned away for lack of seats. I would be furious if I was turned away because a child (under 18) was taking a seat at the adults-only show because a parent “signed a waiver” to let him in,” Roxi Higley shared.
Others agreed with that sentiment.
“Roxi Higley, I agree! Lots of other family activities, and I've heard that the adults only rule on the serenity terrace is not strictly enforced. It would be nice to have an adults only place. I don't dislike kids, Just enjoy of my time as an adult,” added Chelley Marie.
Heald made it clear where the cruise line stands on this issue.
“Well, I think the number of parents who are actually asking for this is very limited, but it's interesting that many are suggesting that we give them an exemption. We won't do that,” Heald shared.
Deanna Hopper disagreed with the policy.
“I honestly feel like if a kid can go see an R-rated movie with their parents, then R-rated comedy shows are no different. My daughter was very disappointed when she was rejected and had nothing else to do “They don't exactly have much for 17-year-olds to do,” he wrote.
Shelley Nelson disagreed with Hopper's opinion.
“The fact is, she's a child until she's 18 and then she becomes an adult. I don't care if she waits until she's 18 to start surfing again. If she wants to watch adult shows, then she should wait until she's 18.” she responded.
READ ALSO: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Many people pointed out that adult comedy shows often fill up and adults are turned away.
“There's not enough space like in comedy clubs. Why do adults have to fight with kids for seats at an adult show? Not to mention there are very few areas on the ship where you're away from the kids. It's a nice break from the chaos,” posted Jeni Bomham Webb.
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