Why Cruise Lines Should Consider Lowering the Drinking Age to 18
Cruises are vastly popular trips, especially among the younger generations. With so much fun and excitement on board, it’s no surprise that alcohol makes up a significant amount of a cruise line’s revenue. However, drinking on board is only allowed for passengers who are 21 or older – a rule that may put a dent in cruise companies’ profits. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why cruise lines should consider lowering the drinking age to 18.
The Legal Reasons
One of the primary arguments for lowering the drinking age is that 18-year-olds are legally considered adults in most countries. In the United States, one can vote, join the army, get married, and have children at 18 years of age. It seems counterintuitive that these same adults are legally barred from having a drink while on a cruise. If they are old enough to make such significant life decisions, shouldn’t they be trusted to drink responsibly?
The Safety Reasons
The legal drinking age of 21 in the United States is higher than most other countries. This means that many young Americans first try alcohol away from home when they go to college or move out on their own. They may not have had much exposure to alcohol before and may not know how to pace themselves or drink in moderation. This lack of experience can lead to binge drinking, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Allowing 18-year-olds to drink on a cruise could provide them with a safer, more controlled environment to experiment with alcohol and learn how to consume it responsibly.
The Financial Reasons
Cruise lines make a significant amount of their revenue from alcohol sales. With the current drinking age of 21, a significant portion of their target demographic (18- to 20-year-olds) is unable to buy alcohol. Allowing this age group to drink on board could lead to increased revenue for the cruise lines. Additionally, 18-year-olds are often likely to travel in groups, which could lead to increased sales of drink packages and group drinks.
The Global Reasons
Most countries outside the United States have a drinking age of 18 or lower. This can lead to confusion for young adults traveling abroad who may not be aware of the differences in drinking laws between their home country and the country they’re visiting. Allowing them to drink on a cruise, regardless of which country the ship is registered in, could reduce the risk of confusion and increase comfort levels for passengers.
The Potential Risks
Lowering the drinking age on a cruise ship does pose potential risks. The cruise lines would need to implement strict policies and procedures to ensure that 18-year-olds are consuming alcohol responsibly. They may also need to increase security measures to prevent underage drinking. However, if done correctly, there could be significant benefits for both cruise companies and passengers.
Conclusion
Cruise lines should consider lowering the drinking age to 18 for several reasons. It would allow 18-year-olds to legally drink in a controlled environment, provide an additional revenue stream for the cruise companies, reduce confusion for passengers traveling internationally, and perhaps even lead to fewer incidents of underage drinking. With proper policies and procedures, it could be a win-win situation for everyone involved.
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