Cruise lines sort of pick and choose which laws they follow.
Because they sail from American ports, both Royal Caribbean (RCL) and Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) use U.S. federal law in most cases.
That's why cruise ships ban marijuana and CBD, even when it has been legally prescribed. Federal law, in that case, trumps state law making any cannabis product, including CBD sold in gas stations, or other random locations are strictly banned onboard.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line explains big changes to its casino program
Cruise lines also use the 21-year-old drinking age for sailings leaving from North America. In theory, they could serve passengers 18 and over 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 to gamble in their casinos, but each requires at least one person on every booking to be 21 or over, That means that someone younger than 21 could earn a free cruise in the casino, but would need someone 21-or-older to cruise 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. In addition both cruise lines have areas which are 18-and-over after a certain time at night.
Carnival passengers, however — 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 comedy club questions
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald fielded multiple questions on the cruise line's adults-only comedy shows on his Facebook page. The cruise line hosts both all-ages and 18-and-over comedy shows in its Punchliner comedy clubs and sometimes in its main theater.
"We love Carnival and have cruised 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 packed and I’ve seen adults turned away due to lack of seating. I would be livid if I was turned away because a child (under the age of 18) was taking up a seat at the adults only show because a parent “signed a waver” to let them in," shared Roxi Higley.
Others agreed with that sentiment.
"Roxi Higley I agree! So many other family activities, and I’ve heard the adults only rule on the serenity deck is not strictly enforced. It will be nice to have 1 place with adults only. I don’t dislike kids, I just enjoy my adult time," added Chelley Marie.
Heald made it clear where the cruise line stands on the issue.
"Well, I think the number of parents who are actually asking for this are very limited, but it is interesting that quite a few are suggesting that we give them a waiver. We will not be doing that," Heald shared.
Deanna Hopper disagreed with the policy.
"Honestly i feel that, if a child can go to an R-rated movie with parents, then the R-rated comedy shows are no different. My daughter was very disappointed when they turned her away and there was nothing else for her to do. They don't exactly have a ton for 17 yr olds to do," she wrote.
Shelley Nelson took issue with Hopper's opinion.
"Fact is, she’s a kid until 18 and then she becomes an adult. Doesn’t make any difference to me if she waits until she’s 18 to cruise again. If she wants to see adult shows then she should wait until she’s 18," she responded.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Many people pointed out that the adult comedy shows often fill up, and adults are turned away.
"Not enough room as it is in the comedy clubs. Why do adults have to fight kids for seats in an adult show? Not to mention, very few areas on ship where you are away from kids. It’s a nice break from the chaos," posted Jeni Bomham Webb.
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