Why Don't Cruise Ship Employees Check for Photo ID Before Selling Alcoholic Beverages?
Many travelers might wonder if cruise ships rigorously check for photo identification before serving alcohol. After all, there's an understandable concern about underage drinking and identity theft on ships. However, the process is actually quite robust, and here's how it works.
Verification Process During Purchase
Contrary to common belief, cruise ship employees do indeed check for your identification, but in a unique and efficient manner. Each time you purchase something on board, using your room card as your identification, the transaction is verified. This method is far more practical and less cumbersome than manual identification checks in a foreign language and less prone to errors.
The world is certainly moving away from a USA-centric approach and becoming more diverse. For instance, if you board a cruise in Hamburg, Germany, you can enjoy beer starting at the age of 16. In Calais, France, you can drink any alcoholic beverages at 18 and wine from 16. However, by the time you reach New York Harbor on Queen Mary II, you will revert to the age laws of your home country, effectively becoming a minor again.
Modern Identification Systems on Cruise Ships
In addition to the initial age verification process, cruise ships have advanced digital systems to ensure accuracy. Most cruise lines deploy secure Point-of-Sale (POS) systems with image recognition capabilities. This means that when a bartender swipes the card to process a purchase, a live image of the guest taken at the initial boarding scan appears on the terminal. This immediate verification process not only helps catch identity theft but also prevents underage drinking. A teenager attempting to use their parent's card will have their photograph immediately compared to the one on file, ensuring authenticity.
Alcohol Awareness Training for Bar Staff
Bar staff on cruises are extensively trained to identify and handle potential issues. They receive comprehensive alcohol awareness training that includes recognizing signs of potential underage drinking, over-drinking, and abusive behavior. Modern lines are keen on limiting excessive consumption and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.
Cruise Ship Card Indicators
On most cruise ships, the cruise card comes with an indicator to signify whether a passenger is underage. This system helps prevent identity theft and underage drinking. In these advanced times, verifying the identity of guests is a top priority, ensuring that only eligible guests receive alcoholic beverages.
Cruise Line Alcohol Policies
Given the diverse registration of many cruise ships in various countries, alcohol policies can vary significantly. European companies like Costa Cruises might lower the drinking age to 18 when sailing from U.S.-based ports, while luxury voyages often offer abundant open bars and permissive policies regarding alcohol consumption, catering to adult guests.
Conclusion
The verification process on cruise ships is thorough and designed to minimize any potential issues related to underage drinking or identity theft. From the initial scan at boarding to the advanced image recognition systems and thorough staff training, cruise lines have implemented robust measures to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.