SUBSCRIBE

Turning 21 on an MSC Cruise? Here’s What You Need to Know

Turning 21 on an MSC Cruise? Here’s What You Need to Know

Celebrating your 21st birthday on a cruise? First of all — happy birthday! Second — there are a few quirks to know if you’re planning to sip something stronger after blowing out those candles.

Let’s walk through exactly what happens when you turn 21 while onboard an MSC cruise, and how to make sure your celebration goes smoothly.

Want the full breakdown of what’s included and how to save money? Check out our MSC Drink Package Guide for all the details.

First Things First: The Drinking Age at Sea

MSC Cruises follows the legal drinking age based on the port of departure:

  • 21 years old for cruises departing from U.S. ports
  • 18 years old for cruises from European ports
  • Other departure countries may vary (always check in advance)

So even if your itinerary hits a country where the legal drinking age is lower, MSC sticks to the rule for where the cruise started.

Can You Buy the Drink Package Before You Turn 21?

Unfortunately, no.

If you’re not going to be 21 on every day of the cruise, MSC won’t let you purchase a drink package in advance — even if your birthday is mid-cruise. Their system won’t allow it.

So if you were dreaming of champagne at embarkation, hold that thought. But don’t worry — there’s still a way to toast your birthday once the big day hits.

How to Start Drinking Once You Turn 21

Here’s what you’ll need to do on your birthday:

  1. Go to Guest Services
    Head down to the Guest Services desk on your birthday (or the morning of, if you’re an early riser). Let them know that you’ve turned 21 and would like to update your onboard profile.
  2. Bring Photo ID
    Have a government-issued ID ready — like a passport or driver’s license — to prove your age.
  3. Get Your Profile Updated
    Once your age is officially updated in MSC’s system, your cruise card will unlock drink ordering privileges.
  4. Order Away!
    After that, you can start ordering drinks just like any other adult passenger. Cheers!

A Quick Word of Caution…

Your experience may vary. Some guests report that the process is smooth and takes just a few minutes. Others say they had to visit Guest Services more than once — or speak with a supervisor — to get the change approved.

So be polite but persistent. If the first person says no, try again later or ask to speak with someone else.

And if you’re celebrating with a group, they can still order drinks and help you raise a glass (soft drink or otherwise) until your official birthday moment arrives.

Can You Buy the Drink Package After Your Birthday?

In theory, yes — once your profile is updated and your age is recognized as 21, you should be eligible to purchase the drink package onboard for the remaining days of the cruise.

But keep in mind:

  • Onboard prices may be higher than pre-cruise deals
  • MSC may not allow pro-rated pricing (some people report they had to buy it for the remaining days at the full daily rate)

It never hurts to ask — just head back to Guest Services once your birthday status is official and see what options are available.

Final Thoughts

Turning 21 on an MSC cruise is a pretty unforgettable experience. While you can’t start the party early, you can make the most of it once the big day hits. Just be ready for a little paperwork, a few polite conversations, and then plenty of time to celebrate — responsibly, of course.

Now go enjoy that first legal cocktail. You earned it.

🧭 Related Posts

Exit mobile version