The USA is one of the few countries in the world that has such a high drinking age. Most of the rest of the world especially Europe, the drinking age is 18. If you allow an 18 year old the responsibility of voting, joining the miitary and possibly fighting in a war, then why the hang-up over alocohol? Most American youths don't know how to handle drinking in moderation partly because of the "forbidden fruit" attitude. To the best of my knowledge, RCI are the only cruise line that will serve alcohol to 18 year olds. Good for them!