Bars

Ships bars, whether adjacent to the pool or attached to one of the lounges, tend to be their social centers. Except on a handful of luxury-class ships where everything is included in the ticket price, bars operate on a pay-as-it's-poured basis. Rather than demand cash after every round, however, most ships allow passengers to charge drinks to their accounts. On most ships, drinks range from $3-$5 for beer, $4-$6 for wine and spirits, and up to $8 for specialty drinks.

Almost all ships require passengers to be over 21 to purchase alcoholic drinks. Many cruise ships have chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous (a.k.a "Friends of Bill W") or will organize meetings on request. Look for meeting times and places in the daily program slipped under your cabin door each night.