Underage offshore drinking

[ArtieChokePhin]

Long story short, my son is turning 18 in mid November.  To celebrate, I'm taking him on a father/son ferry cruise to Bimini in the Bahamas where we will spend a night at the Hilton on the island before returning the next day.   The drinking age in the Bahamas is 18, so I plan to let him have a few drinks as an introduction to manhood.   I've caught a lot of flack regarding this from certain friends/family members.   

I personally think it's ok, especially because I will be there and be able to monitor the situation and assist if need be.   What do you think?

[Phishfan]

My dad and grandfather were there for my first full beer. Don't listen to the prudes.

[stinkfish]

It's not underage drinking if he's of legal drinking age.. Have fun. Personally I think it's odd that you're taking your son out of country to get hammered, but it also sounds like thw whole affair could be a good use of father son time.

[Fau Teixeira]

21 as the drinking age is stupid anyways .. if you're old enough to kill and die for your country, you're old enough to have a beer

[stinkfish]

21 as the drinking age is stupid anyways .. if you're old enough to kill and die for your country, you're old enough to have a beer

YES

[CF DolFan]

It's not underage drinking if he's of legal drinking age.. Have fun. Personally I think it's odd that you're taking your son out of country to get hammered, but it also sounds like thw whole affair could be a good use of father son time.

It's litterally a 2 hour boat ride from Florida so not very far.  As far as the trip ... it's no different than 18 year olds drinking on a cruise which happens all the time. Plenty of high school graduation cruises where patrons cannot wait to get to Nassau for that reason alone.

[Dave Gray]

It's not for us to answer -- you should assess your own child, their habits, their responsibility, etc.

Do they want to drink -- are they asking for it?  Do you want them to drink for your sake?  Who is this for?  Will it be a trend you continue back at home?  Is he drinking with his friends already, etc...

[ArtieChokePhin]

It's not for us to answer -- you should assess your own child, their habits, their responsibility, etc.

Do they want to drink -- are they asking for it?  Do you want them to drink for your sake?  Who is this for?  Will it be a trend you continue back at home?  Is he drinking with his friends already, etc...

I've let him have a drink or two at family functions.   Nothing crazy.   But he's asked about drinking at bars and such.  I figured I'd indoctrinate him into manhood, but do so legally.   Plus he loves the beach, and Bimini has some beautiful beaches.  I don't think the friends he has drink on a regular basis and I haven't noticed any signs.

[Tenshot13]

Sounds like a nice time

[masterfins]

IMO it's a good thing that he is out learning to be a responsible drinker with you, instead of waiting to get drunk at college with friends and no supervision whatsoever.  I, and my friends, did a lot of crazy irresponsible drinking when we were 17.  Looking back it wasn't the best idea, one of my friends' father would know we were hungover and put us to work chopping wood and mowing lawns, we learned not to drink too much the hard way.  I think your family and friends are wrong to dissuade you having some LEGAL drinks with him, it's going to happen with or without you there.

Enjoy!