how strict are they on age in the bars?

So looking to book the Carnival Dream for Spring break. This would be a small group of adults with their graduating kids. Some of the kids are 18 and some will still be 17. I am curious as to how strict they will be on allowing the 17 year olds into the club that says 18+, and how strict they will be in allowing them into the bar (21+) not to drink but just to hang with the adults and enjoy the music and dancing.

anyone have any experience with this?

thanks in advance

Bill

Most of the bars are in open areas. They should be fine to sit there and hang out. The comedy club and karaoke activities that are 18+ have never carded or looked at sail & sign cards. I vaguely remember someone scanning sail & sign cards outside of the dance club. Maybe another person can help you with the dance club because it's been a couple of years since I went into one. The only thing that would tell your age is if they actually scan the sail & sign card. I've seen plenty of kids drink underage if the parent buys them the drink and hands it off (that wasn't your intent I'm just giving a reference). In my experience, they are not strict at all because the sail & sign card does not say an age on it unless you scan it. The only thing you should look into is the dance club if you are interested in going to that.

They will be strict about them getting into the disco when it's only supposed to be 18+. There is security at the door checking I.D.'s. As far as the other clubs go, such as the Piano bar, adult comedy club, etc they really don't enforce the age limit. I will say that if they started acted "immature" then there age would probably be called into question and they would be asked to leave.

On the Freedom in March we saw them escort out people from the late adult comedy club that were underage. My daughter hasn't had any issues when she was under 18 just being in the bars (just to socialize with us adults not drinking).

I don't mean this to insult anyone, its just an observation (altho I will probably get flamed....lol, oh well). Why do people even consider its ok to just disregard the age rule? The "R" rated comedy show is 18+....it says it on Fun Times, they make announcement before the show. If you are in the comedy show with your under 18 child, they have to leave....If its necessary that you all have to stay together, you all need to leave and go to something else that is "family friendly"....Why is this even a question? I think this just as much, if not more to any ship club that is deemed 21+. I would ask people if they would take their under age kid into a club meant for adults (21 and over) on land? If not, why would you do it on the ship. Don't they have "teen clubs" up to 18 yrs old? My personal opinion, if I go to an adult event, I want to hang out with adults, not kids. So before people start taking my post to an extreme and twisting it where you are going to accuse me of calling your parenting skills into question, I am not doing that. I am just stating that if there is an age restriction at a certain venue, why cant we just follow that instead of looking for a loophole?

On my first cruise I was 20 turning 21 in two weeks and they let me drink alcohol. I was also with my mother and she said it was fine as if I needed her permission but depending how mature they are might make a difference on getting the slip into the clubs and when they will be turning 18.

First and Ten, for the obvious reasons...reading the OP's question. They are teens on spring break, looking to party and drink without being hassled.

And this is why I never cruise during that period of time....

Unfortunately I think this is an area where gender and appearance come into play. We saw a couple very attractive probably barely under 18 y/o females on the Conquest at Xmas this year. They didn't cause any trouble and were always with a big group of their friends/siblings/family members. The only reason I know they were under was they got yelled at by the pit boss for standing too close to some tables in the casino. They weren't hurting anything in either instance but on the Pride I saw the doormen turning underage people away either less attractive females or men.

I don't mean this to insult anyone, its just an observation (altho I will probably get flamed....lol, oh well). Why do people even consider its ok to just disregard the age rule? The "R" rated comedy show is 18+....it says it on Fun Times, they make announcement before the show. If you are in the comedy show with your under 18 child, they have to leave....If its necessary that you all have to stay together, you all need to leave and go to something else that is "family friendly"....Why is this even a question? I think this just as much, if not more to any ship club that is deemed 21+. I would ask people if they would take their under age kid into a club meant for adults (21 and over) on land? If not, why would you do it on the ship. Don't they have "teen clubs" up to 18 yrs old? My personal opinion, if I go to an adult event, I want to hang out with adults, not kids. So before people start taking my post to an extreme and twisting it where you are going to accuse me of calling your parenting skills into question, I am not doing that. I am just stating that if there is an age restriction at a certain venue, why cant we just follow that instead of looking for a loophole?

The answer to your question is - "It's my vacation, and I will do what I want, justifying it any which way, providing it means that I will do what I want and if anyone doesn't like it, than too bad".

First and Ten, for the obvious reasons...reading the OP's question. They are teens on spring break, looking to party and drink without being hassled.

 

And this is why I never cruise during that period of time....

This ^

Let me just add....I get cruise ships allow children in a bars (I personally don't like it, but hey, their ship, their rules....it is what it is)....they are not allowed to drink, but they are allowed to hang out there. I am taking the OP's post that there is a certain venue that is 21+ at night, am I correct? If so, no, they don't belong there. There are other bars/venues they are allowed in that you all can hang out in, why to you have to try and get underage kids into a spot specifically reserved for 21+....If the adults just have to go into that venue, have at it....Cant the 17 and 18 yr olds hang out in the teen club while the parents are at the 21+ club?

I don't mean this to insult anyone, its just an observation (altho I will probably get flamed....lol, oh well). Why do people even consider its ok to just disregard the age rule? The "R" rated comedy show is 18+....it says it on Fun Times, they make announcement before the show. If you are in the comedy show with your under 18 child, they have to leave....If its necessary that you all have to stay together, you all need to leave and go to something else that is "family friendly"....Why is this even a question? I think this just as much, if not more to any ship club that is deemed 21+. I would ask people if they would take their under age kid into a club meant for adults (21 and over) on land? If not, why would you do it on the ship. Don't they have "teen clubs" up to 18 yrs old? My personal opinion, if I go to an adult event, I want to hang out with adults, not kids. So before people start taking my post to an extreme and twisting it where you are going to accuse me of calling your parenting skills into question, I am not doing that. I am just stating that if there is an age restriction at a certain venue, why cant we just follow that instead of looking for a loophole?

If we are sticking to your example of the comedy club (and not extending it to bending the rules regarding underage drinking for which I'm not in favor of), I do have some thoughts on why a parent may opt to "disregard" the 18+ guideline (because unlike the drinking age, which is a law, the age restrictions on the comedy club are a guideline): parents differ in the content that they allow/prefer their children to be exposed to. I'm thankful that there is an 18+ callout on the comedy clubs as I take it to mean that there will be adult content/language and that gives me, as the parent, the ability to make my own decision about whether my child should stay to hear it or not. However, I take it as little more than a heads up vs. a "rule" or a "law". Granted, my son is only 12 now so he would never be allowed (by me or anyone else) to be in an environment where adult language/content was being presented at this age. However, at 16 or 17 depending on his maturity and ability to handle it at that time, I may allow him to stay if he wishes and his presence is such that he's not standing out as being obviously underage. Afterall, I am his parent and I know better than anyone what content he should/has been exposed to and is able to handle. With that being said, if he were ever asked to leave, we would not resist.

Part of my perspective on this is how I was raised. I was always a bit more mature than my numerical age. I graduated high school, started college, and moved onto campus when I was 16 years old. Were my parents completely on board with that, eh. . .they weren't entirely sure about it but they supported me in my decision that I felt ready. Yes, there were experiences that first year of college that were. . .interesting as a 16 year old but most people had no idea that I was so much younger as I didn't stand out like I was still a kid. Whereas, there are PLENTY of 20 or 21 year olds who still act like they are 15. My point is that age really is sometimes just a number and it's more in the maturity and way one presents themselves that should be judged vs. their numerical age.

Again, the legal drinking age is 21 and I'm not in favor of bending that as it's a law. And this is coming from the girl who couldn't even legally drink until over a year AFTER she graduated college!

Back when, I was on this cruise(don't remember which), but the guy who played "Benny" on Home Improvement (hung out in the hardware store) was booked as a guest performer, ALL advertising on his program clearly stated....it was ADULT humor, scheduled late at night. Low and behold, entering the theater, there in the FRONT row was a bunch of pre teens. Upon his introduction, he comes out, looks across the audience, scans the FRONT row, and says....WELL, there goes my monologue. He tried doing his act, but using innuendos trying to get his "point" across.

If I want to attend a bar/lounge, movie, live show.....that EMPHATICALLY says...ADULTS ONLY....parents please take note, and don't ruin the show for others.

If we are sticking to your example of the comedy club (and not extending it to bending the rules regarding underage drinking for which I'm not in favor of), I do have some thoughts on why a parent may opt to "disregard" the 18+ guideline (because unlike the drinking age, which is a law, the age restrictions on the comedy club are a guideline): parents differ in the content that they allow/prefer their children to be exposed to. I'm thankful that there is an 18+ callout on the comedy clubs as I take it to mean that there will be adult content/language and that gives me, as the parent, the ability to make my own decision about whether my child should stay to hear it or not. However, I take it as little more than a heads up vs. a "rule" or a "law". Granted, my son is only 12 now so he would never be allowed (by me or anyone else) to be in an environment where adult language/content was being presented at this age. However, at 16 or 17 depending on his maturity and ability to handle it at that time, I may allow him to stay if he wishes and his presence is such that he's not standing out as being obviously underage. Afterall, I am his parent and I know better than anyone what content he should/has been exposed to and is able to handle. With that being said, if he were ever asked to leave, we would not resist.

 

Part of my perspective on this is how I was raised. I was always a bit more mature than my numerical age. I graduated high school, started college, and moved onto campus when I was 16 years old. Were my parents completely on board with that, eh. . .they weren't entirely sure about it but they supported me in my decision that I felt ready. Yes, there were experiences that first year of college that were. . .interesting as a 16 year old but most people had no idea that I was so much younger as I didn't stand out like I was still a kid. Whereas, there are PLENTY of 20 or 21 year olds who still act like they are 15. My point is that age really is sometimes just a number and it's more in the maturity and way one presents themselves that should be judged vs. their numerical age.

 

Again, the legal drinking age is 21 and I'm not in favor of bending that as it's a law. And this is coming from the girl who couldn't even legally drink until over a year AFTER she graduated college!

Exactly. I'm thinking along the same lines here. Drinking underage is one thing, it is illegal and that is wrong. There are no legal issue involved with being at a comedy club. That is personal preference of your parenting. With that said I wouldn't let my young child be subjected to that, but I have let my son and daughter go to The Comedy Club when they were 16 and 17. As long as they are with me and not causing any disruption I really don't see why anyone cares if someone under 18 is in the comedy club.

And a little agreement of the other reply; it's my vacation so I'm going to do things I wouldn't do at home. I don't think it seems unreasonable that on a family vacation you would want all of your family to be together. I don't know if you've ever had a teenage daughter, but I can tell you I didn't allow my 17 year old daughter to go on the boat anywhere alone.

If we are sticking to your example of the comedy club (and not extending it to bending the rules regarding underage drinking for which I'm not in favor of), I do have some thoughts on why a parent may opt to "disregard" the 18+ guideline (because unlike the drinking age, which is a law, the age restrictions on the comedy club are a guideline): parents differ in the content that they allow/prefer their children to be exposed to. I'm thankful that there is an 18+ callout on the comedy clubs as I take it to mean that there will be adult content/language and that gives me, as the parent, the ability to make my own decision about whether my child should stay to hear it or not. However, I take it as little more than a heads up vs. a "rule" or a "law". Granted, my son is only 12 now so he would never be allowed (by me or anyone else) to be in an environment where adult language/content was being presented at this age. However, at 16 or 17 depending on his maturity and ability to handle it at that time, I may allow him to stay if he wishes and his presence is such that he's not standing out as being obviously underage. Afterall, I am his parent and I know better than anyone what content he should/has been exposed to and is able to handle. With that being said, if he were ever asked to leave, we would not resist.

 

Part of my perspective on this is how I was raised. I was always a bit more mature than my numerical age. I graduated high school, started college, and moved onto campus when I was 16 years old. Were my parents completely on board with that, eh. . .they weren't entirely sure about it but they supported me in my decision that I felt ready. Yes, there were experiences that first year of college that were. . .interesting as a 16 year old but most people had no idea that I was so much younger as I didn't stand out like I was still a kid. Whereas, there are PLENTY of 20 or 21 year olds who still act like they are 15. My point is that age really is sometimes just a number and it's more in the maturity and way one presents themselves that should be judged vs. their numerical age.

 

Again, the legal drinking age is 21 and I'm not in favor of bending that as it's a law. And this is coming from the girl who couldn't even legally drink until over a year AFTER she graduated college!

Tylerzmommy, well said....I am not trying to argue a "rule" should be a "law". I realize the entry into a venue is a ship rule as opposed to law, where consuming alcohol is a "law" issue....That being said, then why even post an age limit? Instead of the sign reading 18+, should it read "we will let parents use their own discretion". I am not saying a 16 yr old cant be as mature as some 21 yr olds, but the grey area to that could be never ending....This club in the OP is 21+....It isn't "21, but if you have a really mature 18 yr old, then can hang out to" ;)....If you are 21 or older, you get to come in, if you are not 21, please do something else. Now applying my personal opinion to the situation, if I go to an adult venue, I want to hang out with adults. I don't want it to be a teen club. They have those on board and the children in the OP's post qualify for that. Do that, they don't need to be in a 21+ club if they haven't reached that age

Let me just add, what about the Serenity Deck....The "rule" for the Serenity deck is 21+....I hate the line "well its MY vacation" (not claiming you said that, I am saying that is the mindset of some)....So if you deem your mature 16 yr old is mature enough, they should be able to come onto the Serenity deck? (not singling you out to argue, just putting it out there for others to comment as well)

If we are sticking to your example of the comedy club (and not extending it to bending the rules regarding underage drinking for which I'm not in favor of), I do have some thoughts on why a parent may opt to "disregard" the 18+ guideline (because unlike the drinking age, which is a law, the age restrictions on the comedy club are a guideline): parents differ in the content that they allow/prefer their children to be exposed to. I'm thankful that there is an 18+ callout on the comedy clubs as I take it to mean that there will be adult content/language and that gives me, as the parent, the ability to make my own decision about whether my child should stay to hear it or not. However, I take it as little more than a heads up vs. a "rule" or a "law". Granted, my son is only 12 now so he would never be allowed (by me or anyone else) to be in an environment where adult language/content was being presented at this age. However, at 16 or 17 depending on his maturity and ability to handle it at that time, I may allow him to stay if he wishes and his presence is such that he's not standing out as being obviously underage. Afterall, I am his parent and I know better than anyone what content he should/has been exposed to and is able to handle. With that being said, if he were ever asked to leave, we would not resist.

 

 

 

Part of my perspective on this is how I was raised. I was always a bit more mature than my numerical age. I graduated high school, started college, and moved onto campus when I was 16 years old. Were my parents completely on board with that, eh. . .they weren't entirely sure about it but they supported me in my decision that I felt ready. Yes, there were experiences that first year of college that were. . .interesting as a 16 year old but most people had no idea that I was so much younger as I didn't stand out like I was still a kid. Whereas, there are PLENTY of 20 or 21 year olds who still act like they are 15. My point is that age really is sometimes just a number and it's more in the maturity and way one presents themselves that should be judged vs. their numerical age.

 

 

 

Again, the legal drinking age is 21 and I'm not in favor of bending that as it's a law. And this is coming from the girl who couldn't even legally drink until over a year AFTER she graduated college!

When they change the wording for the adult comedy show to say 18+ or mature youngsters, then it's OK. Until then it says 18+. Period. End of discussion. Just because it's not a "law" doesn't mean it shouldn't be adhered to.

I think the scenario setup answers the question, "....with their graduating kids. ....and some will still be 17."

What could go wrong?

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Comedy club does appear to have started carding. My 18 yo reporters he got carded going to the show; of course his wallet was locked in our safe. He talked to the guy and apparently he eventually let him in. So- be prepared to have an ID check. And no, they have no ability to check the S&S card.

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My daughter went into the serenity area when she was 17 with me. Similar to an earlier post I doubt anybody thought she was under 18 just by her appearance, and no one questioned her. But the point of the comedy club and serenity age guidelines in my opinion is based on enjoyment of others you want to be able to relax in the pool without loud shrieking and splashing or you want to be able to watch the comedy show without immature chatter and disruptions. If the under 18 year old is acting like the adults there being quiet and you can't tell that they're underage based on their actions then I don't mind them being there. Imagine they can't make a sign long enough to put the appropriate behavior needed so they deem and age that it would be expected that you would have the qualities needed to not disrupt enjoyment of others.

 

And a little agreement of the other reply; it's my vacation so I'm going to do things I wouldn't do at home. I don't think it seems unreasonable that on a family vacation you would want all of your family to be together. I don't know if you've ever had a teenage daughter, but I can tell you I didn't allow my 17 year old daughter to go on the boat anywhere alone.

KC, nobody said/claimed its unreasonable for a family to spend time together on a family vacation. I don't think any reasonable person would argue otherwise, so we all can agree on that. If you are somehow suggesting tho that since its a family vacation and you have to do EVERYTHING together, because you want to enter a 21+ club and your children aren't at the age, they should be allowed to....No, I don't agree with that mindset....If its so important that you do EVERYTHING together, then you and your family can miss the 21+ party and do something else. I get the fact it is YOUR vacation, but its MY vacation too

thank you for the responses. I didn't intend to start a discussion on the morals of it. We are just looking at vacation options. My daughter is 17 and will be 1 week removed from being 18 like most of her friends will be. For something like the comedy club or other areas that say 18+ was my main concern. And many places we travel (Florida) for example) will allow kids in the bars but they obviously cant drink alcohol. Just trying to get a feeling of how strict they might be.

I appreciate the response and sounds like should have a problem.

Bill

My response was into the comment why can't the adults go to an adult Club in the kids to a kid Club. My response is on my family vacation I want my family with me. With that being said no where did I say anything about going into the adult clubs nor have I went into any of the adult clubs on any of the ships I've been on. What I did comment on was the serenity area and the comedy club as the bar areas don't have an age restriction that I've seen

Let me just add....I get cruise ships allow children in a bars (I personally don't like it, but hey, their ship, their rules....it is what it is)....they are not allowed to drink, but they are allowed to hang out there. I am taking the OP's post that there is a certain venue that is 21+ at night, am I correct? If so, no, they don't belong there. There are other bars/venues they are allowed in that you all can hang out in, why to you have to try and get underage kids into a spot specifically reserved for 21+....If the adults just have to go into that venue, have at it....Cant the 17 and 18 yr olds hang out in the teen club while the parents are at the 21+ club?

Totally unrelated to the topic but just judging on your other posts I have to ask and again, it's just for my own curiosity... How fast do you typically drive on the highway, let's say I-40 or I-95. If the posted speed limit is 70mph, how fast would you drive?

Again, not related to this topic at all, I'm just curious.

thank you for the responses. I didn't intend to start a discussion on the morals of it. We are just looking at vacation options. My daughter is 17 and will be 1 week removed from being 18 like most of her friends will be. For something like the comedy club or other areas that say 18+ was my main concern. And many places we travel (Florida) for example) will allow kids in the bars but they obviously cant drink alcohol. Just trying to get a feeling of how strict they might be.

I appreciate the response and sounds like should have a problem.

Bill

Hoosier, I purposely prefaced my initial comment with I am not calling anyones parenting into question....I should have extended that to morals. I wasn't questioning yours or anyone elses moral compass. If you took it that way, I apologize. I shared my opinion and gave reasons why. If we disagree on that point, we can agree to disagree and that's cool

My phone sent that before I was done :D In response to it is your comment that it is your vacation too, I totally agree, which is why I said if someone is under 18 and acts appropriately it shouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't have taken my kids at 16/17 into the serenity area or comedy club if they weren't going to behave in a way that would not negatively affect someone else's vacation.

Being it is my vacation I don't want to sit by the loud, party area pool with children splashing everywhere. Therefore I'm going to go to the serenity area and I would take my well behaved older children with me again.