Teens Caribbean Cruise

[Happy2trvl]

Hi there:

Looking to travel in December and have teens 18-15. What line and ship would you recommend for these guys?

 

Thanks!

[6rugrats]

Impossible to answer, as you haven't really provided any information but their ages. Why not look at the different cruise lines and see what they offer in terms of itinerary and activites? Then ask them which they would prefer; they would be the experts.

[Happy2trvl]

I am looking for teen programs, such as clubs, maybe teen pool areas, etc. If anyone has travelled with their teens and something stood out that was specially done for them, I would be interested in knowing. Obviously all ships today have many activities for people, so it is mostly the programs that I am interested in.

[boulders]

The teen clubs seem to be similar across the mainstream lines. I know of no line which has a teen pool. There is no "best" line for this age group. You might want to stay away from HAL though. So, have a look at RCCL, NCL, Princess, Celebrity and Carnival, not necessarily in that order. Sorry if I forgot anyone. :o

 

In general, the newer the ship, the more fun amenities it will have. RCCL's Freedom and Oasis class ships will have Flowriders. Other lines will have water slides or movies under the stars, but these amenities are for everyone, not just teens. The newest ships will also, in general, be the most expensive cruises.

 

So, decide on a budget and what ports you might like to visit. And read some of the reviews. And talk to a travel agent.

[6rugrats]

My teen loved HAL, so I guess it just depends on the child. He did not require a rock climbing wall, etc. to be happy. He was just thrilled to be on a cruise.

 

I also have never heard of a teen pool.

[cb at sea]

Most teens that age will NOT use the kid's club much....the kids who really like it are the littler ones, up to about 12 , 13 or so....after that, teens tend to want to "do their own thing" (like checking out the opposite sex!), hanging by the pool, the arcade, sports deck....stuff like that!

[topspot]

Had two teens on HAL who enjoyed themselves. It depends on the teen. They do have The Loft, which is basically a place for teens to hang out and be themselves. Not lots of organized activities for them, but at that age, they can figure out what they want to do within the rules and guidelines you set up for them. The loft has staff that supervise the area.;)

[msmayor]

When we sailed on Freedom of the Seas last November, both my kids really enjoyed the Teen Club and spent every night there after dinner...they were 14 and 17 at the time.

 

To the OP...realize that your 18-year-old will not be allowed in the Teen Club. Its been said that the 18-20 yr old group is the 'forgotten' group on most cruise lines...too old for the clubs and too young for much of the nightlife.

[kag92]

My dd loved the carnival club. She was 14 years old when we went. :) She is ready to go back.

[ourfamilylovescruising]

we were on the eurodam last nov. and my son was 16 and our friends came with their 16 year too and we never saw them they loved the teen room even when nothing was going on they would be in there watching movies or playing games on the big screen. they palyed alot of basketball too. they did meet other teens and still talk to them today. I think most teens would like it because they can do what they want.

[Uncle Fester]

Hi there:

Looking to travel in December and have teens 18-15. What line and ship would you recommend for these guys?

 

Thanks!

 

As someone else pointed out, the 18 year old is considered an adult for pretty much all activities, except for drinking alcohol (presuming you're not going on a South American or European cruise where they can drink given certain limitations). Therefore, he/she will have access to the casino, night clubs, etc. The problem we've seen is when you have one over 18 and one under 18 and one or the other can't participate. Something to think about.

[Happy2trvl]

Thanks everyone! Very helpful input. I really appreciate it.

 

Cheers!