Independence OTS kicks off multiple families!!

[SherriZ366]

I like the idea, bluegirlum, but being able to stay on the ship in return for your kids behaving sounds like a pretty fair exchange to me already. :)

Agree

[Elizanessie]

Dear friends:

 

I just phoned RCCL Madrid office. Their policy for cruises homeporting (i.e. roundtrip) Spain for people purchasing their cruise through RCCL Spain is to eliminate that vague category of people age 18, 19 and 20 and treat everybody 18 and above as a full-fledged adult because otherwise they would be in violation of Spanish laws. I say "vague" only from the standpoint of Spanish law because Spanish law does not distinguish this type of "young adult" as U.S. law appears to do.

 

Therefore, they just confirmed that if you purchase a cruise from RCCL Spain and that cruise starts and ends in Spain, an 18 year old does not need to be accompanied by an "adult" in order to board, and an 18 year old can drink without any of those waiver forms.

 

I now wonder how the actual ship controls who comes from where, or whether on roundtrip Spain cruises they just let everyone 18 and above drink no questions asked or waivers required.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

 

I am sorry but the Madrid office is wrong, below please find the correct details which have just arrived in my inbox from the office in Miami.

 

Any guest sailing unaccompanied with Royal Caribbean must be 21 years of age, regardless of citizenship. The are only 2 exceptions to this rule:

 

1.Underage Married Couples: Underage married couples are allowed to sail with proof of marriage at pier check-in. The "proof of marriage" is the document the guest will receive from the official presiding at the ceremony; the critical component of the document is that it be notarized with the signature of the official.

We will recognize both a heterosexual and homosexual marriage as long as it is legal in the jurisdiction where the marriage was performed. Proof must be provided in the form of a marriage certificate (original, certified or notarized copy) issued by a government agency such as a state, county or city. A domestic partner relationship will not be recognized as equivalent to a marriage.

 

2.Active Duty Military Personnel: Underage active duty members of the United States or Canadian military are allowed to sail with proof of active duty military status (must be presented at pier check-in) and would be treated for sailing age requirement purposes the same as an adult 21 years of age (meaning they serve as an adult in the stateroom).

NOTE: Underage military personnel will still be required to comply with the age twenty one (21) alcohol policy.

 

 

 

Regarding alcohol, below is the policy that is enforced on all Royal Caribbean ships:

 

Effective as of all sailings commencing on or after July 28, 2006, the minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Royal Caribbean International ships is 21.

 

However, on cruises departing from European and South American countries, where the legal drinking age is typically lower than 21, a parent who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) who is between the ages of 18 to 20, may sign a waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages. Waivers will be provided to parents upon check-in. The 18- to 20 year-old must agree to comply with Royal Caribbean's policies, including among other things, agreeing to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. Restrictions apply, and this policy is subject to change without notice.

 

Note: We have chosen to NOT make exceptions for married couples. Any 18-20 year old who wishes to drink must have their parents sailing with them to sign the waiver. Our policy will be consistent this way.

Sailing Age Note: An individual's age on the date of sailing determines his or her status for their cruise vacation. However, if a guest celebrates their 21st birthday during the cruise, the guest may thereafter ask the Guest Services Manager to modify ship's records to permit their consumption of alcohol during the remainder of the cruise. The guest will be required to appear at Guest Services with his or her parent or guardian and to present a government issued form of identification to establish that the guest's 21st birthday was celebrated during the cruise.

[sissymaryuk]

Princess have 'teen monitors' during the holiday periods.

 

These are very visible and are even standing at the front of the theatre during perormances.

 

There is no security in the Theatre on Royal Caribbean. Seen kids running up and down the aisles during performances, unchecked. Also saw a child sneak up on stage during the CD closing the show. She was looking the other way and the audience started screaming - she thought she had a wardrobe malfunction - turned round and saw the child and put a good face on the situation. Afterwards, she was fuming of course. However, the mother came forward, went on stage to get the child looking very proud of his 'initiative' and told him to take a bow.:eek::mad: Kid was about nine or ten.

One of the most annoying things when I used to work on ships was the people that would get up on the stage before the performances. It was either kids, put up to it by their parent's for "cute" photo opportunities, or just as often attention seeking adults. If you went to a show on land, would you just get up on the stage when you feel like it? They don't seem to get that it's potential dangerous (although they sue pretty quick when they get hurt), and they're also disrupting the back-stage preparation (and therefore holding up the show), because one of the stage staff invariably has to come out to get rid of them. The staff that are in the theatre (wait staff, CD's staff) are actually supposed to stop people getting on the stage, but most of them don't seem to be told that by their bosses, and they just get on with their jobs.

As for people getting put off the ships, there's always seemed to be a double standard. In my experience Diamond members would often get away with murder, and get a talking to, when other cruisers would have got put off. You'd think these Diamond members would know the rules better than most?

[sarh]

We were on the Indy July 2008 and didn't return because I felt there were just too many children on board (we were traveling with two of our own). Behaviour of some of the families (adults and children)was terrible-I remember one large family allowing small kids to run all over the brand new chairs in the Pyramid. My son had his ipod stolen in the kids club. The children loved the cruise because of the great activities, but I wouldn't repeat it. I'm glad RCCI are addressing the problem. Just come back from Adventure of the Seas and I understand there were 800 children on board, mainly Brits and Spanish, but no trouble at all.

[Yeldarb]

I was sailing with my parents on a Costa ship and Dad had a big problem with kids slamming stateroom doors at all hours of the night. Now they may not have Slammed them on purpose but those doors are weighted and close pretty hard. They were in and out of their room constantly. I've taught my kids to hold the door on ships and in hotels in consideration of other around.

 

Now my father asked them to stop slamming the doors and was told to "#$%* Off" so even if they weren't slamming the door on purpose they definitely weren't angels.

 

Simple consideration for your fellow man seems to be going the way of the dodo bird.

 

If kids behave then great. Nothing wrong with kids sitting and talking in public areas. I don't care how late they're up if they're not disturbing others (My kids have a 1am curfew on board) but even just sitting on stairs and in the hall ways blocks the path of those trying to pass.

 

I hate that cruiselines have to become surrogate parents to kids but I'm glad that they are taking action to prevent them from ruining the cruising experience for others.

 

This has been an interesting thread.

 

Cheers!

[PEGLEG]

Maybe they could start implementing something like a "towel fee" or "housing deposit" for kids. If you have kids of a certain age, you have a pay a certain deposit. Your kid behaves, you get the money back. If not, they keep the money. Some families won't care, like they don't care about the towels, but some might. Of course there'd be enforcement problems, but maybe it would work. It's got to be something that's going to impact the parents, because that's where the problem always starts. The parents don't pay attention or don't care and just let these brats do whatever they want. Unless and until the adults' fun is impacted by their own kids, they don't care.

 

People are sending their kids to their city's libraries all day so they don't have to deal with them. Why do you think they'd do differently on a cruise ship?

 

No. I like the current policy. After warning...Kick 'em off. Sort of makes me WANT to sail on the Oasis.

[room010]

Well believe it....kids are being raised by parents who think they are entitled to act as they wish and do what they wish because they have paid to rent a cabin for a week. Any wonder why their offspring have the same sense of entitlement as Mommy and Daddy do?

 

I've read enough "Its my cruise and I'll do as I wish" posts to firmly believe that far too many people think life is all about them.:rolleyes:

 

Amen!

[Bobal]

This is the alcohol policy stated on the RCI website:

 

ALCOHOL POLICY

The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Royal Caribbean International ships is 21.

 

However, on cruises departing from European and South American countries, where the legal drinking age is typically lower than 21, a parent who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) who is between the ages of 18 to 20, may sign a waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages. Please note: Waivers will be provided to parents upon check-in.

 

I'll be sailing from Spain on Sunday and will ask the question whilst I'm onboard and report back here if anyone is interested

 

Thanks Bobal - yes please.

 

Just resurrected this to let you know that I asked the question about 18 year olds being allowed to board without 'adults' and was told quite categorically that it doesn't matter which country you sail from the rules are the same. No one under the age of 21 is allowed book a cruise and to sail without an adult. I suggest the Spanish office need to be told this.

[Elizanessie]

I suggest the Spanish office need to be told this.

 

The misinformation being given out with regards to 18 yr olds, was brought to the attention of the Madrid office by the Miami office on the 26th July.

[Bobal]

The misinformation being given out with regards to 18 yr olds, was brought to the attention of the Madrid office by the Miami office on the 26th July.

 

Ah thanks, I assumed there would have been no more posts on here since I last read it and didn't read back over the last few posts :o but just thought I'd come back here and confirm what I'd heard as spanner14 requested. Good to hear they've done that :)

[misslissa]

Wow, I am very happy to hear that RCI is taking a stand against what these kids are doing. And, the parents who are letting it happen. I'm also sorry to hear about some of the horrible things that fellow CC members have endured on their trips, bad things like that should never happen on a vacation. Sure, you lose your passport, some money at the casino, or get a bad meal - but those things are expected with trips... dealt with... but not abuse from children. Just horrible.

 

I have to say though, that these stories are making me a little antsy about my next cruise with RCI on the Voyager in Oct (Western Med). I'm particularly worried about the security of the ship. The only "bad experience" we've ever had on a trip was pushed out of mind because the rest of the trip was just glowing... but, now it is coming back and the way RCI dealt with it is making me feel uneasy.

 

We were on a 3 night cruise on the Monarch. We arrived and were in the pool before the ship left and noticed a large group of 20 somethings or early 30 somethings (older than us!) at the pool drinking and dancing. Several in bikinis, when one girl in a pink bikini thought it would be a good idea to moonwalk across a damp bench. So, she did. She didn't do it very well and fell backward scraping her back against the "Monarch" by the pool, skinning her back (her whole back!) right across it like one would their knee when falling off their bike on to pavement. I don't know what happened to them after that but we discovered we were on their floor, with our cabin surrounded by the groups' sometime around dinnertime.

 

We had a great meal and show, and headed to bed fairly early but were woken up around 1:30 am by a domestic dispute of sorts. It was loud, full blown, there were many names called - an indiscretion had taken place. They were drunk. It was actually really scary! My hubby and I are pretty intense people, we don't have any problem standing up for ourselves or others if need be and I have to tell you that this "fight" made me really scared and we decided to not leave our cabin to ask them to tone it down. It went on for about 10 minutes before I realized that it was getting physical and that it wasn't going to end anytime soon. We called security and tried to go back to sleep, it went on for another half hour... it was incredibly intense. Not only was our whole sleep disrupted but when I tried to call back security again and again, our calls went unanswered. It took SEVERAL CALLS, at least a half dozen, and only 3 were answered before a man walked up and knocked on our door. Keep in mind, this arguement was still in full force and didn't even let up with the knock. He came to our door and I didn't even step out (partly 'cause I was in my pajamas and partly because I was scared) and the man POINTED to the couple and asked if it was them who were making all the noise WHILE THEY CONTINUED TO YELL! Why in the world would they put us in danger and knock on our door? I couldn't believe it.

 

Needless to say, it took in all about 2 hours to get it resolved, at least a half-dozen calls where only 3 times was I able to talk to a live person... and we didn't have a problem after that. But why was security so lax? Is this the norm? Has anyone else needed anything in the middle of the night and had so much problem? It was horrible!

 

Thankfully, we have good senses of humour and didn't let it destroy our fun... we actually could act out portions of the arguement from time to time during the rest of the trip... but now that I'm going to be on International waters during a 7 night cruise, I can't help but feel panicked now that I think back to this!!!

[onyourtoes]

Ah, so many reminders of why I do not cruise when the kiddies do.

 

JC

 

 

 

Ditto, Ditto, Dit Toe

[Bobal]

now that I'm going to be on International waters during a 7 night cruise, I can't help but feel panicked now that I think back to this!!!

 

Sorry, but I really don't follow your logic.

 

You were on a 3-day cruise out of the US and encountered what sounds like a bunch of people in their 20's and 30's partying hard and you had the misfortune to encounter a nasty accident and a domestic dispute. This thread relates to a cruise out of the UK during the school holiday period and involved misbehaving teens. The cruise you are taking in October is from Barcelona and outside school holidays. Three different cruises, from different places with a different demographic onboard. Why feel panicked :confused:

[Garyorient]

Sorry, but I really don't follow your logic.

 

You were on a 3-day cruise out of the US and encountered what sounds like a bunch of people in their 20's and 30's partying hard and you had the misfortune to encounter a nasty accident and a domestic dispute. This thread relates to a cruise out of the UK during the school holiday period and involved misbehaving teens. The cruise you are taking in October is from Barcelona and outside school holidays. Three different cruises, from different places with a different demographic onboard. Why feel panicked :confused:

 

Cos some people just love making a drama out of a crisis?

[funfamilyfun]

Good for the captain for taking charge.

 

My favorite story about teenagers on a cruise, though, was seeing about 10 late at night next to a stairwell huddled around someone's laptop watching the movie 'Airplane'. Who says kids these days don't appreciate the finer things in life?

 

 

I think Royal should read these boards and make sure there are plenty of activities for kids until 1. Kids should be shown a nice place to go and watch the movie instead of sitting on the floor. Most kids just want to hang out. Perhaps if they keep the stated activities in the Compass, the kids will have a meeting place instead of roaming the ship to look for kids.

 

Again, we love royal and are planning another cruise, but we hope the planned activities for the 12 and up group improves.

[Captain Jake]

Ah, so many reminders of why I do not cruise when the kiddies do.

 

JC

 

The only time to sail Royal is when the kiddies are in school

:cj

[RevSmith]

Loved your story Mitch and your attitude. There is NO reason why others should have to suffer, because some are not doing what they need to do. It only takes a few unruly teens to make for an uncomfortable situation...

My experience, except for one time on a Celebrity ship, has been that the teens on board as well as the younger children have been very well behaved...but as I said, it only takes a few to spoil it for everyone.

Keep up the good work Royal...

[teajak]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Where was that child raised? and by whom? wolves?

Please, wolves take care of their cubs and teach them, unlike some parents.:eek:

[Garyorient]

Please, wolves take care of their cubs and teach them, unlike some parents.:eek:

 

Agreed.

It always astounds me when I see children being described as "behaving like animals".

 

For the most part animals are far more disciplined and work to a far more rigorous regime than several of the guests........and their children, on cruise ships.

[negc]

I think Royal should read these boards and make sure there are plenty of activities for kids until 1. Kids should be shown a nice place to go and watch the movie instead of sitting on the floor. Most kids just want to hang out. Perhaps if they keep the stated activities in the Compass, the kids will have a meeting place instead of roaming the ship to look for kids.

 

Again, we love royal and are planning another cruise, but we hope the planned activities for the 12 and up group improves.

 

They can offer all sorts of wonderful activities but if kids of a certain age would prefer to hang out instead of taking advantage of those activities, they will do so, and you won't escape the problems you are concerned about. Only by strict enforcement of the rules and overseeing the actions of those "just hanging around" to see that they don't create problems, and seeing that parents exercise proper supervision of their children, will RCI or any other line reduce or eliminate the problems that some have reported. If it takes throwing off more disruptive and unruly passengers, then so be it.:)

[misslissa]

Sorry, but I really don't follow your logic.

 

You were on a 3-day cruise out of the US and encountered what sounds like a bunch of people in their 20's and 30's partying hard and you had the misfortune to encounter a nasty accident and a domestic dispute. This thread relates to a cruise out of the UK during the school holiday period and involved misbehaving teens. The cruise you are taking in October is from Barcelona and outside school holidays. Three different cruises, from different places with a different demographic onboard. Why feel panicked :confused:

 

Sorry, I missed the part about them being on a school break, I guess that plays a large part of the atmosphere of the ship. I am 26 and in Canada without kids and I didn't pick that up from the OP. What makes me feel a little "panicked" is that I gather from this thread and now also thinking back to my own personal experience that aside from the OP's experience, it seems as though RCI has some lax security at times. My thoughts lead me to hope that I don't have any further negative experiences needing any help from security.

 

And garyorient, I hope you appreciate the feeling of insulting someone you don't know with some genuine concerns about her own safety and enjoyment of a no-so-cheap trip - for no reason. That was really hurtful:(

[johneeo]

I went out one night in my robe and told them there were people sleeping in the cabins along the hallways, and they needed to quiet down. They were fine the rest of the cruise.

 

Thank you. I have been reading this thread and have been looking for someone that confronts the offenders.

 

Personally, when unaccompanied children act out of order, I have no problem getting in their face and making it clear that this adult will not tolerate their behaviour.

 

If they want to challenge me, it is a fight to the death.

 

So far, I have never been challenged.

[johneeo]

Band together people. We never saw those kids being rude again.

 

When rude obnoxious unattended children are challenged by adults, the children have an incredibly fast attitude adjustment.

 

Works just about every time. As I said before, I do not tolerate rude children's behoviour.

[Linda VH]

Well, I don't think that's always true re adults confronting the miscreants. I am very involved with our 14 yr. olds hockey and have witnessed kids misbehaving and when confronted by an adult told to f-off. Security was called and they left our area but.....their parents were there and, I was told, used foul language in front of the kids and at the opposing (us) team. I guess they would act the same way on a cruise.

[johneeo]

Well, I don't think that's always true re adults confronting the miscreants.

 

I did not say always.

 

Regardless, I will confront them. So far, never had a problem in so doing, but when one of them tells me to "f off", the fight to the death will ensue.