One last concern re: teenagers cruising

[Name Of The Game]

I would disagree that most of the passengers are "MUCH" older. OP said that this was a spring break cruise - so you will have tons of families, as well as college kids.

 

It was early in the morning....I missed the part about it being a spring break cruise....but if it wasn't, yes most of the passengers ARE much older than 18! I'd say half are senior citizens.

 

OP:

You have two 18 years old kids, so they will have each other.

I think because they are girls, you won't have to worry...they'll find stuff to do. Most young women that age will likely be happy putting on tiny bathing suits, laying out in the sun and scoping the ship out for some nice looking guys.

 

Where are the 18 year old girls in tiny bikinis when I'm on the ship??

[cruisers_2]

We just got off the inspiration last week and took our girls 16, 16, 17 19. Our 19 year old thought it was great to hang with us the whole time without her younger sisters around and go to the shows that were X rated( again without her sisters). She loved to watch the things going on the lido deck. we took her into the casino, first time for her.

I think your daughter will have fun no matter what.

Have fun..:)

[Electricflyer]

This hasn't been mentioned yet BUT, confiscate their cell phones before you leave port. Or take the batteries out until you get back. Teens live for the cell phone and away from the mainland it can be VERY expensive to talk on. There is nothing too important that can't wait until they get back.

[TEXAZJEWL]

Just to give a different perspective for the OP, if your 18-yo's can't go to the Club O2 (or whatever it's called for the older kids), and casinos and discos aren't your thing, there is still going to be plenty for them to do besides just hanging out all day.

 

There will be stuff going on all day long that they might like, such as games like bingo, scattergories, corn-hole, etc. And they can watch the ice-carvings or hairy-chest contest by the pool. They can do karaoke at night. There are comedy clubs on most ships now, too.

And especially during spring break, I'm sure they'll have alot of extra activities planned for the spring break crowd.

 

Hope this helps out. You will all have fun, don't worry!

[Tbay-eh]

This hasn't been mentioned yet BUT, confiscate their cell phones before you leave port. Or take the batteries out until you get back. Teens live for the cell phone and away from the mainland it can be VERY expensive to talk on. There is nothing too important that can't wait until they get back.

 

I am a huge fan of no cell phones, no gadgets while on a cruise. Personally, I cruise to get away from all of that, however, there are people who must and some who think they must stay in touch and that is their decision. If teens have their cells they may want to be texting all the time - it is sad to see how many kids (and adults) have their heads down for half the cruise and miss so much. So much for quality family time eh. Unless you can get in on some great plans it can be costly.

[wildcatcruzer]

I know they are very strict with people over 17 getting into O2. They check your card at the door, no o2 sticker than u cant get in. My son had a great time there, but then he is very social and makes friends very easy. He told us some 18 year olds wanted to hang with them because their club had a lot of fun activities planned and the 18-20 group things were boring.

[DEERINH2O]

Our son will be 18 a month before our cruise in December. He has always hung out in the teen area. Its really the first night, he usually meets a few kids, then they hang out the rest of the cruise. I would usually spot him and his friends in the buffett area late at night with a deck of cards and sodas, playing games. Usually the teens all hang out together, our son is very outgoing and just joined in groups. This time his two sisters and one sisters boyfriend will be with us, the are 22 and under, so I am sure he will hang out with them, but as far as your girls go, just tell them to be outgoing, and look around, they will probley find other 18 year olds hanging around looking for someone to hang out with.

Have a great cruise!

 

Kathy

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

I didn't know it was a "day camp" - my 15 yo wouldn't like that either. I thought it was just a safe area to hang out sans adults. Discos and casinos aren't out type of areas.

It is, it's not a day camp like for little kids. The teens come and go as they please, and have their own area to hang out.

I think the 18-20 crowd is tricky - too old for teen disco, and can't drink at the adult disco. But there are tons of other things to do. Some of the ships have Sushi bars, mini golf, waterparks etc. So your girls will have a great time.

[pacarolinagirl]

Excuse me if this has already been stated...did not read past the first page. :o

 

Wouldn't it be nice if the cruiselines had an area just for 18 - 20 year olds? Just an idea. :)

[CruisinChris412]

I'm pretty sure your cruise has 2 ports and 2 days at sea? Assuming yes and that you say this is their senior FAMILY trip, then I'd approach this differently. First, I'd try your best to get the exact daily activities itinerary for your cruise.

 

For the days in port... WEAR THEM OUT! Assuming you arrive at 8am in your port; wake up at 6; get ready; go to breakfast; and be the first ones off the ship and be the last ones on the ship! I don't know if you guys' are the athletic type, or into strenuous activities, but doing an offshore excrusion that will break a sweat will definitely make your nights more chill and relaxing. Even a lot of walking will wear people out, especially when you factor in waking up early. When we did ziplining in Puerto Vallarta, we were done. I think we got back to the ship; we jumped in the pool; then we got ready for dinner; we ate dinner; had some drinks; went to bed by midnight at the latest, probably more like 11. Obviously, you guys won't be having drinks as a family (unless you do it in your stateroom ;)), but that's why I suggest knowing what shows/activities are planned for night time and then fill in the void with that. Plus, if you plan long days in port, you guys can justify getting to bed early. Perhaps, it's advisable to really emphasize the port days and excursions or plans for the ports while leading up to the trip.

 

Now, the problem with boredom for teenagers will probably present itself on the days at sea. Again, know what shows/activities are being offered and plan around the ones that pique your interest.

- Have your girls ever had a spa treatment? Most teenagers haven't, and it'd be a nice "adult-like" treat for them.

- Swim! Swimming and hanging out by the pool for an hour can be a 3 hour ordeal, especially when it comes to women getting cleaned up after a dip!

- What about gambling? That could appeal to them. Maybe you and hubby can teach them blackjack. It can be lots of fun.

- What's wrong with the adults club? If you're worried about it being too much for them, maybe you can go with them. Then, if you see them making friends, see there a bunch of people around their age, see them having fun, see them flirting with guys, you and your hubby can go do your own thing.

 

Again, I don't know their personality or what kind of family you guys are, but since this is a family trip, I was going along the lines of doing things together, as a family. And since your young ladies are legally women, perhaps, you can treat them so and show them the adult side of having fun?

[Name Of The Game]

- What's wrong with the adults club?

 

Full of people 40-60 years old

[CruisinChris412]

Full of people 40-60 years old

 

Maybe a handful of people in that age range frequent clubs. I'd imagine 21-35 is the common age group.

[waldocruiser1]

(flash back)

 

What are they perverts? Why would they want to be hanging out with children? That is sick, they don't need to be around children.

 

oh that is right, they are girls it is okay.....

 

(Flash forward)

 

Why is is OK for 18 year old girls (women) to want to hang out with kids, but when a high school kid named Charlie-something wanted to know last year he was bashed, and burnt at the stake in a matter of minutes for asking?

 

OK, now that I have made my joke/point that the treatment of young adults is not right when they want to still be a kid, and they can't be a full adult either because they are not 21.

 

Maybe Carnival needs to have a club/room for young adults 18 to 20 only, and make the room NO ALCOHOL period, have a security person to make sure people (men or women) are not walking up drinking, then wanting to come in and pick up the alcohol minors.

 

This way the almost-adults could go and party, with out being ........ what ever.

[johneeo]

We are probably going to book a 5 day out of Galveston this spring break. I know they have an area for teenagers, but it is for 15-17 yo. Our girls will be 18 (this is their senior family trip that we have made a tradition), but still in high school. I think the teen area would be appropriate for them, but it is only up to 17. I'm not sure about the alternatives. Any thoughts or experience you can share?

 

On our upcoming cruise, we have a roll call.

 

Everyone is listed, and the kids have their ages listed.

 

For the teens, they have just set up a Facebook page, so when the cruise happens, the teens will already have friends on board, and be ready to do whatever it is teens do on cruises.

[hawaiikat]

I know what the rules say, but this is my actual experience last October on the Splendor:

 

1. Moving "up" in age group. My son was 14 yrs and 3 months old. My daughter was 16. I wanted her to keep an eye on him, and my son was already a freshman in high school and I really didn't think it was a good idea for him to be around the younger girls. After talking to a counselor he was allowed into the 15-17 yr old O2.

 

2. 18 year old in the club: A boy my daughter met was 18 years old and had a brother and 2 cousins in the O2 age group. The O2 counselor had him sign a paper saying he wouldn't use the adult disco or clubs, in exchange, he was allowed into O2.

 

Most of the O2 was just a meeting place. The kids did a few activities there, but mostly they just met up at the club and then went to swim, play games, hang out to eat pizza, etc.

 

Both of my kids had a blast. My daughter and I also did a mother/daughter cruise when she was 15 and she made friends the first night and was never alone.

 

Have a great cruise.

[Name Of The Game]

Maybe a handful of people in that age range frequent clubs. I'd imagine 21-35 is the common age group.

 

You can 'imagine' but I've been there. I'm in my early 20's and the clubs are full of people my mom's age.

[parentsof5]

Where are the 18 year old girls in tiny bikinis when I'm on the ship??

 

LOL! It won't be our daughters!

[parentsof5]

This hasn't been mentioned yet BUT, confiscate their cell phones before you leave port. Or take the batteries out until you get back. Teens live for the cell phone and away from the mainland it can be VERY expensive to talk on. There is nothing too important that can't wait until they get back.

 

Thanks, good tip. I'm not sure I would have thought about that.

[parentsof5]

I know what the rules say, but this is my actual experience last October on the Splendor:

 

1. Moving "up" in age group. My son was 14 yrs and 3 months old. My daughter was 16. I wanted her to keep an eye on him, and my son was already a freshman in high school and I really didn't think it was a good idea for him to be around the younger girls. After talking to a counselor he was allowed into the 15-17 yr old O2.

 

2. 18 year old in the club: A boy my daughter met was 18 years old and had a brother and 2 cousins in the O2 age group. The O2 counselor had him sign a paper saying he wouldn't use the adult disco or clubs, in exchange, he was allowed into O2.

 

Most of the O2 was just a meeting place. The kids did a few activities there, but mostly they just met up at the club and then went to swim, play games, hang out to eat pizza, etc.

 

Both of my kids had a blast. My daughter and I also did a mother/daughter cruise when she was 15 and she made friends the first night and was never alone.

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Thanks for that information. If it comes down to it, it doesn't hurt to ask!

[Johncn]

Our girls will be 18 (this is their senior family trip that we have made a tradition), but still in high school. I think the teen area would be appropriate for them, but it is only up to 17...Any thoughts or experience you can share?

 

First of all a five-day cruise is too short to make lasting friendships, so you may want to consider a week ;-)

 

Seriously, though, our kids have violated every known "age range" limit for the club rules on five cruise lines, and lived to tell the tale. So far, anyway. One is 20 now, and one is 16. Both have been on at least 25 weeks of cruise time during their upbringing. After about age 14 they didn't want much to do with the organized activities.

 

Kids...especially teens.... WILL find other kids to hang out with...and be generally fine. Ours have made good friends from all over the world, and many still stay in regular touch through Facebook or the social network du jour....even though the cruise was five or more years ago. Some of their cruise friends from other countries have visited us in the US. Their families have tagged along. Kids don't NEED a great deal of supervision to make friends and stay entertained. Generally.

 

It's a semi-supervised situation anyway on a cruise ship 24/7/365. There are almost no "private" spaces. I wouldn't worry too, too much about the club membership thing. Let them have fun. Sneaking into an adult comedy show or a club that was supposed to only be older kids after a certain time is pretty tame adventure. Coming to the cabin at 3:00 a.m. on a well run cruise ship is much different than driving home at 3:00 with drunks on the road.

 

Even sneaking a drink or two when they are 18 years old? Who cares? In many parts of the world people laugh at Americans for being so paranoid about that. In 90% of th countries in the world they could drink whatever they'd like.

 

I'm NOT advocating public drunkeness, loud or obnoxious behavior, or that kids shoudl be inconsiderate of other passengers....but we need to be realistic. Teach responsible public behavior, not strict adherence to each and every rule.

 

Although we were fairly strict with our kids in "the real world", we've let them manage their own time quite a bit on the ships. The rule we have used most is "Nobody's private stateroom...", "Act appropriately in public", and "Don't EVER get in a situation that requires ship security bring you home" ;-)

 

I guess what I am saying is that at 18, and months from being adults and on their own, what THEY want is probably more important than what parents want. The cruise ship's organized activities may not be what they are interested in. Maybe ask THEM?

 

Just a thought. Your mileage may vary. :D

 

Johncn

[nrdsb4]

^^^^^LOL. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that you are NOT one of the posters that's always giving alcohol smugglers a hard time, quoting the oft used "rules are rules and are there for a reason" spiel.:D

[Perfect Stranger]

I see nothing wrong or strange with an 18-year old high school girl associating with other teens on a cruise! They don't isolate the 18-year old seniors in high school just because they're technically adults. And although legal to gamble on the ship I wouldn't encourage my 18 year old to hit the casino. I'd rather they be hanging out with other teens.

[soxfaninutah]

I have a question, why are people so rude on this site? They asked an innocent question and people jump all over them. Geez people.....

[nrdsb4]

I have a question, why are people so rude on this site? They asked an innocent question and people jump all over them. Geez people.....

 

 

I just read through this entire thread and really don't see how you came to that conclusion here...:confused:

[nrdsb4]

I see nothing wrong or strange with an 18-year old high school girl associating with other teens on a cruise! They don't isolate the 18-year old seniors in high school just because they're technically adults. And although legal to gamble on the ship I wouldn't encourage my 18 year old to hit the casino. I'd rather they be hanging out with other teens.

 

I agree-it seems to me that if an 18 y/o is still in high school, they should be able to participate in the teen club if they so desire. It's not like having a 40 y/o skulking about.:)