Where are 16 Year Olds Not Allowed on RCI Ships?

[airplnnt]

I am a new cruiser leaving next week on an RCI ship. I am taking my DD and DS, twin 16 year olds. What areas of the ship are off limits besides the obvious ones like crew deck and the bridge? Can they go in Casino Royale when accompanied by me but not gamble? How about the lounges? Any help would be appreciated. I've read all of the RCI information so far and have not found anything on this topic. Thanks for the help!

[first timer with teens]

In my experience, the only place that they will be ushered from for being underage is the Casino. It is at the discretion of the guards on duty, but I have seen many an underage cruiser asked to leave. (including my son when he was WITH ME) On the other hand, there are times when many who are CLEARLY underage are NOT being asked to leave.

 

Oh, and the Viking Crown Lounge after a certain hour. 10 P.M.???

 

Consistency is not Royal Caribbean's strong suit.

[beachchick]

I want to thank you for being so considerate as to find out in advance. Obviously, no pax are allowed on the bridge anymore (darn it!) and the crew decks.

 

On most ships, the casino is in the middle of the deck so your 16 year olds will have to walk through it to get from one part of the deck to another, but they are not supposed to remain in the casino, even with parents. (Sometimes this rule is broken, but it really annoys the adults who are trying to enjoy an 18 and over environment). They will not be allowed in the adult discos (this may be all the time or after a certain time, depending on the ship). Personally, I don't think Quest is an appropriate environment for teens (it's definitely an adult thing). They will be allowed in the Solarium (if the ship has one) and I'm sure they will behave appropriately. The Solarium is for adults and for more quiet relaxation than the family pool areas. I believe they will be allowed to use the gym, but you may have to sign a waiver. I'm not sure about the spa.

 

Other than that, they will be welcome throughout the ship. I know that some lounges are fairly adult oriented later in the evening--I've been to some and I would be cautious taking teens to some of the entertainment. The shows are usually all family friendly, but sometimes there is an adult comic--again it's up to you, but at 16 I'd have been embarrassed to be with my parents at the show. OTOH, they'll probably be having so much fun with the teen activities and new friends that you may have to drag them away for family activities.

 

Hope you all have a wonderful time.

 

beachchick

 

ps (not trying to sound negative or alarmist): If this is your first cruise, please be aware that the exact same tempations and dangers can be found on a cruise ship as can be found on land. Please tell your girls to never go into someone else's cabin or with a crew member to their cabin or accept a drink from a stranger. Just like at home, you should know where they are and whom they are with when they are not with you. Some kids are allowed to stay out all night because their parents figure "hey, it's a ship they can't get into trouble"--nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, the teens love to stay out late, but they can get into plenty of trouble. (Not saying your girls will, but you won't know the other kids well enough, IMO, to just let them run around at all hours.)

[rsinj]

Good info beachchick.

 

Let me add, that additionally, going ashore you should keep close tabs on them and not let them have free reign unsupervised or roam with a group of new "friends" unsupervised.

 

Some countries do not have the same laws in place as the US regarding underage drinking and/or are not as abiding/vigilant when it comes to serving minors or selling them alcohol.

[first timer with teens]

Beachchick, thanks. I have to blame my senility (and the fact that having teenagers rots the brain in general) for forgetting about the disco.

[airplnnt]

Thanks for the help all. The background on my particular children is that Dad runs a tight ship. No running around all night as there is a curfew on ship just like home. Whereabouts are known and approved in advance. Shore excursions are time for us to be together, not running around.

 

They exceed my expectations at home and will do so on board as well. It is hard to believe that parents allow some of the antics I've read about on these boards but I'm sure the ship behaviour will mirror all of the things seen on land both good and bad.

 

Maybe some other parents will get a small dose of common sense and keep a little tighter rein on their charges. BTW, I'm not afraid to speak up if a kid is way out of line but I don't stick my nose in unless it is really serious and then only to let a crew member know something needs attention.

[mkk]

Just to add...took my daughter and friend to Caribbean when they were 19 ...we let them go off around town in two ports and she told me horror stories of the offers for drugs (and to a lesser extent) alcohol that happened..seems if you are young...you are followed and 'encouraged' much moreso than us older folk..caution them strongly not to take ANYTHING from anyone..esp things that are supposedly "free"...anything can happen in foreign ports..thankfully she (who is not always sensible) was sensible then!

[hstrybuf]

On the Navigator, certain clubs/lounges were off limits to anyone 18 or under at around 11 p.m. This will be noted daily in your Cruise Compass so that will help in planning the evening for them and you.