17 yr old wants to watch grandpa play craps!

[christiecruise]

Thank you for getting the official answer. I really didn't know it, as where we live there are differences between laws and policies which I believe to be similar to this situation.

 

For example, in Ohio kids are allowed to be in many bars as long as they are not drinking. Some bars have their own rules - must be over 21. Others, they cannot sit at the bar but can stand behind a seated adult. Our kids are occasionally with us at a bar area while waiting for a table in a restaurant and we always ask about the policy.

 

Ohio law actually allows for parents to purchase alcohol for their "adult" children over the age of 18 as long as they are together. Most establishments will not allow this - as their own policy - but the town where our daughter goes to college, it is allowed! We only know this as our daughter was offered and we declined saying she was under age. The answer back was - it is OK as long as she is over 18 and with her parents (she is 20 1/2).

 

A different question is the moral one - should parents or grandparents introduce their kids to gambling (or alcohol). That was not my question. My husband and I don't gamble, my dad does occasionally. So we will follow the rules and if they allow, will let his moderate and fiscally responsible grandpa show him how to play the game - which my dad views as entertainment - while mom, hubby and I attend a show.

 

Having said that, I will still check the signage at the casino entrance and will report back. If it does not prohibit under 18 from entering, I will ask the policy of the ship...or just let my dad decide! ;)

[babyher]

Thank you for getting the official answer. I really didn't know it, as where we live there are differences between laws and policies which I believe to be similar to this situation.

 

For example, in Ohio kids are allowed to be in many bars as long as they are not drinking. Some bars have their own rules - must be over 21. Others, they cannot sit at the bar but can stand behind a seated adult. Our kids are occasionally with us at a bar area while waiting for a table in a restaurant and we always ask about the policy.

 

Ohio law actually allows for parents to purchase alcohol for their "adult" children over the age of 18 as long as they are together. Most establishments will not allow this - as their own policy - but the town where our daughter goes to college, it is allowed! We only know this as our daughter was offered and we declined saying she was under age. The answer back was - it is OK as long as she is over 18 and with her parents (she is 20 1/2).

 

A different question is the moral one - should parents or grandparents introduce their kids to gambling (or alcohol). That was not my question. My husband and I don't gamble, my dad does occasionally. So we will follow the rules and if they allow, will let his moderate and fiscally responsible grandpa show him how to play the game - which my dad views as entertainment - while mom, hubby and I attend a show.

 

Having said that, I will still check the signage at the casino entrance and will report back. If it does not prohibit under 18 from entering, I will ask the policy of the ship...or just let my dad decide! ;)

 

 

Wow , by the time you sift through all the drinking rules and regulations in Ohio , you really could use a good stiff drink *LOL*

 

Let your son enjoy his time with his grandfather. I would do anything to have another day with mine .

 

 

When I was a kid a big treat for me was visiting my grandfather and walking to the off track betting parlor and "play the ponies" Ok I would pick horses whose names I liked , he would do all the playing. *LOL*

 

That was a million years ago, but I still remember "us Paisans" hanging out.

[christiecruise]

BTW - I don't cheat on my taxes, but have been known to drive a few miles over the speed limit. :p

[christiecruise]

Oh, Babyher! That is it precisely.

 

My dad and my son are so much alike, but unfortunately dad can no longer play golf, hunt or fish due to his physical condition. They both love to swim, which we will do in Costa Maya and Roatan. When we visit my parents they share a love of watching movies, but on the boat the casino is the evening activity in which my dad will probably engage for a few nights - an hour or two (max) before he tires.

 

My son reveres his grandpa. A casino may not be everyone's idea of an ideal family bonding experience, but I want my son to spend time with my dad now. In the future he will have many years to wish, as you said, for another day with him.

[libertyschool]

BTW - I don't cheat on my taxes, but have been known to drive a few miles over the speed limit.

 

Thank you! Best response I`ve seen on these threads in a long time!

 

I hope your family has a wonderful cruise and your son enjoys some quality time with Grandpa. Would love to have another day with mine.

[Epic_Bear]

I started playing the slots on ships when I was 13 and blackjack at 15. No one cared.

[gooch47]

I started playing the slots on ships when I was 13 and blackjack at 15. No one cared.

 

Our son lost his entire $100 cruise allowance in 1982 playing slots on a Carnival ship. I think it was like the 2nd or 3rd day that he was broke. And a blackjack dealer who was practicing in the afternoon let him play. Not for chips, just for "fun."

 

BTW, a $100 cruise allowance back in 1982 was pretty generous! :)

 

We are heavy gamblers and have witnessed an underage gambler being denied a slot jackpot. His mother slipped over to his slot when he won and tried to claim it was hers. But a security guard or maybe just a floor attendant saw the whole thing. Goodbye jackpot.

 

I wouldn't say anything about your son just watching because he looked like he was legal, but the last thing I want is to be sitting at a slot game or table with a 6-year old sitting next to me just watching.

[rvsullivan]

Thank you for getting the official answer. I really didn't know it, as where we live there are differences between laws and policies which I believe to be similar to this situation.

 

For example, in Ohio kids are allowed to be in many bars as long as they are not drinking. Some bars have their own rules - must be over 21. Others, they cannot sit at the bar but can stand behind a seated adult. Our kids are occasionally with us at a bar area while waiting for a table in a restaurant and we always ask about the policy.

 

Ohio law actually allows for parents to purchase alcohol for their "adult" children over the age of 18 as long as they are together. Most establishments will not allow this - as their own policy - but the town where our daughter goes to college, it is allowed! We only know this as our daughter was offered and we declined saying she was under age. The answer back was - it is OK as long as she is over 18 and with her parents (she is 20 1/2).

 

A different question is the moral one - should parents or grandparents introduce their kids to gambling (or alcohol). That was not my question. My husband and I don't gamble, my dad does occasionally. So we will follow the rules and if they allow, will let his moderate and fiscally responsible grandpa show him how to play the game - which my dad views as entertainment - while mom, hubby and I attend a show.

 

Having said that, I will still check the signage at the casino entrance and will report back. If it does not prohibit under 18 from entering, I will ask the policy of the ship...or just let my dad decide! ;)

 

Funny! You asked a question on the pretext of wanting to do the "right" thing. After getting many, many answers and finally finding out he cannot be there, your answer is? Well, he's going to do it anyway, because that's what I want? Why bother? You claim to want to do the right thing, and I assume teach you child to follow the rules, then, when it doesn't suit you, send him anyway. I think there's a name for that???

But, I'm guessing you planned to do that anyway?

[che5904]

Funny! You asked a question on the pretext of wanting to do the "right" thing. After getting many, many answers and finally finding out he cannot be there, your answer is? Well, he's going to do it anyway, because that's what I want? Why bother? You claim to want to do the right thing, and I assume teach you child to follow the rules, then, when it doesn't suit you, send him anyway. I think there's a name for that???

But, I'm guessing you planned to do that anyway?

 

From the Pearl freestyle daily in October. Back page, lower right hand corner, point #6

 

"Casino: You must be 18yrs or older (and have ID) to gamble or be in the casino."

[cynbar]

I'm not opposed to gambling or drinking, actually I rather enjoy both! But if I were the OP, I would be wary of working with a young man to bend the rules or say they don't apply to him. Even the best kids of his age are heading into a time when they will have a lot of temptations, and this is heading towards that proverbial slippery slope. Sorry if this sounds like I'm preaching, but I would use this as a teachable moment and encourage him to do other things on the cruise with his granddad. Whether he can get away with it or not is not the only point here.

[che5904]

I'm not opposed to gambling or drinking, actually I rather enjoy both! But if I were the OP, I would be wary of working with a young man to bend the rules or say they don't apply to him. Even the best kids of his age are heading into a time when they will have a lot of temptations, and this is heading towards that proverbial slippery slope. Sorry if this sounds like I'm preaching, but I would use this as a teachable moment and encourage him to do other things on the cruise with his granddad. Whether he can get away with it or not is not the only point here.

 

Well as much as I will agree with what you have said. And the size of the breaking the rules you are encouraging the child to get away with are unimportant. If this 17 year old has not learned this prior to this age, I think the lesson is well lost. I'm not saying a parent should encourage a child of any age to break the rules, just saying I think it is a little late for this life lesson.

 

OP I'm not judging you or saying you have not taught your son these lessons when he was young, I am just responding to the poster about raising children in general.

[altarr]

*altarr gets on soapbox*

 

I am sure the op was not asking for parenting advice. How many of you have bent the rules when your kids were just past certain ages which would normally get them into the movies cheaper, eat cheaper etc? For the record, that is the same lesson, bending the rules for your advantage.

 

How many times has your child watched you speed? You are breaking the rules to your advantage...

 

She asked a question. It has been answered. Let her parent her kid how she sees fit. There are WAY too many people on this site with very holier than thou opinions which often get expressed when they were never asked for.

 

I mean, why can't we all just get along?

 

If people would just let others be, this world would be a much better place.

 

*altarr steps off soapbox*

[altarr]

Now lets all talk about the Jewel out of NYC which I am going on next (just because I am too lazy to get myself to a more southerly cruise port)...and be friends again.

[babyher]

Now lets all talk about the Jewel out of NYC which I am going on next (just because I am too lazy to get myself to a more southerly cruise port)...and be friends again.

 

 

In regards to your first post ......Bravo , very well put. :)

 

 

In regards to your second post.....Whats lazy about that ? I am in Connecticut and LOVED leaveing out of NYC. an hour and change from my front door to the ship . No flight, no hotel stay , no muss , no fuss. Whats not to like ?

 

Enjoy your cruise. :)

[sparks1093]

*altarr gets on soapbox*

 

I am sure the op was not asking for parenting advice. How many of you have bent the rules when your kids were just past certain ages which would normally get them into the movies cheaper, eat cheaper etc? For the record, that is the same lesson, bending the rules for your advantage.

 

How many times has your child watched you speed? You are breaking the rules to your advantage...

 

She asked a question. It has been answered. Let her parent her kid how she sees fit. There are WAY too many people on this site with very holier than thou opinions which often get expressed when they were never asked for.

 

I mean, why can't we all just get along?

 

If people would just let others be, this world would be a much better place.

 

*altarr steps off soapbox*

 

When someone says "what are the rules, because I want to follow the rules" and then says "well, we can bend the rules instead" then they will come in for some criticism and I believe that is what has happened on this thread. (Just an observation, I personally don't care either way;).)

[fergusonvt]

Just spoke to CAS (about a different item I needed addressed) and asked them about this particular situation. The "official" stance is that he/she needs to be of legal gambling age to even be "in" the casino. If he's passing through (and not stopping) he is allowed to go through but underaged persons are not allowed to be in the casino - regardless of observing or playing.

 

So there is your official answer, which I think you already knew. Do what you want with it. I don't see the harm of him "trying" to blend in and watching until he's caught. How that works with his/yours legal/moral ground is up to you :)

 

I agree. Our DS who was 18 when we cruised in Jan. had a great time playing the slot machines. He was never questioned about how old he was. I would let the 17 year old watch and if he's questioned about his age then leave.

[luddite]

*altarr gets on soapbox*

 

I am sure the op was not asking for parenting advice. How many of you have bent the rules when your kids were just past certain ages which would normally get them into the movies cheaper, eat cheaper etc? For the record, that is the same lesson, bending the rules for your advantage.

 

How many times has your child watched you speed? You are breaking the rules to your advantage...

 

She asked a question. It has been answered. Let her parent her kid how she sees fit. There are WAY too many people on this site with very holier than thou opinions which often get expressed when they were never asked for.

 

I mean, why can't we all just get along?

 

If people would just let others be, this world would be a much better place.

 

*altarr steps off soapbox*

 

Actually, letting parents do what they want is why we're in the current mess. It's in everyone's best interest if parents do the right thing.

[sparks1093]

Actually, letting parents do what they want is why we're in the current mess. It's in everyone's best interest if parents do the right thing.

 

That is true, but you would probably find little agreement for the definition of "the right thing";).

[che5904]

That is true, but you would probably find little agreement for the definition of "the right thing";).

 

Truer words could not be spoken.

[che5904]

When someone says "what are the rules, because I want to follow the rules" and then says "well, we can bend the rules instead" then they will come in for some criticism and I believe that is what has happened on this thread. (Just an observation, I personally don't care either way;).)

 

I agree this has nothing to do with parenting skills right or wrong. It doesn't have anything to do with judgement on subjecting children the "evils" of gambling. It originally wasn't even about whether anyone thought it was OK for him to sneak in on the pretense he was of age.

 

The OP wrote:

"Wondering if he is actually allowed in the casino as long as he does not bet"

"But I don't want to break the rules."

 

And yet had been told the answer was no he couldn't be in the casino.

#1 by someone who had gotten this information by phone from a casino rep.

#2 a sign posted in the casino stating so

#3 a quote from the dailies that stated so

 

Sorry the OP opened themselves up for criticism, when they then responded that they intended to try anyway and if caught just ask for forgiveness.

 

If you only want to hear it's OK then don't post the question on the pretense you want to know what is allowed so you don't break the rules.

[mpk218]

I'll get the torches someone else get the pitch forks .:)

 

 

 

you guys

[Dr. Jack Daniels]

I'll get the torches someone else get the pitch forks .:)

 

 

 

you guys

 

 

No kidding. It's really funny how people get so worked up over something like this.

[luddite]

That is true, but you would probably find little agreement for the definition of "the right thing";).

 

Oh yeah. But determining what is the wrong thing is actually fairly easy. ;)

[babyher]

Oh yeah. But determining what is the wrong thing is actually fairly easy. ;)

 

 

Determining what is right and wrong FOR YOURSELF is easy . And even then you have your moments.

 

 

You as in all of us, not just you personally .

[christiecruise]

I agree this has nothing to do with parenting skills right or wrong. It doesn't have anything to do with judgement on subjecting children the "evils" of gambling. It originally wasn't even about whether anyone thought it was OK for him to sneak in on the pretense he was of age.

 

The OP wrote:

"Wondering if he is actually allowed in the casino as long as he does not bet"

"But I don't want to break the rules."

 

And yet had been told the answer was no he couldn't be in the casino.

#1 by someone who had gotten this information by phone from a casino rep.

#2 a sign posted in the casino stating so

#3 a quote from the dailies that stated so

 

Sorry the OP opened themselves up for criticism, when they then responded that they intended to try anyway and if caught just ask for forgiveness.

 

If you only want to hear it's OK then don't post the question on the pretense you want to know what is allowed so you don't break the rules.

 

Hadn't checked this thread in days...wow!

 

In NCL's online policies - must be 18 to gamble. Nothing is mentioned in those policies about being inside the casino (see my 2nd post).

 

On the Jade in 2010, the policy was no jeans in the Windows MDR and it was enforced - not so on all other NCL ships. We will check and see what the Spirit's sign outside the casino says. Will also check the Spirit's dailies to see what they say.

 

Someone previously wrote that they'd spoken to a rep. about casino policy...fine, I've read hundreds of times on CC where one person is told one thing by NCL and another person gets a different answer.

 

As I previously stated, if the signs (and now also will check the dailies) say that under 18 are not permitted in the casino - WE WILL FOLLOW THE RULES!

 

If nothing is stated anywhere prohibiting my 17 yr. old from entering, then maybe once or twice he MIGHT go in to watch grandpa. If there is a policy on the Spirit that he shouldn't be there, and he is asked to leave, of course he will and will not return.

 

I have not even spoken to my 17 year old about this thread. He had a conversation with my dad several months ago about the rules of craps. At the time I had said, well you can watch on the cruise but cannot play as you must be 18 to gamble. Those are the stated rules that I had read and in no way was I suggesting to him that he try to be sneaky and do something which he was not permitted to do.

 

Posed the question on CC as I started wondering if there were rules/signs on the ship that went above and beyond the 18 age to gamble. Like the different dining room attire policies on different ships.

 

Will report back with what is stated in writing or told to us by staff on the SPIRIT, so that anyone else who has this question will know the answer!

 

Hope you all have a great holiday! I sure am looking forward to mine :)