At what age do child roam around loose on cruises?

[skrufy]

7 cruises and never noticed any children running wild.

[Harrald]

<<SNIP>> But it never dawned on any of the adults that any of kids should not roam around the ship as they please. We had a great time!

 

 

What about the other people that were on the cruise?

 

I've been in many hotels where kids are running in the halls, banging on doors and screaming till late at night. They are usually the kids of the parents that have their doors open and are yelling to each other between rooms.

 

Calling the front desk sometimes works, but not all the time.

[Harry and Lucille]

Never had many problems with children on all of our cruises. There are exceptions and can be handled creatively. On one of our cruises, one of the elevators was commandeered by four young men. Ages around 10 or 12. They were just joy riding up and down. Bored I guess. The elevator doors opened and there were about 5 or 6 adults standing in the back and these young men were sitting on the floor in front of the buttons. We squeezed in and I just pulled out my cell phone (not turned on), opened it up and in a loud, Grandfather voice simply said. "Security? pause, We have a problem on elevator 2". Never saw them again.;)

[HamburgAvonLady]

Unless the children were in some supervised area --- like the teen zone --- I would have my kiddos within my sight at ALL times --- a ship is like a floating hotel/resort --- would you allow your children total freedom in Walt Disney World or running around a mall --- not my kids !!! --- JMO

[dsrdsrdsr]

Unless the children were in some supervised area --- like the teen zone --- I would have my kiddos within my sight at ALL times --- a ship is like a floating hotel/resort --- would you allow your children total freedom in Walt Disney World or running around a mall --- not my kids !!! --- JMO

It very much depends on the kids. Many people's children are perfectly fit to behave themselves as teenagers - I was going 20 miles by train to school at that age, and the walk from the station went through a mall.

[janetz]

"Child" is the key word. At what age would you let them roam around a small city?

[bean24]

It very much depends on the kids. Many people's children are perfectly fit to behave themselves as teenagers - I was going 20 miles by train to school at that age, and the walk from the station went through a mall.

 

Agree with this poster in New York City where I live 14 year olds take public transportation to school everyday. I have a friend whose daughter got into one of the most prestigious schools and takes 2 buses and a subway into Manhattan everyday. It would be kind of silly to tell her she can't get an ice cream for herself.

[pdmlynek]

To my post:

...But it never dawned on any of the adults that any of [my] kids [8 y.o. to 14 y.o.] should not roam around the ship as they please. We had a great time!

Harrald wrote:

 

What about the other people that were on the cruise?

 

I've been in many hotels where kids are running in the halls, banging on doors and screaming till late at night. They are usually the kids of the parents that have their doors open and are yelling to each other between rooms.

 

Calling the front desk sometimes works, but not all the time.

 

There are two separate issues: (1) safety of kids; and (2) the kids behavoir to other passengers. My previous post addressed issue (1) only, where I stated that we had no concern about their safety.

As far as issue (2) goes, we make sure that our kids are well behaved, and they do not run around and scream as you stated. I'd be petrified if we'd see them doing that.

As far as guests that are too loud, I usually handle it by dealing with the guest directly. To me it is much nicer if I people can just talk to each other if there is a problem between them (be it on a cruise, a restaurant, a plane, a hotel, a neighborhood, or a workplace), rather than calling the authorities. Although I try hard, and usually succeed, to behave in a civilized manner, in those instances that I've behaved in a way that it bothered someone else, and someone says something to me, I just apologize and change my behavior accordingly. If someone would call authorities on me (such as a cop, a flight attendant, or hotel services) for a minor thing, I'd feel bad, because I'd have no one to apologize to. Can't people just talk to each other?

[Travelcat2]

As far as issue (2) goes, we make sure that our kids are well behaved, and they do not run around and scream as you stated. I'd be petrified if we'd see them doing that.

 

 

"....we make sure that our kids are well behaved......" What about the influence of other children who think it would be fun to slip into their cabin and take a little drink or smoke a cigarette?

 

If your children are small and with you all of the time, that is one thing. Since this thread is about wandering around alone, it opens up all kinds of possibilities ...... caving in to peer pressure for instance. When I think back of myself at certain ages -- when my parents thought I was so well behaved -- well, they just didn't know that kids act differently around others.

 

Most of the time nothing will happen. But there have been enough reported incidents to suggest that you know where your minor children are at all times (and it doesn't hurt to secretly check that they are where they said they would be).

[dsrdsrdsr]

Since this thread is about wandering around alone, it opens up all kinds of possibilities ...... caving in to peer pressure for instance. When I think back of myself at certain ages -- when my parents thought I was so well behaved -- well, they just didn't know that kids act differently around others.

And again, that's why you need to let them have some sort of freedom before they're of smoking and drinking age. If a child is never out of adult supervision until he's 14, then you'll have problems at 14. Same applies if he's never out of sight until 18, or 21, or 25, or 50.

[Smokeyham]

 

 

As far as guests that are too loud, I usually handle it by dealing with the guest directly. To me it is much nicer if I people can just talk to each other if there is a problem between them (be it on a cruise, a restaurant, a plane, a hotel, a neighborhood, or a workplace), rather than calling the authorities.

 

Although I try hard, and usually succeed, to behave in a civilized manner, in those instances that I've behaved in a way that it bothered someone else, and someone says something to me, I just apologize and change my behavior accordingly.

 

If someone would call authorities on me (such as a cop, a flight attendant, or hotel services) for a minor thing, I'd feel bad, because I'd have no one to apologize to. Can't people just talk to each other?

 

In an ideal world, I'd agree with you that the best way to handle the situations is by directly confronting someone about their inappropriate behavior, in a respectful and professional manner.

 

However, not everyone feels comfortable doing this; and on their vacation should they really have to? Add to that a fear about how the person who is confronted will react, even when the approach is professional and respectful, and one can understand why some people don't want to do this.

 

Let's say you confront someone about their children's behavior. The kids have been running up and down the corridors banging on doors and shouting. The parent's react negatively, and tell you to f** off. In that situation do you think the kids' behavior will stop, or will it likely escalate with you as even more of a target?

 

I'm not suggesting that we need to call security for every minor issue, but I am suggesting that caution be used about confronting other people, especially if any of the group has been consuming alcohol.

[Travelcat2]

And again, that's why you need to let them have some sort of freedom before they're of smoking and drinking age. If a child is never out of adult supervision until he's 14, then you'll have problems at 14. Same applies if he's never out of sight until 18, or 21, or 25, or 50.

 

I agree with you but we are not discussing going to school, going out with friends or even going to the mall. Ships are unfamiliar small cities where you do not know anyone. This "city" is full of little apartments that children have the keys to. Most of us are not saying that your child can't go anywhere -- we are saying that you cannot leave them unattended for hours. If your child is going to be somewhere for an hour, it might be a good idea to walk by to make sure they are there. If they know they have to check in with you or you will be checking on them, it could even make them feel safer. By knowing where you are, if they become uncomfortable in a situation, they can simply go to where you are. IMO, the worst case scenario is when your children cannot find you and you cannot find them. JMHO

[pdmlynek]

I think that there is no one cut off age. This is because not only it depends on the maturity of the child, but also on the situation. What does it mean “roam around the ship”? I would not let a toddler out of my reach. For an older child, I would let her go get a napkin from a service station that is 15 feet away. That is different than having a child go get an ice cream from a bar on the other side of a relatively empty restaurant. That is different than if the restaurant is busy with many people rushing back and forth. That is different than letting a child go from a restaurant to the adjacent pool to find a lounge chair. That is different than letting a kid go get an ice cream on a different deck and come back. That is different than letting a kid go to an hour-long show by herself. That is different than telling a kid after lunch to find fun and just to be back in cabin to get ready for dinner. That is different from letting the kid be independent, and letting her chose what she does, where she goes, and when she goes to sleep. If there are lots of drunken college students, than it is different than when it is mostly retirees.

We as parents on one hand would like to protect our kids, but on other hand let them go so that they develop their independence. And I think that most parents do a good job. Yes, at times I see parents that are more stricter than I am, and other times I see parents that are less strict than I am. But in the end it all works out OK.

[panoramaofthepast]

I just returned from a five day cruise with my granddaughters, aged 10 and 13. I read this thread avidly and it gave me many good ideas on what limits I should set. I am pleased to report that grandma and girls had a wonderful time! I brought dry erase markers and one mirror became the dedicated message board. Whenever anyone changed location[even me], it went on the mirror so that we all knew where others could be found. I talked to the guest services desk and had a spending limit placed on their cards. That way they could enjoy the arcade and smoothies, but had responsibility for their own spending.They ate meals with me and touched base at other times during the day. They utilized the kids clubs some, but also had downtime when they wanted -

All in all, a great time and we are now considering next year - for seven days on a bigger ship!

[Fosterbob]

We just returned from a 5 day cruise today. 99% of the groups of kids I saw were very well behaved. I did encounter one group of 14 to 16 yos kicking a ball against elevator doors around 11:30pm. Parents? I have a son 13, football lineman, 5'10" and daughter 17, greenbelt, capt.tennis team, camp counselor. On the cruise gave them 3 choices...join teen groups, stick together, or stay with us. They stuck together and had a great time.

FYI...I work in a large, very busy, Dept.store as a floor associate and sorry to inform you, I am a mother and I am NOT watching out for your unattended children.We are short staffed and I am very busy.The fact your child is alone or you are around the corner does not enter into my mind. Like me, the cruise ship staff is expected to do their jobs focusing on the task at hand. Unless they are childcare providers, they probably will not be looking out for your children either...I'm just sayin' it like it is.

[Smokeyham]

I just returned from a five day cruise with my granddaughters, aged 10 and 13. I read this thread avidly and it gave me many good ideas on what limits I should set. I am pleased to report that grandma and girls had a wonderful time! I brought dry erase markers and one mirror became the dedicated message board. Whenever anyone changed location[even me], it went on the mirror so that we all knew where others could be found. I talked to the guest services desk and had a spending limit placed on their cards. That way they could enjoy the arcade and smoothies, but had responsibility for their own spending.They ate meals with me and touched base at other times during the day. They utilized the kids clubs some, but also had downtime when they wanted -

All in all, a great time and we are now considering next year - for seven days on a bigger ship!

 

Sounds like you set some reasonable limits, and found ways to make the trip fun for you, the kids, and other passengers!

[Travelcat2]

panoramaofthepast: Absolutely loved your post and the great way you kept in touch with your grandchildren. I agree that is as important for them to know where you are as it is to know where they are. Wish all parents would read your post before setting sail with children.

 

Fosterbob: I agree 100% with what you posted. It seems that some parents do not feel a sense of responsibility in terms of watching their children. I see very young children running around restaurants (not necessarly on a cruise ship) while servers are walking around with hot soup, etc. Should the child knock the server down and get burned by the soup or hurt by the plates, they would sue the restaurant or cruise line. Go figure:confused:

[Proseknitic]

Living in Europe, my kids have been getting themselves to and from school since age 10 on public transportation. A ship is a lot less of a hazard to them that taking trains and buses in London (fall 2008).

 

When they were younger on cruises, I usually started them at the various kids' club (name varies - pick it by cruise line). I didn't leave them lose around pools and hot tubs till they were mid teens.

 

What is reasonable will vary depending on age of the particular child and the cruise/cruise line. Some children are responsible and self confident, others are just not going to be interested/safe on their own.

 

A reminder to US parents - US law holds alcohol at 21. Most European countries allow beer/wine at 16. Line compromise when outside of US waters is normally 18 with parents permission. This means that, in an international crowd of young people, the Europeans will be drinking at 18.

 

The cruise lines have improved in the last few years and I have seen both RCI and NCL seriously enforce "proper behavior" (to the point of escorting the offenders off the ship at the next port).:D

[johneeo]

Agree with this poster in New York City where I live 14 year olds take public transportation to school everyday. I have a friend whose daughter got into one of the most prestigious schools and takes 2 buses and a subway into Manhattan everyday. It would be kind of silly to tell her she can't get an ice cream for herself.

 

Yep.

 

I have to wonder about people that state a cruise ship is like a small city. What cruise ships have they been on and what do they know about small cities?

 

In our small city someone gets shot every day. In our big city, Philly, usually someone gets murdered every day 365 days a year. Many kids carry guns. Drug addicts, dealers, and homeless people abound. Amtrak and Septa trains run through regularly, and numerous folks somehow manage to get run over by trains each year.

 

And as mentioned, not unusual for kids to have to hop on a train, then grab a bus to get to school each day.

 

There is quite a difference in street smarts between a kid growing up in a city and one that is raised on farm in the hinterlands and goes to a one room schoolhouse.

[Eris0303]

Just to throw in my two cents on the issue:

 

I'm using the person who asked about letting the kids wander the shopping mall as a jumping point. I used to work retail during college and I was very accustomed to parents just dropping their kids off while they shopped elsewhere. I wasn't much of a fan of this practice and my personal rule was that no one under high school age was allowed in the store alone. Middle school age could be without a parent but had to be with a friend. Elementry school age and younger had to be with a parent. A parent tried to challege me on this and a police officer who happened to be in the store backed me up.

 

I would carry this same rule of thumb over to the cruise ship depending on how well the children can behave. If I know my kid will be knocking all the towels off the racks as soon as my back is turned then I wouldn't let them "roam".

Edited August 13, 2012 by Eris0303

[Venicegirl27]

I don’t want to judge others, but I’ve seen kids so young off by themselves on cruises. I have a 13 year old and a 12 year old boy. We are going on Oasis of the Seas in a few weeks. There is no way I’m going to let my kids off on their own. I think it’s crazy that the teen clubs let the kids come and go as they please without parents signing them out. My kids do not have cell phones (I’m the only mom not giving in to that it seems) so they won’t have cell phones to just get in touch with them. Even if they did, I wouldn’t pay $33 per person per day to have WiFi.

 

There are no criminal background checks for anyone! You think some drunk or high pos can’t grab your kid and pull them into their stateroom? It’s that easy. You think some pos can’t pick your kid up and toss them over?

 

It’s alarming to me that I read on here someone lets a 7 and 9 year old walk around alone! I think parents just want to pawn off their kids when they take cruises. Why go on a FAMILY vacation in the first place, you’re not really “together.”

 

There is a false sense of security on cruise ships. You people know that you have to SPECIFICALLY look up cruise ship crime. They don’t post it for your viewing pleasure. A little girl just fell from an interior floor and died on Carnival. Watch your kids!!!

 

I think 75% of you are sheeple who believe anything. I have a background in law and trust me when I say don’t do it.

[Venicegirl27]

You're reading too much into it. I never meant to imply that no child would ever behave badly during the day. I meant to imply that drinking and smoking are more likely to happen when parents are asleep and you've got friends in your cabin, than when it's broad daylight and you're out and about on a busy ship.

 

I so agree! It is more likely to happen at night with all the drunks.

[smm0218]

"I'm not only thinking of the possible harm that can come to your child but to the yelling, screaming, running, etc. that children tend to do when they are not supervised. Going on a cruise ship is a vacation and some parents think they can let their children literally run around crazy and that they will be someone else's problem."

 

 

Exactly what I experienced on our 1st (and almost our last because of it) cruise. I can't even count the number of times I almost got knocked over on the stairs from running kids.

 

 

One kid by himself is usually much better behaved than when they get in packs.

 

 

If there aren't enough kids are there things (hand held video games, books etc) that he can take along to entertain himself? Are they going to be off on excursions most days?

 

 

Could you provide child with cell phone and get the necessary service on the ship so he could always be in contact?

[NMLady]

This thread is five YEARS old!! Would have been better to start a new thread rather than reply to a post whose writer probably won't be back to see the reply.

[mjkacmom]

I don’t want to judge others, but I’ve seen kids so young off by themselves on cruises. I have a 13 year old and a 12 year old boy. We are going on Oasis of the Seas in a few weeks. There is no way I’m going to let my kids off on their own. I think it’s crazy that the teen clubs let the kids come and go as they please without parents signing them out. My kids do not have cell phones (I’m the only mom not giving in to that it seems) so they won’t have cell phones to just get in touch with them. Even if they did, I wouldn’t pay $33 per person per day to have WiFi.

 

There are no criminal background checks for anyone! You think some drunk or high pos can’t grab your kid and pull them into their stateroom? It’s that easy. You think some pos can’t pick your kid up and toss them over?

 

It’s alarming to me that I read on here someone lets a 7 and 9 year old walk around alone! I think parents just want to pawn off their kids when they take cruises. Why go on a FAMILY vacation in the first place, you’re not really “together.”

 

There is a false sense of security on cruise ships. You people know that you have to SPECIFICALLY look up cruise ship crime. They don’t post it for your viewing pleasure. A little girl just fell from an interior floor and died on Carnival. Watch your kids!!!

 

I think 75% of you are sheeple who believe anything. I have a background in law and trust me when I say don’t do it.

You bumped up a 5 year old thread to show off your helicopter? I’m sure you kids will be capable, confident and have great situational awareness skills by college - not!