Teen Drinking and Carnival - Not For everyone

[kml2000]

My DD just turned 20 and is in college. I am not so naive to believe she hasn't had a drink, or two..... However, I don't think she is a "partier". While we were at Atlantis in Nassau, she was playing the slots. I was with her (mainly because we couldn't figure out how to play - not big gamblers), a waiter walked up and asked if she wanted a drink. She told him no thank you. He explained they were free while gambling and she politely declined again and he walked away. After about 10-15 minutes, he stopped back by and asked her again. She said no...again. This time, he told her the legal age to drink in the Bahamas is 18 and if anyone tried to stop her they could be put in jail. My jaw about dropped. I was letting her handle the situation, just to see what she would do. We have talked a lot about drinking in our house and it was interesting to see how she would handle it. I just could NOT believe the guy told her that and then looked right at me.

 

Others are right on this thread..... You have to parent your children.

 

 

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[snownyet]

So, the kids are learning how to smuggle from their parents. Who would have thought?

 

Still, since it is not legal for someone under the age of 21 to buy alcoholic drinks, where did the kids get the alcohol in the first place???

 

 

FWIW, Ive never been to a port of call in the Caribbean that wouldnt sell alcohol to a kid if they look 16 or older. In fact in Barbados, the legal age for consumption of alcohol IS 16.

 

Not all underage situations involve neglegent parents, under 21 passengers can cruise without adult company under certain conditions.

Last year we sailed on the same cruise as our neice and her husband, both under 21 and in their own cabin on a separate booking. They bought alcohol in port, which we learned of once back on board. I made it clear to them in the beginning, I wasnt going to be a babysitter, and didnt join them to be one. They're married, live on the other side of the country on their own and he serves in the US Air Force. They're adults and acted like adults, even with alcohol.

[cccer]

So, the kids are learning how to smuggle from their parents. Who would have thought?

 

Still, since it is not legal for someone under the age of 21 to buy alcoholic drinks, where did the kids get the alcohol in the first place???

 

 

Gee, do you have any kids? Most kids can get alcohol and drugs whenever they want. The important thing is that many decide not to use them, but don't be surprised that it is available to them.

[Cuizer2]

I tell boys to pull up their pants all the time, kinda embarrassing to my own kids:D

 

Just make sure you don't tell the girls to pull up their dresses. :)

[Cuizer2]

FWIW, Ive never been to a port of call in the Caribbean that wouldnt sell alcohol to a kid if they look 16 or older. In fact in Barbados, the legal age for consumption of alcohol IS 16.

 

Not all underage situations involve neglegent parents, under 21 passengers can cruise without adult company under certain conditions.

Last year we sailed on the same cruise as our neice and her husband, both under 21 and in their own cabin on a separate booking. They bought alcohol in port, which we learned of once back on board. I made it clear to them in the beginning, I wasnt going to be a babysitter, and didnt join them to be one. They're married, live on the other side of the country on their own and he serves in the US Air Force. They're adults and acted like adults, even with alcohol.

 

Yes, anyone can buy drinks in port, but the ship is supposed to collect those drinks and return them on the last night. How well they do this is anyone's guess.

 

As to the legal drinking age, it is what it is. Some would like it see it higher, some would like to see it lower.

[FireEater]

Heck in the good ol days, 30+ years back, I just stood out in front of a liquor store and waited for a "cool looking dude" to be going in and ask him to buy me a 6 pack, case, or even Boons Farm wine. Even cigs when I had the money.....ahhh the good ol days... Now I would never do it for anyone. Funny how that worked out... :D

[Blk_Amish]

Although I appreciate the majority of your original post as trying to help "educate" other parents who may not be aware and you learned something new from your child re how they get alcohol onboard, I too fail to see the Carnival needs a curfew part. A ship is like a big city. You take your kids to NYC lets say...get them a room of their own, and the hotel should be responsible for making sure there is a curfew and they are in their rooms?

 

Then you go on to discuss raising a child in a village. I understand the gist of your point. But as a PP said...a ship is NOT that, its not your home town, or community or whatever. Do I think ANY of us would not stop and intervene if we saw a child in trouble on a ship Sure we would. I have seen my share of drunk kids on a ship. I have also seen a young girl being followed and harassed by three young men. What was she doing alone at 1:30am?? I dont know, but I followed them following her and made sure she got to where she was going. Where were her parents?? I dont know that either, but I did my best to help her and I think thats what anyone would do. If thats the type of "community" you mean, then yes, I agree. But if it means that others are responsible for others children....be it fellow passengers or Carnival themselves by imposing a curfew, then no, I disagree. No more than I think the guy down the hall in a hotel is repsonsbile or the hotel themselves. Thats a parents job. Will I "help" if the situation warrants it, absolutely. But its NOT my responsibilty.

 

But I appreciate the education to are trying to provide. Lets leave it at that. Without the rest of the responsibilty passing. You can't "rule" parental guidance.

 

Edit: I see while I was typing my response you have since decided its not for Carnival to impose a curfew. Ok :)

 

This is between me and Carnival and NOT the reason for my post. I know what I know and feel about that so I will respect what others on it. Thanks for getting the fact that I learned something and posted it would help one parent like myself. Granted I now feel I could be the ONLY village idiot, so be it. As the village idiot, who might have made a mistake on the curfew, and even a MUCH bigger on doing this thread, please forgive. I never realized how kids got the booze on board and it bothered me as an infrequent cruisers.

[snownyet]

Yes, anyone can buy drinks in port, but the ship is supposed to collect those drinks and return them on the last night. How well they do this is anyone's guess.

 

As to the legal drinking age, it is what it is. Some would like it see it higher, some would like to see it lower.

 

Getting booze on board in a port of call is amazingly simple and kids are creative.

[Blk_Amish]

Getting booze on board in a port of call is amazingly simple and kids are creative.

 

Every possible form of souvenirs. I don't want to share all the ways, just say I am more informed that I anticipated. The rum runners are child's play.

[chipandsteph]

What got me when we were on our cruise last August wasn't the minors drinking. I didn't see any of that, though I am sure it was happening. The last night of the cruise, we were walking around on deck. Everywhere we went, from the Serenity Deck on up (this was on the Legend), were teenagers making out. A few were even at the point where it was obviously about to go further. All I could think about was where were these parents? I wonder if any of these female teens brought home a surprise that came along about 9 months after the cruise. They sure weren't being careful.

[boaterette]

If you don't mind my asking where in Cali do you live? I live in So Cal and there is no sense of a village raising a child here. And checking the luggage is good but a lot of rum runners are carried on the person. So unless you frisk your child you may miss it. I don't think Carnival should be responsible for the kids. That is up to the parents. Although I do believe that Carnival should kick the whole family off the ship if the parents dont supervise their kids.

[caribbean dreams]

I always see drunk children all over the ships, I go for walks late at night, I see 12 year olds running the ship at 3:am, the worst was some kids across the hall from us got so drunk they puked all over the cabin...mom was down at the casino...long story short, they were kicked off the ship in Jamaica for excess underage drinking and a parent who would not control them.

As for the drinking age comment...abide by the rules, they are there for a reason! If the 21 drinking rule was not in place on the ship...there may be many more 18 year olds dying of alcohol poisoning while cruising.

[irishnyc]

If you don't mind my asking where in Cali do you live? I live in So Cal and there is no sense of a village raising a child here. And checking the luggage is good but a lot of rum runners are carried on the person. So unless you frisk your child you may miss it. I don't think Carnival should be responsible for the kids. That is up to the parents. Although I do believe that Carnival should kick the whole family off the ship if the parents dont supervise their kids.

 

Believe me, there is no village raising my child here in NYC, either. Sure, we have our "villages" here and there - I was late to pick up DD from school one day because of a traffic accident, and one of the other moms called me to make sure I was on my way, and to stay with DD until I got there. I've done the same for her. I would help any child in danger, or something similar, because that's what you do. But as for being part of the village trying to stop a "kid" of 17 or 18 on a cruise ship from drinking or even staying out "too late?" Nope. Not my business. That kid knows they're doing wrong, that kid has an adult that got them on that ship. That's that adult's responsibility. If I saw those drunk kids putting themselves in danger - hanging over the railings, assaulting (verbally or physically) other passengers I'd do something about it, but that's about where my villagey-ness ends with an almost-adult kid.

[repo-cruiser]

This thread is NOT intended for everyone but maybe ONE parent like MYSELF. A parent with a child who is 'legal" or almost 'legal' but knows s/he is NOT an adult. They are legal without a pot to pee in and a window to throw it through. The law of the financial aide says DEPENDENT. We all know how much sense the law makes at time (FASA). If you are a parent like ME, please let me share what I found out from my own 'legal' age son who was recently on Carnival.

 

We were on Carnival for his graduation and while doing my late nigh track- down, I came across a fair share of teens who were clearly under the influence. I was out later than most parent because I was doing a bit of CSI- Cruise Scene Investigation. I always gave mine a hug/sniff to make sure things were on the up and up. Since we came home, I decided to grant him immunity from prosecution, aka my wrath, if he told me HOW the kids got the alcohol and to discuss the risk of alcohol poisoning. I don't think he gets the risk of poisoning so another reason to pray.

 

Well, I was not ready for it, but he said most of it was smuggled in, kinda the way mom and dad did. Some ways I wasn't aware possible, but that is besides the point. He said many teens had their own cabins, understandably, not wishing to share a cabin with parents. They drank while their parents were asleep, at shows, or elsewhere. They hung out in each others cabin at times, not necessary to drink. Maybe like mine, to the best of our knowledge (questionable) our child doesn't drink. However this is not to say, given the opportunity and vacation pressure they won't. What happens after they do or going in and out of a friends cabin can change our lives forever.

 

I never thought for a second these kids were packing their own stash, just something to think about and keep an eye on. I know I will be doing final check of ALL luggage on my next cruise, along with dropping by unannounced in the cabin. Make no mistake, those kids have been reading these boards.

 

I would like to see Carnival establish a curfew especially for younger kids, something I addressed in a letter to them, since my cruise.

 

The purpose of sharing is just to let one parent like myself question more, ok, do final check of the luggage. If you are not that parent, be glad:)

 

My prayers and condolence to the family who lost their son in what may have started out so innocent even childish. We are on a cruise, let's have fun, why not take a sip from a new buddy cup.

Nice made up story. Funny how it came on threads you commented on about kids in cabins across hall and thread about alcohol poisoning. Stats show teens getting alcohol on cruise ships comes 99% of the time from the ship not sneaking it on, but your sniff test failed. This thread is a joke a fool of lies. Is this a global warming thread where lies run rampant,(by the way 16 years straight of cooler temps) oops? what a joke. By the way a study of kids raised by a village show they end up in jail way more than those not raised by a village.Facts make it hurt your opinions

[Blk_Amish]

If you don't mind my asking where in Cali do you live? I live in So Cal and there is no sense of a village raising a child here. And checking the luggage is good but a lot of rum runners are carried on the person. So unless you frisk your child you may miss it. I don't think Carnival should be responsible for the kids. That is up to the parents. Although I do believe that Carnival should kick the whole family off the ship if the parents dont supervise their kids.

 

Do you get the real reason I started this thread??. I am really sorry, sorry I did this but it was out of concern that alcohol was a factor in a young man's death that could have been easily been mine or someone that I know. Since I haven't cruised with an older teen before I wanted to know how the teens got access to alcohol when I had problems affording one. I thought I would share the information.

 

Ya'll are entitled to your opinion whether or not Carnival has a curfew as I have the right to decide if I will do a family cruise where one doesn't exist.

[Blk_Amish]

Nice made up story. Funny how it came on threads you commented on about kids in cabins across hall and thread about alcohol poisoning. Stats show teens getting alcohol on cruise ships comes 99% of the time from the ship not sneaking it on, but your sniff test failed. This thread is a joke a fool of lies. Is this a global warming thread where lies run rampant,(by the way 16 years straight of cooler temps) oops? what a joke. By the way a study of kids raised by a village show they end up in jail way more than those not raised by a village.Facts make it hurt your opinions

 

Oh Lord, really?

 

So did I not post before that I was on the Carnival Magic with my son for a graduation gift. Yes the thread about alcohol poisoning led me to the discussion with him. So 99 percent of the time the alcohol come from the ship, not sneaking it on, really. As I said, I asked, he answered, I shared. You don't have to believe, your choice. Yes, I thought the alcohol would be from the ship, which was my surprise.

 

Please reference your stats so we can be better informed.

[boaterette]

Nice made up story. Funny how it came on threads you commented on about kids in cabins across hall and thread about alcohol poisoning. Stats show teens getting alcohol on cruise ships comes 99% of the time from the ship not sneaking it on, but your sniff test failed. This thread is a joke a fool of lies. Is this a global warming thread where lies run rampant,(by the way 16 years straight of cooler temps) oops? what a joke. By the way a study of kids raised by a village show they end up in jail way more than those not raised by a village.Facts make it hurt your opinions

 

Please don't drink before posting. You make absolutely no sense.

[Blk_Amish]

What' the made up part?

 

1. I was not on Carnival Magic

 

2. I did not see kids under the influence

 

3. I did not have a serious discussion with my son

 

4. He did not tell me the kids took the alcohol from home.

 

5. I don't have a teenage son or booked a cruise which I wrote a report about?

 

I posted on the thread about alcohol poisoning because I DO have a son in the same age group. I think most parent would sit up and take notice and pray.

What better time to have a discussion to say these things Do happen. It's really hopeless to be called a liar, wow!

[SeagoingMom]

I always see drunk children all over the ships, I go for walks late at night, I see 12 year olds running the ship at 3:am, the worst was some kids across the hall from us got so drunk they puked all over the cabin...mom was down at the casino...long story short, they were kicked off the ship in Jamaica for excess underage drinking and a parent who would not control them.

As for the drinking age comment...abide by the rules, they are there for a reason! If the 21 drinking rule was not in place on the ship...there may be many more 18 year olds dying of alcohol poisoning while cruising.

Maybe the kids are just taking your signature "tag line" (quoted below*) as their life goal, too...

 

*Life should have no other goal then to just find a pool bar and order a drink!

Unofficial Barstool safety & comfort control inspector

[nitro2448]

If a teenager wants to drink they are going to drink, weather it's at home or on a cruise ship. How is this Carnivals issue ? Are you bringing this up your favorite cruise line boards as well ( RCI ) and sending them letters ?

 

 

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[Blk_Amish]

If a teenager wants to drink they are going to drink, weather it's at home or on a cruise ship. How is this Carnivals issue ? Are you bringing this up your favorite cruise line boards as well ( RCI ) and sending them letters ?

 

 

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I NEVER said it was a Carnival issue but this was something on a Carnival cruise I was on. This was my first cruise with an older teen so I was curious how the kids I saw got the alcohol. Doo-doo, I have problems getting alcohol. My kids were younger when they cruises other lines, Princess and RCI. I mistakenly think it would be beneficial to another parent to know, check luggage. This is NOT a Carnival thing but someone who thought they were doing the right thing, so maybe I will post it on a board that it might be appreciated.

 

I always take the time to thank my vacation host and address any issues or concerns I have with them directly. THIS WAS NOT MEANT TO BE A KNOCK ON CARNIVAL. I cruise all lines for the fun and which everyone to be a bit safer or wiser.

 

So far I am liar, failed at something, and now playing favorites.

[AngAndBoys]

I see its business as usual in here. Someone posts about a "bad" kids do and everyone jumps on them. For the record, I have 3 teenaged boys that I'm sailing with in less than 2 weeks. I am very worried about the teen alcohol situation that I know is going on aboard cruise ships. I am also well aware of my own kids' fascination with alcohol. I am expecting this cruise to be a constant vigilante mission for me. I have no doubt my children will be completely irritated with me because I plan to monitor them closely. They are definitely not getting the amount of freedom they are sure they are entitled to.

 

That being said, there are 3 of them and one of me, and sometimes I require sleep. I would definitely appreciate a curfew imposed by the cruise line. I think it would alleviate some of the drinking going on. At the very least parents would know the kids couldn't be out running around while they sleep.

 

I'm a "village" believer too. I think a lot of kids would benefit if more people were willing to correct them gently. Kids act up. Sometimes they need a reminder. Maybe the child you see acting up DOES have crappy parent's. You could teach that kid something his parents didn't. If the adults in a society don't care, why would we expect the kids to? I would consider a community to be global, cruise ships included.

 

I appreciate the OP's trying to warn others. I had already told mine that their suitcases and persons are getting searched before we leave. I will know where they are at all times. Nobody will come to our cabin unless I have met the parents. Ditto for going in anyone else's cabin. Curfew is 1. I have reminded them about courtesy and manners to other passengers. They are required to eat dinner with me every night. I am fully prepared to punish them and have a perfectly miserable cruise if that is what it takes to keep them in line.

 

I am in awe of all the people who come in here and act like every time a kid acts up the parents must be horrible or lazy or refuse to take responsibility. I don't believe it for a minute. I'd say half the people who come in these threads saying they never worry about their little darlins cause they raised em up right have kids who're sneaker than they think. Another quarter or so got blessed with naturally complacent kids. The last quarter might actually know something the rest of us don't about raising perfectly behaved kids.

 

Whatever. I appreciate all information shared here and plan to use it to keep my imperfect children safe on vacation.

[nitro2448]

I NEVER said it was a Carnival issue but this was something on a Carnival cruise I was on. This was my first cruise with an older teen so I was curious how the kids I saw got the alcohol. Doo-doo, I have problems getting alcohol. My kids were younger when they cruises other lines, Princess and RCI. I mistakenly think it would be beneficial to another parent to know, check luggage. This is NOT a Carnival thing but someone who thought they were doing the right thing, so maybe I will post it on a board that it might be appreciated.

 

I always take the time to thank my vacation host and address any issues or concerns I have with them directly. THIS WAS NOT MEANT TO BE A KNOCK ON CARNIVAL. I cruise all lines for the fun and which everyone to be a bit safer or wiser.

 

So far I am liar, failed at something, and now playing favorites.

 

Does all that yelling really help you out ? In one post you said this was between YOU and CARNIVAL. That seems like YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH CARNIVAL. If you are just trying to educate parents about kids and alcohol, POST IT IN A GENERAL CRUISE FORUM. Yelling didn't really help. :rolleyes:

 

 

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[Blk_Amish]

Does all that yelling really help you out ? In one post you said this was between YOU and CARNIVAL. That seems like YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH CARNIVAL. If you are just trying to educate parents about kids and alcohol, POST IT IN A GENERAL CRUISE FORUM. Yelling didn't really help. :rolleyes:

 

 

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Lord, there are things between ME and my SPOUSE, it doesn't mean I have an issue, correct? Whether or not I think there should be a curfew is between ME and CARNIVAL and NOT the purpose of the thread. My goal was to reach at least one parent who truly understands, or share my concerns, and by golly I think I have. Well, thanks for letting me know where to post but if Carnival was sinking I would not say wata. I am not judging parents because I am far from perfect nor knocking Carnival.

 

Oh heavens, let's keep track. So far, for posting that I had a conversation with my son who told me teens were sneaking liquor on:

 

1. I am a lair

 

2. failed at something

 

3. Playing favorites

 

4. have an issue with Carnival.

[nitro2448]

Lord, there are things between ME and my SPOUSE, it doesn't mean I have an issue, correct? Whether or not I think there should be a curfew is between ME and CARNIVAL and NOT the purpose of the thread. My goal was to reach at least one parent who truly understands, or share my concerns, and by golly I think I have. Well, thanks for letting me know where to post but if Carnival was sinking I would not say wata.

 

 

Oh heavens, let's keep track. So far, for posting that I had a conversation with my son who told me teens were sneaking liquor on:

 

1. I am a lair

 

2. failed at something

 

3. Playing favorites

 

4. have an issue with Carnival.

 

Well then by golly you accomplished you're mission. :rolleyes: I thought you already backed off you're " curfew " stance ? Did you change your mind again ? Cause that's a whole new " issue " to discuss

 

Maybe I should have just asked, what do want carnival to do ?

 

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