Is the Serenity deck for people over 18 or over 21 years old?

[lorim103]

Depends on the person. My DS who is 19 has acted more mature and in an adult manner than many people twice his age for years. He is an adult at 19 and I respect him enough to treat him as such. According to Carnival he is adult enough to go into the Casino and Bars late at night, which are considered for adults only too, and he is considered too old for the teen club so why shouldn't he be allowed in the Serenity Area with the other adults?

 

 

Please clarify--19 year olds can go into the Casino and bars? Can they gamble and drink? I thought they had to be 21.

 

And I think they should be allowed in Serenity IMO.

[Elaine5715]

I think this is an easy call. While you can argue because of an 18 year old's demeanor or on land responsibilities that they SHOULD be able to be in an 21 or Older area.

 

However, this is not an ambiguous rule. There are signs at each entry point stating this area is for Guests 21 or Older. Folks think because crew do not challenge anyone who looks under, it must be okay.

 

To me it is like standing under the No Smoking sign and lighting up.

[Warm Breezes]

Please clarify--19 year olds can go into the Casino and bars? Can they gamble and drink? I thought they had to be 21.

 

And I think they should be allowed in Serenity IMO.

 

They can gamble but they cannot drink (though they can be in the bars).

[MrPete]

I think this is an easy call. While you can argue because of an 18 year old's demeanor or on land responsibilities that they SHOULD be able to be in an 21 or Older area.

 

However, this is not an ambiguous rule. There are signs at each entry point stating this area is for Guests 21 or Older. Folks think because crew do not challenge anyone who looks under, it must be okay.

 

To me it is like standing under the No Smoking sign and lighting up.

 

Or going to the old F deck to look for Cuba.

 

hubba hubba

[Georgiagolfer]

I think this is an easy call. While you can argue because of an 18 year old's demeanor or on land responsibilities that they SHOULD be able to be in an 21 or Older area.

 

However, this is not an ambiguous rule. There are signs at each entry point stating this area is for Guests 21 or Older. Folks think because crew do not challenge anyone who looks under, it must be okay.

 

To me it is like standing under the No Smoking sign and lighting up.

 

Totally concur. While I personally have no major issues with this, why not just follow the posted rules. I assume the signs are posted for a reason.:rolleyes:

[loxley]

Depends on the person. My DS who is 19 has acted more mature and in an adult manner than many people twice his age for years. He is an adult at 19 and I respect him enough to treat him as such. According to Carnival he is adult enough to go into the Casino and Bars late at night, which are considered for adults only too, and he is considered too old for the teen club so why shouldn't he be allowed in the Serenity Area with the other adults?

 

My oldest son was born mature, my youngest son at 28 is still not mature. They do not have the ability to measure maturity so they have gone with an age cut off and that age is 21.

 

The area is not big. They needed some way to limit who could use the area. They choose the 21 or over. It does not have to be right or fair or anything else. It is what it is.

 

If a smoker decided to light up in a non smoking area, they could light up and have the cigarette smoked by the time someone got up, found someone to complain to and that person came over to say you can not smoke here. I don't really see the harm. After all, there are not many places they can go to smoke. The no smoking in certain areas is only a rule so as we are being told, those are meant to be broken. One little cigarette should not bother anyone too much so what is the problem?

 

Why not take the kids to the casino. Maybe there is nothing going on in camp they are interested in or maybe it is closed. SIt them down at a machine and give them some credit to play with. There is no laws governing children gambling in international waters, so what is the harm. True, they may be taking a machine an adult wants to play, but they paided their fare just like those pesky adults so they should just get over it.

 

I like to make things with my hands. I think next cruise I am going to check out the kids club and join in when they have something I am interested in. I will be quiet and well behaved and use my manners. I mean those age group things are only rules and I paid my money to be on the boat, so move over kids.

 

Sort of gets stupid after a while doesn't it? The rule for the serenity area is 21 and over and that is exactly what it should be.

[Elaine5715]

The Crew Only signs also always stop me. I checked, I'm not Crew.

[mzloolue]

"Some people live for the rules.

I live for exceptions"

 

It is a company rule.

If an eighteen year old girl wants to sit on the serenity deck and sleep or read I sure do not care or see anything wrong with it.

 

We have other threads from people who want to hang out naked in the serenity area.

 

Personally I think they should have a big sign with the definition of serenity or call it the Adult Quiet area.

 

Except last cruise DH paid the attendant to turn down the boogie music they were playing.

But they won't turn it off.

Some quiet SERENE mood music, maybe.

Loud dance music, please no.

[RuthlessBoss]

Rule or not I would rather have a quiet 18 year old in the serenity area than a bunch of over 21's thinking it is appropriate to have a frat party there.

This sums up my short lived time in Serenity. Noisy, beer bottles, hog the hot tub. Yes, it was spring break, but this should not have occurred at all. We left quickly so don't know the rest of the time was handled by staff.

[Neotericisis]

"Some people live for the rules.

I live for exceptions"

 

It is a company rule.

If an eighteen year old girl wants to sit on the serenity deck and sleep or read I sure do not care or see anything wrong with it.

 

We have other threads from people who want to hang out naked in the serenity area.

 

Personally I think they should have a big sign with the definition of serenity or call it the Adult Quiet area.

.

 

I totally agree with this.

 

All posters who are saying "a rule is a rule and should not be broken" have valid a point- but along with that validity they are being over dramatic. Live life and enjoy it- if the 18 year old wants to chill out with her group and tan why not. So many people get caught up in all the "rules" and forget to enjoy themselves. I would much rather the serenity area be a bit lax with the age requirement (I'm not saying 13 year olds should be allowed but you get the point) and be more strict on the "serenity" idea. Being 21+ does not mean someone will act like an adult. They should concentrate more on the serene atmosphere: a group of cackling 45 year olds are much more of a nuisance than an 18 year old chilling with her ipod and an iced tea.

[rainbowflag]

The most outrageous rule breakers I met on a cruise were a couple who admitted their shih tzu dogs that were cruising with them weren't really "emotional support animals" but just their beloved pets. To add insult to injury they laughed about renaming their dogs "Xanax" and "Paxil" for the length of the cruise. And you guessed it, this conversation took place in the serenity area and Xanax and Paxil were anything but serene. They should have named them Yip and Yap. To be fair they were both 21 (in dog years.)

[loxley]

I totally agree with this.

 

All posters who are saying "a rule is a rule and should not be broken" have valid a point- but along with that validity they are being over dramatic. Live life and enjoy it- if the 18 year old wants to chill out with her group and tan why not. So many people get caught up in all the "rules" and forget to enjoy themselves. I would much rather the serenity area be a bit lax with the age requirement (I'm not saying 13 year olds should be allowed but you get the point) and be more strict on the "serenity" idea. Being 21+ does not mean someone will act like an adult. They should concentrate more on the serene atmosphere: a group of cackling 45 year olds are much more of a nuisance than an 18 year old chilling with her ipod and an iced tea.

 

So, where do you draw the line? You say 18 is fine, but 13 is not. If They set it to 16, there would be ones wanting to bring their 13 yr old. If you don't care for the serenty area, I don't think you should have a vote in this. I am not saying the 18 yr old would cause a problem, I am saying the 18 yr old is taking an over 21 spot, and what if that 18 yr old is the one doing the cackling? Would that change you opinion?

[MrPete]

"Some people live for the rules.

I live for exceptions"

 

It is a company rule.

If an eighteen year old girl wants to sit on the serenity deck and sleep or read I sure do not care or see anything wrong with it.

 

We have other threads from people who want to hang out naked in the serenity area.

 

Personally I think they should have a big sign with the definition of serenity or call it the Adult Quiet area.

 

Except last cruise DH paid the attendant to turn down the boogie music they were playing.

But they won't turn it off.

Some quiet SERENE mood music, maybe.

Loud dance music, please no.

 

That only works till YOU get there, and EVERY chair is occupied by 18 to 20 year olds. I'm sure you would walk peacefully away and go to the bandstand where they are play the uncut rap songs.

[Neotericisis]

So, where do you draw the line? You say 18 is fine, but 13 is not. If They set it to 16, there would be ones wanting to bring their 13 yr old. If you don't care for the serenty area, I don't think you should have a vote in this. I am not saying the 18 yr old would cause a problem, I am saying the 18 yr old is taking an over 21 spot, and what if that 18 yr old is the one doing the cackling? Would that change you opinion?

 

I would draw the line at someone who looks like an adult and acts like an adult. Most 13 year olds would rather play with peers than sit "serenely" with adults- but if there was a teenager who sat wanted to just chill and tan/read, then I won't be the one running over to authorities to have them removed.

 

Also, Who ever said I didn't "care for" the serenity area? What would make you come to that conclusion based on my post- in fact, the serenity area was one of my main hangouts on my previous cruise.

 

And for clarity, ANYONE cackling and being disruptive should be asked to leave. IMO the "serenity area" should concentrate more on being serene than on people's ages. On my last cruise there was no music playing, the adults were acting accordingly etc. I don't ind some mild music and few convos going on etc., but I would rather the serenity area atmosphere live up to its name rather than Spring Break Cancun. I've read many posts about certain ships blasting music, people acting loud/crazy/drunk in the serenity area- what is serene about that?

[SIENA6334]

OK - here is my take on this subject. I love my kids and my grandkids, but I cruise at a time when kids are in school for a reason. I love to have a vacation where there is some peacefullness and not a lot of small kids running around, some out of control. The Serenity area is for 21 and over and I would be upset if it was taken over by 17-18 year olds. As has been stated - it wouldn't be just one. Rules really are not made to be broken since it is very subjective which rules that would apply to. They are there for a reason. Be respectfull.:rolleyes:

[Noel182002]

I think the rule is there because obviously that is the age that carnival would like to see up there....the bar tenders probably don't card you up there (I'm sure they would if you were 16 looking) It's an area where adults and supposed to be able to be adults and relax...I'm a parent I have two children...if I want my kids to hang out with me...there is a pool and hot tubs and chairs on the lido deck that are available for me to use with my children....Yes rules are broken, its our a part of our society...I break rules all the time I speed, I "pause" at stopsigns...but those rules are there for a purpose so if I wreck my car cause I'm speeding I have no one to blame but myself...if an 18 year old is up on the serinity deck where they aren't supposed to be...and something happens...maybe they do try and drink and get drunk....no one to blame but those telling them it's okay to do it

[sanmarcosman]

The age restriction rule is moot when Carnival doesn't enforce the rule. I was in the Serenity Area on the Spirit near a woman who had a kid in a stroller parked next to her lounger. The kid didn't look to be 21 months much less 21 years old. Several drink servers walked past this woman and not one thought to call security or act on their own to remind the woman of the age rule.

[BeachChik]

I totally agree with this.

 

All posters who are saying "a rule is a rule and should not be broken" have valid a point- but along with that validity they are being over dramatic. Live life and enjoy it- if the 18 year old wants to chill out with her group and tan why not. So many people get caught up in all the "rules" and forget to enjoy themselves. I would much rather the serenity area be a bit lax with the age requirement (I'm not saying 13 year olds should be allowed but you get the point) and be more strict on the "serenity" idea. Being 21+ does not mean someone will act like an adult. They should concentrate more on the serene atmosphere: a group of cackling 45 year olds are much more of a nuisance than an 18 year old chilling with her ipod and an iced tea.

 

And I ask again, is it ok then to disregard all the rules or just the ones you don't think matter?

 

Can I light up where ever I want since I personally may think that rule is stupid? Who gets to determine which rules are ok to break and which ones have to be followed? And really if you are ok with breaking a rule then don't get mad when for example you can't find a chair on deck because one person is hogging them all because maybe they think the no saving seats rule doesn't have to be followed. You can't say its ok to break some but then say people have to follow the ones you agree with.

[Neotericisis]

And I ask again, is it ok then to disregard all the rules or just the ones you don't think matter?

 

Can I light up where ever I want since I personally may think that rule is stupid? Who gets to determine which rules are ok to break and which ones have to be followed? And really if you are ok with breaking a rule then don't get mad when for example you can't find a chair on deck because one person is hogging them all because maybe they think the no saving seats rule doesn't have to be followed. You can't say its ok to break some but then say people have to follow the ones you agree with.

 

Its all a matter of opinion-and I stick with my POV that those who think one 18 year old on the serenity deck is going to ruin it for the whole bunch are being over dramatic. This scenario is apples to oranges when compared to harmful smoke or NO chairs being available. Both those examples are extreme and incomparable.

 

I've seen several comments on this post which say that if they allow her there will be tons of 18-20 year olds- really? Says who? Being as the rule is not enforced now, would you consider the serenity deck to be more overrun by 18-20 year olds than any other age group? Also, I am turning 27 this year but can pass for 18 any day- I would LOVE for someone to accuse me of being underage and not allowed on the serenity deck while I tan and read my kindle. Am I less entitled to the seat because I look under 21?

 

Also, can you honestly say that one 18 year old, or even the extreme example of several 18-20 year olds, would bother you more than music blasting and people running a-muck and drunk in an area dubbed as "serene" (as many serenity deck reviews have claimed).

 

I pick my battles and I have more of a problem with loud and disruptive behavior in a "serenity area" than with an 18 year old.

 

To be fair and stick to all the rules- why not suggest a swipe machine for S&S cards to determine that people are over 21 prior to entering. BUT also enforce a behavior rule since the area is technically named the "SERENITY" area, not the "adult" area.

[Rottenapple]

I pick my battles and I have more of a problem with loud and disruptive behavior in a "serenity area" than with an 18 year old.

 

 

 

so agree^^^^^

[Out to sea!]

She's a really quiet kid, and the rest of the group is between 45 and 75 years old. None of us are exactly wild and crazy so I doubt we would draw attention to ourselves. I guess we'll play it by ear and see what happens. If we all have to sit somewhere else it wouldn't be tragic, it would just be nice to enjoy the serenity deck for a change.

 

I'm not going to lecture anyone, I'm simply going to point out that you know what the rules are and you know she is not allowed to go in. You can either follow the rules or not but I have to ask, what are you teaching your daughter if you knowingly break the rules?

[Out to sea!]

IMHO I think they should allow the 18-20 yo to go there or offer another place just for them to hang out. They aren't allowed in the teen clubs and they aren't allowed in the Serenity area, but they are allowed in all the other "adult" areas. I doesn't make sense that this is the one "adult" area they are not allowed to go. FWIW I don't consider 18-20 yo to be kids...they are adults with adult responsibilities.

 

Then write Carnival and request they change their rules. But until the rule is changed, it's 21 or older. Personally, I'd like to see it 35 or older to keep the 20something partiers out of there.

[BeachChik]

Its all a matter of opinion-and I stick with my POV that those who think one 18 year old on the serenity deck is going to ruin it for the whole bunch are being over dramatic. This scenario is apples to oranges when compared to harmful smoke or NO chairs being available. Both those examples are extreme and incomparable.

 

I've seen several comments on this post which say that if they allow her there will be tons of 18-20 year olds- really? Says who? Being as the rule is not enforced now, would you consider the serenity deck to be more overrun by 18-20 year olds than any other age group? Also, I am turning 27 this year but can pass for 18 any day- I would LOVE for someone to accuse me of being underage and not allowed on the serenity deck while I tan and read my kindle. Am I less entitled to the seat because I look under 21?

 

Also, can you honestly say that one 18 year old, or even the extreme example of several 18-20 year olds, would bother you more than music blasting and people running a-muck and drunk in an area dubbed as "serene" (as many serenity deck reviews have claimed).

 

I pick my battles and I have more of a problem with loud and disruptive behavior in a "serenity area" than with an 18 year old.

 

To be fair and stick to all the rules- why not suggest a swipe machine for S&S cards to determine that people are over 21 prior to entering. BUT also enforce a behavior rule since the area is technically named the "SERENITY" area, not the "adult" area.

 

That's all well and good but doesn't answer my question. I don't care if an 18 year old sits in the adults area. That's not my point. My point is that you and others say you have no problem with this rule not being followed. But what happens when it is a rule that you feel should be followed like smoking in designated areas or chair hogs? Can I then choose to not follow these rules because based on your above post, I'm not going to let the little things bother me?

 

I think if someone says its ok to break one rule then they lose their right to complain when someone else breaks a different rule. So if you feel it's ok for an 18 year old to be in an area that specifically says 21 and older then don't complain when someone lights up in a non smoking area for example. Or when someone wears a hat, shorts and flip flops in the mdr. Maybe those people have taken the same attitude about it that you have. It doesn't bother them and even though they know its against the rules they want to do it anyway.

[nickyplumb]

Rules are made to be broken!!! Besides last time I checked Carnival doesn't charge less for children. If you don't like kids in certain areas maybe you should step your game up and hit up an adults only cruise!!!!😉😉😉

 

I have kids and I don't take them where they aren't supposed to go. again that's the problem with society everyone thinks the rules don't apply to them. maybe I should go to camp carnival next time, why shouldn't I be allowed to go. There are rules for a reason, if everyone would follow them we'd be much better off.

[nickyplumb]

Wow... Do you need help off the soapbox you're preaching from? Until you can look in the mirror and tell yourself that you have never broken a rule, perhaps self reflection may be in order. I fly every week, and every week upon takeoff and landing at 10,000 feet the announcement is made to turn off all electrical devices - not just airplane mode... And I will say 100 percent of the time the moment we land I see at least a handful of people already on their iPhones.... I have an iPhone and I know that when you power down it takes a couple of minutes for it to power up .... Or how about when you touchdown and they say please don't release your seat belts until the pilot has turned off the seatbelt light and all you hear is click click click with the light still illuminated ... Or the speed limit is 65 and every car is pushing 70.... Or the ten item or less lane and... I could go on and on. The point I'm trying to make is that all around us people push the rules, if you focus on what others do or don't do you will never have time to just sit back and enjoy life. I appreciate rules so when things get out of control, it can be addressed with a policy to back you up - the kid in the red frog who is throwing his chicken wing bones at people and screaming at the top of his lungs, or the group of loud obnoxious 18 year olds sitting in the hot tub in the serenity area heckling everyone walking past, or the Audi pushing 90 down the expressway weaving in and out of traffic.

 

If kids could be quiet and peaceful in the serenity area there wouldn't have to be a rule, but kids are kids and most don't have self control yet (most, not all)- so they pick an arbitrary age to slap on the rule in case rowdiness ensues they can address it - I'm fairly certain that the 18 year old hanging out with a bunch of middle age adults is not why the rule was put into place.

 

Now I will get off MY very own soapbox. Normally I don't speak out because I try to be tolerant of others ignorance and their inability to be understanding of the world around them but seriously. The OP was asking a sincere question, not asking for a sarcastic lecture on right and wrong.

 

 

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REALLY? I'm on a soapbox for saying people should follow the RULES, it's that sense of entitlement that I find offensive. I sail with my 11 yr old, should he be allowed on serenity, he's a quiet kid and likes to read. or maybe I shuold be allowed to go to camp carnival with him, what's the difference if we're not gonna follow the rules. as for all your examples, I agree, and I don't do those things, it's called being considerate of others,having respect. I was raised with manners. I also taught my kids to follow rules and be polite.