Question/Concern for first timer

[Califor6]

hello everyone - again, I'm a newbie to this forum as well as a possible first time cruiser. I'd like to hear from those experienced cruisers regarding this question/concern.....

 

after speaking in detail to a friend last night that has been on lots of cruisers....as she's giving me all of her insight and tips from her cruising experiences; the one main item that she brought up about going on a 4-night Mexico cruise with my young adult children n their friends - ages 23yr (2 girls) and 18yr (2 boys) was the reality of keeping safe both on and off the ship, in Mexico.

Knowing that Carnival Cruises are dubbed as 'party ships' for the younger adults - she told me about how she's seen in the past, younger adults, especially pretty girls, drinking and bringing attention to themself and possibly trouble (by either other passengers or crew members-when off duty). Are crew members 'allowed' to hang out with passengers, when off duty?

Also, needless to say, while docked in Mexico, the thought of any trouble that can happen, especially if drinking at a local bar. I was told that young cruisers can be 'target' by the locals.....2 young pretty girls and 18yr old boys, are a major concern of mine.

Although I understand this - it's questionable whether or not I can honestly make my young adult children UNDERSTAND the REAL possible danger that they need to be aware of.

 

Anyone witness or experience any such trouble on any cruisers? I'd like to hear from those with (serious) replies regarding this subject; have you seen, heard of or experienced any trouble. We are seriously considering whether this something that we should do with them or change our vacation plans.

THANKS

Edited February 26, 2014 by Califor6

[kona_wahine]

I don't have any specific experiences (4 young people! oy!) but when we were getting back on a ship (don't remember which port) a lady was talking to an officer that her 16 year old hadn't made it back yet and she didn't know where he was. The officer just told her too bad, he better be back by sailing. Let them know if they miss the ship they are stranded. Having said that, I wouldn't let them out of my sight at any port.

[WiCruiseDreamer]

Going on a cruise is just like going to any resort. You have to use the same COMMON SENSE you would use in any resort, hotel even mall.

 

Yes, there will be some young people that will become wild and lose their common sense. They would do that where ever they are.

 

The crew will have some, but very very little down time and I have not seen any crew act in a way that is less then professional.

 

In every situation you will find those that act less then what will be appropriate for age or situation.

 

Bigger question, do you trust your young people?

 

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

[WiCruiseDreamer]

I don't have any specific experiences (4 young people! oy!) but when we were getting back on a ship (don't remember which port) a lady was talking to an officer that her 16 year old hadn't made it back yet and she didn't know where he was. The officer just told her too bad, he better be back by sailing. Let them know if they miss the ship they are stranded. Having said that, I wouldn't let them out of my sight at any port.

 

Why any one would let a 16 yr old alone at any port is beyond me. COMMON SENSE, people.

 

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[Mysticks1]

I am taking my daughter and her best friend on my next cruise. Both will be 20 at the time. I have told them that they will not go into port in Nassau or Freeport without me (no exceptions) We are going to Atlantis in Nassau and a Resort for the day in Freeport and I will be keeping an eye on them. They can hang out on the ship and stay out late but they will be given a talk about what to watch out for before we board and warned to always stay together.

 

They are both off at college and live with friends in apartments so are accustomed to taking care of themselves but there are more dangers in other countries that they are not used to watching for.

[Gypsywych]

At 23 and 18, you can't keep them with you 24/7 like you could when they were younger (no matter how much you might want to! :) ) But at that age, they are all 10 feet tall and bulletproof, so you may have to repeat the rules more than once.

 

 

If they stick together in a group, they will be much safer than wandering off in pairs.

Take only a little money with them not the whole spending wad.

Copies of identification as well as phone numbers (Carnival, Embassy, etc)

Don't let them rent scooters or any type of vehicle. If they are in any type of accident, it can get bad.

 

This shouldn't require saying, but it does......

Do NOT ever go off alone with a stranger. Not a crew member, not the cute guy (or girl) you met at Senor Frogs. Don't accept invitations to a party in another persons cabin, especially crew cabins. Only accept a drink from the hand of the bartender, and never ever leave it unattended or turn your back on it.

 

Look up the website "Events at Sea" (Cruise Junkie dot com)

There's a day by day, month by month, year by year list of every issue on a cruise ship. Norovirus alerts, people overboard, murder, sexual assaults.

 

Common sense, being aware of your surroundings, not over indulging while on shore, and sticking together.... and they'll be fine.

[ofthesea]

It's all a matter of common sense.

 

Make clear rules to them like if a crew member asks to hang out with them in a unpopulated area or at night make sure they say NO. Even during the day, I would say no. I don't believe the crew are allowed to hang out with passengers anyways.

Tell them that it's okay to say NO when needed.

 

And when in port, if you're really worried stay with them, but seeing as they're 23 and 18, they're fine independent. But do tell them no wandering in unpopulated areas, sketch streets, etc. Only stay where the tourist go because that's the safest place to go out of all the places.

If they like to party or just want to experience going to a bar tell them to have a special drink in town but just because the drinking age is 18, do NOT get drunk on beer and who knows what. Once you're drunk that's when issues will really come in. Make sure they watch the bartender make their drinks, etc, etc.

 

I see where you're coming from and I would be worried too. I'm 19 and already thinking this way... I see a lot ways people can potentially put themselves in harms way; taking small precautions is a must, you can't just put them aside. You just need to get them in the mind set which might or might not be difficult. If they're responsible, no need to worry.

 

I'm going with 3 of my housemates (ages 19-20) and I sat down with them explaining everything to them: good, bad, and the ugly. I even showed them recent news on Cruise Law News which is a blog written by a famous maritime lawyer that reports crimes in the cruise industry. Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean crime does not happen. I don't want to be no "debby downer" but I think it's important to tell them here's what could happen if you lose your guard. I probably will end up being babysitter on the cruise. LOL. We're all responsible and I'm definitely no "partier" but I know that my housemates have wandering souls. I also made it clear to them that, that it is THEIR responsibility to be on time. We're planning on staying together at port but just in case.

 

I am actually going on the 4 day baja Mexico trip out of Long Beach too! Usually 4 day cruises have a bigger party scene since they're short and fit very nicely in spring break schedules. I was a bit reluctant to book this cruise since I normally sail with Princess, but I've never tried Carnival out and I wanted to give it a fair chance. I like the more quiet, calm, and relaxed scene. I'm not your typical college student (young with an old soul). (Maybe we'll be on the same cruise and we'll all hang out, who knows :) ).

 

I actually did the same cruise to Ensenada except on Royal Caribbean back when I was 8 and with my vague memory of it, I do clearly remember it was a party ship. I had a blast though, everyone was extremely nice.

 

Other than that, I am very excited and hope I can catch up on some reading and participate in some cruise activities and watch comedy/theater shows.

 

Bon Voyage! :)

[Starlight Durban Cruising]

... the one main item that she brought up about going on a 4-night Mexico cruise with my young adult children n their friends - ages 23yr (2 girls) and 18yr (2 boys) was the reality of keeping safe both on and off the ship, in Mexico.

Knowing that Carnival Cruises are dubbed as 'party ships' for the younger adults - she told me about how she's seen in the past, younger adults, especially pretty girls, drinking and bringing attention to themself and possibly trouble (by either other passengers or crew members-when off duty).

Also, needless to say, while docked in Mexico, the thought of any trouble that can happen, especially if drinking at a local bar. I was told that young cruisers can be 'target' by the locals.....2 young pretty girls and 18yr old boys, are a major concern of mine.

Although I understand this - it's questionable whether or not I can honestly make my young adult children UNDERSTAND the REAL possible danger that they need to be aware of.

 

You need to go with your gut on whether your "kids" behave themselves when they are not with you, i.e. are they responsible young adults when not in your presence. On the ship all activity is carded to their name, and under 21 may not drink alcohol. For the older "kids" if they are looking a bit tipsy, then they may be cut off - because the system is logging every drink charged. Security will be called if they become too rowdy.

 

Regarding the 4 day cruise, you are really only in Mexico for a couple of hours (~8 to 9 hours if I remember correctly), and certainly not overnight. If you are in a group and the "kids" are with you, then it is unlikely to lead to a situation where they can get in trouble. If it is your group's first time in Mexico, then likely you will all be together for a short tour, lunch and a few drinks in a restaurant/bar in town (I am assuming Ensenada), and a little bit of time shopping, and then back to the ship. The big drinking episodes and related problems are more likely to happen at night in places like Ensenada when there is an opportunity to be out all night long, and sleep the day away.

[ch27088]

Several years ago my DH and I went on a cruise with our grown daughter and her friend (also grown). It was there first time cruising and we went to Mexico as well. I don't like putting restrictions on grown adults, but we are in a different country, both young girls are beautiful and I am a "MOM" who has concerns. When we were port, I told them that they could go their separate ways, but we had "walkie talkies", plus I asked that they be back on the ship the same time that DH and I would be as well. They are good young ladies, and it wasn't them I was really worried about; so I just wanted to be safe and make sure that we knew where they were, and they knew where we were. As far as a young adults 18 yrs and 23 yrs, I would still insist on taking "walkie talkies", which can give you peace of mind while on and off the ship. I still would keep an eye on them especially the 18 yr. olds. No one wants to be in port and the ship is sailing off!

[PrettyHazardous]

Hi I have alotta experience with this as my family often cruises as a group and I have younger cousins. IMO they are safe on the ship. I never see them hanging out with staff, but they are normally partying (maybe a bit excessively) with their peers. Once my cousins (male, 18 or 19 at the time) didnt show up to his room all night. Well lets just say he met a girl. OMG my aunt went crazy and they were calling his name on the loudspeaker. However he was fine but in alotta trouble with his mother. Normally off the ship the family travels in groups and no one has ever been left behind, due to at least 1 person being responsible for time etc in the group. I'd say focus on family excursions beaches etc on shore and let them party on the boat.

[Califor6]

Thank you everyone, for sharing your thoughts, experiences and very good, detailed tips. Will be sharing with my hubby...as we make our decision by Friday, whether to book the cruise or not - if we can make the 'kids' understand how to have fun YET be aware and safe of POSSIBLE issues. I like the idea of just staying together in port - even if they don't like it. Don't care how old they are....tourist are tourist to the locals.

[nodogkisses]

hello everyone - again, I'm a newbie to this forum as well as a possible first time cruiser. I'd like to hear from those experienced cruisers regarding this question/concern.....

 

after speaking in detail to a friend last night that has been on lots of cruisers....as she's giving me all of her insight and tips from her cruising experiences; the one main item that she brought up about going on a 4-night Mexico cruise with my young adult children n their friends - ages 23yr (2 girls) and 18yr (2 boys) was the reality of keeping safe both on and off the ship, in Mexico.

Knowing that Carnival Cruises are dubbed as 'party ships' for the younger adults - she told me about how she's seen in the past, younger adults, especially pretty girls, drinking and bringing attention to themself and possibly trouble (by either other passengers or crew members-when off duty). Are crew members 'allowed' to hang out with passengers, when off duty?

Also, needless to say, while docked in Mexico, the thought of any trouble that can happen, especially if drinking at a local bar. I was told that young cruisers can be 'target' by the locals.....2 young pretty girls and 18yr old boys, are a major concern of mine.

Although I understand this - it's questionable whether or not I can honestly make my young adult children UNDERSTAND the REAL possible danger that they need to be aware of.

 

Anyone witness or experience any such trouble on any cruisers? I'd like to hear from those with (serious) replies regarding this subject; have you seen, heard of or experienced any trouble. We are seriously considering whether this something that we should do with them or change our vacation plans.

THANKS

 

I'e been on lots of Carnival cruises with my kids over the years from when they were 18 until now at 23. They always bring a friend with them that's the same age. Never have they been alone in a port with the exception last year of DD and her five college roommates (all ages 22-23) during spring break in Nassau. I walked over to Junkanoo Beach with them and stayed about two hours and then left them while I went shopping and back to the ship. There were six of them and they knew not to leave the area until they walked back to the ship about two hours later. The beach is fairly close by where the ship is and the entire time, my daughter and I were in contact via texting and I felt fine since they were in a group. If this were Mexico, I never would have done that. In Mexico, DH and I followed the Carnival dolphin excursion my DD and her friend were on and waited for them, the one time they wanted to do something we had no interest in. When it was over, we just took them with us for the rest of the day. Mexico makes me uneasy. I know others feel differently, but that's just me. My kids like to be with us when we're in port and experiencing the islands, etc. That's why we cruise, to hang out together. Their friends never seem to mind hanging out with us either. Don't worry too much, just go and have fun, but stay with the kids. You'll have more peace of mind. Just my two cents.

[PortSideCruzan]

 

 

Are crew members 'allowed' to hang out with passengers, when off duty?

 

 

 

Hi Califor6 :)

 

I just wanted to touch upon this particular question. Crew members are most

certainly permitted to hang out with passengers when off duty. But not in crew

area's, only public area's such as clubs, theater, casino, and so on.

 

Also, crew members are allowed to be invited to the main dining room or specialty

restaurant by a passenger to have dinner with them.

 

 

:)

[matondo]

If you decide to make the trip you will need to stress to the young adults that they will be traveling to a foreign country. All of the rights they have in the USA as a US citizen are gone.

 

Young adults think they are invincible and know it all. At least I did when I was that age and so did my children. :D

[tigereye]

Oh, man, i love dog kisses.

[Mysticks1]

Thank you everyone, for sharing your thoughts, experiences and very good, detailed tips. Will be sharing with my hubby...as we make our decision by Friday, whether to book the cruise or not - if we can make the 'kids' understand how to have fun YET be aware and safe of POSSIBLE issues. I like the idea of just staying together in port - even if they don't like it. Don't care how old they are....tourist are tourist to the locals.

 

I laid down the rules before I booked the cruise. I told DD that she and her friend would stay with me in port and she agreed to that beforehand. Momma is paying and Momma is making the rules.;):D Since they are able to legally drink in port and since we are in the Bahamas where there are travel advisories out I wasn't going to allow them to be on their own.

[ofthesea]

A very good point being pointed out here. ^^ I feel as this is forgotten much too often when visiting a foreign port. Know your rights.

And true about how some young adults are so invincible.

[Gamecock_Cruiser]

USE COMMON SENSE!!! Do not go anywhere alone, don't go to anyones room, don't leave drinks unattended, etc.

[jazm2011]

We did a family cruise several years ago, which included our kids (2 girls age 22, 2 boys age 22 & 24). So although slightly older, still the same basic situation.

 

Because it was a family cruise, unlike 100% of our prior cruises :), we specifically planned excursions that us and the kids would enjoy together (ziplining, etc). However, that still left plenty of time (evenings) for them to do their own thing - and they did! OMG, the pictures and stories are enough to give us a few more gray hairs. But like mentioned above, you have to be smart, they need to be smart and ok, a little praying doesn't hurt either.

 

For us, it was the most memorable vacation ever. It was an amazing bonding experience for the kids (blended family) and we all still talk about the fun/crazy stories to this day.

 

However....

The crew DOES party hard and one of our four was snuck into some of those crew parties so don't think it doesn't/can't happen. (Thankfully it was one of the sons and not the daughters). :eek:

 

The cruise you're considering doesn't have any evening hours in port (we were on the 7 day Mexican Riviera which kept us in PV until 8 or 9pm, which was a little too much time for the kids to have on their own in port without us). Thankfully, all 4 of them stuck together during that time though.

 

Lay down the law, then go and have an awesome vacation your kids will remember forever.

[YB Nrml]

2006 we cruised to Mexico with our then 16 & 18 yr olds. We stayed together in port always. But, turn your back for 1 second to look at a T-shirt and they both have tequila shots in their hands with the guy saying, "no-charge". Anyone in Mexico will sell them alcohol, we actually had the crew put a hold on our daughter's (18 yr old) S & S card so she couldn't leave the ship without us. She was pi$$ed cause guess what, she tried to sneak back off the ship.

 

I got a lot of flack on these boards for putting a hold on her card, people stating she was an adult and I couldn't keep her from doing what she wanted etc. BS, she was our responsibility and we wanted her and her brother to be safe.

 

Also know that any minors traveling with you are totally your responsibility. You will be held accountable if they get in trouble. There have been threads about families getting put off the ship due to the behavior of someone underage in their group.

 

I don't mean to scare anyone off, we love to cruise and have never had any issues with safety or security. But I would not be responsible for someone else's child in that situation unless I knew for sure they were well-behaved and trustworthy. Do your research.

[Califor6]

thanks again for more info and comments....lots to share with my hubby and 'kids'!

 

YB Nrml - didn't know that you could put any kind of hold on S&S cards? then again, I am a newbie....only reading all of the cruise details just this week! I only found out what a S&S card was, yesterday! can my 23yr old and friend, list her own debit/credit card for her S&S card charges?

finding out that EVERYTHING is charged on a passengers S&S card, I don't want to be reasonable for her bill!....

for us to be billed and surprised at the end of the cruise.

 

What kind of holds/limits/controls can I put on the passenger's S&S cards?

[jazm2011]

We put "x" amount of money on each of our kids S&S cards and told them, when it's gone, it's gone. They were EXTREMELY good at looking up their balances every day on the tv in their room. We had no problems whatsoever.

[Mysticks1]

thanks again for more info and comments....lots to share with my hubby and 'kids'!

 

YB Nrml - didn't know that you could put any kind of hold on S&S cards? then again, I am a newbie....only reading all of the cruise details just this week! I only found out what a S&S card was, yesterday! can my 23yr old and friend, list her own debit/credit card for her S&S card charges?

finding out that EVERYTHING is charged on a passengers S&S card, I don't want to be reasonable for her bill!....

for us to be billed and surprised at the end of the cruise.

 

What kind of holds/limits/controls can I put on the passenger's S&S cards?

 

I would have the friend list their own debit card. You can list different ones for each person in your cabin when you fill in all your information online. I have my daughter on mine and her friend listed separately on her own card.

Edited February 26, 2014 by Mysticks1

[ofthesea]

2006 we cruised to Mexico with our then 16 & 18 yr olds. We stayed together in port always. But, turn your back for 1 second to look at a T-shirt and they both have tequila shots in their hands with the guy saying, "no-charge". Anyone in Mexico will sell them alcohol, we actually had the crew put a hold on our daughter's (18 yr old) S & S card so she couldn't leave the ship without us. She was pi$$ed cause guess what, she tried to sneak back off the ship.

 

I got a lot of flack on these boards for putting a hold on her card, people stating she was an adult and I couldn't keep her from doing what she wanted etc. BS, she was our responsibility and we wanted her and her brother to be safe.

 

Also know that any minors traveling with you are totally your responsibility. You will be held accountable if they get in trouble. There have been threads about families getting put off the ship due to the behavior of someone underage in their group.

 

I don't mean to scare anyone off, we love to cruise and have never had any issues with safety or security. But I would not be responsible for someone else's child in that situation unless I knew for sure they were well-behaved and trustworthy. Do your research.

 

Yikes, had no idea you could put a hold on their ship card so they couldn't get off. But that's a good program to do that and I bet many parents appreciate it if their young ones like to sneak off.

 

Yeah, a big thing is bringing the right group of people if you cruise. I'm thankful that my friends and I don't party or are crazy. I have heard of numerous stories too about peoples kids doing stupid things and messing the cruise up for them and their parents, it's not worth it. If you sit down on a deck chair and read, there is so much beauty in that then causing issues throughout the trip.

 

I don't know if you were referencing my previous post but I think I said something that was a bit unclear and misleading. But I mentioned it's their responsibility to be on time, because we plan on different meet up times throughout time on the ship (ie mdr dinner, special events onboard) and if we do (which 99% chance it won't happen) separate at port, we will make a time and it'd only be a short period of time apart like 20 minutes if that. But that's informal. And we all will be on the ship at least 2 hours before sailing. I'm really big on the topic of safety and precautions. Still in the process of telling them every detail. Have to cover every topic just in case even though the chances of the doing that are relatively low. I think I ended up scaring them more than making them excited but at least I know their wandering souls won't take them too far. Sorry my previous post was completely misleading.

 

YB Nrml, said it very nicely. The adults who are accompanying the "minors" are responsible for their actions. Even if that's them coming to the ship late and holding up the ship (if the captain is nice enough). So make sure the group of young adults are responsible. Basically the adults are 100% responsible for the actions of their kids. Make sure they obey the rules, it's very very important.

[ofthesea]

thanks again for more info and comments....lots to share with my hubby and 'kids'!

 

YB Nrml - didn't know that you could put any kind of hold on S&S cards? then again, I am a newbie....only reading all of the cruise details just this week! I only found out what a S&S card was, yesterday! can my 23yr old and friend, list her own debit/credit card for her S&S card charges?

finding out that EVERYTHING is charged on a passengers S&S card, I don't want to be reasonable for her bill!....

for us to be billed and surprised at the end of the cruise.

 

What kind of holds/limits/controls can I put on the passenger's S&S cards?

 

My friends and I all put different cards. They can have as much fun as they want in the gift shop onboard with their card not mine. Lol.

My aunt is on my card though.