At what age would you put your kids ACROSS from you in an inside room?

[mjkacmom]

Where did I say the parents ignore their children, I said they ignore the age restrictions rules placed by the cruise line.

 

When I read that one attorney in Florida has had 75 cases of sexual molestation, with half of those involving children, I just think I'd rather be safe than sorry. What someone else does is their business.

 

I've booked 2 cabins for my family of 7 several times, and every single time the PCC has informed me that although an adult must be booked in each cabin, NCL doesn't care a ho sleeps where, and for us to re-do the keys on board, that it's just a formality. It's encouraged!

[nnj035]

Very simple to just go to guest service desk and change the keys around. Only takes 2 min to do. We have done this on our last 3 trips.

[sgcass123]

Our kids were 13/16 when they went on their first cruise. They have always had their cabin a couple doors from us, and we have never had any problems. We trust both of them, they have common sense and understand the need for safety, and they use the buddy system when they are not with us. They had a curfew (older one does not have one now, but goes to bed when his younger sister does). If one wants a drink/ice cream, then they both go......that type of thing. As soon as we board the ship, we head to guest services to get key cards for two of us.

[NLH Arizona]

I've booked 2 cabins for my family of 7 several times, and every single time the PCC has informed me that although an adult must be booked in each cabin, NCL doesn't care a ho sleeps where, and for us to re-do the keys on board, that it's just a formality. It's encouraged!

Like I said, I don't care what anyone else does, it is up to them. We are only answerable to ourselves. Edited February 15, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[ColinIllinois]

I've booked 2 cabins for my family of 7 several times, and every single time the PCC has informed me that although an adult must be booked in each cabin, NCL doesn't care a ho sleeps where, and for us to re-do the keys on board, that it's just a formality. It's encouraged!

 

 

Where does the ho sleep? lol

[rvsullivan]

I've booked 2 cabins for my family of 7 several times, and every single time the PCC has informed me that although an adult must be booked in each cabin, NCL doesn't care a ho sleeps where, and for us to re-do the keys on board, that it's just a formality. It's encouraged!

 

Now we've made the leap that NCL actually encourages under age kids be booked alone? Where did this happen. If that's true, why have the "rule" to begin with. A PCC saying it's ok, is not NCL encouraging it.

Bottom line, NCL says no kids alone in room, parents are free to do as they wish. Please don't hold NCL or anyone else responsible for what the outcome is. As stated, there is the same chance of problems on board ships as in any small town. You will be on board with 3-5,000 total strangers, do as you think appropriate. As I asked earlier, the age of the kids is key.

[JMHAM1]

It really depends on the kid. A couple of mine would be ok and would never leave the cabin unless they had permission, I have two that would probably take that opportunity to run free, one that is way to young and another that wouldn't be comfortable unless she is able to physically touch me at all times.

 

Totally depends on the kids, the level of maturity and also you must have specific rules with specific consequences.

 

My kids know that with freedom comes responsibility.

[AandBmom]

It really depends on the kid. A couple of mine would be ok and would never leave the cabin unless they had permission, I have two that would probably take that opportunity to run free, one that is way to young and another that wouldn't be comfortable unless she is able to physically touch me at all times.

 

Totally depends on the kids, the level of maturity and also you must have specific rules with specific consequences.

 

My kids know that with freedom comes responsibility.

 

As many others have said, it's really up to your comfort level. My boys are currently 9.5 and 11. They are very responsible and very comfortable with being on their own. We occasionally leave them home alone for short periods of time. This year on the Epic they shared a cabin with my in laws. Next year we may consider letting them be on their own. I may bring a baby monitor to just feel better about hearing what's going on in their room.

 

As others have mentioned make sure the cabins are actually close together as sometimes the deck plans are deceiving.

 

I would safety plan with them what to do if someone knocks on their door, instruct them to always use the extra lock, go over balcony safety, etc.

[agabbymama]

Well, we have all been teenagers ourselves, so most should realize the dangers of not having an adult in the cabin with the teens.

 

About 30 years ago, my two 15 year old nieces went on a choir trip. After two nights, my brother got a call to come and get the girls, they had been caught smoking marijuana in the hotel room. Neither had ever done this before (or at least never been caught before) but wanted to fit in with the group in their room.

 

Now I have a granddaughter 14. She has been very trustworthy and open until this year. She planned a sleepover at a friend's to be able to meet a boy at the mall. The "Plan" was discovered, so she is now grounded for two months.

 

Adults have been raped, murdered and almost murdered on cruise ships. Do you want your child to be included in that statistic? I can think of two very distinct recent cases (I think a 14 year old was served alcohol and then molested by a crewmember, and an adult woman in her cabin was almost killed by a crewmember that felt she had insulted him).

 

I've always tried to have adult supervision for my children and grandchildren. As I stated before, guess I'm old fashioned, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. It's not only what the children may do, but what the other 2000-5000 people on the ship may do.

Edited February 16, 2015 by agabbymama

[Godiva830]

Well, we have all been teenagers ourselves, so most should realize the dangers of not having an adult in the cabin with the teens.

 

About 30 years ago, my two 15 year old nieces went on a choir trip. After two nights, my brother got a call to come and get the girls, they had been caught smoking marijuana in the hotel room. Neither had ever done this before (or at least never been caught before) but wanted to fit in with the group in their room.

 

Now I have a granddaughter 14. She has been very trustworthy and open until this year. She planned a sleepover at a friend's to be able to meet a boy at the mall. The "Plan" was discovered, so she is now grounded for two months.

 

Adults have been raped, murdered and almost murdered on cruise ships. Do you want your child to be included in that statistic? I can think of two very distinct recent cases (I think a 14 year old was served alcohol and then molested by a crewmember, and an adult woman in her cabin was almost killed by a crewmember that felt she had insulted him).

 

I've always tried to have adult supervision for my children and grandchildren. As I stated before, guess I'm old fashioned, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. It's not only what the children may do, but what the other 2000-5000 people on the ship may do.

 

I agree with you. I would get 2 connecting cabins and keep the connecting door open to be on the safe side. Too many people let their guard down when they're on vacation and especially think this was bc they're on a ship and have the thought "my kids are on a ship, they can't leave or go anywhere" if it comes down to a cost issue with people, wait the few extra months to save the money.

[newmexicoNita]

Where did I say the parents ignore their children, I said they ignore the age restrictions rules placed by the cruise line.

 

When I read that one attorney in Florida has had 75 cases of sexual molestation, with half of those involving children, I just think I'd rather be safe than sorry. What someone else does is their business.

 

Are you saying this attorney has dealt with 75 cases on cruise ships and over how many years?

 

Sorry, I just can't buy that and I do think it is perfectally acceptable to have kids in a room across the hall or next door and I do not mean next door, adjoining (connecting) cabins.

 

Yes, you are right, what others do is their business. We can't play scared mommy and daddy forever. When the policy says an adult in every cabin, it is geared to those situation when college kids want to share cabins and their is no one 21 or older in charge or a policy to protect the cruise line but most families I know do put kids in cabins close to thiers if the kids are mature, know the rules and are teens or close to teens.

[newmexicoNita]

Well, we have all been teenagers ourselves, so most should realize the dangers of not having an adult in the cabin with the teens.

 

About 30 years ago, my two 15 year old nieces went on a choir trip. After two nights, my brother got a call to come and get the girls, they had been caught smoking marijuana in the hotel room. Neither had ever done this before (or at least never been caught before) but wanted to fit in with the group in their room.

 

Now I have a granddaughter 14. She has been very trustworthy and open until this year. She planned a sleepover at a friend's to be able to meet a boy at the mall. The "Plan" was discovered, so she is now grounded for two months.

 

Adults have been raped, murdered and almost murdered on cruise ships. Do you want your child to be included in that statistic? I can think of two very distinct recent cases (I think a 14 year old was served alcohol and then molested by a crewmember, and an adult woman in her cabin was almost killed by a crewmember that felt she had insulted him).

 

I've always tried to have adult supervision for my children and grandchildren. As I stated before, guess I'm old fashioned, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. It's not only what the children may do, but what the other 2000-5000 people on the ship may do.

 

yes, we were all teens, but many of us were mature enough to appreciate the freedom our parents gave us. AS for things like smoking pot or drinking, if kids are going to do something like that, they will find a way, whether in their own cabin, on deck or wherever. I will add, you do have a point, we have to know our kids. As for connecting cabins, I don't think most of you realize how few cabins are truely connecting on cruise ships. They sell out pretty darn fast.

 

As for the stories about the crew members serving alcohol to kids, yes, it does happen, but we have to remember these things are very rare. Anything can happen. You leave a 14 year old at home while mom and dad go to dinner, who says someone will not break into the house and rape them or how about the college girl who gets raped at a party? Horrible things happen everyday, we have to look at the positive side, not the negative.

Edited February 16, 2015 by newmexicoNita

[Kingofwylietx]

I think this is a really good question. Personally, I don't think that we will let our kids have their own cabin until they are around 16. At that age, they will be more accustomed to having all the extra freedom that age brings with it.

 

Until then, we will get adjoining rooms or a cabin large enough for all of us. Admittedly, it is easier for us than some of you that have larger families. We only have two children.

 

You just have to know your kids and everyone has a different parenting style. When I was growing up, if I had my own room, you would not find me in it because I would be exploring the ship....off on an adventure. I knew kids that would've, at the same time, been climbing the radar dome in a restricted area. I also knew people that would have stayed in the room and kept the door locked.

[Travelcat2]

In the United States we are responsible for our children until they are 18. Why would you feel that it is okay to be less responsible on a cruise ship? Do you let your children spend the night with strangers around at home? Do your children hang out with young adults (18+) at home? Would they turn down a free soft drink from another "kid" (that could be laced with something)?

 

The excuses that parents use to be away from their children on vacation astounds me. If you want a vacation alone - take one and leave your children with someone responsible at home. If you want a family vacation, they need supervision 24/7 (especially at night when you are asleep).

[NLH Arizona]

Are you saying this attorney has dealt with 75 cases on cruise ships and over how many years?

 

Sorry, I just can't buy that and I do think it is perfectally acceptable to have kids in a room across the hall or next door and I do not mean next door, adjoining (connecting) cabins.

 

Yes, you are right, what others do is their business. We can't play scared mommy and daddy forever. When the policy says an adult in every cabin, it is geared to those situation when college kids want to share cabins and their is no one 21 or older in charge or a policy to protect the cruise line but most families I know do put kids in cabins close to thiers if the kids are mature, know the rules and are teens or close to teens.

Buy it or not. You have your opinion and others have theirs that disagree; all's good.

 

If the policy says an adult in every cabin, they mean it for everyone.

 

And I bet most people think that Disney is the safest and here is just one example of what can happen: News sources in Florida are reporting that the Port Canaveral Police Department arrested a 36 year old Disney crew member today on charges of molesting a 13 year old girl on the Disney Dream cruise ship. I'd rather be safe than sorry, because one incident is one incident too many for me, but that is just me!

[AandBmom]

I just want to point out that all of the examples given of bad things that can happen could happen whether there is an adult in the cabin or not.

 

Laced drinks, accessing alcohol, luring kids somewhere, etc.

 

So those worried about these things shouldn't ever leave their children unattended on the ship.

 

Too many helicopter parents in today's Society which leads to incompetent, overly anxious young adults that fail as adults....

[Annmeat]

In the United States we are responsible for our children until they are 18. Why would you feel that it is okay to be less responsible on a cruise ship? Do you let your children spend the night with strangers around at home? Do your children hang out with young adults (18+) at home? Would they turn down a free soft drink from another "kid" (that could be laced with something)?

 

 

 

The excuses that parents use to be away from their children on vacation astounds me. If you want a vacation alone - take one and leave your children with someone responsible at home. If you want a family vacation, they need supervision 24/7 (especially at night when you are asleep).

 

 

I like you!

 

One poster wrote. " do your teens sleep with you at home" .? Huh? No, they don't but we are all under the same roof. We don't vacation with our children to be apart. Until they are adults I am not putting them in a separate or non- adjoining room. I wouldn't do it in a hotel, either.

 

Also, I wonder what happens when people book pretending that an adult will be in a room and then put minors in there alone and the adults get the "good" cabin...and something happens...you have zero legs to stand on if you seek recourse with NCL. Also don't want to be in a different muster station than my kids- not everyone on the same floor goes to the same station

 

This is just my opinion and I am criticizing no one. Nor am I a helicopter parent.

 

I,m with you, travelcat2

Edited February 16, 2015 by Annmeat

[Cuizer2]

I would want to be at least 37 before I would book the kids in a cabin across the hall.

 

Seriously - when they are old enough to understand that they only open the door for you - NOBODY ELSE!

 

By the way, you can get extra room keys at guest services.

Edited February 16, 2015 by Cuizer2

[pgharea]

I trust my 16 year old to work, drive a car, shoot guns, and achieve academic success. I'm certain I trust him to lay his head down the hall on a vacation.

 

In my house "boo" doesn't scare us so the fact that others were victims of crime really doesn't waiver my opinion.

 

 

• Sent from my screen to yours.

Edited February 16, 2015 by pgharea

[AandBmom]

I trust my 16 year old to work, drive a car, shoot guns, and achieve academic success. I'm certain I trust him to lay his head down the hall on a vacation.

 

In my house "boo" doesn't scare us so the fact that others were victims of crime really doesn't waiver my opinion.

 

 

• Sent from my screen to yours.

 

Well stated

[quiverfullcruiser]

Hmm, these were some great points brought up on both sides. We were on the Getaway and we booked to family suites adjoining not connecting and were actually debating getting a balcony next time with an inside across to save money.

 

Our kids were 16,14,12,10. They stayed next door to us and slept in the room adjoined to us. We don't have super kids or anything. We just had the expectation that they would NOT leave the room without us or NOT open the door only to us. Norwegian did not encourage this but they did give us key extra key cards for each room. My teens had the app and text us where they were going and coming. I, personally would do side by side or directly across. I do understand that each families comfort level is very different. My children are not saints but they are pretty responsible. The teens would come to our cabin when the teen center closed and we would tell them to lock the door each night and see you in the morning. I guess it works so well adjoining, I would do it across the hall.

[OCruisers]

We never had a problem with having our two girls in a cabin across the hall from us once the older one was 13! :)

Guess it depends on the child. Our older was VERY responsible and had been cruising with us since she was six.

LuLu

[GoofyCrew]

It depends on the maturity level of your children. I've seen legal adults who should still be under the supervision of another adult. ;)

 

If you believe they are mature enough to find their own way to the muster stations if needed and you trust them to obey your rules and not leave the room after the time you state, not have others in the room, not have alcohol, etc., then go for it, especially if they are directly across the hall and you have a key to their room. ;)

[Chuck2810]

Last trip my 16 yo 'disappeared' several times - once having to have a security detail search for her. And she stayed in the same cabin. So barring leaving them at home, you can only hover so much. Next year, when she is 18, I am also bringing her beau along, so at least I know she will have an escort. I certainly had sleepless nights waiting for her, but I am pretty protective, and as she points out she was just hanging out with friends... They do grow up, but all at different rates.

[ldock]

WOW, interesting topic

- my added point, if a child at age 11.5 can babysit ?????

 

That being said, my girls are home schooled, responsible and cant stand the thought of smoking, drugs, and alcohol, as we have taught them VERY well. They know the rules, and are extra particular about being safe and following them on cruises. That being said we are blessing them and they will be in there own room, next door to us this year. Age 9, & 12. A baby monitor for in cabin and walkie talkies, for other times.

 

This is there 6th cruise, previous cabins were connecting or shared.

 

(I will prob. not bother checking back for replies, as I don't care to hear the HATE mail, that CC seams to offer these days :o, so please dont. as I'm just sharing a opinion)