activities for 18 year olds?

[styme123]

My family and I are booked on Crown for an Alaska cruise this July. My youngest son is 18. I'm wondering what activities/entertainment are there for him? I know they have teen clubs but only for 13-17. I would think the places like the nightclubs/bars are 21+?

[rdsqrl]

I have often noticed a meet-up listed in the Patter (the ship's daily newsletter of events) for those in the 18-21 range. I would think going to that is a good way to meet others to hang with. Besides that, your 18yo can engage in any of the adult activities s/he cares to: exercise classes, using the gym/pools, basketball court, pool games, trivia, etc. Just no drinking and, I think, no casino.

 

The late-night nightclub is 21+, but the regular bars are not off-limites. Obviously, the alcohol is no-go, but hanging in Crooner's and listening to the pianist or dancing in the Wheelhouse is certainly allowed.

[LittleMissMagic]

As long as you are sailing in international waters (not Alaska), your 18-year-old will be able to legally gamble in the casino. *EDIT: You are sailing Alaska, so no gambling for your son!

 

He can also access all adult areas.

 

The only thing he cannot do is purchase alcohol.

 

And PP is correct, there is typically an 18-21 Meet and Greet (not supervised by a crew member) listed in the Patter.

Edited March 27, 2016 by LittleMissMagic

[carinainacar]

On my previous sailings there has always been a meet up for people 18-21.

I'm 19 years old and I always find things to do onboard, whether it's with others that I meet or with my family/sibling. I don't think you need to worry about finding things for your son to do. There's plenty to explore and do on the ships. :)

[Tripper10]

I have often noticed a meet-up listed in the Patter (the ship's daily newsletter of events) for those in the 18-21 range. I would think going to that is a good way to meet others to hang with. Besides that, your 18yo can engage in any of the adult activities s/he cares to: exercise classes, using the gym/pools, basketball court, pool games, trivia, etc. Just no drinking and, I think, no casino.

 

The late-night nightclub is 21+, but the regular bars are not off-limites. Obviously, the alcohol is no-go, but hanging in Crooner's and listening to the pianist or dancing in the Wheelhouse is certainly allowed.

 

It's a cruise, there is tons to do as soon as he breaks his phone addiction. There might even be a few girls to talk to.

[shredie]

It's a cruise, there is tons to do as soon as he breaks his phone addiction. There might even be a few girls to talk to.

On my recent cruise, I heard some teen girls complaining there were insufficient cute boys to talk to. The hot tubs were always full of girls.

[Tripper10]

On my recent cruise, I heard some teen girls complaining there were insufficient cute boys to talk to. The hot tubs were always full of girls.

 

Exactly, have a great cruise !!

[easyboy]

On my previous sailings there has always been a meet up for people 18-21.

I'm 19 years old and I always find things to do onboard, whether it's with others that I meet or with my family/sibling. I don't think you need to worry about finding things for your son to do. There's plenty to explore and do on the ships. :)

a great assurance for the OP and son.

[styme123]

It's an Alaska cruise so not too sure he would be spending too much time in the pools :) but maybe if there are girls there he will be persuaded in :D. I'm a little biased being his mom but others have told me he is very handsome. He's just a bit insecure so I'm not sure if he would feel confident enough to go to a meet and greet by himself but it's great to know they have it available.

[styme123]

On my previous sailings there has always been a meet up for people 18-21.

I'm 19 years old and I always find things to do onboard, whether it's with others that I meet or with my family/sibling. I don't think you need to worry about finding things for your son to do. There's plenty to explore and do on the ships. :)

We've never been on a cruise before, can you give me some examples of things/activities you liked/tried.

[LittleMissMagic]

It's an Alaska cruise so not too sure he would be spending too much time in the pools :) but maybe if there are girls there he will be persuaded in :D. I'm a little biased being his mom but others have told me he is very handsome. He's just a bit insecure so I'm not sure if he would feel confident enough to go to a meet and greet by himself but it's great to know they have it available.

 

Cruising is the perfect time to pretend to be an extrovert! After (7?) days, he's never going to see any of these people again (well, unless he makes some good friends that he chooses to keep in touch with).

[skynight]

We've never been on a cruise before, can you give me some examples of things/activities you liked/tried.

An Alaska cruise is a lot of sight seeing.

On board activities include,

Multiple shows each evening

Game shows, like the marriage game, liar's game

Trivia games daytime and evening

Bingo (cost involved)

Theme nights, like 70's night, C&W night, Rock & Roll night

Atrium Parties, like Captain's welcome party, Champagne waterfall with free drinks & snacks

Art auctions (can be expensive)

Eating everywhere.

Karaoke

 

The Princess Patter is your source for all on board activities. You can also get the free Princess@sea app for use on your smart device which also lists all activities, plus more.

 

Beware of the cost of cell service while at sea, it is very expensive. Turn your cell phone to airplane mode.

[carinainacar]

Aside from the normal activities that Princess offers, there are a lot of sight seeing opportunities in Alaska (I recommend bringing binoculars), including a lot of informative lectures that are given by really knowledgeable park rangers. (I'm not that into nature but these lectures were very interesting to go to)

 

Sometimes it's also nice to just sit outside (lido or on a balcony) with a book or something and enjoy how serene and beautiful your surroundings are, can't get peace and quiet like that in the city!

 

Also, there will usually be calm music in the atrium or at the International Cafe. Or louder music in the clubs. (At night there is usually one club designated for passengers 18-21, no alcohol and also a great place to meet new people)

 

If your son is into art there are a lot of art shows and a gallery for him to explore.

 

There are trivia games like 5 times a day and karaoke almost every night. (fun to go and see drunk passengers attempt to sing)

 

And now with the Princess sea app it's so much easier to stay in touch with people on board and to know when and where activities are happening.

 

And of course, many opportunities to eat! Lol

[carinainacar]

Just saw you are going on the Crown Princess. I was just on the ship in December.

 

I believe there is one nightclub that is reserved for 18-21 year olds :)

 

The international cafe is also a must! It's free (with the exception of gelato, but even the gelato is very cheap. Three scoops for $1.50 I believe) and the food options change everyday!

 

Also I would recommend going to all the nighttime production shows/comedies. :)

[exbiologist]

18 year olds can be served alcohol on European, Asian and Australian itineraries. Just FYI for anyone who thought princess didn't serve alcohol to anyone under 21 as a general rule.

[styme123]

Just saw you are going on the Crown Princess. I was just on the ship in December.

 

I believe there is one nightclub that is reserved for 18-21 year olds :)

 

The international cafe is also a must! It's free (with the exception of gelato, but even the gelato is very cheap. Three scoops for $1.50 I believe) and the food options change everyday!

 

Also I would recommend going to all the nighttime production shows/comedies. :)

That would be awesome if they have a 18-21 age club. It's such a tricky age, adult for some things but not for others:)

[berlingo]

I think it is good to remember if you are 18 to 20 something you are all looking to make friends and want to meet other youngsters. If there is not a Meet Up scheduled approach the Cruise Director who in my daughters experience is always willing to help you set one up. You then have a great excuse to introduce yourself to others and invite them along.

 

My daughters are never short of things to do. Chilling, hanging out with new friends and making arrangements for the forthcoming evening seems to take up an awful lot of time! Late nights ending up in the International Cafe chatting seems to be the norm. Breakfast is not something they see much of.

 

This year we are gaining another 18 year old, our nephew, and I am sure he will love it too. Happy cruisingx

[Working 2 Cruise]

That would be awesome if they have a 18-21 age club. It's such a tricky age, adult for some things but not for others:)

 

I think the Skywalkers Club is for 18-20 year old passengers, from 8-10 p.m. After that, it's adults only! It will be listed in the Patter. It's a great cruise and a wonderful ship. Have fun!

[cruisequeen4ever]

They let me into the club when I had just graduated high school (I was actually still 17), but I was accompanied by my mom and adult brother, and this was back in the 90s. If it's a sailing with a lot of teens, they'll possibly card them at Skywalkers. This happened on our Christmas cruise. I did attend a few teen events, but I really felt old and out of place as a result. As an 18 year old, there will be at least some similarly aged pax, and we always see them grow closer and do activities together throughout the week. It seems like they often like Karaoke, hanging by the pool, hot tubs, sports court, and ping pong.

 

 

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[Are.we.there.yet?]

Hi,

 

We just got off of the Crown on Saturday and we also sailed her last year. I can tell you that 18 year olds are indeed welcome in the club until it closes around 1:30 AM. Our kids spent every night in the club and our son is 19. They check for ID after 10:00 PM but it wasn't a problem. They had a great time in there with all of their new friends.

 

The Crown also had an advertised Meet and Greet for the 18-20's group on both sailings (1st night last year and 2nd night this year) and I suggest your son participate and show up 5 minutes early or exactly on time. The ship does provide a representative to get things going but they only stay a few minutes, once introductions have been made. The crew offered the group a contact person in case they wanted to reserve an area for a group event but it was never needed. Our kids are somewhat shy, our DD in particular, so having this brief gathering has been wonderful for them. So many people cruise with large groups and are busy often with family events so it's sometimes hard to find the kids that are actually looking for new friends versus making them along the way. Having friends from the start enhances their experience IMHO.

 

Have a great cruise on the Crown!

Tina

[styme123]

Hi,

 

We just got off of the Crown on Saturday and we also sailed her last year. I can tell you that 18 year olds are indeed welcome in the club until it closes around 1:30 AM. Our kids spent every night in the club and our son is 19. They check for ID after 10:00 PM but it wasn't a problem. They had a great time in there with all of their new friends.

 

The Crown also had an advertised Meet and Greet for the 18-20's group on both sailings (1st night last year and 2nd night this year) and I suggest your son participate and show up 5 minutes early or exactly on time. The ship does provide a representative to get things going but they only stay a few minutes, once introductions have been made. The crew offered the group a contact person in case they wanted to reserve an area for a group event but it was never needed. Our kids are somewhat shy, our DD in particular, so having this brief gathering has been wonderful for them. So many people cruise with large groups and are busy often with family events so it's sometimes hard to find the kids that are actually looking for new friends versus making them along the way. Having friends from the start enhances their experience IMHO.

 

Have a great cruise on the Crown!

Tina

 

Tina, thanks so much for that info. My son is on the shy side as well. It's his first time on a cruise so I might even trick him and tell him he's supposed to go;) If it was up to him he would probably just stay in his room and not push himself to meet new people. I think having the rep get things going would be a great icebreaker and get him over that initial awkwardness.