would you let 3 teenage girls....

[Liza555]

Would you allow 3 girls ages 16, 19 and 20 get off of the ship on their own and do shore excursions purchased either through the ship or someplace like shoretrips?? Ports are Jamaica, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Costa Maya

[mjkacmom]

Well, the 2 oldest are legal adults. I don't not allow ds18 or dd20 to do anything. If they are trustworthy, I'd let them be responsible for the 16 year old off of the ship.

[setsail]

What do you do at home?

[SAS21]

I have a daughter and there is no way I would. Grand Cayman maybe, but the other 3 islands absolutely not. Just too dangerous in my opinion, Jamaica more so than the others.

Edited October 5, 2016 by SAS21

[Snooksi]

At home, no problem and I wouldn't hesitate at those ages. However, I would never allow my teenagers to go alone in another country. Not only would I be concerned about their safety, but what if their transportation broke down and for some reason they couldn't get back to the ship in time for departure, etc? What if they didn't have a signal and couldn't call? Everything would probably be fine, but I'm not the type of parent to take that risk and tend to be more overprotective, since my oldest daughter died. I just don't think it's worth ANY type of risk in a foreign country and for me...better to be safe than sorry.

[wolfganghowell]

Definitely NOT in Jamaica. Something to consider - the drinking age is 18 in these places. As for the other places, if they do a shore excursion through the ship then you know they will be back onboard if they agree to only do the excursion and come back straight from the excursion instead of going off on their own. Only you know how experienced these girls are at international travel. Even the smartest most mature young people have been known to make some boneheaded choices on vacations.

[reallyitsmema]

I would consider letting them go on a cruise sponsored excursion, if they are allowed, age might be an issue. It would really depend on the excursion and the amount of time they would be gone. I would not let them go to Tulum on there own, for example. That excursion is very long and comes back late pretty consistently. I would consider a shorter excursion that comes back hours before all on board time.

[AdGuyMG]

Would you allow 3 girls ages 16, 19 and 20 get off of the ship on their own and do shore excursions purchased either through the ship or someplace like shoretrips?? Ports are Jamaica, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Costa Maya

 

As long as they are on an organized tour there should be no problem. Shoretrips is a very reputable company.

 

I would not let them walk around town unescorted.

[cb at sea]

I agree....organized tours are one thing...wandering on their own with no real purpose is asking for trouble.

[Baby let's cruise away]

Would you allow 3 girls ages 16, 19 and 20 get off of the ship on their own and do shore excursions purchased either through the ship or someplace like shoretrips?? Ports are Jamaica, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Costa Maya

 

 

No, no and no!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Snit13]

I have a daughter and there is no way I would. Grand Cayman maybe, but the other 3 islands absolutely not. Just too dangerous in my opinion, Jamaica more so than the others.

 

We are super senior citizens and the street vendors in Jamaica even tried to sell dope to us. They would be delighted to see 3 young ladies in their turf.

On an excursion they should be ok. We actually were on a ship excursion when we were approached by the dealer.

[mjkacmom]

When I was 19 I went to can in for a week with my friends, my sister did the same at 18 - it's very common, Dd20 might go to Greece with a friend got 2 weeks in January. My sister backpacker through Europe for the summer after college graduation, before cellphones. I think a ship sponsored excursion should be fine. Ds18 spend the day solo in Glasgow last spring, needing an escape from his sisters' dance competition (only 17, not allowed to drink). A day trip is an easy way to give some independence, without much risk.

[kearney]

It has been a few years, but last time I was in Jamaica they had bill boards warning about kidnapping. I don't like to wander around there. It really depends upon how well you know your girls. But I would not allow them to wander alone anywhere but Grand Cayman. You hear a lot about gang crimes in parts of Mexico... even well know tourist areas. I am not sure if the areas you mentioned are areas of concern. Now a tour run through RCCL might be safer, since at least you know that they will hold the ship if late, but there is just too many things that can happen if they go out alone. I can't help but recall that girl that disappeared in Aruba.

[CapeCodCruiser]

If you raised them to make good choices (staying with the group, not engaging strangers, etc) then why not with a tour?

[wants2cruise2]

Would you allow 3 girls ages 16, 19 and 20 get off of the ship on their own and do shore excursions purchased either through the ship or someplace like shoretrips?? Ports are Jamaica, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Costa Maya

 

no, yes and yes but only on a ship sponsored excursion. But I am known for being a worrier,

[kalliekae]

In Jamaica, no. When we were in Jamaica last year, dh's golf excursion was cancelled so he decided to walk around before returning to the ship. He began to feel uncomfortable when he was approached and urged to walk down an alley so he could view "some pretty clothes for your wife". It was very sketchy and he quickly returned to the ship. If those girls are on a ship sponsored excursion and you are very sure they will not leave that excursion, then I might consider it in another port. The op did not say why the girls would be going on an excursion without the rest of the family. Do they just want to have some independence or is it an excursion that others have no interest in doing?

[Ocean Dancer]

This is a trick question, right?:cool:

 

Are they available to babysit a 2 year old on the Anthem?:D

[JuliaMS]

Not Jamaica at all. The others depending on the girls (are they experienced travelers, do they get along well) I may let them do a ship excursion. But only a ship excursion. That way they are picked up and returned to the dock and don't have to try and locate the right vendor for an outside excursion. They also have support of RCCL on the excursion. Make sure their phones work and they know what they need to do to make a call in a foreign country and that they have the phone number for Royal and the port agent.

 

 

My 19 and 20 year olds (Boy and girl) don't always get along so I would probably not trust them together alone in a foreign country.

Edited October 5, 2016 by JuliaMS

[twofit]

Wow, you guys are kidding, right? 19 & 20 year olds are in COLLEGE. My daughter goes to school in downtown Philly - drug sales are an everyday thing. When she was 16 she went on a European tour with a group from her high school and they had plenty of free time - some in sketchy areas. If you come from a sheltered environment, then going on a ship purchased tour should be safe enough. They count heads and watch over everyone.

Edited October 5, 2016 by twofit

[Liza555]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Just to clarify, the 3 girls are sisters. the 20 and 16 year old are very responsible, the 19 year old not so much sometimes but she does listen to the 20 year old :)

 

It would only be a ship tour or a tour through a known reputable vendor, and had a guide. Me or hubby would go with them to the meeting place. Would only pick tours that were scheduled to be back to the ship in plenty of time before the ship departs. That is something I do not cut close as I have seen too many people left behind.

 

Normally we do our shore excursions as a family, but we have been enough times that the thrill has worn off for hubby and me, and we are content to just hang out on the ship. Plus at the cost of the excursions, would love to save the $$

[reallyitsmema]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Just to clarify, the 3 girls are sisters. the 20 and 16 year old are very responsible, the 19 year old not so much sometimes but she does listen to the 20 year old :)

 

It would only be a ship tour or a tour through a known reputable vendor, and had a guide. Me or hubby would go with them to the meeting place. Would only pick tours that were scheduled to be back to the ship in plenty of time before the ship departs. That is something I do not cut close as I have seen too many people left behind.

 

Normally we do our shore excursions as a family, but we have been enough times that the thrill has worn off for hubby and me, and we are content to just hang out on the ship. Plus at the cost of the excursions, would love to save the $$

 

You know your girls, I would do a shorter excursion that wasn't off to the middle of no where.

[CGinMTL]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Just to clarify, the 3 girls are sisters. the 20 and 16 year old are very responsible, the 19 year old not so much sometimes but she does listen to the 20 year old :)

 

It would only be a ship tour or a tour through a known reputable vendor, and had a guide. Me or hubby would go with them to the meeting place. Would only pick tours that were scheduled to be back to the ship in plenty of time before the ship departs. That is something I do not cut close as I have seen too many people left behind.

 

Normally we do our shore excursions as a family, but we have been enough times that the thrill has worn off for hubby and me, and we are content to just hang out on the ship. Plus at the cost of the excursions, would love to save the $$

I understand. But if you are asking the question, then that tells me you are not sure. Follow your heart.

ps - maybe one of you can go with the girls. Finally, I do agree about Jamaica, would not let them go alone.

[setsail]

You are asking a message board full of strangers how to handle your 3 young ladies, really:rolleyes:

 

 

Maybe sit down and have a talk with the 3 young ladies instead

Edited October 5, 2016 by setsail

[BeachChik]

You are asking a message board full of strangers how to handle your 3 young ladies, really:rolleyes:

 

There is nothing wrong with someone asking a question like this. She isn't asking how to parent, simply have you done this or would you.

[GUT2407]

Would you allow 3 girls ages 16, 19 and 20 get off of the ship on their own and do shore excursions purchased either through the ship or someplace like shoretrips?? Ports are Jamaica, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Costa Maya

 

As I don't know the girls any answer I give would be worthless.