Spring break concerns

[macminn]

I posted this on the general forum, and it was suggested I post in the NCL one, so here goes.

 

We are considering a spring break cruise. Because of time restraints, we are looking at a 7 night out of Los Angeles March 26 on Norwegian to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo. Our dates are very specific.

 

We're mid 50's, enjoy a cocktail or two, but are concerned about how many spring breakers will be on the ship, and how does Norwegian discipline or keep them in line, if they do at all.

 

I know there will be plenty of families on board as well.

[BostonGal35]

spring break i always thought was the 3rd week of march. you may be cruising after the fact.

 

that said, if it is spring break be prepared. try to book yourself in the haven or a suite, or buy spa passes so you have some peace.

[SuiteTraveler]

Typically during Spring Break, NCL does not allow the purchase of beverage packages which really cuts back on the partying. NCL does have a full security team onboard and there is a padded cell (AKA the "drunk tank") for those who are out of control. We have sailed during Spring Break without incident, but we are also in The Haven so are sheltered from the majority of people onboard. Spring Breakers don't tend to go in the Spa and we spend most of our time in there and other time by The Haven Pool and in our suite.

[macminn]

SuiteTraveler,

Thanks for the reply. Spring break across the country goes from the end of Feb through mid-April. My wife is a teacher in MN, that's her spring break week.

We haven't done a suite, but seriously looking at it.

[roger001]

I posted this on the general forum, and it was suggested I post in the NCL one, so here goes.

 

We are considering a spring break cruise. Because of time restraints, we are looking at a 7 night out of Los Angeles March 26 on Norwegian to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo. Our dates are very specific.

 

We're mid 50's, enjoy a cocktail or two, but are concerned about how many spring breakers will be on the ship, and how does Norwegian discipline or keep them in line, if they do at all.

 

I know there will be plenty of families on board as well.

 

We've sailed several times in both March and April. I don't think NCL is a big spring breakers cruise line. I've never seen an issue with rowdy folks of any age....well, except a very few young kids a couple of times who were not being controlled by their parents.

[www3traveler]

I posted this on the general forum, and it was suggested I post in the NCL one, so here goes.

 

We are considering a spring break cruise. Because of time restraints, we are looking at a 7 night out of Los Angeles March 26 on Norwegian to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo. Our dates are very specific.

 

We're mid 50's, enjoy a cocktail or two, but are concerned about how many spring breakers will be on the ship, and how does Norwegian discipline or keep them in line, if they do at all.

 

I know there will be plenty of families on board as well.

Spring Break is between the end of February until after Easter and sometimes into mid April.

 

Yes, they can and do deal with party people.

 

You are blessed because Steve Jacobsen is scheduled to be your Hotel Director. Steven is a gentleman in every sense of the word. He and his staff can handle anything that comes their way.

 

Relax and enjoy

[NHL Philly Fan]

https://www.studentcity.com/plan-a-trip/overview/when-my-spring-break

[blackwing]

My last two cruises were during Spring Break, and our Spring Break is exactly the same week as your wife's (always the last week of March). If your concern is that your ship is going to be overrun with drunk college students, I think your fears are unfounded.

 

I don't think many college students go on a cruise for Spring Break, unless they are with their families. Especially not one leaving out of Los Angeles. Cruises might be a little pricey for college students. College students tend to go to places like Cancun, Havasu City, South Padre Island, Florida. At least that's what I thought. Places where they can cram 10 guys or gals in a room, buy cheap beer, and just party all day long on the beach. I don't think cruises have that kind of appeal for the "spring breakers" that you seem to want to avoid.

 

Your cruise will however probably be very crowded. It will be crowded with families with high school age or younger children who are taking their kids on a spring break cruise.

 

IMO you're more likely to encounter drunk middle aged adults than drunk college students.

[Heather1972]

I've done a lot of spring break cruises. I haven't seen the drunken mess so far. You're more likely to deal with unruly children. The worst thing I have had happen so far was the group of unsupervised children intentionally pushing large amounts of water out of the hot tub on to me and my iPad when I was on the Epic. I'm not talking oops sorry I splashed you. They were turning the hot tub into a wave pool. It was not my first choice of places to be sitting any way as most seats were taken by towels at 7 am. Well, they just wouldn't stop doing it. So, I got security involved. I meant business when I came back from calling security when I was surrounded by 6 security officers. The missing father who was elsewhere on the ship suddenly appeared and tried to start crap with me and putting his hands in my face. Security told the father and kids to leave me alone, and for the kids to not be in the tub. Security watched the area from a far for a few hours after that.

[lee lehman]

The Jewel is not considered a party ship, it is very family oriented, we have sailed on it twice and enjoyed both cruises. Don't feel pressured into the Haven area we book balconies on the Jewel Class ships and mini-suites on the larger ships which allows us 2 cruises per year rather than one.

 

 

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[Tutontow]

I've done a lot of spring break cruises. I haven't seen the drunken mess so far. You're more likely to deal with unruly children. The worst thing I have had happen so far was the group of unsupervised children intentionally pushing large amounts of water out of the hot tub on to me and my iPad when I was on the Epic. I'm not talking oops sorry I splashed you. They were turning the hot tub into a wave pool. It was not my first choice of places to be sitting any way as most seats were taken by towels at 7 am. Well, they just wouldn't stop doing it. So, I got security involved. I meant business when I came back from calling security when I was surrounded by 6 security officers. The missing father who was elsewhere on the ship suddenly appeared and tried to start crap with me and putting his hands in my face. Security told the father and kids to leave me alone, and for the kids to not be in the tub. Security watched the area from a far for a few hours after that.

 

See that right there is just one of the reasons our society is so messed up. In my day my father would have been embarrassed as can be. He would have then proceeded to read me the riot act and make me apologize to you for being disrespectful. If I ever had a run in with a teacher, neighbor or any adult the last thing I wanted was my parents to find out.

[zqvol]

I posted this on the general forum, and it was suggested I post in the NCL one, so here goes.

 

We are considering a spring break cruise. Because of time restraints, we are looking at a 7 night out of Los Angeles March 26 on Norwegian to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo. Our dates are very specific.

 

We're mid 50's, enjoy a cocktail or two, but are concerned about how many spring breakers will be on the ship, and how does Norwegian discipline or keep them in line, if they do at all.

 

I know there will be plenty of families on board as well.

 

That is not really spring break. It is too late for most colleges, and too early for the K-12 systems which are usually the week before or the week after Easter.

[blackwing]

That is not really spring break. It is too late for most colleges, and too early for the K-12 systems which are usually the week before or the week after Easter.

 

Not true. Spring Break varies all across the country. It could be anywhere from February to April. As I mentioned, that week has always been my kids' spring break, and for many others in my area and the surrounding area. My kids are 9 and 7.

[kathiewe]

We are going on the Getaway during Sarasota County, FL's Spring Break, which is March 12. As a District employee with a 9 year old, we chose Spring Break because we are both off. We expect to be with lots of kids and look forward to our son having lots of new friends to play with. We are expecting a decent level of craziness but that is why we got an aft cabin where we can get some quiet in our own space and also booked the upgrading dining package. I think you have to be aware of the timing of your vacation and set your expectations accordingly.

 

Oh and please don't think that parent is representative of all parents. If our son was involved in such an incident, he would hate life. Vacation or not. Mommy and Daddy don't accept that kind of behavior and he knows it. The same goes for his friend's.

 

In fact, I am sitting a local public planning hearing because I have a work related presentation to give, my husband is also working tonight, and my son is sitting quietly next to me.

[DMH15]

I was on the Jewel April 4-11, 2015. I was expecting to have to deal with a lot of rowdiness… But that was definitely not the case. It seems there was a lot of children and families but not that many teenagers or college kids

 

In fact, it seems like the casino was a ghost town. Families were spending time together and not the parents in gambling. It was not even smoky.

 

I took my niece who had just graduated from high school. We were in an aft suite. Having the suite breakfast and lunch in Moderno was perfect. We had a great cruise and I would definitely book the Jewel again during the months of March and April.

 

 

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Edited January 11, 2017 by DMH15

[detroitlions]

I have booked many cruises that time of year and I will be this year.

There are lots of family's on cruises during this time and every Holliday.

Some older folks do not go during peak times not only to avoid kids but to save money.

I do see some college kids but as most have said they are usually with family or small groups.

[hawkeyetlse]

Typically during Spring Break, NCL does not allow the purchase of beverage packages which really cuts back on the partying.

They only did that for the first two years of the UBP (2013 and 2014). Then they changed it so that you had to be over 25 to get the UBP over spring break (defined by NCL as the period from between March 1 and April 15). Then sometime in 2015 they took away this restriction, too, so the UBP can now be purchased (or received as a perk) by anyone over 21 for cruises all year round.

[ashley@cruisecritic]

I'd be less worried about rowdy college kids onboard and more worried about encountering them in port. Mexico (Cabo in particular) is a HUGE spring break destination. I hate to generalize, but often they're interested in bars and beaches, so I'd suggest finding a nice restaurant to grab lunch or something interesting to do outside of the immediate port area. Maybe an excursion? If it gets too crazy, you can always get back on the ship and enjoy peace and quiet. Either way, I hope you go and have a great time!

[irishclover]

My husband is a college professor and we are going on this cruise because it's his spring break. My spring break isnt until 2 weeks later (and lasts 2 weeks). I was surprised to see ubp being offered (but pleased too). Cabo might have a lot of spring breakers but if you are concerned go on an excursion. But uno mas has some of the best blended fruit drinks I've ever had in cabo

 

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[cruiser&flyer]

Typically during Spring Break, NCL does not allow the purchase of beverage packages which really cuts back on the partying. NCL does have a full security team onboard and there is a padded cell (AKA the "drunk tank") for those who are out of control. We have sailed during Spring Break without incident, but we are also in The Haven so are sheltered from the majority of people onboard. Spring Breakers don't tend to go in the Spa and we spend most of our time in there and other time by The Haven Pool and in our suite.

 

The WORST offenders I have seen in my 50 or so cruises were NOT spring-breakers but two 70-80 year old males coming to blows in the elevators because one them thought there was room for one additional person in the elevator and one thought there was not! An argument flared up and that leads to a physical altercation within seconds!

So yes, SOME old farts are just as bad if not worse than spring-breakers.

[maui07]

We're sailing on the jewel 4/2-4/9 with our boys for their spring break (they are 3 and 6). We are from washington state. Spring breaks fall from the end of feb-end of april. Honestly, I would be more worried about children than college kids. The cruise also fell under a kids sail free promo.

[pvfunlover]

I'm taking the March 26 Mexican Riviera cruise on NCL Jewel. I don't know about other colleges but ASU and UA breaks are over by the 19th.

[momofmab]

College kids most definitely go on cruises for Spring Break - especially those ports that are drivable from campus. They do however pick the cheapest cruises, so if yours is not a "deal", then you shouldn't be concerned. If you look at all the lines sailing that week from LA and yours is not the cheapest, then I don't think you have to worry. Your dates are also pretty late in March, for the vast majority of college Spring Breaks.

[CruisinHarvey]

It's a crap shot. Once on the Jewel we had 700 college spring breakers. It was the first week of March. They came from 2 southern Florida colleges. Never again! They had extra security on board. Security threw 25 off in Cozumel, for breaking into the ship liquor storage. They had 2 in the brig for ruining a painting at the customer service deck. It appeared they were mad because restaurant they wanted to go to @ 5 am was closed. I told a group of girls in the hallway early on that the cussing there needed to stop, F bombs everywhere. They did stop though. Just not your relaxing retreat. NCL should at least let you know that a large group like that has booked the ship.

[BostonGal35]

to clarify.

 

there is spring break, which is the one week college students get. that is where you could have drunk college kids.

 

then there is spring vacation/break that K-12 gets. in our area, the kids get a week in Feb and a week in April. we avoid these weeks as the small children and rude, mouthy teens are the worst to deal with (see hot tub post above).

 

i said something on our recent cruise to the group of teens that were sitting all over a stairwell. i told them they should nto be sitting there. as i walked away, i heard them back talk "whatever, i can sit wherever i want". i really weep for our future when i see this completely rude, inconsiderate, entitled generation of kids that today's parents have raised.