Best way to stay in contact with 13yo son

[Dreams42Day]

This will be my 13yo son's first cruise. We want him to be able to participate in the teen programs and have some freedoms on the ship. He does not have/own a cell phone (shocking, I know). What is a good way to stay in communication with him? 

[smplybcause]

Without a cellphone your options are predetermined checkin times/places and a whiteboard or post it notes in the cabin. 

[doverboy]

Get some kind of communication device OR ask him to check in with you when teen activities are done

[graphicguy]

18 minutes ago, smplybcause said:

Without a cellphone your options are predetermined checkin times/places and a whiteboard or post it notes in the cabin. 

I like this idea.  Checkin times and a whiteboard on the cabin door informing where he will be and when.  

[smplybcause]

44 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I like this idea.  Checkin times and a whiteboard on the cabin door informing where he will be and when.  

 

We kept the whiteboard in-cabin - but it worked pretty well for a friend and I when we cruised together. We would either put down our plan for the next few hours or something like see you at trivia at 1pm in Schooners or in the casino before dinner. 

[jdc987]

Any old cell phone will work!

[smplybcause]

4 minutes ago, jdc987 said:

Any old cell phone will work!

 

Any old smart phone. Need to be able to download NCL's app! Though most people trade in their phones when they upgrade so that might not be an option.

[mjkacmom]

One issue is that the teens keep in touch with each other on their phones for meet ups. Can he use a parent’s?

[Hotspring]

14 hours ago, Dreams42Day said:

This will be my 13yo son's first cruise. We want him to be able to participate in the teen programs and have some freedoms on the ship. He does not have/own a cell phone (shocking, I know). What is a good way to stay in communication with him? 

Yes, shocking in country that has more cell phones than population.   How do you punish him?   Threatening to take the phone away for a period of time really is more motivating to get our 13YO do her chores or checking in than grounding.  It is really easy to monitor usage these days as well.   🙂

 

Anyway, requiring routine check ins at the cabin to read or leave updated notes should work well.  We are too frugal to spend the $9.95 a week to set up texting on our daughter's phone.   The walk from Entourage to your cabin will burn of steam.   On the Bliss last year, our daughter got in at least 4 miles a day wandering the ship and she was checked into Splash Academy for some of that time.   For his sake and your piece of mind for his safety, realize that there are literally hundreds of cameras throughout the ships.