What happens when a teen turns 18?

[LisBott]

My oldest just turned 18. He has always loved cruising and meeting and hanging out with kids at the teen clubs. Is there anything for him to do now that he has aged out of the teen clubs, so that he can meet people his age? And any specific cruise line or ship you’d recommend taking him on that is best for that?

[1025cruise]

He can do anything an adult can do, except drink. 

 

Some lines try to hold a get-together, but they aren't always well attended.

[whogo]

The 18 to 21 age group was poorly served by Holland America, too young to drink, too old for the kids' club. My son passed on the singles get together, did not want to meet a woman of a certain age. He had to find his own amusements, turned out he was a whiz at trivia.

[Aquahound]

2 hours ago, LisBott said:

 And any specific cruise line or ship you’d recommend taking him on that is best for that?

 

For cruise lines, I recommend Royal Caribbean, especially the newer and larger ships.  They seem bested suited for keeping an 18 year old entertained.  Avoid Holland America.  

[LisBott]

Thank you! Seems like it’s a bad age to be cruising. He’d still like to find buddies to hang with. I’ll take a look at Royal Caribbean. I appreciate your answer.

[ldubs]

2 hours ago, Aquahound said:

 

For cruise lines, I recommend Royal Caribbean, especially the newer and larger ships.  They seem bested suited for keeping an 18 year old entertained.  Avoid Holland America.  

 

2 hours ago, LisBott said:

Thank you! Seems like it’s a bad age to be cruising. He’d still like to find buddies to hang with. I’ll take a look at Royal Caribbean. I appreciate your answer.

 

I think Royal Caribbean is an excellent suggestion. And no worries, the 18 year olds will all be hanging out in no time flat.   haha

[gerryuk]

9 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

He can do anything an adult can do, except drink. 

 

 

In the UK, the legal age to start on the sherry is 18. As these ships are in international waters, sailing with flags of convenience wont 18 year olds be allowed to drink? How do they set the age limit on cruise ships?

[1025cruise]

3 hours ago, gerryuk said:

In the UK, the legal age to start on the sherry is 18. As these ships are in international waters, sailing with flags of convenience wont 18 year olds be allowed to drink? How do they set the age limit on cruise ships?

For ships leaving and returning to US ports, drinking age is 21.

[ColeThornton]

On board NCL ships young adults can drink beer/wine at 18 when a waiver is signed by the parents.

[jocap]

11 hours ago, gerryuk said:

In the UK, the legal age to start on the sherry is 18. As these ships are in international waters, sailing with flags of convenience wont 18 year olds be allowed to drink? How do they set the age limit on cruise ships?

gerryuk- this was dealt with by Cruise Critic, when RCI approached the UK admin. to see whether it would be possible for 18 year olds to have a waiver signed by a guardian.

The reply was that an 18 year old was a full adult, so they didn't have a guardian.

This was the beginning of all lines allowing 18 yrs to drink alcohol, except on cruises out of North America, which has different rules.

[Hlitner]

On 10/19/2020 at 8:44 AM, 1025cruise said:

For ships leaving and returning to US ports, drinking age is 21.

The OP did not specify cruises from the USA!  In fact, the way things are going with the CDC and a certain Federal Judge in the 5th Circuit there are some major impediments to cruising even happening from the USA.  So, assuming that the European travel restrictions are lifted I would  suggest that 18 year old head to Europe (for cruise or land) where they are treated like adults (when it comes to adult beverages).  On a ship an 18 year old generally leads an adult life where they form their own friendships, participate in activities to their likening, and set their own social agenda.   

 

Hank

[SelectSys]

On 10/18/2020 at 2:56 PM, LisBott said:

My oldest just turned 18. He has always loved cruising and meeting and hanging out with kids at the teen clubs. Is there anything for him to do now that he has aged out of the teen clubs, so that he can meet people his age? And any specific cruise line or ship you’d recommend taking him on that is best for that?

 

I think if your oldest liked cruising previously he will continue to like cruising.  If memory serves me correctly, my kids continued to find friends once they turned 18.

 

I am also a fan of RCCL.  The demographics onboard worked as my kids were growing up, including being in their late teens.

[mjkacmom]

On 10/19/2020 at 9:04 AM, ColeThornton said:

On board NCL ships young adults can drink beer/wine at 18 when a waiver is signed by the parents.

We signed the waiver for our 19 and 20 year olds in NCL. They also attended the young adult meetups at night and met new people to hang out with.

[dkjretired]

On 10/19/2020 at 4:49 PM, jocap said:

gerryuk- this was dealt with by Cruise Critic, when RCI approached the UK admin. to see whether it would be possible for 18 year olds to have a waiver signed by a guardian.

The reply was that an 18 year old was a full adult, so they didn't have a guardian.

This was the beginning of all lines allowing 18 yrs to drink alcohol, except on cruises out of North America, which has different rules.

Many lines still require parents to sign which does make no sense since they are adults.

always thought it was funny that they can gamble in the casino but can’t drink.