Suggestions for 19 yr old 1st time cruiser

[NthernLgts]

Does anyone have suggestions on activities for 18-20 year old on the Caribbean Princess. We're taking our 19 year old son along this August as a grad present. His g/f will be coming with also, with the DW & g/f getting the balcony cabin, and the DS & I across the hall in an inside cabin. I'm concerned a bit about the age issue as they are too old for tyipcal teen activities but not old enough for some of the adult activities on the ship. Any suggestions to better help them enjoy the trip will be appreciated.

[above sea level cruiser]

If you really want to give your son a grad gift, give him and his girlfriend their own cabin.:D And you and your wife can have your own cabin. (double Honeymoons).;) I don't think your son and his girlfriend will be doing anything different on the cruise that they don't do at home, so what the differences:confused:

[Guest Spo]

If you really want to give your son a grad gift, give him and his girlfriend their own cabin.:D And you and your wife can have your own cabin. (double Honeymoons).;) I don't think your son and his girlfriend will be doing anything different on the cruise that they don't do at home, so what the differences:confused:

 

The difference is having respect for your parents and not flaunting what you may or may not be doing. I think it's great that the OP is taking the son's girlfriend along. We took our 19 year old DD on the CB last summer and that really is a neglected age group, however having a friend or GF along will make all the difference in the world. I'm sure they'll have fun just being in each other's company all day even if they're not staying in the same cabin at night!!

[woodofpine]

It appears that OP knows how to manage their own life; someone "above sea level" could be a bit better grounded...

 

I'd take a good look at ship sponsored and independent shores excursions with the young folk's interests in mind. Book'em for them and let them go on their own.

[ancldaca]

They'll entertain themself just fine since it's a Caribbean cruise. There's plenty of beaches and active tours around to keep 'em busy.

 

One thing we do have always done when cruising as a family is keeping to this simple rule: you can do anything you want, anytime, anywhere but pre-dinner cocktail hour and dinner is all of us together every evening, no exceptions. This works out really really well and in the end we end up spending more time together anyway.

 

I agree with 'above sea', stick the kids in the inside and enjoy the balcony yourself. G/f must be dear enough for you to take her along, so respect factor has probably been paid in full. If that relationship survives a 163 sqft box for a week, it'll survive anything!

 

On the last evening, get a nice bottle of champagne (I'd go for the Veuve Clicquot) with some canapes in your cabin and share it with them. A glass of champagne won't hurt anyone and since they won't be able to consume on-board, it'll be something they'll remember.

[tONYpAL85]

If you really want to give your son a grad gift, give him and his girlfriend their own cabin.:D And you and your wife can have your own cabin. (double Honeymoons).;) I don't think your son and his girlfriend will be doing anything different on the cruise that they don't do at home, so what the differences:confused:

 

Now that was funny. :)

 

I think they will have a great time. I went on my first cruise with my gf, I was 20 and she was 18. We had an excellent time! There are enough activities on the ship that people of all ages can participate in. They are old enough to go to Skywalkers at night, watch the adult's only comedy show, swim in the adults only pools (if they want to avoid the noisy pools), and smoke/buy cigarettes!........Ok I was just joking about the last one. They will definately enjoy the cruise. :)

[rianvi]

..from the Star March 3rd. We had our D.D. 18yr with us. They do have times that will be posted in the Patters where they invite 18 to 21 yr old passengers to meet. Also I wouldn't worry too much you are inviting his girlfriend along so he will definitely have company. They will find plenty to do. I agree with Ancldca about having dinner together each night...it is a nice way of spending time together and sharing what you did for the day.

Have a great cruise.

Peace, Anna:)

[Kerry&LuAnn]

First of all, we agree with your sleeping arrangements and think the comments by "above sea level cruiser" are out of line to suggest he knows what your son and girlfriend are "already doing."

 

As for activities, we just returned from a cruise on the Caribbean Princess and saw many passengers the age of your son having a great time. Somehow they all seem to find each other early on and spend the rest of the week hanging out together!

 

The entertainment appeals to all ages, and there are several venues for dancing... everything from swing and jazz to rock to country line dancing. There are wacky games at the pool and a variety of contests throughout the day (trivia, jeopardy, talent contests, etc.). There are movies. The opportunities are too numerous to list them all, but suffice to say they will have a great time!

[Tina G]

I think it is just great that son's girlfriend is accompanying your family! They will have a great time, and quickly find their own fun. You might plan shore excursions together. That always builds anticipation about the cruise. Don't mind AboveSeaLevel - you will know where your son is while you are on the cruise, which just might not be the case if you left him behind!;) Way to go, Mom and Dad!:D

[rebeccalouise]

First of all- I have a 19 year old son and would not buy him and his GF a cabin to share. Secondly, two 19 year olds aren't allowed to share a cabin anyway. One would have to be 21. I do believe that is the case with most lines.

 

In any event, I do think that the couple will have fun together on a cruise. They can go to the bars with the parents without any trouble and at night there is dinner, then the shows, hottubing and meeting other young people.

 

I do think that the 18-20 age is the worst for traveling on a ship because they are in no man's land. Too old for the teen center, too young for the bars and casino.

[jlp20]

They will find plenty to do on their own. EXPECT to eat most of your lunches alone, as they will be off doing their own “thing”.

[8mpg]

lol... I have never been on a cruise but im in the age group...well, Im 22 now

 

I would say to let them share a cabin but just ahve the "talk" before you go. If you child and girlfriend are interested in doing things that you feel are inappropriate, they can just try to sneek off and do them anyways. Just like above sea level said...they are just as likely to do it at home.

 

You might as well enjoy your vacation with your wife...I feel that if you are willing to bring the girlfriend along, you must have some trust in her and your son or you would have not invited her. They are old enough to make adult decisions, you may just need to remind them of that :D

[wrongwaywatson]

OP, ignore the people that are telling you to go against what you believe in. When are son's girlfriend came to our house for the weekend (she lived out of town), they knew that we would not allow them to sleep together. You are conveying what your moral standards are. Don't be swayed by other people. My other son's fiance shared a room with Stephanie (who was 9 then) when she came to visit. All I said was, Stephanie is watching you and I'm sure that you wouldn't want to set a bad example for her. I never got any guff.

 

There are plenty of things to do. Stephanie went at 18 and 19. She went to Skywalkers and usually had a lot of fun there. The hot tubs were full of kids late in the evenings also.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[sjbdtz]

OP, ignore the people that are telling you to go against what you believe in. When are son's girlfriend came to our house for the weekend (she lived out of town), they knew that we would not allow them to sleep together. You are conveying what your moral standards are. Don't be swayed by other people. My other son's fiance shared a room with Stephanie (who was 9 then) when she came to visit. All I said was, Stephanie is watching you and I'm sure that you wouldn't want to set a bad example for her. I never got any guff.

 

There are plenty of things to do. Stephanie went at 18 and 19. She went to Skywalkers and usually had a lot of fun there. The hot tubs were full of kids late in the evenings also.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

This just assumes your moral standards are right, or even reasonable.

 

I agree with AboveSeaLevel.... they're legally adults, can sign contracts and drive cars, and in some jurisdictions they can drink.

 

In MOST jurisdictions there isn't anything they aren't legally entitled to do.

 

It's not like they're 12.

[NthernLgts]

It's entertaining to see all the comments on the g/f coming along when all I was looking for was suggestions on helping them have a good time (and not THAT kind of good time!). Actually, I'm quite confortable with the arrangements we have made. The g/f's parents are footing the bill for her. Yes, she is a great gal and has been around our family for about a year and a half now. Her & the DS arent perfect, but as stated by several posters, we wouldnt have invited her along if there wasnt already a certain level of trust. As an aside to Above Sea Level Criuser.....separate cabins are as good as it will get for them in this instance. I do understand the biology of that age.....but have no intention of enabling it. I'll be Jr's friend in a few more years. For now, I'm fine with just being dad. Besides, at 45 I am not yet ready to be called Grandpa!! Thanks to all.

[tONYpAL85]

First of all- I have a 19 year old son and would not buy him and his GF a cabin to share. Secondly, two 19 year olds aren't allowed to share a cabin anyway. One would have to be 21. I do believe that is the case with most lines.

 

In any event, I do think that the couple will have fun together on a cruise. They can go to the bars with the parents without any trouble and at night there is dinner, then the shows, hottubing and meeting other young people.

 

I do think that the 18-20 age is the worst for traveling on a ship because they are in no man's land. Too old for the teen center, too young for the bars and casino.

 

Princess' rule is that you have to be 18 to have your own stateroom. You don't have to be 21 like you do on most lines. Some lines actually require someone 25 or older to book the room, but not Princess.

[gambit57]

Where are you going?

 

If you book lots of excursions for them, they can still have fun. They'll be together while on the ship. They'll be fine. It's really only bad for sea days, but it's not that bad. At worst, they can just stay in the cabin and watch TV. Or, catch a movie in the theater.

 

I cruised at around that age. The teen stuff isn't very fun unless there are a lot of kids aboard so I'd say you're in no man's land from about age 12 and up until 21.

[wrongwaywatson]

This just assumes your moral standards are right, or even reasonable.

 

I agree with AboveSeaLevel.... they're legally adults, can sign contracts and drive cars, and in some jurisdictions they can drink.

 

In MOST jurisdictions there isn't anything they aren't legally entitled to do.

 

It's not like they're 12.

 

No, they're not 12, but they also aren't paying for the cruise, the parents are. And, the parents are comfortable with the teenagers having separate cabins, so that is the way it should be.

 

I don't believe I mentioned anything about morality in my post at all. I was referring to children (teenagers, early 20s, etc) respecting the comfort level of the parents while staying at their house (or cruising on their $$$).

 

I think it is more out of line for people to tell them to let them share a cabin, when that isn't what they asked about in the first place.

[sjbdtz]

You are conveying what your moral standards are. Don't be swayed by other people. !

 

 

I don't believe I mentioned anything about morality in my post at all.

 

 

You did.

 

 

Anyway, the OP asked what they would do for fun....and AboveSeaLevel answered. It wasn't what the OP had in mind apparently, but I can guarantee the son would agree with AboveSea Level!

[wrongwaywatson]

You did.

 

 

Anyway, the OP asked what they would do for fun....and AboveSeaLevel answered. It wasn't what the OP had in mind apparently, but I can guarantee the son would agree with AboveSea Level!

 

 

I did not mention what I believe is morally right or wrong. I was just telling them to not feel bad that everyone was suggesting that they pay for their son to shack up with his girlfriend. Obviously, that wasn't what their intent was. As a parent, you do have the right to convey your morals to your children. Whether or not they agree or not is another question. I also don't think that you should speak for what those 2 teenagers want to do. Not all teenagers are sexually active.

[mikeyg0]

I sure am glad I don't have parents like the OP.

 

I'm 20, gay and am going on a cruise with my parents, as well as my boyfriend of 4 years (yes we started dating young). We are *all* in the same cabin because down here in Australia cruises are damn expensive and we don't have much choice at all. My mum can't wait for us all to be in the same room together, but has often said that if they could afford it, they would have gotten 2 cabins.

 

My parents let me and my boyfriend share a room, they let my brother and his girlfriend share a room, and always have. Ever since I was 17! My parents brought me up well enough to trust that my decisions will be the right ones. They know we have sex and trust us!

 

Fair enough, the OP has his own morals, standards, whatever, and he has every right to impose them onto his children. But once his children become adults, is it really 'right' to continue to force his son to live as he wants him to?

 

His son is an adult!

 

I have to admit though, the OP never mentioned whether his son wanted the arrangements like this. For all we know the son doesn't want to sleep in the same room as his girlfriend, and if this is the case, then good on ya and enjoy your cruise :)

 

All my point is, is let your son make his own decisions. I agree that not all teens are sexually active, and I know nothing about teenagers in America, although we do hear about these very religious kids who think sex before marriage is as bad as murder, and that's fair enough. But making a 19 year old share with the old man while the girlfriend shares with the old lady... if it's against his will, poor kid!

[B40 Tha Cruisa]

Some of the above comments are incorrect. 20 year olds can have their own cabin, afterall I just booked a cabin for my and my girlfriend on the Grand Princess and we are 20. As far as activities go, there is something to do all the time. Im sure the girl will just enjoy lying in the sun on a beautiful princess ship. Above sea levels comments were out of line. What they decide to do with their children is none of your business. Everyone can have a fun time on board. I enjoyed the shows and comedians, and the caribbean islands are all exceptional!

[B40 Tha Cruisa]

Also, we are paying for our cruise with our own money.

[LegalCruiser10]

I think everyone got very off topic here.

 

The OP want to know if his son and girlfriend would find things to do.

 

I have never been on Princess, but I went on my first cruise when I was 13 and have not been 21 on a cruise yet. I have always found something to do and never participated in any teen programs. Have your son read the "program" for the day (I think they are called Patters on princess). There will be an abundance of things to do. Alot of people his age will probably hang out at Karaoke (sp?) or by the pools. I have also tried different activities that I would have never done, like go to art auctions (just to watch) or play shuffleboard (even though everyone else was older it was fun).

 

So, tell your son not to stress, he will have fun and find things to do.

 

Have Fun.

 

Elissa

[be1498]

We took our 19 year old son and his girlfriend (also 19) on a cruise last year. They watched shows, danced, strolled the deck, and played bingo. They enjoyed the excursions, and even went off without us at times to ride wave runners, visit museums, and shop.

CB has MUTS, and pizza and burgers on deck...heaven for most younger folks. There seem to be plenty of things to keep them occupied without resorting to the birds and the bees.

To wrongwaywatson...hi Jackie! Great meeting you on the Grand! Sorry we never made it to any of your classes.