Bored Teens

[G'ma]

This is our first and we are bringing to teens 15 and 17 both male. Need activity ideas to reassure them they are not going to be bored.

 

The first night, there will be a great get-together in Club 02 which is the teen club for kids from 15 to 17 years old. Encourage them to go. Over the first day or so, that becomes a hangout for that age group. They meet each other and before too long have made some new friends. There will be a newsletter that will outline all the activities during the week for these teens. LOTS of activities from disco parties in one of the lounges onboard to games, contests, etc. Plenty of video games to play (free) and a great arcade.

 

Most teens this age end up in the evening on Lido deck chomping on pizza and yakking.

 

I've been taking my grandson since he was 8 years old. He was 17 this year for Liberty last month. He's always enjoyed the teen clubs plus he's met a couple of really nice kids that he keeps in touch with.

 

If they don't get involved, they will be bored...... If they make friends easily, they'll have a ball.

[Luv2Cruise525]

I loved Club 02 and met a lot of kids who I'm still in touch with! We're planning to have a reunion cruise in a couple of years. Now that I'm a young adult, it's a lot harder to meet people around my age. I wish they had a Club 02 for 18-21 yr. olds instead of just a meet and greet that most people don't go to. Definitely take advantage of the atmosphere now, because it won't be so safe and easy to meet people your age in the future.

[CruiserKatie]

Need to know how strict the age limitations are for the two teen clubs.

 

There is a huge difference between a mature 14 year old and immature 12 year old.

 

I am taking two 14 (almost 15) BOYS in July. Neither one look 14, or think they are 14. They both run in circles in our town with the older kids. Both are dating girls older than them.

 

both are good boys, but I don't think they will respond well being put in a group of 12 to 14 year olds.

[paradiseseekers]

I don't have kids... but in all seriousness.. How come people worry so much if thier kids are having fun?? You are providing them a vacation.

WHO CARES what your kid likes or doesn't like...Enjoy yourself and know you are providing an awesome vacation for your kid.

[pe4all]

I don't have kids... but in all seriousness.. How come people worry so much if thier kids are having fun?? You are providing them a vacation.

WHO CARES what your kid likes or doesn't like...Enjoy yourself and know you are providing an awesome vacation for your kid.

 

I can answer this quite easily. If my kids are having fun, I will have fun! There is nothing worse than a sullen, bored teen. They know every screw to turn, and knife to put into you to get a reaction. They can make life downright miserable if they are not "happy."

[CruiserKatie]

well..see if they are not happy..they tend to make your miserable...

So...we try and keep them happy and safe! Sometimes that is not always possible...but, if it can happen then all is better for everybody!

[paradiseseekers]

I can answer this quite easily. If my kids are having fun, I will have fun! There is nothing worse than a sullen, bored teen. They know every screw to turn, and knife to put into you to get a reaction. They can make life downright miserable if they are not "happy."

 

Miserable????

Thats sad... I would NEVER let a kid get the better of me.

I guess thats why GOD never gave me kids. I would probably expect too much of them and hurting me or thier father would not be an option...

[hillcountry]

I can answer this quite easily. If my kids are having fun, I will have fun! There is nothing worse than a sullen, bored teen. They know every screw to turn, and knife to put into you to get a reaction. They can make life downright miserable if they are not "happy."

 

Amen! I took my two teens (13 and 15) on their first cruise this week. I was initially worried about them having enough to do. Oh no! Not the case at all. I hardly saw them!! In fact, they were hugging and tearfully telling their respective groups (Circle C and Club O2) goodbye this morning. I was amazed... and both of them are talking about how much fun they had and how they can't wait for next time. :D Mission accomplished!

[pe4all]

Miserable????

Thats sad... I would NEVER let a kid get the better of me.

I guess thats why GOD never gave me kids. I would probably expect too much of them and hurting me or thier father would not be an option...

 

I have been a teacher for 29 years, and I have NEVER had a child I couldn't "handle" - till I had my own - LOL! DD17 can be a doll, and then the next minute her head is turning like the Exorcist, and she changes into a demon child. My kids are a blessing 95% of the time, and I would sell them to the lowest bidder the other 5%! Club 02 was great for her - she met tons of kids, and hung with them each cruise. Sometimes we begged her to meet her friends, and spare us!:eek:

[jsglow]

The age rules seemingly work as follows for Club O2. If you are at least 14 years and 9 months at the time of sailing, you can be officially let in. Our son was just a couple weeks short of 15 on our last cruise and it was perfectly fine. I believe they use the same rule once you turn 18 (three months grace after your b-day) but not sure. The director may have some discretion.

 

As to fun.....

 

My 15 and 17 year old kids think it is the best thing in the world. Our "veteran" Club O2 daughter had a "posse" by the end of the orientation that included several first timers. They hung together during the week except for family shore excursions and dinner. Our son seemed to spend more actual time in the club in the evening with his own buddies playing video games and chatting.

[CruiserKatie]

The age rules seemingly work as follows for Club O2. If you are at least 14 years and 9 months at the time of sailingV

 

omg...one boy makes exactly ( birthday is 12th..sails on the 12th..) the other boy ( my son) birthday is 14th..sailes on the 14th. This could get interesting!! LOL

 

My son is 6 foot tall and looks much older than the other boy ...oh lord.if his friend gets in and he doesn't...the ship might be really rocking!

[ellenmb]

On our Disney cruise my two teens were ages 17 and 14 and were BORED OUT OF THEIR MINDS! My two younger children had the time of their lives! And trust me we are not rich enough for my kids to get bored with so many things to do . (In reply to a previous poster) I really, really hope this time around they will have a better time. Then, I couldn't even get my teen son to leave the room! (which put a damper on mine and my dh's personal time.:rolleyes:

A little "tough" love goes a long way; kick him out so you and hub can spend some quality time and tell him not to come back for a couple of hours..he'll find something to do (or not..but he will be on deck and not in your room):):D

[tlbuckingham]

Hmm being so close in age they should not be bored as they can do activities with each other (good if they are shy). Not sure what teen clubs are on the ship but they should have sports and pools.

[JJMERKEL]

jsglow

 

Do you know if the age thing is for all the groups or just O2? We have an eleven year old DD who will be 2 weeks short of her 12th b-day when we sail in march. We are hoping she can be in the 12 to 14 yo group?

 

At what age do people let their kid go out "alone" on the ship. Or what age is it ok to leave them in the cabin at bed time. Our DD (12 yo) babysits her younger sister (7 yo) at home for short periods of time. We were wondering about going to a show or casino at night and leaving them to watch a movie or go to bed??

[TV Dad]

MY Two Cents on Teens: You have teenagers. You probably know what I'm telling you already.

-There's nothing for teens to do on a cruise.

-They'll be bored without their friends.

-The food's gonna s*ck.

-They don't want to get dressed up.

-Why can't they stay home?

-What do you mean they have to eat at a table with strangers! ??

-Did you see how small the bathroom is?

-There's no privacy.

Don't worry! Millions of teenagers cruise every year. Many have the same complaints. It's what teens do. They critique and question everything. I did it as a teen. You guys all probably did too.

The teens will LOVE the cruise!

[ivycruise]

Last year on the Glory my then 15 YO DD and her friend didn't go to the orientation but ended up in the teen 02 club on the first night. By the 2nd night other kids were stopping by our table in the MDR and we had no idea who they were. Seems as if they hit it off on the first night with other teens. Only complaint they had was they wanted more time in the club and we had 8PM seating in the MDR. This cut into their social time. This year they requested we get an earlier seating so they can be assured more time in the club. Oh, yeah, other complaint was that we wanted them back by midnight, they had a blast. Now, this was during spring break, I'm sure the volume of kids may help.

[Texas_firefighter]

This is our first and we are bringing to teens 15 and 17 both male. Need activity ideas to reassure them they are not going to be bored.

 

 

If they're concerned about being bored after being taken on a free cruise,maybe they would prefer staying home with grandparents.Just a thought. ;) :D

[UCSD]

As a semi rhetorical question, when are teenagers not bored? :D:D

 

I have heard that a few elderly can not get along with teenagers. Now, I believe it is true.

[Brizzygirl]

MY Two Cents on Teens: You have teenagers. You probably know what I'm telling you already.

 

-There's nothing for teens to do on a cruise.

-They'll be bored without their friends.

-The food's gonna s*ck.

-They don't want to get dressed up.

-Why can't they stay home?

-What do you mean they have to eat at a table with strangers! ??

-Did you see how small the bathroom is?

-There's no privacy.

 

 

Don't worry! Millions of teenagers cruise every year. Many have the same complaints. It's what teens do. They critique and question everything. I did it as a teen. You guys all probably did too.

 

The teens will LOVE the cruise!

You are so right!

Mine are 15 and 17, they still don't know they have to eat at a table with strangers! (Nor does my husband) Some things are better left unsaid!

[Jevsy]

The age rules seemingly work as follows for Club O2. If you are at least 14 years and 9 months at the time of sailing, you can be officially let in. Our son was just a couple weeks short of 15 on our last cruise and it was perfectly fine. I believe they use the same rule once you turn 18 (three months grace after your b-day) but not sure. The director may have some discretion.

 

As to fun.....

 

My 15 and 17 year old kids think it is the best thing in the world. Our "veteran" Club O2 daughter had a "posse" by the end of the orientation that included several first timers. They hung together during the week except for family shore excursions and dinner. Our son seemed to spend more actual time in the club in the evening with his own buddies playing video games and chatting.

 

 

This is gonna be an awkward one for us too!

My son was 14 in june and we go on freedom 18th oct so not gonna fit into that criteria! Well prob send him to orientation at 12-14's and let him hopefully find his own way on from there! Absolutely NOT staying in room at all though.

[alreadypacked]

As for the alchohol problem.....no bartender will serve them..none. If they find someone of age to buy it for them' date=' that person can and will be removed from the ship at the next port...Carnival is very strict about that and it is clearly laid out in their policy. It's never been an issue in all the years grandson has traveled with me.........[/quote']

 

I agree that most of the time no bartender will serve them, but I was on the Victory in Dec 2007, and spent a lot of late-night evenings at the piano bar until closing. There was a group of about 4 or 5 teenagers in there every night ordering beer and cocktails from the cocktail server.

 

My friends and I (all in our late 30's) couldn't believe it. Not sure how they were getting away with it. Aren't sail and sign cards of underage cruisers flagged in some way? Maybe they were using their parents sail and signs--I don't know.

 

At that late hour, the bar was not crowded--it was just the same regulars each night by this time and there weren't any security guards there and only the one cocktail server. See the link to my Victory review below:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=40904