Birthday Cruise for a soon to be 13 year old

[Southernbelle73]

Will be taking my daughter on her first cruise for her 13th birthday. Was wondering if ya'll had any suggestions on what would be fun for her on the cruise or an excusion. We are leaving on Nov 23 and her Bday is on the 26th. She will actually get to celebrate her birthday in Santo Tomas De Castilla

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated..

We also had considered looking into touring one of the schools nearby and allowing our daughter to give away gifts on her birthday. Let me know what you think?

Thanks

[JoeyandDavid]

Will be taking my daughter on her first cruise for her 13th birthday. Was wondering if ya'll had any suggestions on what would be fun for her on the cruise or an excusion. We are leaving on Nov 23 and her Bday is on the 26th. She will actually get to celebrate her birthday in Santo Tomas De Castilla

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated..

We also had considered looking into touring one of the schools nearby and allowing our daughter to give away gifts on her birthday. Let me know what you think?

Thanks

Hi there.. I guess before I could suggest I would have to ask..."what is she interested in?"

[Southernbelle73]

Loves horses, nature you name it she is a country girl. Scary part she is not scared of anything.

[55ChevyLady]

Loves horses, nature you name it she is a country girl. Scary part she is not scared of anything.

sounds like my 2 girls...What ship are you sailing on?

[Southernbelle73]

Loves horses, nature you name it she is a country girl. Scary part she is not scared of anything.

sounds like my 2 girls...What ship are you sailing on?

NCL Spirit - so excited..... It happens to be Thanksgiving week so she is out of school.....

[DebbieandJerry]

Before we stopped in Fanning Island, we went to the dollar store and got colored pencils, crayons, activity books, flash cards, various levels of reading books and general "school supplies" and put together a box. I schlepped this box on to the island and let me tell you, it got heavier and hotter as the day wore on.

Finally we were able to go to the school and present "the box". Not a kid in site. Not a teacher to be found. Because we were on the island, it was a holiday and they were entertaining us with music, dance, truly wonderful stuff that you had to look at (and not buy).

Eventually some people came over and graciously accepted our gift. I think they were overwhelmed.

Bottom line, we felt good about what we did.

We didn't bring candy or sweets because there is no dental care on this island. We didn't bring food (chips, nuts, snacks) because we didn't know what their digestive systems could handle.

My point in all of this: If there is a way for you to make contact before you get there, go for it. This way your daughter won't be disappointed if the response isn't what she is expecting.

I think it's a wonderful idea to give something of yourself on your birthday. And to be able to celebrate it in a foreign country with other children. How truly special this day will be!

Be sure to let the ship know. If you bring "stuff" to decorate your door and/or room, let your room steward know. The ships usually present a cake and sing "Happy Birsday to Chew"

Whatever you decide, please take pictures and share them with us.

[deb1220]

Debbie made some wonderful suggestions - "It's better to give than to receive!"

I'm sure your daughter will have a great time on the cruise. Norwegian has a good program of activities for teens. When we went on our first cruise (on the Norwegian Sky) my son was almost 13. He had a fantastic time - both on the excursions with us and with his "new friends" on the ship.