Teenagers Cruising

JoeyandDavid · May 28, 2009

On another thread a question came up about teenagers cruising which got me to wondering .. which line is BEST equipped for teenagers (12+-18+/-) as far as activities.. food..entertainment?

Gibber · May 28, 2009

I am VERY interested in this topic (might have been my suggestion that spurred on the thread :wink2: ).

We are planning a cruise within the next year or two where our three teenage sons (19, 16, and 14) will hopefully be with us and any suggestions and experiences will be welcome. As we discuss this more with the boys, I'll add some of their thoughts (besides the obvious sun and girls they are interested in...) on likes and dislikes.

Gibber

coloradocruisers · May 28, 2009

Having taken our kids on Carnival, Disney, and Princess; it is very hard for me to differentiate between these mainlines from a teenager's perspective. Very competitive, so they try hard to keep up with one another. We haven't tried Royal Carribean yet, but plan to next time around. I would simply say that if you stick to any of these, you can't go wrong.

I would steer clear of HAL, Celebrity, Azamara, Regent, or any of the premier lines. I haven't tried any of them, but from what I've read about them they cater more to the adult cruiser.

DebbieandJerry · May 29, 2009

When Marcy's kids were in high school, they went with us on Carnival and had a blast! They didn't really participate in the teen activities during the day, but loved the teen nightclubs in the evening.

My 2 nieces cruise with their parents all the time. They are particular to NCL. Again, it's the night life that they like.

Princess also has a great club atmosphere with lots of musical variety. I don't remember the club situation when we were on Royal (guess we didn't go to any).

deb1220 · May 29, 2009

I mentioned on the DOCK that my son's favorite teen club was on RCI but he also enjoyed just being on his own. When he was 13, 14, 15 (since he's an only child) he really liked going to the shows, arcade, pizza parties etc. with the group. Once he was over 17 he enjoyed the discos (clubs) that were for 18 and up. I just wish the cruise lines had more for the 18 -20 age group. They're too young for some things yet too old for others.

eaststandbaggie · May 29, 2009

The 18 - 20 age group can be an awkward age group anywhere but tied to a cruise ship for some time could be boring. RCI have the waverider and golf etc but if they are not sporty it could be difficult. Most English kids of that age group like to go to clubs and bars so generally thats what my kids would do on a cruise. Uk and european cruise lines allow drinking from the age of 18. RCI although generally applying drinking from the age of 21 do on european cruises allow parents to opt their children out so that they can drink from 18. ( this may also only be for europeans, I am not 100 % sure)

DebbieandJerry · May 29, 2009

Have to tell you that the 18-20 year olds somehow find a way to find the alcohol. No judgement call - just an observation.

I agree that it can "be boring on the ship" for the 17-20 yr old during the day. But it can also be "boring" for the adult as well. It's all what you make of it.

deb1220 · May 30, 2009

Have to tell you that the 18-20 year olds somehow find a way to find the alcohol. No judgement call - just an observation.

My son, Evin looks older than what he is.....so what disturbed me was when he was out on his own on the ship, he was offered alcohol - no questions asked. He refused....just because he's such a "rule-oriented" person. But how many people like him didn't refuse. I think you really have to watch out for that! I think the resposibility falls on both sides - the server and the kid.

coloradocruisers · May 30, 2009

Have to tell you that the 18-20 year olds somehow find a way to find the alcohol. No judgement call - just an observation.

My son, Evin looks older than what he is.....so what disturbed me was when he was out on his own on the ship, he was offered alcohol - no questions asked. He refused....just because he's such a "rule-oriented" person. But how many people like him didn't refuse. I think you really have to watch out for that! I think the resposibility falls on both sides - the server and the kid.

Good for Evin. I think they play it pretty loose on the ships. Last year we went on the Conquest about this time. There were clearly a number of recent high school graduates on-board. I remember one of the formal nights Sharon and I were walking along around 7PM or so, and young lady came staggering toward us with a couple guys on each side holding her up. She was dressed very nice in a black evening dress, but she couldn't even walk straight without their help. It was still early in the evening, and she was already sloshed. Sharon and I both agreed that she looked too young to be drinking. Those two guys appeared to be taking her to her room, but who knows what could have happened in that situation.