18-21 age group...what if....

[galavant3]

So it looks like a Meet & Mingle type of thing early in the cruise might be a good way to start?

 

I know there is the regular CC M&M but I can't remember seeing many 18-21yr olds attending.

 

Speaking from my personal experience with my three kids only, they aren't really comfortable in that setting. It is awkward for them. My kids would be much for comfortable in a setting of their peers. They are much more likely to approach others if they aren't seated at a table with their parents. In fact, one cruise, my son met a group of kids (seated without their parents) in the WJ before we even left port.

 

Now, my 24 year old daughter does just fine at a meet and mingle. It is the younger two that seem hesitant.

[Elizanessie]

Speaking from my personal experience with my three kids only, they aren't really comfortable in that setting. It is awkward for them. My kids would be much for comfortable in a setting of their peers. They are much more likely to approach others if they aren't seated at a table with their parents. In fact, one cruise, my son met a group of kids (seated without their parents) in the WJ before we even left port.

 

Now, my 24 year old daughter does just fine at a meet and mingle. It is the younger two that seem hesitant.

 

My 21yr old has never attended a M&M. He did though when younger go along to the teens meet ups.

[akcruz]

So it looks like a Meet & Mingle type of thing early in the cruise might be a good way to start?

 

I know there is the regular CC M&M but I can't remember seeing many 18-21yr olds attending.

 

Speaking from my personal experience with my three kids only, they aren't really comfortable in that setting. It is awkward for them. My kids would be much for comfortable in a setting of their peers. They are much more likely to approach others if they aren't seated at a table with their parents. In fact, one cruise, my son met a group of kids (seated without their parents) in the WJ before we even left port.

 

Now, my 24 year old daughter does just fine at a meet and mingle. It is the younger two that seem hesitant.

 

My daughter has met others through roll calls here on cc and actually talked to them before the cruise which has helped out. Unfortunately there aren't always others my kids ages on the roll call which is pretty much who is at the Meet & Mingle. My daughter has come before and gotten to know the adults there and attended shows, etc with some of them. My son on the other hand won't set foot anywhere near one. Fortunately he's still in the teen bracket and anyway is one that meets people easily so not a concern for me.

 

I think I had said it in a previous post, but will put here as well, I do think that a meet and greet for just the 18 - 25ish singles is what's needed.

[Annefran]

Not all 18 - 21 year olds are into drinking. My DD, who is now 20, couldn't care less about getting 'wasted'. That's why she has had issues meeting others her age on cruises. Does she enjoy herself on board, absolutely, but she does it without alcohol. On our cruise when she was 19 (between her freshman and sophmore years in college), she met others her age but never found anything in common with them as they only wanted to drink the booze they snuck on board. For kids wanted to do stuff like that, this thread and the options on here are useless, they will do what they will do. For the kids who want to meet others to go to the shows with, or just lounge by the pool some other activities may be warranted.

 

If you feel they aren't needed, great for you don't attend, but for others that have grown up taking advantage of what the teen areas have to offer they may feel differently. We all get your point, but those of us with our own experiences with our kids in that age group have a different opinion. (and btw my daughter is a well adjusted young adult who is extremely capable of taking care of herself)

 

Can we please all get back to offering useful suggestions about what we would like to see Royal do for this group?

 

Stags14 - I understand what you are saying. I just don't entirely agree. The purpose of the thread was to throw out ideas, not to criticize the ideas that others are offering up.

 

My daughter has met others through roll calls here on cc and actually talked to them before the cruise which has helped out. Unfortunately there aren't always others my kids ages on the roll call which is pretty much who is at the Meet & Mingle. My daughter has come before and gotten to know the adults there and attended shows, etc with some of them. My son on the other hand won't set foot anywhere near one. Fortunately he's still in the teen bracket and anyway is one that meets people easily so not a concern for me.

 

I think I had said it in a previous post, but will put here as well, I do think that a meet and greet for just the 18 - 25ish singles is what's needed.

 

 

Great comments by all that aren't negative. I do bring my DD to the RCI M&M but only if I know that other teens will be coming with their parents. She will also Facebook with teens that we meet through CC which gives her some friends prior to getting on the cruise. But (again) once on board I still believe they need their own meeting place/area. DD will join different activities for teens and sometimes other activities for all ages listed in compass. The only thing I will mention is I think the group should be limited to the 18-20 yrs old because once they are 21 they can legally drink and participate in all adult activities. I really wouldn't want my 18 yr old daughter with 25 yr olds. Just my humble opinion and preference.

 

Thanks to Host Elizanessie for trying to get "constructive" suggestions to pass along to RCI for our teens.

[xcomet]

I think they should plan some events for this age group. A meet and greet the first night. Maybe some dancing, for this group only, in one of the venues. They don't activities planned all day long but maybe a couple spread out through the day. Something to give them options.

 

I agree 100percent!!! as RCCL says "Get out there" , well they need to get the word out there!

[OasisFamily2011]

Why is the age 18-21? Why can't they just let anybody still in highschool (or just graduated) in the teen area, then anybody in that 19 and up range can attend adult activities. I do think there is a big difference between an 18 year old who is still in highschool or just graduated and a 21 year old who is working or is in school.

 

I sailed on a couple of cruises during college (before I was 21). I never had an issue meeting others my age, and I'm not sure I would have attended a meet and mingle. I might have done a dance or some other activity- though I wouldn't have been caught dead in an "under 21" venue in the 18-20 age range, so I'm not sure I would have hit the dance. I was into meeting guys. I always found a college age group of young men and women to hang out with. I think this is the most social age, where people are most open to forming new relationships.

 

Parents, if you are truly this worried about your adult children's social abilities, tell them to wear a college or sorority/frat shirt. If they aren't in school, maybe a sports team shirt or something. Anything to allow somebody to break the ice.

[cello56]

The big difference for 18 and 19 year old high schooler's/just graduated is that they are traveling with their parents. Most older kids/adults are there with at least one other peer. These kids might be the only one from their family in that age group. So while two 25 year olds would have no trouble finding things to do, for many 18 year old kids, it is a lot to expect them to find others all by themselves. Why on earth are some people here so eager to force high school kids to grow up fast? These kids have their entire lives to be self sufficient adults, what is wrong with letting a high school kid be a high school kid.

[DragonMouse]

Yes a lot of 18 year olds will still be in high school. I think they ought to be "lenient" in this area.

 

But 18-20 YES. They need a Meet and Greet with video games as an "ICE BREAKER"....

 

At 18-20 too they are sorta adults in every legal way except gambling and drinking. BUT...We all know they've probably gotten their "feet wet" in some ways.

 

How about a teen "Black Jack/Poker" party. No money of course...just chips...that's a LOT of fun.

 

Of course "discos" are a must.

 

A group area where perhaps they can all get together for a "comedy show"...(18 and up are allowed).

 

A "B" Movie night...or a "Rocky Horror" night. Good grief...I remember being a teen and EVERYBODY went to Rocky Horror...

 

The biggest thing is getting them a "meeting place" where they can meet others there age. If a teen doesn't "bring a friend" on the cruise it's hard to meet up with others.

[davidcraig2003]

I'd hope that by that age (at least the upper end of that age range) that they would have developed adequate social skills not to require 'icebreakers'. Most at that age want to be in an adults environment, not having organised activities. You learn a lot and pick up a lot of self-confidence from socialising, not so much when it's all being co-ordinated for you.

[marci22]

I'd hope that by that age (at least the upper end of that age range) that they would have developed adequate social skills not to require 'icebreakers'. Most at that age want to be in an adults environment, not having organised activities. You learn a lot and pick up a lot of self-confidence from socialising, not so much when it's all being co-ordinated for you.

 

Maybe we should cancel all of the Cruise Critic Meet & Mingles. It's just an icebreaker, right? :rolleyes:

 

Why the hell would a 45yo need an icebreaker?

 

And I'll go a bit further: the whole reason this topic is being mentioned is because we do NOT want to bring our adult children, who are in the purgatory of cruise demographics, to our M&M's; we want them to have a meeting spot of their own.

 

There is not a whole lot of commentary on this thread but there are over 2000 views, which leads me to believe that, while others may be interested, they don't feel like posting and then having to respond to idiots who keep implying that our 18-20yos have problems because they basically want an M&M that isn't full of blue heads.

[davidcraig2003]

Maybe we should cancel all of the Cruise Critic Meet & Mingles. It's just an icebreaker, right? :rolleyes:

 

Why the hell would a 45yo need an icebreaker?

 

And I'll go a bit further: the whole reason this topic is being mentioned is because we do NOT want to bring our adult children, who are in the purgatory of cruise demographics, to our M&M's; we want them to have a meeting spot of their own.

 

Meet & Mingles are organised by the participants, I don't see that as being much different to arranging a meeting with friends.

[marci22]

Meet & Mingles are organised by the participants, I don't see that as being much different to arranging a meeting with friends.

 

Oh come on, there is months of online chatting and planning before the M&M takes place.

 

My 19yo actually has better things to do than be on a computer chatting. Then, I'd worry!

 

I really can't imagine scoping out fellow 40 yos on a cruise and saying, 'Hey! let's get together later on and meet!' Hence, the Meet and Mingles!!!

 

And my last comment to you: this thread is not about parenting skills, it's about a specific topic, and if you don't have anything constructive to add, move on!

[davidcraig2003]

Oh come on, there is months of online chatting and planning before the M&M takes place.

 

 

Exactly! There's months of online chatting prior. Your not walking blind into a room with the intention of finding individuals to spend your cruise with.

 

 

 

I really can't imagine scoping out fellow 40 yos on a cruise and saying, 'Hey! let's get together later on and meet!' Hence, the Meet and Mingles!!!

 

 

No, but have you never got talking to fellow passengers over the coarse of the cruise, without the assistance of organised meetings.

[jamscckmc]

Luckily last year on the Mariner there were alot of college kids on our M&M board and we met up for sailaway. She met a bunch of friends and was busy with them all week. we had organized some shore excursions together too. This year we are on May 22nd Allure and so far there isn't anyone in her age group. there usually is a meet up place for that age group but there is no staff there and from what I read not well attended. We are not sun and pool people so I hope she finds someone to hang out with. She is hoping not to spend all her time with us.:cool:

[xcomet]

If your are reading this, or posting on this, then you have a child in this age category , I urge you to send an email off to your cruise line. I have done this quite a few times! If we want a change we need to voice our opinion to the cruise lines!!

[babyher]

I agree a meet and mingle say the first night would be a good thing, not so much a bunch of planned activities , but just like others have said a meeting to break the ice.

 

A lot of these 18-21 yr olds are on these ships without knowing a soul besides their parents.

 

Kids are very clannish at that age. They can be the life of the party with "their crowd" but very quiet and standoffish around strangers. With the exception of my oldest DD my other 3 are like that.

 

You know how people will say your kids are so quiet and respectable at school or their jobs or other peoples homes, and you wonder if they are talking about that same hellions that live with you. *LOL*

 

Give them a place they can get together , make a few introductions , start talking and before you know it they find a common grouind and it takes off from there.

[Debde]

Wow-I don't know how I missed this thread.

 

Yes, yes, yes, the cruise line should put together a M&M for this age group-18-20 and have scattered activities during the cruise.

 

Marci22-I so agree with you. My boys in no way shape or form are going to come on CC and start up a M&M thread. Young adults at this age go with the flow and have no desire to be glued to the CC website [as some of us truly have a problem/addiction with this message board:p]

 

I read and participate on the roll call threads but have not made one meeting as they always seem to be at a time we have something else as a family we would like to do. If I told my husband and two sons to come to the M&M with me-I'd get this :rolleyes:. I do think my boys would see what a ship organized M&M for them is all about, they would do the old-we'll check it out and all they would need to see is one cute girl in the room and in the door they went!!:D

[Sugar*Magnolia]

If your are reading this, or posting on this, then you have a child in this age category , I urge you to send an email off to your cruise line. I have done this quite a few times! If we want a change we need to voice our opinion to the cruise lines!!

 

There is a Club 18-20 M&M at 4:30 before (for) Sail Away, and it is mentioned here and there at others times on the compass. Maybe they need a Jr Cruise Director to get this age group involved????

 

[xcomet]

Problem is if anyone goes to the 18-20 yr old activity, there is no one there to introduce them to each other. It is among all the adults and none of them know if they are 18-20 or 17 and with their parents. RCL needs a person there to just get them introduced!

[smahama]

I agree a meet and mingle say the first night would be a good thing, not so much a bunch of planned activities , but just like others have said a meeting to break the ice.

 

A lot of these 18-21 yr olds are on these ships without knowing a soul besides their parents.

 

Kids are very clannish at that age. They can be the life of the party with "their crowd" but very quiet and standoffish around strangers. With the exception of my oldest DD my other 3 are like that.

 

I understand what you're trying to say, but not all people in this age group are necessarily with families. 18-21 year olds are adults, not kids anymore. Many travel on their own or with friends. There is a big difference between a 14 year old in the teen club and an 18 year old.

 

 

At 18, you're legally "an adult", so whatever adults do, they should enjoy! If you haven't figured out how to "entertain yourself" by then, ...well, that's too bad! Your life will be quite limited if you need "planned" activities all the time as an adult!

 

Agreed. I am currently in my early 20s and I don't think there's any need for special activities for my age group. To be honest, I don't think many people my age would have much interest in a meet and greet type event as suggested either. I travel with my boyfriend (soon to be fiancee) and we're fine doing our own thing just as any "older person" would do.

[luvstwocruise]

I have cruised w my kids since they were young. My daughter is now 20 in November she still loved cruising however there was a part of her where she wanted to do something with people her age. Since there wasnt any organized events she felt unfortable approaching a new face for friendship.

I think a meet and greet early in the game opens doors for friendship, both and males and females can feel comfortable approaching someone as a friend, instead of looking for a date. :)

[temple1]

I agree with the majority of posters on here. My niece turned 18 this year and we had a very different cruise with her. First we did MTD so we did not share a table with a similar aged teen. Second - she can be somewhat shy in new situations. On her first cruise she clung to us like glue until dinner the first night. There she met a girl her age and from there we rarely saw her the entire cruise. She was mid teens and did not participate in the formal activities - they all hung out together.

 

This cruise - there was no ice breaker event until middle of the cruise and she didn't want to go by herself. As others have pointed out - teen girls can be a whole different animal from the boys of a similar age. So she stayed near us most of the cruise.

 

Our next cruise she is scheduled to work as "nanny" for her younger cousin which I hope will get her out and about. Plus it will be on a larger ship with more activities.

[liberiben]

Honestly the ship is the only reason I was bored in that age group, and would still be at 27. The lack of outdoor activities during sea days bored me to tears, there is only so long you can lay out. That is why we do the Oasis class or Freedom class ships. Never bored. However I was the odd one out, married by 20 and liked hanging out with my parents.

[temple1]

I understand what you're trying to say, but not all people in this age group are necessarily with families. 18-21 year olds are adults, not kids anymore. Many travel on their own or with friends. There is a big difference between a 14 year old in the teen club and an 18 year old.

 

 

 

 

Agreed. I am currently in my early 20s and I don't think there's any need for special activities for my age group. To be honest, I don't think many people my age would have much interest in a meet and greet type event as suggested either. I travel with my boyfriend (soon to be fiancee) and we're fine doing our own thing just as any "older person" would do.

 

First - you are not going to be booking a cruise at 18, 19 or 20 unless you are married. Teens in that age group are going to be traveling with family or friends with their families. If with friends - then you have a person to go out and about with. If just you and your family - as you might be aware - a different dynamic.

 

Second, you are in your early 20's - you can participate in all adult events and visit all adult areas of the ship. Under the age of 21 there are certain clubs you cannot enter. You are also not in the age group being discussed. You are also not traveling as the lone teen in the group.

 

So, how often did you cruise with just your family between the ages of 18 - 21 without a friend of similar age? If so, please share with us what events you attended and where you went on board to meet others in your age group.

[apk1389]

 

So, how often did you cruise with just your family between the ages of 18 - 21 without a friend of similar age? If so, please share with us what events you attended and where you went on board to meet others in your age group.

 

in regards to this I now have cruised 5 times since I have turned 18 and am currently 20 with a mix of sailings. a jewel 12 night, serenade 7 night, brillance 12 night, a mariner 7 night, and finally a jewel 12 night. So 2 of them europe and 1 caribbean and 1 mexico.. I have throughly enjoyed my self. I have not traveled with anyone my age on 4 of these except for coincidence my one friend who I met on the first jewel cruise went and booked the mariner last minute with me so I only saw him a year later. I am not going to lie to is a different. Traveling with family and no one my age. Every cruise where I have met most of the people is out on the basketball court well at least to start. I personally attended different events from trivia to quest to belly flop. The key I found is you just have to be willing to say hello and just start talking to people. That is how I found everyone I hung out with. just like this jewel cruise I just got off of 2 weeks ago.. It was a really old cruise due to the fact it was the baltics and the age demographics were not in my favor. I met a lot of people up in the night club area by simply just talking to them. The key to this age is a lot of us do travel alone, and were all looking for the same things people to hang out with. I met people while working out in the gym.. on the elevator..walking down a corridor. I find the set activities I really didnt meet people it was just the random occurences that turned out to be the best. SORRY FOR A LONG POST