Club O2, can 18 year old high schoolers get in ?

[fuddrules]

I'm confused as to why anyone would think that it would matter what grade their child was in. And I'm really really surprised that any of the staff would ever "make an exception" to the Club O2 rules. At 18, a person is a legal adult, and the liability risk of letting an 18 year old into a group of 15-17 year olds is staggering.

 

No it's not.

 

How do high schools have mixed age levels, colleges, places of employment? It's not a big deal. 17 year olds and 18 year olds mix together every single day in every country of the world. But on a cruise ship it's somehow different?

 

If it's a crime people are concerned about, a 17-year old (even younger) can be charged as an adult. Otherwise, I don't understand this magical transformation that happens to revolve around a calendar?

Edited August 22, 2015 by fuddrules

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

No it's not.

 

How do high schools have mixed age levels, colleges, places of employment? It's not a big deal. 17 year olds and 18 year olds mix together every single day in every country of the world. But on a cruise ship it's somehow different?

 

If it's a crime people are concerned about, a 17-year old (even younger) can be charged as an adult. Otherwise, I don't understand this magical transformation that happens to revolve around a calendar?

 

Sometimes rules are just arbitrary because there has to be a cut-off point. Just like adult areas are 21 or older. Most passengers have no idea until they get on ship what some "rules" are so who among the highschoolers is going to be carrying their proper school ID on a cruise. So it's simpler to just ID by age.

 

My brother's kids just stopped cruising at about 17 and waited until they were past 21 to start up again. As an 18 year old cruising just didn't fit...they didn't like going to Las Vegas during those years either.

 

Cruising really can't be all things to all people all the time.

[bobsfamily]

If it's a crime people are concerned about, a 17-year old (even younger) can be charged as an adult. Otherwise, I don't understand this magical transformation that happens to revolve around a calendar?

Because at 18 you are charged as an adult, not CAN be... you ARE.

[fuddrules]

Because at 18 you are charged as an adult, not CAN be... you ARE.

 

So is a 50-year old, so what.

[oceanmom62]

So is a 50-year old, so what.

 

And 50 year-olds are not allowed in Club O2 either. At 18 you can also be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor (even though you are under-age to drink) if you are with under 18 year-olds who are drinking. We have always told our now 24 year-old not to hang out with anyone under-age where alcohol is concerned. As an adult your name gets mentioned for arrests and accidents while those under 18 do not. There is a world of difference in terms of treatment and responsibility even if their brains still function the same.

[stormgrey11]

I guess it looks like this is a YMMV situation totally dependent on the "load" of kids attending the clubs. Thanks for all your input !

[stormgrey11]

You had the answer from the start.

 

This isn't new.

 

Where specifically did you read it was different and when?

 

I know the rules aren't new, but there continue to be reports like these surfacing: and that's why I asked the question.

 

Old February 11th, 2013, 06:44 PM

 

Cool Cruiser

 

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Michigan

Posts: 217

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I am in the same situation with two girls we are taking. One will be 18 when we board and my daughter turns 18 during the cruise.

 

With Everything that I have read, they are supposed to be able to bring their school ID and have access to the appropriate teen club.

__________________

 

I realize that I might have stricken a nerve with some folks as they might have visions of 18 year old "adult men" lurking in the shadows looking for 15 year old girls to take advantage of !

[fuddrules]

And 50 year-olds are not allowed in Club O2 either.

 

Correct.

 

As I stated initially, 18 years olds technically aren't allowed in the club. But as this thread shows, as well as my own knowledge, I know it happens. 18-year olds are occasionally allowed in Club 02. That's a fact. It's not a big deal regardless that some here want to make it a deal.

 

If an 18-year old is socializing in the club with a 17-year old, big whoop.

[bobsfamily]

If an 18-year old is socializing in the club with a 17-year old, big whoop.

Sorry, you just don't get it... to some it would be a "big whoop".

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

Edited August 23, 2015 by bobsfamily

[BeachChik]

Sorry, you just don't get it... to some it would be a "big whoop".

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

 

Just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't mean they don't get it.

 

I see both sides. I understand someone wouldn't want their younger teenager interacting with an 18 year old.

 

Because we lived in a really small town I was allowed to start school early and as a result I was 16 in my senior year of high school for several months. So I had many friends that were 18. I can also see why some feel it should be based on if they are in high school still and not their age. The senior age range can be anywhere from 16-19.

[bobsfamily]

Just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't mean they don't get it.

 

I see both sides. I understand someone wouldn't want their younger teenager interacting with an 18 year old.

 

Because we lived in a really small town I was allowed to start school early and as a result I was 16 in my senior year of high school for several months. So I had many friends that were 18. I can also see why some feel it should be based on if they are in high school still and not their age. The senior age range can be anywhere from 16-19.

In your hometown is a completely different scenario... as you say, "a really small town". Not on a ship that you have never met the people, don't know the people that run the club, don't know the 18yo, etc.

Very, very different set of circumstances would you not agree?

 

Again I am not sure why I am even answering this, the comment was not aimed at you. I really am done.

 

Also have a wonderful cruise!

Edited August 23, 2015 by bobsfamily

[BeachChik]

In your hometown is a completely different scenario... as you say, "a really small town". Not on a ship that you have never met the people, don't know the people that run the club, don't know the 18yo, etc.

Very, very different set of circumstances would you not agree?

 

Again I am not sure why I am even answering this, the comment was not aimed at you. I really am done.

 

Also have a wonderful cruise!

 

The small town I started school in is not even in the same state as where I graduated high school. My graduating class was about 500-600 students.

 

Funny thing about this is some don't think it's ok for 18 year olds to be in the teen club yet those same people will let their 16 yo roam the ship alone where they can interact with anyone they come across.

 

I know your comment wasn't directed towards me. Isn't that the beauty of a message board, that we can respond to any comments we chose.

Edited August 23, 2015 by BeachChik

[happybooker1]

.....gambling (21), dancing in the clubs, and vaping on the smoking deck.

 

He doesn't drink anyway (not all teenagers do) so NOT being able to was no big deal to him. Young people who vape have their own culture so he hung out with a bunch of young adults on the smoking deck.

 

He also enjoyed gambling. But only played 21. The first night he won $75 which basically paid for his $20/night self-imposed limit the rest of the cruise. He was never in the room befor 2:30 or 3 AM and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

[lorim103]

My daughter was 18 and still in high school but they said NO.

So, she hung out by the door of Club O2 on the first night & met 2 other young ladies in the same situation. The 3 of them hung out & soon met others in the same situation. She even visited one of the girls after the cruise:)

 

I'm glad they have something for the 18-20 yo for our next cruise.

[nybumpkin]

My daughter was 18 and still in high school but they said NO.

So, she hung out by the door of Club O2 on the first night & met 2 other young ladies in the same situation. The 3 of them hung out & soon met others in the same situation. She even visited one of the girls after the cruise:)

 

I'm glad they have something for the 18-20 yo for our next cruise.

I remember back to when our oldest son (now 24, then 17) last cruised with us and some 18 YOs hung out near Club O2 and a whole group developed outside Club O2. They had a great time hanging out together. BTW, that other son from post #4? He's 19, doesn't smoke, doesn't drink, and doesn't gamble. Don't ask about dancing.:p Last month on the Breeze he had a great time. He spent a lot of time on the sports deck - they had a couple of 18+ basketball and volleyball tournaments and he found it to be a great place to meet others his age.

[steph7021]

Actually yes two. Their birthdays were in August and turned 18 before 12th grade and I still say if those are their rules than they should enforce them. As a parent I see the rule and this is what I am expecting. If they change the rule to say High School students with verification, then I know there could be 18 (actually in PA it could mean up to the age of 20, as they could still be in 12th grade up to the age of 20) year olds in the Club and I can make an informed decision based on accurate information and I am fine with that.

 

 

 

I feel the same way about other rules posted on the ship. Either enforce the rule as stated, change it to what you will enforce, or get rid of it. This is all I ask.

 

 

 

I respect your opinion, I understand it, I have been there, this is just my humble opinion. :D

 

 

Fair enough. I think the 18-20 meet ups solve a lot of this....except I really don't want my 18 year old senior hanging with 20 year olds. But, yes I recognize the irony in that statement [emoji12][emoji12][emoji12][emoji12]

[TerReuv]

Sorry, you just don't get it... to some it would be a "big whoop".

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

 

How do you feel about an 18 year old senior in your 17 year old's class at school hanging out? It's the same thing.

 

While I don't have a dog in this fight (both of mine are much older), I cannot see the difference between an 18 year old HS senior hanging out with a 17 year old HS senior at school vs in Club O2. How does someone turning 18 automatically make them "bad" or a "concern"? The only thing different between the two is when their birthday is relative to the school's cut off date. As for not knowing the other kids in the club, do you know every single kid in your child's school that they interact with? Doubtful.

 

And a 17 year old can also be charged as an adult for something like statutory rape (which is what it seems like some here are worried about). The age of consent ranges from 16-18 in all the states, the federal law is more about how many years difference between the two participants, not the age of any one person.

[steph7021]

How do you feel about an 18 year old senior in your 17 year old's class at school hanging out? It's the same thing.

 

 

 

While I don't have a dog in this fight (both of mine are much older), I cannot see the difference between an 18 year old HS senior hanging out with a 17 year old HS senior at school vs in Club O2. How does someone turning 18 automatically make them "bad" or a "concern"? The only thing different between the two is when their birthday is relative to the school's cut off date. As for not knowing the other kids in the club, do you know every single kid in your child's school that they interact with? Doubtful.

 

 

 

And a 17 year old can also be charged as an adult for something like statutory rape (which is what it seems like some here are worried about). The age of consent ranges from 16-18 in all the states, the federal law is more about how many years difference between the two participants, not the age of any one person.

 

 

Yep, agree with all of this.

[Domino D]

I feel the same way about other rules posted on the ship. Either enforce the rule as stated, change it to what you will enforce, or get rid of it. This is all I ask. :D

 

To me this is the only point, and I could not agree more.

 

People come on and ask this (and other questions) about "will they really enforce this" and then the debate starts over personal feelings about what is right, but there will be examples where the cruise line bent its own rules. Make the rules what you intend on enforcing and then take the "flex" out of them. Same with dress code, adult only areas, boarding time, etc. People ask because it is clear that the cruise lines do not adhere to their own rules.

 

Hopefully, the new program will make this issue easier to enforce.

[gailjen]

Not sure if this was a one off but our just 18 son was allowed to downgrade to basically being 17, he had to sign to say he would give up his 18 year old privileges which were, Casino and adult comedian entry. He was quite happy to do this.

 

This was on Sunshine in Med in 2013.

[bobsfamily]

How do you feel about an 18 year old senior in your 17 year old's class at school hanging out? It's the same thing.

 

While I don't have a dog in this fight (both of mine are much older), I cannot see the difference between an 18 year old HS senior hanging out with a 17 year old HS senior at school vs in Club O2. How does someone turning 18 automatically make them "bad" or a "concern"? The only thing different between the two is when their birthday is relative to the school's cut off date. As for not knowing the other kids in the club, do you know every single kid in your child's school that they interact with? Doubtful.

 

And a 17 year old can also be charged as an adult for something like statutory rape (which is what it seems like some here are worried about). The age of consent ranges from 16-18 in all the states, the federal law is more about how many years difference between the two participants, not the age of any one person.

I can answer this quite simply... school at HOME is completely different from a SHIP that has people from who knows where. AND as others have pointed out, it's Carnival's rule, stick by it.

Plus an 18yo at HS better watch his/herself when interacting with someone under 18 at school. At our local HS all 18yo get an intense daylong class on their birthday about the difference, and reality that comes with it.

Edited August 29, 2015 by bobsfamily

[alreadypacked]

I can answer this quite simply... school at HOME is completely different from a SHIP that has people from who knows where. AND as others have pointed out, it's Carnival's rule, stick by it.

Plus an 18yo at HS better watch his/herself when interacting with someone under 18 at school. At our local HS all 18yo get an intense daylong class on their birthday about the difference, and reality that comes with it.

 

Wow I don't remember any such restrictions/concerns regarding who interacts with whom when I was in high school (graduated '89). A kid in high school...was a kid in high school.

 

I don't have a dog in this fight either (thankfully), but extrapolating from comments so far, I suspect that the main concern surrounds 18 year old males (in high school or not) participating with 15 - 17 year old females.

[alreadypacked]

How do you feel about an 18 year old senior in your 17 year old's class at school hanging out? It's the same thing.

 

While I don't have a dog in this fight (both of mine are much older), I cannot see the difference between an 18 year old HS senior hanging out with a 17 year old HS senior at school vs in Club O2. How does someone turning 18 automatically make them "bad" or a "concern"? The only thing different between the two is when their birthday is relative to the school's cut off date. As for not knowing the other kids in the club, do you know every single kid in your child's school that they interact with? Doubtful.

 

And a 17 year old can also be charged as an adult for something like statutory rape (which is what it seems like some here are worried about). The age of consent ranges from 16-18 in all the states, the federal law is more about how many years difference between the two participants, not the age of any one person.

 

 

Good point.

 

A "bad" 18 year old was likely "bad" way before they even turned 18, in my opinion.

 

As for whether you really know a kid in your neighborhood or kid's school: DH worked Special Victims for a number of years... Offenders come in multiple ages and varieties and can be closer to home than you think.

 

Reasonable laws reflecting "age difference between participants" seem appropriate to me.

[fuddrules]

Wow I don't remember any such restrictions/concerns regarding who interacts with whom when I was in high school (graduated '89). A kid in high school...was a kid in high school.

 

 

There wasn't back then and there isn't now in any meaningful way. Nothing magical about a calendar date.

 

13-17 - You can be charged as an adult (varies by state)

16- you can obtain a driving license

17- you can join the military

18 - you can vote

21 - you can drink alcohol

35 - you can run for President.

 

There's nothing magical about turning 18 unless voting is magical. Even then some there are instances a 17-year old can vote in a primary.

Edited September 1, 2015 by fuddrules

[babyher]

Wow I don't remember any such restrictions/concerns regarding who interacts with whom when I was in high school (graduated '89). A kid in high school...was a kid in high school.

 

I don't have a dog in this fight either (thankfully), but extrapolating from comments so far, I suspect that the main concern surrounds 18 year old males (in high school or not) participating with 15 - 17 year old females.

 

 

 

It was the same in my school (also graduated in the 80s)

 

In fact I remember Senior year a lot of the hot popular girls in my class went out with guys who were like 19 or 20. Already out of school . They would pick them up after school in their Camaros and Trans Ams *LOL* Ok I just dated myself :)