Activities for 18 - 20 year olds

[poppadevan]

Two years ago I took my 18 y.o. grandson on a southern Caribbean cruise for his graduation gift. I thought this would be a good time to share all of that worldly knowledge (that only we grandparents could have) with him in a one-on-one, relaxed atmosphere. The cruise was fantastic and this was truly a great bonding experience. However, there were down times when my grandson would have preferred spending more time with teens in his own age group. It seems that the 18 y.o. can not join in with the 15 to 17 activities and he was not able to hang out in the adult venues other than the casino. At that time, I read much on these threads where many shared these feelings. There were some indications that the cruise lines were aware of the problem and were going to promote formal venues for the 18-20 young adults. I would appreciate any information about changes that have occurred in the past few years. I have another Grandson graduating this summer and want to do something similar with him. If there are specific cruise lines or ships that cater to the 18-20 age group I would appreciate your input.

[Clarea]

On Royal Caribbean, the 18 year olds can do anything that the 21 year olds can do, except consume alcohol. They can use the casino (except on Alaska cruises) and the night club.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Not sure what cruise line you were on previously, but on RC 18-year-olds can do all activities except drink alcohol.

[poppadevan]

But are there planned activities for the 18 year olds specifically? Thanks.

 

 

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[Keith1010]

I am not aware of any cruise lines that have planned activities for 18 year olds and if they did most really would have no interest in them.

 

Keith

[cb at sea]

18 is considered ADULT...even tho on American cruises, they can't drink. Otherwise, they will do as ALL adults do....find their own fun.

 

After 18, they cannot use the "clubs"..but most older teens don't use the clubs, either!

 

They should be able to "connect" with others around the pool, sports deck and arcade...Hey...they have to learn to make their own way thru life. This is a teaching moment!

[Dunnik]

My last cruise was ages ago on the SS Norway, I was 18 and with my parents. At that age you really are stuck between two worlds: that of the adult, and that of the child. Much too old to join in the lame kiddie activities and too young to fit in with the adult crowd.

 

I just ignored all that, and acted like the adult I almost was. NCL's drinking age in international waters back then was 18 (dunno if it's changed), so I just charged beers to the room, heh. I pretended I was a little older and partied with all the 20 and 30-somethings into the wee hours.

 

Took my dad until Day 6 of 7 to figure it out and cut me off. He wasn't hugely upset because a) it wasn't that big of a bill, I never bought for others and b) perhaps he admired my chutzpah.

Edited March 25, 2016 by Dunnik

[SadieN]

Depends on the line.

On our recent Carnival cruises there has been an 18-20 'meeting' the first night, then a 18-20 time in the disco before opening up to everyone else.

 

Depending on the line and itin 18-20 can go almost everywhere and do almost anything. Check about the drinking age, adult comedy, casino and Serenity/Sanctuary areas. Some of these can start at 21.

 

 

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[Grandma Dazzles]

But are there planned activities for the 18 year olds specifically? Thanks.

 

 

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No, not aware of any cruiseline that does. However, have seen a lot of young adults take part in organized pool games, volleyball, sports court games, ping pong tournaments, etc. Have watched free throw contests, soccer shoot out. The daily cruise compass lists all activities for the day ..... From sporting activities as mentioned to trivia ........these are for all age groups. Perhaps something like that is what you had in mind. Cruise on RC so I am referring to their larger ships.

[murfturf]

But are there planned activities for the 18 year olds specifically? Thanks.

 

 

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Yes, on Freedom they have Club 18-20+ that will have informal singles mixer at the beginning of the cruise. Sometimes you don't get any takers however. Most youth that age will meet each other at the various clubs. Sometimes the Flowrider also has specific age groups times. I noticed 18-25 for the Flowrider on Allure last year. Usually if he has an area he likes to be: sport court, dance club, pool he will just meet people. Another suggestion is to let them bring a friend so they go with someone they already know.

Edited March 25, 2016 by murfturf

[john watson]

Why not go on a P&O UK cruise, they do Caribbean as well as Europe including nice beach holiday places places like the Canary Islands. People who are 18 are allowed to drink alcohol and gamble in the casino. They have nightclubs and everything on board for adults like him. You can go in too, as his wing man when it goes arms in the air! Do not mention this to his parents as they are likely to be American and not understand European culture. You will meet a load of British people and be totally perplexed by their ways. In the end you will become a hero in his mind of an unforgettable experience.

 

Regards John

Edited March 25, 2016 by john watson

[Shmoo here]

On Disney there is a "club" called the 1820 Society. It's not a true club in that they have a dedicated space. As with most cruise lines, an 18 year old can go into all family and adult areas. Only restriction is they can't order alcohol.

 

Anyway, the first night of the cruise the 1820 Society has a meeting, facilitated by a crew member. At this meeting everyone gets to find out how many are interested in doing "stuff" and what they would like to arrange. The crew member helps set these activities up.

 

If no one shows up the first night - nothing gets arranged. As adults (as they now are) they must take responsibility for their own amusement.