Carnival for 19-20 year olds?

[littledebbie89]

First time on Carnival and hoping it is a good fit for (4) 19-20 year olds?

 

They are ROTC college boys and they don't want to do the typical drunk beach spring break.

 

They also don't want to be the only ones in that age gap sailing with a bunch of kids and couples either?

 

Apparently there is a real weakness in the cruise industry for this demographic? Too old for the arranged meet ups (aka teen clubs) and too young to drink?

 

They have each other so I know they will have fun, but any thoughts on how they can meet others in this age gap?

 

Carnival Vista March 5 2017

[Carnival_Brides]

Have you checked with Carnival to see if they will be able to book on their own? They are under 21 and they may have to have someone 25 or older sail with them. There is an exception for military personnel, but I'm not sure if they count ROTC.

Official policy wording: Qualified Military Personnel

Applies to US Military Personnel and Canadian National Defense personnel (and their traveling companions in the same stateroom) of 18 – 20 years of age. Copy of proof of service must be submitted.

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2544/~/minor-guest-policy

 

As for all your other questions, this age group is really difficult and CCL did try creating some kind of programming for them. However, no one attended and they no longer offer the mix and mingles. They also won't be allowed in the club at night and Serenity Deck may be off limits to them as they are not 21. If their Spring Break falls during either side of Easter Break there will be a lot of families.

Edited September 2, 2016 by Carnival_Brides

[littledebbie89]

My husband and I are sailing with them and they are allowed to have a cabin away from us. They have oceanview and we sprung for balcony. LOL

 

I believe there is no restriction for 18 and up for anything except drinking and serenity area. 17 and under have to leave areas by 10pm.

 

We have sailed RCL several times and it does seem to be a much older crowd. Was wondering if Carnival was the same?

[crusinpsychRN]

They'll have lots of fun. Plenty to do. Age range varies but plenty of young people aboard.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Having traveled quite a bit during spring break I can say that the demographic is much younger...but that doesn't mean just "kids and parents".

 

As the OP probably knows the lido deck is a great place to meet other young adults...and I don't think that your sons would necessarily want to sit on the serenity deck with "adults only". Also, if there are outdoor activities like slides, bb court, miniature golf your sons will have a great time and, if our experiences have been usual, they can easily join with others who use the same facilities.

 

If your sons are beyond the "shy" stage conversation on a ship is easy. Just because someone is not "legal" doesn't preclude them from having fun.

[Herfnerd]

Have you checked with Carnival to see if they will be able to book on their own? They are under 21 and they may have to have someone 25 or older sail with them. There is an exception for military personnel, but I'm not sure if they count ROTC.

 

ROTC cadets are not considered in the military, active or inactive, until they complete their oath to active duty or guard/reserve units

[SadieN]

Only two things they cannot do onboard... Drink alcohol and be on the serenity deck.

 

 

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[bptex]

ROTC cadets are not considered in the military, active or inactive, until they complete their oath to active duty or guard/reserve units

 

Carnival will let cadets book a military rate. While your statement is completely true they do get many of the same benefits. They can also fly Space A!

[Herfnerd]

Carnival will let cadets book a military rate. While your statement is completely true they do get many of the same benefits. They can also fly Space A!

 

Did not know that Carnival will allow cadets book military - learn sumpin new everyday!

[Zeta3]

They can do anything an adult can do except drink so they can meet people the same way/places as any other adult. If they like music/dancing go the club, they can go to the casino, hang out at the pool. There really shouldn't be a problem. I can never understand the concern over this age group.

[Seago2]

Oh I can, Zeta3. I'm sailing alone with my 18-turning-19 year old next June. I'm worried he will not meet anyone to hang out with. It's 15 day B2B, too. He's usually in the kids club/Club02 all the time and then hanging out with friends from there. He still has friends he met five years ago on Carnival ships. So now what? People tend to travel in groups. I just wish there was some way to get kids of this age together once a day- even twice per cruise for an hour. Just throw them in a room and say here: meet! End.

[Domino D]

My son is 23 now, but when he was between 18 and 21 I thought there were events especially for that age group? In one of the lounges, I think. Then of course there was also the casino.

 

*Edit* Sorry, just realized it was NCL that I am's thinking of.

Edited September 2, 2016 by Domino D

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Lots of ways to meet people on a ship.

 

Go jogging, work out in the fitness center, sit on the pool edge, take a dip in the hot tub, join the line dances, spend a few dollars in the casino, ride the water slides, go to the dining room for breakfast and brunch and ask if there are other kids their age to sit with, ask a group if you can join them for trivia, go to the bars in the evening (you don't need to be 21) and sit close to people in your age group. Meeting people is all about putting yourself "out there" and starting up conversations...people are pretty receptive to nice, friendly people who project an interest in other people.

 

When you turn 18 or 19 you no longer have the comfort of forced socialization like you do in high school...for most new jobs or college is all about meeting new people and getting to know them. I think the best thing parents can do on cruises is to make sure they push the kids out of the nest and not expecting them to join the parents for meals and activities.

[dacsmom]

I really think they will have a great time on the Vista, great ship choice.

[SadieN]

Oh I can, Zeta3. I'm sailing alone with my 18-turning-19 year old next June. I'm worried he will not meet anyone to hang out with. It's 15 day B2B, too. He's usually in the kids club/Club02 all the time and then hanging out with friends from there. He still has friends he met five years ago on Carnival ships. So now what? People tend to travel in groups. I just wish there was some way to get kids of this age together once a day- even twice per cruise for an hour. Just throw them in a room and say here: meet! End.

 

 

They've tried. It was prominent in the Fun Times for the first night but DD was the only one who showed up.

 

 

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[Warm Breezes]

My DD who was 19 on our Carnival Dream Cruise joined the roll call on the other social network JH is a part of and started talking to other teens her age on there before the cruise and then met up with them on the cruise.

[Computer Nerd]

First time on Carnival and hoping it is a good fit for (4) 19-20 year olds?

 

They are ROTC college boys and they don't want to do the typical drunk beach spring break.

 

They also don't want to be the only ones in that age gap sailing with a bunch of kids and couples either?

 

Apparently there is a real weakness in the cruise industry for this demographic? Too old for the arranged meet ups (aka teen clubs) and too young to drink?

 

They have each other so I know they will have fun, but any thoughts on how they can meet others in this age gap?

 

Carnival Vista March 5 2017

 

i'm 54 and don't drink either and there is plenty to do on a carnival ship without drinking involved.

[louanne93]

My twin 17 year olds (at the time) loved cruising. They didn't go to the kids club. They did the comedy club every night, they hung out in the sports bar and watched a game, they played trivia, they went hot tubbing, and they ate ALOT! We would be with them and all sorts of people (young and old) would be saying "Hey Pat and Johnny!" from all over the ship. Even saw them hanging out at the Achlemy bar with one of the comedians! It was great to see them without us from a distance!

[littledebbie89]

That is awesome and I did get the rate for them... thanks!

[louanne93]

That is awesome and I did get the rate for them... thanks!

So glad they are going! They will have a ball. My kids are talking their older brother who is 26 into going with them so they can go by themselves (without us lol!).

 

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