parrotthead Posted January 11, 2006 #1 Share Posted January 11, 2006 I am the (over-protective) parent of 2 teen girls, they will have just turned 17 & 18 when we sail this July, to Alaska on RCI. They are very trustworthy children and I have no trouble out (of them beond the norm)...in light of this I have (reluctently) aggreed to 'a bit more freedom' on the curise. ( we have never been on a cruise before and really don't know what to expect) I was wondering if anyone has any expericne or knowlage on how safe it is for teens onboard? Also about the activites for that age group on board? I know the website says 'teens club' 15-17yrs...but my oldest has expressed the desire to 'hang with sis' and not be around 'those older guys that will be in the real clubs'. The girls are very close and I think the younger wouldn't really want to go with out the older one...will they let her in to the activites also, do you think? Any suggestions or advice ?:confused: -Kandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frufffy Posted January 11, 2006 #2 Share Posted January 11, 2006 I have been on two cruises, one being 16 and one being 17 and I never have had any trouble with saftety. My parents enforced a crufew on my second cruise around 2 am, and i abided. I mean, not without complaining of course! If the two have good heads on their shoulders, they wil be fine. If you trust them at home, trust them here. Im pretty sure the 18 yr old will be at college soon (?) on her own, so itll be good practice to see how she reacts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrotthead Posted January 12, 2006 Author #3 Share Posted January 12, 2006 Thanks for sharing your experinces, Frufffy. Yes, they are very responsible and trustworhty. I was not really worried about their actions, as much as with someone "messing' with them...but, to hear you had no problems, that is great and does make me feel a bit more at ease. Did you go to the 'teen activites' at all? We are going to Alaska, so I also figured that it will not be as much of a 'party boat' as if we went somewhere more...shall we say...roudy. Anyother thoughts? :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
immargaret Posted January 13, 2006 #4 Share Posted January 13, 2006 I will be cruising again with 2 16 year old girls. They have cruised many times, and pretty much know what to expect. I just have to remind them to always stay together, check in with me at my assigned times (about every 2-3 hours), no one is allowed in their cabins and they aren't allowed to go into any other cabins...just public rooms, never leave the ship without the family, never sit their drinks down unattended, and that they keep me informed by highlighting the cruise newsletter of the events they attend on doing...so I can find them easier if I need to check in with them. The teen club events go until about 2 AM, so they do have a pretty late curfue. The girls know the rules I have set for them, they are basically pretty good kids...but a few reminders never hurt. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frufffy Posted January 13, 2006 #5 Share Posted January 13, 2006 well the teens actually going to the teen activities really depends on the group aboard. The first cruise that I went on we all met at the teen club but hung out in the hot tubs or on the basketball courts. We rarely used the teen faciities. I was 16 and my friends were about the same age. The second cruise I went on we all met at the teen club and actually spent a lot of time there. It was a group of 17 and 18 yr olds. We even went into the extra teen room that was rarely used, i forget its name...and we brought an ipod speaker set and had our own mini club. only two kids were 18 and we all werent allowed in. My mom had a curfew for me of about 2am - 230 am and about half of us had curfews. I was only allowed off the ship with the people i wa straveling with or if my parents first met my friends. this time ill be 18 and traveling with 4 friends from home so i know ill be allowed off the ship alone. If my parents did as much as 'immargaret', especially at my age, 16 is ok, i might be a little ticked off. it may feel as if my parents dont trust me enough. which i know they do. we use our rules from home, and stretch them a bit because its vaca, ie extended curfew. but things like drinking are still obviously not permitted, unless my mom gives it to me. liek w ine at dinner. hope this helps! really long! Mariner 2/19/06 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrotthead Posted January 14, 2006 Author #6 Share Posted January 14, 2006 Thanks. Immargaret, your comments really helped. I had forgotten about the 'don't set you drink down' thing. Glad you reminded me...somethings you over look and it's nice to get that reminder. As I mentioned, I am a bit overprotective, but my girls kmow it and relieze its for their own good...they say..they 'have plenty of time to be grown up and are glad tehy know I am watching out for their safety'. So, hopefully a good time will be had by all. ( Doesnt help that a girl of 17-18 looks more like 20 these days, it seems) -Kandy:o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkjretired Posted January 15, 2006 #7 Share Posted January 15, 2006 Thanks. Immargaret, your comments really helped. I had forgotten about the 'don't set you drink down' thing. Glad you reminded me...somethings you over look and it's nice to get that reminder. As I mentioned, I am a bit overprotective, but my girls kmow it and relieze its for their own good...they say..they 'have plenty of time to be grown up and are glad tehy know I am watching out for their safety'. So, hopefully a good time will be had by all. ( Doesnt help that a girl of 17-18 looks more like 20 these days, it seems) -Kandy:o Also, remember on RCI at age 18 your daughter will be permitted to drink and gamble in the casino if she desires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrotthead Posted January 16, 2006 Author #8 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Yes, I did see something about this on their website...luckily she is not interested in those things. That was one of the reasons for my original question, if anyone had any info on how strict RCI was with the 'teen' program- My oldest has said (repeatidly) she wants nothing to do with the 'older guys that will be in the bars regular clubs'.And would rather hang out with her sis...(14months younger) and 'other kids' their age. *Both girls have good minds and values, so I'm not really concerned about themb drinkning or any bad behaivor on their parts* :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinm Posted January 16, 2006 #9 Share Posted January 16, 2006 I have 2 girls 13 and 15. We will be on a cruise in March. I have been a little concerned about them going around by themselves. Not that I don't trust them, but others. Has anyone heard of any of the crew messing with kids? Is this a concern? I am very overprotective and they know the limits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funnsun Posted February 6, 2006 #10 Share Posted February 6, 2006 I have 2 girls 13 and 15. We will be on a cruise in March. I have been a little concerned about them going around by themselves. Not that I don't trust them, but others. Has anyone heard of any of the crew messing with kids? Is this a concern? I am very overprotective and they know the limits Robinm: I know from personal past experience that there is the possibilty that you need to be concerned with the crew also. I was on a cruise at age 16 (no parents) and had many problems with young crew members "hitting" on myself and 3 friends (all of us under the age of 18):mad: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimanjo Posted February 7, 2006 #11 Share Posted February 7, 2006 We have cruised many times with our (13) daughter and we have never had any problem with her, or the crew, for that matter. She knows the rules: stay in public places, don't go into someone else's cabin, and check in to the cabin periodically [we keep a notepad in the cabin so daughter writes down the time and where she is headed next]. We give her a curfew but she seldom needs it: if she has been active all day and out sightseeing, she is ready for bed well before midnight. Of course, if you are an 18 year-old and part of some group of floozies who is partying and flirting with the crew, then yes, some of the guys may come on to you--but you were asking for it! But if you don't get involved with the crew (or passengers, for that matter) then there should be no problems When I was 18 I had graduated high school, was living on my own in an aprtment, bought my own car, was working a full-time job--basically, an adult, by today's standards. I travelled on my own, on cruise ships (nothing like they are now) and to different Caribbean islands. The only time I ever had a problem was in Jamaica, and I must admit, I was the culprit, I was drinking 151 with some locals and ended up going to some bars I should never have stepped foot in! Again, that was my own faulty judgment. I would think at 17 and 18 your girls are pretty much adults--in many states your 18 year-old IS an adult--and if you have done your job as a parent well, you have nothing to worry about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmJakeBubbie Posted February 7, 2006 #12 Share Posted February 7, 2006 parrotthead - if you'd trust your kids w/o you in a strange city with strangers where they could drink at 18 and gamble at 18, then remember: a cruise ship is a floating city. Mean people could be anyone, and sex offenders do not have to register when taking a cruise. Perhaps Alaska is less "party" than the Caribbean, but again, 'strange city'... Whenever I read a post of this subject matter, I remember hearing Natalee's mom describe her as an A student, bright future, did the right thing, etc. I am known as a Mean Mother:rolleyes: , but tis not a popularity contest I am trying to win. Cruises are wonderful opportunities for Family Fun and that means, IMHO, being "together". Your girls are lucky to have parents taking them to Alaska. WOW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrotthead Posted February 8, 2006 Author #13 Share Posted February 8, 2006 EmJake:Thanks. Yes, it is agreed that this is a together time trip. I was hoping that during the day, for example, they could do some stuff 'on their own' (like go to the arcade, solairum, get snacks, etc) I guess I'll just play it by ear...The girls are so used to me knowing what they are up to at any given monent, ( yes, I trust them, they don't really do much at home with out me but, when they do, I still check up on them randomly) so, I'm sure they will behave...but, you're are right, you never know who else is around. We are planning on bringing the walkie-talkie things also. We will be with 'extended' family too, so I suppose that is more eyes to look out for them. < Arg, whats a mom to do?! > :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdaystravel Posted February 10, 2006 #14 Share Posted February 10, 2006 If you're girls have never been on a cruise initially, they might just want to hang out with you more than "they think". They will probably be in awe the first few days. As the faces become more familiar they will feel more comfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrotthead Posted February 10, 2006 Author #15 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Good point...hadn't considered that:) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadamG2U Posted February 26, 2006 #16 Share Posted February 26, 2006 This is such a good post. I will be traveling with my 12 & 13 year old nieces. I've been concerned about the ship (Crown Princess), people,etc. Both girls are very responsible and trustworthy. I plan to have a long talk with them before we leave. Not sitting down your drink was something I had not thought of. Also I like the idea of a pad in the room to use both for them and for myself. I was thinking of getting walkie talkies. I've seen both positive and negative remarks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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