Traveling with 15 and 12 year old boys, tips for involving them ?

[riekl]

Besides the obvious family meals, shore excursions what is the best way to get the boys to meet friends on board from day 1 so they can fully experience everything the cruise has to offer ?  

[janert]

There are teenage clubs.  My teenage nieces and nephews  loved these clubs.  

[DCPIV]

They both can go to the teen club, and they'll likely meet some potential buddies there. They also do some activities, go to Windjammer together, etc. They are able to come and go as they please, so you don't have to worry about checking them in or out. 

 

We always let our boys go to dinner with the teens when they did that (something like twice on a 7-nighter). They would do other nighttime activities, as well. 

 

On a different note, we always gave them a say on choosing excursions. 

[neverbeenhere]

I would suggest getting them signed up for as many activities as you can on the first day or so. Hit the golf course, basketball court, rock wall, etc.. too.

 

(I wouldn't suggest giving them a six pack to share with soon to be new friends) (Coca-cola, of course)

[Norwich Cruiser]

Suggest they go to the teenage club on the first evening.

[RockHoundTX]

As noted above, the Teen Club "meet and greet" on that first night is where all the groups form. My kids have never had a problem finding friends that they hung out with for the rest of the cruise. It is MUCH harder to group up on day 2 so don't miss the opening night event. Your problem as a parent is going to be getting the kids to do things with you instead of hanging out with their new friends 😉 Our rule is that our kids have to have dinner in the MDR with us every night but other than that can do what-ever they want. 

[Hogbay]

1 hour ago, riekl said:

Besides the obvious family meals, shore excursions what is the best way to get the boys to meet friends on board from day 1 so they can fully experience everything the cruise has to offer ?  

Have a look at this 🙂

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/blog/what-teens-can-expect-onboard/

 

[Cel_cruise]

Onboard - definitely do the kids club / teen meet up on night 1…

 

your 12 year old may have a tougher time as he could be too young for the teen club (but not sure it’s policed on your ship)..