Club O2 Tell All Thread!

[star10]

Hi Ranger,

 

Thanks so much for your time! We will be on the Liberty in Feb with my son and his friend, (16) . Last year on the Victory, my son said no one was hanging out in the O2, and that he just met kids around the ship and hung out with them.

 

Does that happen often? He said he'd look in the disco and the Club02 girl was sitting on a stool all by herself. He said he felt kind of bad for her.

 

And this was a week with a lot of teens on board.

 

I was just wondering... he still had an awesome time... but I would like to see him partake in the Club this year.

[Ship Addict]

Please dont post asking me if your 13 or 14 year old teen will be allowed in, stuff like that is based on so many circumstances!

 

I know you said not to ask it, but I can't help myself!! I just wanted to know if you DO make exceptions to the age requirements for O2. My daughter's Girl Scout troop wants to go on a cruise in 2008, and 2 of the girls are one year older than the third. The oldest girls will be 15 and the other one will only be 14.

 

When I looked at all the dates, I thought it was hilarious at first that one of the girls would be age-bracketed for Camp Carnival and the other 2 would be in Club O2.

 

Should we try to see if an exception would be made for the youngest to be included in O2, or just wait until they're all old enough?

[Rangervr6178]

I have teenage boys - and lots of questions!

 

Can you tell me what kind of video games you have? ie. Playstation or X-Box? Are their several consoles to go around? How often are the video games updated? Would you have Madden NFL 07? Personally, I prefer sport games over the fighting games. I assume all the games are rated Teen or less (no mature games like Metal Gear Solid).

 

What kind of sports are offered? Do you organize basketball games? How about football, volleyball, frisbee or even golf?

 

If more teens are scheduled on a certain cruise, do you add more staff? What is the ratio of teens to staff?

 

What kind of behavior would cause you to ask a teen to leave? Can teens leave on their own? If you ask a teen to leave, do you notify their parents as to why?

 

Do you like to keep the teens "active" or do you leave them alone as long as everyone is getting along?

 

Do you do any sort of activities to help the kids get to know each other? Any type of "break the ice" activities?

 

How do you handle conflicts between teens? Does that happen often? Or is that the exception?

 

Do you find that most teens respect you? Why do you prefer working with this age over the younger ages?

 

Are the activities the same on all the ships? How about for longer cruises? Do you know anything about who will be CO2 Director for the Carnival Freedom (Mediterranean cruise).

 

I was reading on the Disney cruise board about a "chugging soda pop" game that the teens played. You don't do that do you? I was also reading about teens making out on the couch and the director overlooked it. Is that behavior tolerated or do you quickly end that?

 

Do you find most parents are over-protective or too permissive?

 

Do you have tv's that kids can watch sports on? How about on a Med. cruise? Any satellite tv's to watch ESPN, Sportscenter, etc?

 

Any last piece of advice for parents? or teens?

 

Thanks for taking the time to post and answer questions!!

 

Hello,

Onboard we have PS2, Xbox, and Xbox 360. Depending on which ship you sail on, these are all hooked up to hand on the wall plasma TV's! Pretty cool if you ask me. If your ship has this set up we do have Call of Duty and Madden tournaments. I believe we were trying to get a new selection of games, so by the time you sail there should be a nice selection there!

 

Since each director creates their own program, some have more sports then others. I find that it is difficult to plan a basketball game because teens typically want to pick their own team members, and things can come out uneven. If I schedule a basketball tournament, what I like to do is recruit a few crew member friends and have a game Club O2 vs. Entertainment staff. That way the crew can battle the teens. I also did have a free golf clinic with the golf pro, and on my next ship I am going to arrange dodgeball, it all is up to the director!

 

As of right now there is only 1 director per a ship. Since the program is growing, eventually hopefully there will be more. The more teens there are, the more work it is for us, but to me, more teens = more fun! The Club O2 Director for the Freedom will be Jessen. Jessen is awesome, it was quite a contest to be picked to bring out the Freedom. As for respect, you have to show them who is boss, and not let them take advantage of you, some weeks its easy, some weeks its hard.

 

Chugging soda dosent sound cool. The thought makes me sick!!! If I see two teens getting "to know eachother" too well, I will tell them to break it up, in a cool way though. I just tell them this isnt the place for that.

 

I find a good mix of both. Some nights I would have parents comming in and watching my disco, or checking on their kids every 30minutes. I know parents want the best in saftey for their kids, but with us everything is perfectly fine! However I do get the bunch where the kids get in trouble, and I think to myself, "Where is this kids parents?!"

 

Hope this helps!

[Rangervr6178]

double post...

[Rangervr6178]

Hi Ranger,

 

Thanks so much for your time! We will be on the Liberty in Feb with my son and his friend, (16) . Last year on the Victory, my son said no one was hanging out in the O2, and that he just met kids around the ship and hung out with them.

 

Does that happen often? He said he'd look in the disco and the Club02 girl was sitting on a stool all by herself. He said he felt kind of bad for her.

 

And this was a week with a lot of teens on board.

 

I was just wondering... he still had an awesome time... but I would like to see him partake in the Club this year.

 

It all depends on the teens, we are there for their enjoyment. Some weeks teens just want to do their own thing, and thats cool too! There is a disco every night, so if people dont come during the days, we ususally see them at night. Some teens are just intimidated at the thought of organized activties. Yeah so some of it might be korny, but its not ANYTHING like Camp Carnival.

[Rangervr6178]

I know you said not to ask it, but I can't help myself!! I just wanted to know if you DO make exceptions to the age requirements for O2. My daughter's Girl Scout troop wants to go on a cruise in 2008, and 2 of the girls are one year older than the third. The oldest girls will be 15 and the other one will only be 14.

 

When I looked at all the dates, I thought it was hilarious at first that one of the girls would be age-bracketed for Camp Carnival and the other 2 would be in Club O2.

 

Should we try to see if an exception would be made for the youngest to be included in O2, or just wait until they're all old enough?

 

I really dont have an answer for that. I mean, if it was my ship, I might consider it depending on when the 14 year old turns 15. It also depends on how busy of a week it is and all of that. Basically just tell all 3 of them to do, and wait until the main rush comes through. Have the 14 year old tell the Director that they are 14, and explain that her friends are both 15. If a teen would admit they are 14 (and soon to be 15) I would probably let them in, over a kid who tries to trick me!

 

Good luck!

[Scoutcat]

Just wanted to toss a few comments in the way of feedback from our cruise experience. We were on the Valor last December (the week just prior to Christmas). There were LOTS of kids of all age groups. Our kids, boy/girl fraternal twins, were just a couple of months shy of 17. They went to the orientation meeting for Club O2 the first night, but I found that they did not do a lot with the group. When I asked why, I was told that the director seemed to be aiming the activities more toward a middle-school level, and that they just didn't enjoy a lot of what seemed to them to be juvenile activites.

 

My kids are not exceptionally "highbrow"---they are the kind of teens who are involved in sports, church fellowship, school clubs, etc.---so I was kind of surprised that they didn't enjoy the Club O2 group. It may have just been that the maturity level of the group as a whole that week was a little on the immature side. If the vast majority were just barely 15, I suppose that a couple of kids nearly 17 might not find them as engaging as their peers. It's funny how just a couple of years can make a difference at that age level. I know that my daughter said that that a lot of the girls she met were the kind----as she put it---who do nothing but run around in packs giggling their heads off. My son had no problem finding other guys who wanted to hang out by the pool, play cards, watch girls and talk sports--so he did just fine. However, I think that my daughter was just a little disappointed.

 

Ranger....do the Club O2 directors take any kind of interest survey the first night to help "profile" the group?

 

Just curious.

 

"Scout" aka Carol

Dayton, OH

[BC_+_3]

Ranger,

Did you have a chance to look into how many teens will be on the Nov. 6th Fascination cruise?

Also, do you know anything about that particular 02 director?

[nybumpkin]

Since each director creates their own program, some have more sports then others. I find that it is difficult to plan a basketball game because teens typically want to pick their own team members, and things can come out uneven. If I schedule a basketball tournament, what I like to do is recruit a few crew member friends and have a game Club O2 vs. Entertainment staff. That way the crew can battle the teens. I also did have a free golf clinic with the golf pro, and on my next ship I am going to arrange dodgeball, it all is up to the director!

 

As of right now there is only 1 director per a ship. Since the program is growing, eventually hopefully there will be more. The more teens there are, the more work it is for us, but to me, more teens = more fun! The Club O2 Director for the Freedom will be Jessen. Jessen is awesome, it was quite a contest to be picked to bring out the Freedom. As for respect, you have to show them who is boss, and not let them take advantage of you, some weeks its easy, some weeks its hard.

 

My son would LOVE the golf clinic on Liberty in February - but he'll be into dodgeball too! Jessen was the Club O2 director on our Legend sailing this past summer, and he really put together a nice set of activities. Dan had a great time, and he still keeps in touch with some of the kids he met on Legend.

[KAWS]

If you know how many teens will be on board for four cruises ahead, can we call Carnival and get that info for our teen during that time?

 

We're going on March break (Cdn March break) and I'm positive there will be a lot of teens. Of course my son (17) is sure that the teen culture will be very slim. Of course, he's a crazy boy! But it would be nice to reassure him with a number (that I don't have to make up!).

 

Thanks.

 

Kim

[Rangervr6178]

Hey, I am unable to check on the sailings for you guys, also dont think Carnival would apperciate me posting that information out to the world! Sorry!

 

Let me know if you guys have any other questions!

[LHP]

Ranger: Thanks for coming on the board and giving us a little inside peek into your world of working at Carnival. And for giving us some tips on how we can make our teens experience the best it can be. We appreciate all the Carnival entertainment staff that come on here and share their experiences and help clear up some myths.

 

I know there is a limit to the information you are privy to and hopefully by coming on here, you have made some connections with some folks that you will see in the future.

 

Having cruised a lot, I know that it adds just a little something to cruise with people you feel like you know (even just a little bit). And it is neat when you finally get to put a face with that familiar name.

 

Keep up the good work!!

[spikewpg]

Ranger, will you be on the Liberty for the Jan 13, 07 cruise?

[jojocruisin]

Hi Ranger

Thanks for taking the time to answer all of our questions.

 

Could you tell me where the game consoles are located? Are they accessible to only Club O2 participants.

 

We have 5 kids on the New Years 2007, in 5 short weeks, two will be in camp carnival but the others are 15, 18 and 19.. All are accomplished gamers, and are going to go through withdrawal for the week. I read somewhere that the TV's in the rooms have the plugs to attach consoles, is this true? If so they could bring one unit. I know from previous answers that the 18 and 19 year olds will not be welcome at Club O2, unfortunately that is where they would have the most fun.

 

Thanks and maybe we will see you there.

 

Have a great vacation.

 

Jo-Anne

[hughvh]

Club O2 and Camp Carnival are not associated with eachother at all. Club O2 is part of the Entertainment Staff, and we report to the CD.

 

Out of curiosity, who does the Camp Carnival staff report to? Is that outsourced like the Casino and gift shop staff?

[ksflann]

Is there anything geared specifically to this age group? They are too young to drink and go into the adult bars so what can they do? We are going on the Inspiration in Feb with my 18 year old son and he would also like the video games. Is there an 02 Club on that ship?

 

Thanks for all the great info

[DKKJgibson]

Do you happen to know the director for the Sensation on December 21, 2006?

 

I have a total of 4 (one 13 and the others 16). I know you said if my 13 year old presented herself after the initial meeting there may be a possibility the O2 director may allow her to join her siblings.

 

She will be very upset if she is left alone. What do you think the % will be that she will be allowed to join the others from our party?

 

Thanks for your help!

[sunshinebeaches_cruiser]

I love Carnival Cruises. I really do. But your teen clubs? Oh no! Everytime I go on Sensation, they are playing techno music. That should be a techNO!!! So then all the teens run wild around the ship trying to find someting to do. And if no one comes to the teen clubs, they shut them down early and go find the teens( and we are usally hanging out in one big group with a iPod dancing ; ) and try to start a game or try to get us back into the lame team club! Mostly, just so we know, you can also find us standing or trying to get into the 18 and older club where they play the best music ; )

[dale594]

Hi Ranger! Thank you so much for answering questions! Too bad we missed you! We will be on the Miracle July 22 2007. Will Angie still be there. She sounds great! Take care.

[I_Live_2_Cruise]

Angie was the Club O2 on the Miracle this New Years when we cruise (2006-2007). She was very laid-back and the teens really seemed to enjoy her.

 

OP- Since you had talked about being on the Liberty, could you please explain when the teen disco is used. The "Without Batteries" hours, and ages. We will have two teens, one newly 14 and the other 16 years old. Just wondering what times the disco will be opened and for how long?

[I_Live_2_Cruise]

Angie was the Club O2 on the Miracle this New Years when we cruise (2006-2007). She was very laid-back and the teens really seemed to enjoy her.

 

OP- Since you had talked about being on the Liberty, could you please explain when the teen disco is used. The "Without Batteries" hours, and ages. We will have two teens, one newly 14 and the other 16 years old. Just wondering what times the disco will be opened and for how long?

[ShoMeChiefsFan]

Cruisefeaver: There is no list of shore excursions. Basically a Director will select an excursion from the list that is offered to all guests, and makes it a teen only excursion. Once onboard and your teen collects the Club O2 Caper, there will be a list of the offered excursions, if your teen is interested they need to speek with the Director who will give them the paperwork, and tell the teen how to proceed in booking the excursion so it is the correct one. However there must be at least 3 teens sign up for the trip to be a go! If you ship sails to Belize, most Directors choose the Cave Tubing tour. Not every Director offers a tour, so you might need to ask them yourself.

 

DKKJgibson: Typically if I see a teen who is just sitting around while everyone is in a group, I will try to convince the group to go talk to them. Most groups of teens are eager to branch out and meet everybody in the room, so that ususally works for me probably 9 times out of 10. As for the music selection, we have a very wide selection of music that is sent to us monthly. The reason why we play rap is because its what usually gets people dancing! It is no so easy to dance to a heavy metal rock song! We see it this way, if probably 90% of the room is dancing and wants to hear rap/reggae, thats good, but if just a few want rock, and by playing that is going to cause the other part of the room to leave, we want to do what the majority of the teens want to do. It really all depends on the crowd of teens on the ship.

 

CruiseFeaver:

Not sure for Camp Carnival (I will explain why later), but for Club O2 you need to have some sort of background in working with teens. Some Directors have been working at summer camps, other cruiselines, or someting that has to deal directly with teens, and looks great on a resume. Like for me, I used to work for Cruisemates.com (I dont anymore) as a teen host for 3 years.

 

Club O2 and Camp Carnival are not associated with eachother at all. Club O2 is part of the Entertainment Staff, and we report to the CD. Our sub title is a Social Host, and usually we have to double as that. Therefore I always interact with 15-17 year olds, NEVER the Camp Carnival stuff. I would go crazy if I had to be a Camp Carnival counsler! I am also my own boss, which is nice too!

 

Its a very touchy topic, because there are so many situations and ways to handle it. Sometimes you have to choose your battles, this one, (and age), I am very strict on. I never allow it into my clubs, and if I catch you "sneaking" it (yes, I know all the methods) I will call security. If you show up drunk, I simply will not allow you in, and call security.

 

I dont think there is any problems with walking through the Casino? Now that I think about it, on the Miracle I walked through there with my teens in a group and never had a problem?

 

I laughed at this one. I was surprised with how many teens smoke these days! This is another pick your battles thing. I will tell them to leave if it is in my club, and you are not allowed to do it at any activity. However, if say I am having a deck party, and they light up there, I just tell them they need to take it elsewhere. I figure, security is just going to tell them the same, so instead of taking the time out of my program and the other teens there, I just politely ask them to take it elsewhere.

 

I never have to pitch the soda cards, its more of Camp Carnival's thing, so really dont have an answer here, sorry!

 

Well, I dont say anything. Thats something the family had decided to let their teen take on, and well, its not my responsibility. I dont consider myself a babysitter at all, so as long as their teen dosent come anywhere near my disco/activities then there is not really too much I can do! The second they bring it into the Club though, its my problem, I dont like to deal with that stuff. :-)

 

Probably, dont follow the news. Since I have been home I tell people I work on a cruise ship, and they always say "I would never take a cruise" then I ask why, and they say "Oh I dont want to get sick or fall off!" Then I say, well you would probably be surprised on how many people die in hotels! That usually gets them quiet! No really, it would probably be to have their teen check in with them. Just make sure they arent getting in trouble and are safe. If they are involved with any Club O2 stuff, they will be safe!

 

Yes. We have a computer that tells us how many teens will be on the next 4 sailings of each ship. It comes in big time help when we plan our activties!

 

Thats a hard one! That I had my own crew cabin, OK just kidding. That people would not argue with our rules and policies. Its our job to enforce them!

 

I know this questions is outside of your realm, but maybe you can findout the answer with inside contacts, thru Carnival.

 

What i am wanting to know do they have a actual schedule of entertainers, that is listed, I.E.

 

Conquest -- Blood Power Band, kind of music , lenght of contract for this group.

 

or any other acts....

I went to the carnival entertainment site and i thought i may be listed there, but it wasnt.

 

Anyway thanks ....will be waiting to hear back form you!

[bluefins]

Is the cut off for the club age 18 or graduated from high school? I have a senior, but he is 18. He is bringing a friend also a senior, but still 17. Will the 18 yr. old be able to participate? Thanks

Bluefin's Mom

[Wheresthesalt]

great info

[colombiangirl]

We will be traveling with our two kids. Little guy is 9, no problem, he can't wait to get into Camp Carnival and meet other kids. He has told us not to expect to see much of him.

 

Our 17 year old is not the least bit interested in joining O2. She plans on sitting poolside all week long. I've showed her the website and it has sparked no interest. I'm hoping that once we get on board she will change her mind. Maybe one of the O2 directors will convince her! Or maybe there will be other 17 year olds on that sailing that she will hit it off with. I hope! She has been stressed for months trying to decide what college to go to. This is our last family vacation before she head off and I want it to be a memorable one for her as well as the rest of the family.