First Cruise with 14 and 17 year old

[shortsville]

Going on our first cruise! Leaving from Miami. Our first stop is Key West and then Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Just wondering what to expect with the teenagers? Any suggestions, hints, tips or dont's?

 

 

[goldminer1951]

Best advice is to stick with them in port until they get the idea that the ship will leave without them. I got separated from the then 15 year old DD in Key West and just about panicked until I found her back on the ship. Smart kid, she found her way back to the ship on her own. Since then, we have been on three other cruises, with increasing independence for the teens. The cruise before our last included the same DD (then age 18) out on the town at night with friends in Istanbul (with nervous dad back on the ship waiting at the rail for her return). That was followed a few days later by her 14 year old brother trying to "sell" his sister for 80 camels on the beach in Kusadasi (he thought it was funny). Last cruise (Alaska), the teens went out on their own in some ports and did great (just don't expect them to get up early to see whales or glaciers). On our next cruise we are going to have a family footrace around the Great Pyramid and up the Acropolis, a beach party on Cyprus, Rome cab ride adventures, and see the Pope, among other teen-oriented activities including the teen club on the ship.

 

On our Caribbean cruise, the teens did like the Mel Fischer/Atocha museum in Key West, the walk to and the tour of Hemmingway's house, and Key Lime Pie. On the ship they liked the non-stop eating and frequent room service, swimming in the pools, and the nightly entertainment shows. Travel by ship is great way to expand their horizons! They will actually like getting dressed up for formal nights.

 

'Miner

[Ripley]

In general, cruising is a great way to vacation with tweens and teens. They can enjoy some freedom, but you'll know they're safe. You can spend lots of time together during excursions, dinner, etc. but they'll have access to activities directed at their age groups. It may actually be a little easier for the younger one because there are structured activities for them, wheareas the older teens are left on their own to socialize in the teen lounges. Success with that depends on how outgoing your teen is. It's a great time to try new cuisine (easy to order something else if they don't like it)

In Grand Cayman, do not miss Stingray City! It is a blast for the entire family. I'm sure your ship will have an excursion, but we booked through Nativeway Watersports and had an excellent experience. We did the Rays, Reef and Rum Point tour, and it was the highlight of our cruise.

Haven't been to Key West yet :(, but I understand it's full of character...and characters! Just be sure you are familiar with the prevailing culture there before going so, depending on your family's attitudes and experiences, no one suffers culture shock.

Don't know which cruise line you're sailing with. If RCCL, definitely buy them the soda card. Well worth it.

Ripley

[WHITELINEN]

Be a responsible parent and expect the same rules on board ship as you do at home! My boys 14 & 17 have been on 4 cruises and usually have their own room. Shore visits have always been done as a family. A few times, they returned to ship on their own (Mom wanted to SHOP some more), but they had strict instructions not to leave the ship. A curfew was set each night and we wanted to know what their general plans were. They were required to eat a couple of dinners with us and had to show up in the appropriate attire (what a great place to learn how to tie a tie...). Frequent "talks" were made about respecting other cruisers, especially those who had difficulty navigating the ship. As in shopping malls, we pointed out that the ship has security cameras 24/7 and will catch anything outside of ordinary...

We have always had memorable family vacations and I am sure you will too!

[Kristina99]

I agree with WhiteLinen 100%. Your teenagers will probably be hanging out with their new friends for most of the cruise, but make sure they have rules and family time. Dinner in the dining room every night, and shore excursions together are a must. Are you giving them a curfew? Midnight or 1am is a good time, and will allow them enough time to sleep since thats what time a lot of teens go to bed during the week for school (If they have an issue getting up in the morning, make the curfew earlier.) And dont let them sleep in, even on sea days. Youre not paying for them to sleep, and missing breakfast sucks!

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.

And, if your teens are curious about what a cruise is like, tell them to go to Cruisemates, and theres a teen board there that will be very helpful!

[dromMOM]

Going on our first cruise! Leaving from Miami. Our first stop is Key West and then Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Just wondering what to expect with the teenagers? Any suggestions, hints, tips or dont's?

 

 

 

We set certain rules before hand.. We do not allow him to go to anyones cabin. Or allow strangers in our cabin.

 

We use post its and leave messages in the room for each other. We usually are up before him on sea days so when we find our location we leave a voice message in the room letting him know where we are. He has a REPORT in curfew of around midnight. he will either stop in or call. If he is still having a good time this time is expanded. Orf course we advise him to WALK away if he feels kids are doing something Illegal or harmful to others or the ship.

 

Also no roughousing near the Railings! :eek:

 

He loves the independence.. and we usually can locate him. Either hanging need the teen club or right outside or somewhere on the lido deck near the MOVIE screen on the LIDO deck on the Valor or near the pizza and icecream stations!

 

Also no ABUSE of the Elevators...lol