H.S. Senior Spring Break--No Way

[reallyitsmema]

I guess I don't understand why they can't make their own (clean) fun. No one has a deck of cards or knows games that don't require equipment? There are no recreational opportunities or places to dance?

 

When I was young, we didn't have any place to go, either, and we just hung out with each other, talked and laughed. I have not yet come to understand the need to be constantly entertained. We were brought up to figure it out ourselves, make our own fun, entertain ourselves.

 

I realize I could get slammed pretty hard, but, I'm just saying, I don't get it. Why must there always be "something to do"?

The main issue is that the 17, almost 18 year old can't go dance where the 18 year old can and vice versa. They do go and play cards or basketball but then comments are made about them hanging around. It is just a hard age because they all want to hang out together, listen to music and dance and they can't.

[Annefran]

The main issue is that the 17, almost 18 year old can't go dance where the 18 year old can and vice versa. They do go and play cards or basketball but then comments are made about them hanging around. It is just a hard age because they all want to hang out together, listen to music and dance and they can't.

 

I agree, not sure why drinking is even being discussed here. I thought this thread was addressing the issue of 18 yr olds that are still in High School, cannot go to the teen club and just want to be with their younger siblings that are 16 and up. I agree with the curfew but that really isn't the issue either. Just me though.....

 

For my DD it's about being able to still use the teen club (Fuel area) with the friends she would meet on the cruise. Once she's out of High School and we were to cruise, I doubt she would want to go there. I think RCI needs to rethink their policy for 18 yr olds that are still in High School and should be allowed to be with their teen friends and siblings. I plan on writing a nice letter to RCI recommending they change their policy. Sure maybe it will fall on deaf ears but at least I tried. Happy Cruising!

[kaylorcc]

Even the police use discretion. As you say; they can get ticketed, but I am sure they are not ALWAYS ticketed. These cruise ships should be the same. If the kids are playing basketball, board games in the game room, sitting in the hot tub, etc. then they are not causing trouble and should be left alone to enjoy their trip. They should not have to be confined to their rooms. If the parents are okay with it, then I believe the cruiseline should be as well.

 

I agree with the spirit of what you're saying. On our honeymoon, we saw a boy and a girl who were on their way back to their rooms on an elevator, just standing there quietly and not disturbing anybody, and it was about five minutes after curfew. A ship's security officer was very rude to them and made a big show of taking down their names and room numbers even though they told him they were on their way back to their room. The female was nearly in tears.

 

Believe me, I absolutely don't want to be disturbed by annoying teenagers who aren't being respectful, but these teens were clearly headed up to their rooms for the night, being very respectful of other guests, and this guy just lit into them. It seemed fairly uncalled for. I just think a little discretion goes a long way-- while the security officer was making a big show of "busting" them, there were probably teenagers actually disturbing people in other parts of the ship (sorry, but it's a safe bet, hehe) that weren't being harassed because this guy was beating his chest about these two.

[saltsandknit]

We took a family cruise on the Vision last Sept. Our boys were 14, 17, 20. The youngest had a blast, the 17 y/o enjoyed it mostly, the 20 y/o was bored to tears and is not sure he wants to go on another cruise anytime soon.

 

I think there is a great need for a young adult program for 18-21 ages. My kids are not interested in drinking but would have been happy to have a dedicated lounge or place they could all go and hang out. It isn't even a curfew problem a social need for young adults. I put this on the survey I took after the cruise. The next family cruise will have to be on one of the bigger ships so that the older boys can find more to do with themselves, although there will still be a need to find activities for this age group.

[nodumblond]

I always tried to work full time during my breaks in college as well. I could never afford to go somewhere on spring break!

 

I'm with you. Spring break for me was just an opportunity to cram as many hours in at possible at Woolco to help pay tuition and books. The only "spring break" I took in HS or college was to a conference to find a job my senior year at university! :p

 

I'm sure I'm going to get flamed for this, but these kids are on a cruise ship, going to great places and experiencing cool things. I understand everyone wants to enjoy themselves on vacation, but they can't amuse themselves on board without clubs and activities planned for them during sea days/nights?? Really???

 

I can't fault the cruise line for separating 18 year olds from 17 year olds -- you're a legal adult at 18 even if you can't drink, and the liability issues would be HUGE. (I don't agree with the shift in drinking age in the US to 21, but it's the law, so that's how the cruise ships have to go.) Similarly, couldn't you hear the uproar from a parent if something happened between a 18 year old and an 'almost' 21 year old?

 

It's a tough age, but there's only so much sympathy I can muster -- THEY'RE ON A CRUISE SHIP. I, for one, thank my lucky stars every time I step aboard a ship for vacation, as one never knows when one might be so fortunate to sail again.

 

I wonder how the land-based family-friendly 'all-inclusive' resorts handle this kind of thing?

[concour]

One summer we took our two teenage boys on a cruise when they were 18 and 19 years old. They both really enjoyed going on the cruise, the ports and being with family it was just that they felt the cruise line ignored the age group except when it came to curfew violations They were eating pizza and talking to some others in the age group when security came by. The DW and I were just a few tables over at the time. The younger teens have plenty of planned activities and specific places to go. Those over 21 could go dancing at night but because of their age they could not. This age group (18-20) seems to be the black hole in Royal Caribbean planning.

[geojobes]

We cruised with 2 boys 17 & 18. The 17 looked older than the 18. They hung out together & had a great time, this was on Carnival years ago. The 17 year old wasn't interested in teen club. They spent time in arcade (their money) & the casino! They had 24 hour a day food, they were happy. Also Carnival still had the topless deck & being a good father, I had to check it once in a while to make sure the 17 yo wasn't up there!;)

[benbell]

FYI...

 

I don't think Carnival has anything like this.

 

My 17 year old brother just got back from a cruise and said he regularly stayed out till 3-5am without any question.

 

Of course, they were so lax that he gambled in the Casino without any questions.

[Bakincakes]

It really is sad that kids that age can't amuse themselves without someone else creating things for them to do.

 

It is hard to feel sorry for them when they are on a cruise, that their parents are paying for. :(

[beachchick]

I always tried to work full time during my breaks in college as well. I could never afford to go somewhere on spring break!

 

Same with us. In fact, my DH is old enough that he never had actual full week "spring breaks" in college. All I remember about mine is that I didn't have to go to class, could work more hours, and had some free time to relax with friends.

 

When my 16 year old daughter can go to a club with 20 year olds, we will stay home until she is older... Too much risk IMO, even with my National Honor Society student who I trust explicitly.

 

These are teens, even the best of whom, do not ALWAYS use good judgement - especially on a vacation with peers who they will never see again. Apparently you were never 19 or 20 years old??? Let's be realistic - why do you think Spring Break in Cancun IS what it is?

 

Very wise! No way would we have let our DD go to clubs with 20 y/o's when she was 16. Just not smart, IMO. OTOH, it would be nice if they had a couple of mixers and a few "starter" activities specific to 18 to 20 y/o's. I do like the idea of 18 y/o's being allowed into the teen disco and facilities if they can prove they are high school seniors. That would eliminate some of the separation issues, while still keeping the groups age appropriate.

 

I guess I don't understand why they can't make their own (clean) fun. No one has a deck of cards or knows games that don't require equipment? There are no recreational opportunities or places to dance?

 

When I was young, we didn't have any place to go, either, and we just hung out with each other, talked and laughed. I have not yet come to understand the need to be constantly entertained. We were brought up to figure it out ourselves, make our own fun, entertain ourselves.

 

I realize I could get slammed pretty hard, but, I'm just saying, I don't get it. Why must there always be "something to do"?

 

You won't get slammed by me! As I mentioned above, I think it would be good for the cruise lines to offer a few mixers or dances or something for that age group. But I do not understand why they should be expected to tailor basically constant entertainment to the age group. I think it's reasonable to expect 18 to 20 y/o's to be able to entertain themselves most of the time. I have wonderful memories from high school, almost none of which have to do with organized entertainment provided by someone else--unless you count going to the movies, theater, or concerts.

 

beachchick

[galavant3]

Ugh...seeing problems ahead for our June AOS cruise. Surprise trip for 18yr old daughter and her 17yr old best friend. Both excellent students and will be off to college this fall.

They will want to stick together and I know they would like to find a club for dancing/hanging out...doesn't sound like that is going to happen :(.

 

We have taken our teens on several cruises and they have always had a great time! The lack of a club that includes 17 and 18 year olds has never been an issue for us. Kids are resourceful! They will make friends on day one and have a wonderful time. Enjoy this surprise trip with your daughter and her friends!

[galavant3]

It really is sad that kids that age can't amuse themselves without someone else creating things for them to do.

 

It is hard to feel sorry for them when they are on a cruise, that their parents are paying for. :(

 

You have obviously overheard me talking to my kids! There are TONS of things to do on a ship. If you can't have a great time, it is your own fault!

[funfamilyfun]

Our son is 15 and met other 15 year olds and had a great time. (We just cruised Liberty Spring Break 09) We did meet a family that was traveling as a group. Some kids were 18 and some still 17 and the kids couldn't do any organized things together. I have to agree that that was frustrating.

[VillaHappy]

I always tried to work full time during my breaks in college as well. I could never afford to go somewhere on spring break!

 

DITTO!!! I worked my butt off every chance I could at that age. Had the energy and the motivation, so why not? Now that I'm middle aged, making the big bucks ;), and don't have as much energy, now's the time to vacation. :D

[rclcruzer]

My son just turned 21 in March. Between 18 and 20 , he always said "its no fun when everywhere you go some security guard is telling you

"Sorry son, you can't go in there"

"Sorry young man, you have to go in the other area"

"Sorry, the young gentleman will have to wait out here for you"

 

And I understand his point.

 

In the fall him and I have a father/son trip planned to Las Vegas. MTV has made it look like the coolest place on earth for young people *LOL*, and he has been dying to go.

 

My dad and I had planned to do the same thing many many moons ago, but he passed away before we had the chance. So I think I am even more excited about this trip.

Oh my gosh I hope you both have a blast!!!

Vegas is for sure a city with some amazing clubs, lounges and nightlife..... (my parents reside their and I am 3 /2 hours drive away). As well as our cruise when the boys are 18 and 21, for his 21st, he wants us to go along to Vegas with him and his friends for a b-day blowout!! I hope we survive!

Have a great trip :)

[Kailyn]

I have cruised on RCI when I was 15, 16, 17, and 19.

 

At 17 I did not use the teen club at all because my cousin that I was with was 18. We still found PLENTY to do and had plenty of fun anyway. In fact, on that cruise I met people who I continue to keep in close contacgt with. I can appreciate that it can cause some problems, but I am on RCI's side here - keeping the 18+ out of the teen areas is just good sense. Maybe "your" kid is different, sure they are an A+ AP student, never get into any trouble...but how do they know that's true of everyone, in addition to any possible liability issues?

 

When I was 19 I again had lots of fun. We spent a lot of nights in the regular adult club but also time on the decks, in pools and hot tubs, on the promenade, with new friends, etc. Same things I did at age 17. The only problem that I see with the 18-20 age group is just that many of us are still shy at this age. If you are from the United States and your 18-20 year old can't handle a week without alcohol, something is seriously wrong. At 18 they can visit every area of the ship, they just can't order drinks.

 

Just my humble opinion.

[reallyitsmema]

I have cruised on RCI when I was 15, 16, 17, and 19.

 

At 17 I did not use the teen club at all because my cousin that I was with was 18. We still found PLENTY to do and had plenty of fun anyway. In fact, on that cruise I met people who I continue to keep in close contacgt with. I can appreciate that it can cause some problems, but I am on RCI's side here - keeping the 18+ out of the teen areas is just good sense. Maybe "your" kid is different, sure they are an A+ AP student, never get into any trouble...but how do they know that's true of everyone, in addition to any possible liability issues?

 

When I was 19 I again had lots of fun. We spent a lot of nights in the regular adult club but also time on the decks, in pools and hot tubs, on the promenade, with new friends, etc. Same things I did at age 17. The only problem that I see with the 18-20 age group is just that many of us are still shy at this age. If you are from the United States and your 18-20 year old can't handle a week without alcohol, something is seriously wrong. At 18 they can visit every area of the ship, they just can't order drinks.

 

Just my humble opinion.

It isn't about alcohol. You say at 17, you didn't use the teen club because of your 18 yr old cousin. Where were the two of you able to go dancing together? You wouldn't be allowed into the disco at night and your cousin couldn't get into the teen center.

[tomjohnsonjr]

Even the police use discretion. As you say; they can get ticketed, but I am sure they are not ALWAYS ticketed. These cruise ships should be the same. If the kids are playing basketball, board games in the game room, sitting in the hot tub, etc. then they are not causing trouble and should be left alone to enjoy their trip. They should not have to be confined to their rooms. If the parents are okay with it, then I believe the cruiseline should be as well.

 

In florida if they are out they get a ticket. It would be against the law to only give tickets to some under age people and not others.

[cruisecrasy]

I always tried to work full time during my breaks in college as well. I could never afford to go somewhere on spring break!

 

My situation also when I was young thanks to my parents foresight in teaching their children...

 

My DH & myself cruised regularily but our kids didn't (some land vacations & at home types like camping out)..even though we, like our parents before us, cld easily have afforded much more..

My kids were too busy working & learning responsibility/work ethic & how to save for 'things'!! Sadly lacking in a lot of todays North American overindulged youth, boding ill for the future..

 

Just something for parents to consider rather than their kids not having somewhere to hang out on a cruiseship, of course this is JMO!!

 

Have happy cruisin'!

[barbgazz]

My situation also when I was young thanks to my parents foresight in teaching their children...

 

My DH & myself cruised regularily but our kids didn't (some land vacations & at home types like camping out)..even though we, like our parents before us, cld easily have afforded much more..

My kids were too busy working & learning responsibility/work ethic & how to save for 'things'!! Sadly lacking in a lot of todays North American overindulged youth, boding ill for the future..

 

Just something for parents to consider rather than their kids not having somewhere to hang out on a cruiseship, of course this is JMO!!

 

Have happy cruisin'!

 

I totally agree with you.

[rclcruzer]

My kids have plenty of responsibility and we take them on vacation with us when we can, and sometimes it's just my DH and I.

They have made a million memories because of our trips and I can only hope and pray that they do the same for their children... one of the many reasons we cruise/travel with our children ;)

[bplazo]

My situation also when I was young thanks to my parents foresight in teaching their children...

 

My DH & myself cruised regularily but our kids didn't (some land vacations & at home types like camping out)..even though we, like our parents before us, cld easily have afforded much more..

My kids were too busy working & learning responsibility/work ethic & how to save for 'things'!! Sadly lacking in a lot of todays North American overindulged youth, boding ill for the future..

 

Just something for parents to consider rather than their kids not having somewhere to hang out on a cruiseship, of course this is JMO!!

 

Have happy cruisin'!

 

I would have never considered cruising without my daughter because she loves going on cruises. She has had a job since she was 14 and is now 20 and a senior in college with a high GPA and very responsible. It would seem kind of selfish to go on a vacation without her.

[juniorsmom]

I would have never considered cruising without my daughter because she loves going on cruises. She has had a job since she was 14 and is now 20 and a senior in college with a high GPA and very responsible. It would seem kind of selfish to go on a vacation without her.

 

 

I know what you mean. My oldest son is 21 and I would love to bring him with us, but he doesn't want to go with us anymore. Sniff, Sniff. Thank goodness I can still drag my 16 year old.:)

[Kailyn]

It isn't about alcohol. You say at 17, you didn't use the teen club because of your 18 yr old cousin. Where were the two of you able to go dancing together? You wouldn't be allowed into the disco at night and your cousin couldn't get into the teen center.

 

We went to the adult club twice, yes even though I was 17 they did not care as much at that time. During our sailing it was mostly full of 30+ year olds every night and quite boring and empty. Certainly didn't ruin or even hamper our cruise one bit.

 

My point is that you shouldn't need a "club" to go dancing every night in order to have fun. I have been on cruises with friends and alone and never had any problems meeting people and having a lot more fun than in the club. One of my younger brothers has never been to the teen club at all; the other one, couldn't drag him out.

 

I'd rather a couple of people feel left out because they can't go dancing together than to put 16 year olds together with 20 year olds like some have suggested. It is a hard fact that 18-20 year olds will get their hands on alcohol if they want it. Why should RCI, the passengers and the teens have to deal with the liability and responsibility issues that crop up so easily.

[reallyitsmema]

We went to the adult club twice, yes even though I was 17 they did not care as much at that time. During our sailing it was mostly full of 30+ year olds every night and quite boring and empty. Certainly didn't ruin or even hamper our cruise one bit.

 

My point is that you shouldn't need a "club" to go dancing every night in order to have fun. I have been on cruises with friends and alone and never had any problems meeting people and having a lot more fun than in the club. One of my younger brothers has never been to the teen club at all; the other one, couldn't drag him out.

 

I'd rather a couple of people feel left out because they can't go dancing together than to put 16 year olds together with 20 year olds like some have suggested. It is a hard fact that 18-20 year olds will get their hands on alcohol if they want it. Why should RCI, the passengers and the teens have to deal with the liability and responsibility issues that crop up so easily.

It isn't about alcohol. All we are saying is it would be nice for these high school seniors to be able to go somewhere, listen to music and dance, without breaking any ship rules.