Curfew for children and teens?

[spongerob]

We had some problems with unescorted children and teens late at night during our last cruise. Parents were nowhere in sight while their young'uns were tearing up the ship and running over people. Would a curfew requiring that children and teens be in their cabins or escorted by the parents after 11 PM be a good idea? I hate to punish good kids (and they're out there), but I've never run into so many drunk, out-of-control, and just plain obnoxious children on a cruise before.

Would a curfew solve the problem?

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[roohound]

I think tossing the offenders off at the next port like RCI does might help more http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif(and I'm not just pinpointing teens and kids....if there are unruly adults, boot them too.. )

[Toto2Kansas]

Hopefully the cruise lines will come up with an answer to that problem real soon SpongeRob. I think this has gotten totally out of hand.
I know I was on a cruise a while back where at dinner one night I over heard a mother bragging that she had not seen her 9 year old since 7:30 that morning. It was 9:30 at night when we overheard this. She also said that she had been told that he was seen at the buffet in his swimsuit and bare feet eating dinner, but that the staff/waiters were taking very good care of him. Like it is THEIR place to watch over her kid. I will never forget that statement, about made my blood boil that a 9 year old had run the ship all day and half the night without one second of supervision from his parents.
Afraid this is not a rare thing on a cruise ship. SOME parents think that their children can do no wrong so they let them go so they can get some quality time with their partners. ARG!

Tahitian Princess 10/14/04
RCI-Legend of the Seas 3/27/05 Panama Canal.
One Phantom Booking still open with Princess.

[sue d. miller]

This would be my Question. Am I asking to much? I don't think so. If kids{of any age] are creating a havoc,out of control, report it.There is always crew around and the ask the kid what room they are in, call the cabin, no answer, go on the loudspeaker and ask for the parents by name and say, out loud, we have your child, report to the pursers desk!! Then the parents can be told, If it happens again, the child will stay in the cabin for the rest of the cruise, or serious trouble?, get off at the next port. Once parents are brought into it, and every one else knows it, you may see changes made.

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Toto2Kansas]

On some of the cruises we have been on, those loud speakers would be making those announcements every 5 minutes. I can't even imagine the cruise lines doing something like that. Parents might be at dinner, or in a show, or in the casino.
All I know is that it is time for the cruise lines to stick to their guns about parents supervising their children.

Tahitian Princess 10/14/04
RCI-Legend of the Seas 3/27/05 Panama Canal.
One Phantom Booking still open with Princess.

[Coral]

I had never had a problem on Princess until this past Thanksgiving.

Yes - I think a curfew would be a good idea. I would probably say that if they are with their parents, then they can stay out longer but there is no reason for 7-14 year olds to be running around the ship late at night. Where are their parents???

[psupa]

It's unfortunate that some parents think just because they are on a ship they don't have to watch their kids. The cruise lines need to step up and get control of the situation. From what I've been reading, this has gotten way out of control. Maybe a curfew is the answer, but the cruise line must enforce it. Also, if kids are unruly, destructive, etc., they along with their parents should be put off the ship at the next port. The cruise lines need to start sending a message to parents that this will not be tolerated.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=2325FF&cdt=2004;9;25;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500 
Caribbean Princess Sep 04

[GloriaF]

It is not only that they are a nuisance, it can be dangerous for the child as well.

I have not been personally affected, but I always wonder why anyone would let their child take the risk of being molested, etc, while running around alone. Sexual Predators are a lot more common than we think, and live amongst us, if the reports I see on TV are a judge.

Gloria

Grand Princess, Eastern, April 2001
Grand Princess, Western,April 2002
Regal to Hawaii, April 5-20, 2004

[CruiseFever]

Those teens are the adult cruisers of tomorrow.

I think we owe it to both ourselves, to eliminate a nuisance and to them, to teach them appropriate behavior to NOT have a curfew.

Like so many group situations like this, its not ALL the kids but a small handful who cause the problems. Many kids, mine for example, do not cause problems. I think it would be unfair to keep them from a midnight snack, a gaze at the stars, or a stroll on deck late at night or early in the morning.

First, define appropriate behavior. Obviously not all parents are doing it and the ships just kind of look the other way. Surely it's not their job to teach teens manners and how to behave in a socially acceptable way but it IS their job to keep order aboard the ship.

I remember reading in Cruise News Daily a while back about a cruise line that did have an education program at sea where the kids were taught table manners and etiquette.

Somehow, be it an orientation meeting for all kids, a guidebook placed in the cabin, or some other sort of information transfer system they have to know the rules

I don't think a lot of them do

I'm talking about the rules of behavior that if broken by and adult would at least draw raised eyebrows by other passengers or in other cases wind them up in the brig.

After the dessemination of the information, enforce it.

I think the solution could be just that simple.

While a curfew would surely help I don't think it really addresses the problem and good luck policing the entire ship all night long. In reality it would probably become a game with the teens to not get caught.

I sure am glad you brought this issue up though; as noted above, something does need to be done

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[MaryPoppinz]

We're talking about unescorted kids, right? I'd have no problem with a reasonable curfew. The exception should be the teen or children's areas, naturally, and kids who are with their grown-ups should be permited wherever parents see fit, given wherever parameters the cruiselines deem safe. That said, I've personally never run into a problem on Princess, and I think the parents who let their elementary-age children have a run of the ship for 14 hours a day are in a very, very small minority.

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."
-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'

[spongerob]

Mary,

Yes, I'm speaking only about unescorted children. The problems seem to vary from cruise to cruise. On the Caribbean Princess, there were enough children and teens causing a commotion that it was a common topic of conversation. On the Golden Princess, we rarely even saw the children, and the teens we met were unabashedly polite and well-mannered.

Chris,I agree that a curfew is not a perfect solution. At least, an official policy stating at what times children are required to be with their parents would give the on-board staff some authority to control those who need to be controlled.

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[BJS]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I don't think so. If kids{of any age] are creating a havoc,out of control, report it.There is always crew around and the ask the kid what room they are in, call the cabin, no answer, go on the loudspeaker and ask for the parents by name and say, out loud, we have your child, report to the pursers desk!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
What do you do when it is 2:30 AM and they wake you from a sound sleep? We and our friends had this happen several times on our 4/4 Dawn Princess sailing.

I'm sorry to hear that this is happening on other Princess ships. We thought it was an isolated episode and told our friends, who were on their first cruise, as much. It was our 12th on Princess and the first time we have ever had this happen.

They were taking the balloons down, which room stewards had put up for birthday and anniversary celebrations, running down the halls, laughing and yelling. We had this happening from 11 PM until 2:30 AM on several nights during the 7 day voyage.

Future cruises:
Sept. 04 Star Princess x 2
Jan. 05 Diamond Princess
July 05 Star Princess
Aug. 05 Star Pincess

Past cruises:
04 Dawn Princess x 2
03 Grand,Sun,Tahitian,
Royal Princess x 2,Island Princess
01 Ryndam x 2
00 Sky Princess
79 Sitmar's Fairwind

[Lidi]

My last cruise and my upcoming cruise were planned as a get away for dh and myself. I do NOT want to have to keep track of my kids all day. Therefore I am not bringing them on this cruise. I love my kids dearly. I spend nearly 24/7 with them as I homeschool them. I use this time away as a time to recharge myself and reconnect with my husband as a couple.
All that to say that when we do decide to cruise with our kids (we spent half the last cruise talking about how much our kids would love this or love the other thing) we will be cruising WITH our kids. I cannot imagine not spending time with them and sharing all the fun with them. It makes me so sad to hear the commments some parents make about not being with their children. I would be the first one to confine my kids to their cabin if they exhibited bad or unruly behavior.
I would like to think other parents would be of the same mindset but I guess from some of these posts some are not. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif
Either way, I can't wait for my cruise and will enjoy the heck out of it!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2003;5;11;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Norway 5/11

[CruiseFever]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>At least, an official policy stating at what times children are required to be with their parents would give the on-board staff some authority to control those who need to be controlled.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Oh I like that idea a lot, lets just do that

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[wolfsnare]

Spongerob, I was on the same Golden sailing as you were (4/10) and my cabin was right across the hall from "The Bunnies". I'm sure you had to have encountered them at least once on the cruise!!...They were a group of 4 high school girls who were horribly loud, obnoxious and drunk most of the time. They nearly ruined the cruise for me. When they were in their cabin they were constanly screaming and raising "heck"!!! I never saw any parents. Other passengers told me that they had encountered them in shows, heckling the entertainers and such. Actually, in my situation it would have been worse for me if there had been a curfew!! I was glad when they weren't in their cabin!!! I agree though they need to do something!

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Conquest 4/03
Victory 12/03
Golden Princess 4/04 Golden Princess 6/04

[Nitemare]

Toss 'em overboard.

Problem solved.

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[spongerob]

I think the "bunnies" were part of a senior trip. Were they the ones that got drunk, ordered a bunch of room service, then had a food fight in their cabin on the way back to Port Everglades? I know that at least one family was disembarked in St. Maarten, but don't know the cause.

The week prior, we were in the theater at 11 PM when a group sat down in front of us. One of the ladies was so pleased that she could turn her kids loose in the morning and never see them all day. Sounds like the same lady Toto was talking about. The lady went on that she wasn't very concerned since, "they can't really go anywhere, can they? We'll catch up with them eventually."

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[sue d. miller]

Spongerob, I think you have it. Great solution!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[wolfsnare]

They probably were the ones with the food fight, I'm not sure. But I know on the way back to Port Everglades they were running, screaming down the hall at 3 a.m. My mom, who was in the next cabin went in to the hall and yelled at all of them "That there are people on this ship who want to sleep"!!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif It was too wild!
I for one like to take my kids on cruises because it does give them freedom, but we also have set check in times throughout the day and evening. And I would certainly want to know if they were misbehaving in any way!!! I think maybe there needs to be some sort of accountability with the parents.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=8b0000&cdt=2004;6;27;23;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

Conquest 4/03
Victory 12/03
Golden Princess 4/04 Golden Princess 6/04

[Corym]

A curfew is not the way to go. Kids can be loud whether they are in their cabins, or out wandering the decks. The ship doesnt even have enough crew members to actually effectively enforce a curfew beyond common gathering areas.

I am a teenager, and I went on a cruise on the Star to Alaska last summer. There werent any rowdy kids around, for the most part, and I was up around the ship until at least 3 am every night.

I am one of those kids who was away from my parents the entire times, except for dinner, breakfast,and shore excursions, but I am capable of behaving myself while alone.

Part of the problem is that the kids center closes at 10:00 (I think?) and the teen center closes at 12:00-1:00, which isn't very late for teenagers, so we are left with nowhere to hang out just for us.

I'd have to say that while on the cruise I saw FAR more obnoxious drunk adults at night than I saw annoying kids. I don't see why there is any distinction between children and adults, besides the fact that parents should keep track of their kids, and their behavior. There isn't a curfew for people who drink all night, so why have a curfew for kids?

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding what you're defining a "kid" as. Up to 13? 14? 18? My response would change entirely based on this.

$0.02

[roohound]

Playing Devil's Advocate tho, while I totally agree I've seen plenty of obnoxious adults, I've never had to deal with drunk and rowdy adults racing up and down the halls and waking me up at 2am.

That reminds me...pack fishing line for my next cruise...make a deal with my next door neighbor to attach some line on their end and when we hear the thundering herd coming down the hall, tighten the line http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[This message was edited by roohound on 04-25-04 at 07:17 PM.]

[MaryPoppinz]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Corym:
A curfew is not the way to go. Kids can be loud whether they are in their cabins, or out wandering the decks. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good point. But, when I was thinking of the term "curfew," I wasn't thinking "confined to cabin." I was thinking "confined to parents." http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."
-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'

[CruiseFever]

Corym- thanks for lending your perspective on this issue and welcome to the board.

I hope you'll stop by to add your opinion to teen-related issues as it sounds like you're one of the "kids" we'd like others to be like

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[Mezzaluna]

Good points, Corym. I am a middle school (and former high school) teacher and I know plenty of kids who are well-behaved and plenty of adults who aren't. Age doesn't confer good sense on people. The only difference here is that adults are supposed to be responsible for themselves, but kids (up to age 18, IMHO) are still children in terms of having someone else ultimately responsible for them. Therefore, it's easier for adults to complain about kids (knock on their doors and yell at them) but harder for many of us to deal with adults who are rude and inconsiderate. For instance, take a look at the discussions about smokers on balconies, when non-smoking passengers are reluctant to ask smoking neighbors to extinguish their cigars, etc. If kids were smoking, most adults wouldn't hesitate to say something.

The point about predators and exploiters on ships is also a very good point. Parents should be cautioned about this. It may refocus their priorities. That parent who bragged about not seeing her child should be considered neglectful.

Stella Solaris '80
Carnival Celebration '92
RCCL Majesty of the Seas '01
Coral Princess '04

[Toto2Kansas]

Just to clarify my posts on this subject. I consider children normally 13 and below. Even though there are some that still need a lot of supervision even older than 13.
There are always exceptions to every rule.

Now to address the 'drunk adults' topic. Sorry, but as long as they are over 21 that is legal. BUT for teens to be drunk onboard, that is definitely NOT legal at all.
If for no other reason, what could possibly happen to a drunken teen late at night on a ship is scarey. You are dealing with staff from all over the world, and there just possibly could be a bad apple among them if you get my drift. Just not worth taking that chance whether the teen be male or female. So, now we aren't just talking about irritating other passengers with rude behavior but actually putting themselves in harms way.
IMHO

Tahitian Princess 10/14/04
RCI-Legend of the Seas 3/27/05 Panama Canal.
One Phantom Booking still open with Princess.

[sunnyv]

Being a parent of a 15yr old daughter, I have to tell you I was concerned for her safety in the presence of the drunk adults. Yes, it is legal for an adult to drink, but that doesn't excuse their behavior while drunk. My daughter participated with the teen program until 1:00am every night. It isn't always in the teen room. Sometimes they swim and do other activities together. Let's not use a curfew to punish everyone for some of the others unacceptable behaviors, being rude, drunk, loud or destructive. Maybe more visable "security" type crew would help. Unacceptable behavior should not be tolorated at any age!

Our cruises have been some of our children's greatest memories. They have developed and maintained friendships with the others they have met while on board.

Vicki

12/26/04 Caribbean Princess to Eastern Caribbean
Princess Star 8/03 Alaska
Princess Coral 3/03 Panama
Disney's Wonder 12/01 Bahama's
RCC Majesty of the Seas 11/99 Southern Caribbean

[donna5]

We were on the April 11 Grand. We had two different Michigan school high school senior classes. Plus a bunch of little ones that were real noisy. Of course the pursurs office says you should have known it was spring break. Well our schools had spring break in March, so how are we suppose to know. I don't care if you are a child or an adult, if you are ruining my vacation I will speak up and let you know. I had to get the spa to get someone to get the young ones out of the swim pool at the spa during the time that was set aside for adults. During the morning and early afternoon they let children in and the sign says "under 17 must be accompanied by adult, but there is no adult.
One night in the diningroom we had two tables near us with cying babies and screaming and running around children. I left, composed myself and then came back to finish my meal. I thought they had quieted down but, they got back up and ran around again and fell on the floor near my chair. At that point I said "Go back to your seats right now." Of course then the mother tells them to sit down. I take a cruise to relax, if I wanted to put up with this I would go to Chuckie Cheese. I have been a Princess fan, because there use to be not as many children on it. They need to have the parents take responsibility for their children and enforce the rules. I'll bet if I ran around the diningroom screaming and falling on the floor they would have said something. I can truthfully say, that I was glad to get off that ship.

[karen2cruz]

On our last cruise, a couple of weeks ago, the captain announced from the very beginning of the cruise that inappropriate behavior by anyone would not be tolerated. He warned us that you would be put off at the next port. The message was directed at parents. (on on several previous sailings he had put families off at ports). Curfew was at 1 am and security was out to enforce it.

We had our three teens with us. They didn't notice any bad behavior, and there were 1300 "kids" (ages 2-17).

This was our "family vacation", so the kids were with us most of the time. Occaisionally, they went to the activities. Frankly, most of the cruiselines do not have great programs for the 13-17 year old age group. We were on Mariner of the seas, specifically for the golf, rock wall, ice skating rink, etc. The kids thought it was great.

We are not taking our kids on our next cruise and are most definitely looking forward to a relaxing time-a real "vacation" http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sea Princess 2/02
DisneyWonder 6/03
Mariner of the Seas 4/04
Golden Princess 1/23/05

[Jacqueline]

My daughter stayed in the teen center on the Celebrity Constellation a few nights past 1am with a group of other kids. They were in the center. I would call now and again and my daughter would pick up which is how I know for sure (aside from the times that I peeked in the window - and a security guard was asking me if I needed any help). BTW the kids knew that there were security cameras in there and they they were being - potentially- watched.
I always told Carolyn if she wasnt where she says she is going to be she will find me roaming the ship in my pjs looking for her.
I agree with Chris that the standard should be appropriate behavior. Setting a standard for acceptable behavior and maintaining it is a good learning tool and creates a better quality of life for all passengers.

Jacqueline
Constellation 3/20/04
HAL Westerdam 7/30/04
Tahitian Princess August 2003
Grand Princess Western Caribbean 2003
Brilliance of the Seas Baltic 2002
Ocean Princess- Alaska 2001
Celebrity Zenith- Bermuda 2001
Grand Princess Med 2000

[Lauire]

Wolfsnare . . . we were also on the GOlden 4/10. Where were your cabins, for we also heard kids running down the hall into the late hours. However, we just thought they were younger kids . . . never imagined they were HS seniors!
We were also amazed at how late kids were allowed to stay out.
One night my husband & I retired rather late to our cabin only to catch on the TV the ship's webcam. There were teens in the teen's hot tub until after 4am in the morning!!!! You know nothing good was happening there!

[Corym]

I beg to differ. I was out with friends I met on the cruise in the pool/hot tub until 3 am or so when they kicked us out and closed the pool, and I can tell you we did nothing that was not allowed, or we wouldn't want our parents knowing about. Apparently contrary to the belief of some, all teens are not delinquents out to cause trouble.

I resent the fact that just because they were teens, you say they were "up to no good". If that had been a group of middle aged adults, I'm sure you wouldn't say the same thing.

Cory

[woodofpine]

A curfew may "work" but I would prefer to avoid one. Firm handling of individual miscreants is what should be encouraged. The word will get out/

Studies show that teens have nocturnal internal clocks so they tend to be out late and sleep in, not so much by choice as physiology. A few bad apples make it tough for the majority... welcome to the rest of your lives kids.

It's a matter of courage and empowerment. Kids need to feel empowered (to correct their obnoxious peers), but mainly crew need to feel empowered to intervene and use security where necessary.

Adult pax need to have the courage to confront rowdy kids rather than sulk. 9 times of 10 (probably higher on a cruise ship), obnoxious kids are just that - they're not dangerous - they just "want attention"; give them some! Not the kind they want mind you... They cave-in quick 9 times out of 10, the remaining 1 can be dealt with by security.

The lines are doing more to announce and enforce policy, that needs to be encouraged on an individual basis 'cause there are going to be the Nicky and Paris Hiltons (and their parents) out their at times.

[CruiseFever]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I resent the fact that just because they were teens, you say they were "up to no good". <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My teens and the friends they've made on board the last 9 cruises have not been bad kids and were out late in a similar manner as Cory described above without incident, much like they might have been up late if they'd had friends over to spend the night at home.

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[Bisous3]

I have no problem with teens out late- as long as they aren't like thpse "bunnies" and disturbing other passengers.
Except for the kid whose parents had to have the pursers desk make a public announcement at 5:45 AMone morning because they couldn't find him...(on the Island 4/4 cruise)
I have a bigger problem with the elementary and middle schoolers who are unescorted and wreaking havoc- ours is in the kids program (by her choice) or with me...there is no way she'll ever be left to wander the ship and do her Dennis the Menace impression.

Suzanne
Oceanic '82
Oceanic '83
Century '01
Century '03
Millennium '03
Island Princess '04
Thanksgiving on the Millie '04

[MaryPoppinz]

If friends are over spending the night at home, and the kids are up late in the pool or the jacuzzi...I'm up. They aren't 'unescorted.' On a cruiseship, that responsibility gets effectively delegated to other passengers and the ship's crew when children are up late unescorted by parents or teen center staff.

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."
-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'

[Coolmama_1]

I think that it is important to remember that the resposibility should also shoulder on the adults with those kids. These are the same children that are running wild at home. Poor behavior is not just limited to vacations. Personally, I think people should have to have a license to breed! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Judy

Cruisin in July on the Golden Princess

[Nrknits]

I take my kids cruising with us and they have curfews imposed by me. Generally the coincide with the end of the activities at the Kids and Teen centers. They don't participate in all their activities but we have a general idea of where they are and who they are with. We often "wander" around and check on their wherabouts, sometimes known to them and sometimes not. And they are corrected if they are seem displaying discourteous behavior. The steps seem to be a favorite place for kids to hang out and mine were told that that was not a place I wanted to see them. All that being said, I'm sure they laugh too loud sometimes and do something I wouldn't appove of when they are alone, but we try very hard to teach them to be couteous to fellow paassangers.
If kids are running down the hall at night pulling off balloons and yelling, I'd do the same thing I'd do in a hotel, Call the front desk (purser's desk) and report it. If they get enough complaints, they will respond, as they should. If my kids were doing it, I'd want someone to call, they won't learn if no one corrects them or stops them.
Now what do we do about the rude adults??

[lawofraven]

I am not a perfect mom and I will be the first one to tell you that my children do act up. They are 10, 11, and 14. I could probably go a whole cruise and not see my oldest son and he would be fine. My redheaded 11 year old son would never be out of my sight unless he was in kid's program, Just not taking the chance. My 10 yr old daughter would either be with step-dad or oldest son they wouldn't let her out of their sight (overprotective of our "little princess"). My point is parents assume they know their kids and what they are capable of doing. I bet the "bunnies" would have done the same thing at a sleepover at home with an unattended liquor cabinent. Same parents would then go into denial and say "not my child", because it would scare them to think that they don't really know their children at all.
Parenting is not easy and a reminder of our responsibilities should be welcome. If Princess states a strict policy and adheres to it, pax would be free to report broken rules and feel assured something would be done about it. If adults can be kicked off for bad behavior so should the offending kids and their parents. No adult likes to pay for something and lose it.
Sorry so long, just such an interesting topic to add my 2 cents to.
Angie

Carnival Ecstasy 1999
Norwegian Sea 2001
Norwegian Sun 2001
Norwegian Dawn 2003
Norwegian Dream 2004
Carribean Princess Sept. 2004

[woodspines]

As a teacher for 16 years, I have seen all kinds of kids, and all kinds of parents. My motto has become, "It's not the kids, it's the parents." Children are a product of their environment and upbringing. They behave in the way they have been brought up. Kids are kids, and if they have no limits, of course they will run around and do what they think is fun. They don't understand that their behavior is inappropriate because they have never been taught that.
I agree with the posters who say kids need to be instructed on how to behave. I know from experience that the parents who instruct their children will also be the ones to set them straight should they do something out of line.
My children aren't perfect, but on our last cruise I was so proud when an older couple came up to our table at dinner and complimented us on how well behaved and polite our teenagers were at tea that afternoon. (They went by themselves.) Good behavior is noticed too.
Give credit where credit is due. Both the kids and parents like to hear the good things.

[Lauire]

Unfortuantely, it is only a very few that usually spoil it for others . . .
However, if the parents of the 2 teens had seen what their kids were doing on the ships web cam in the teen hot tub @ 4 am . . . you can bet they would say "they were up to NO good"! Obviously, the couple had no idea they were on the web cam!

[woodofpine]

You gotta love a poster named Wood.

We too get a lot of compliments on our kids, and I let them know it is appreciated - but also what is expected of them. I love my kids, but I realized a long time ago that you can be their parent or you can try to be their "pal". You may (with a little luck) succeed at the first, you'll certainly fail at the second...

Mine are pre-teen so I've not negotiated the treacherous shoals of that island of insanity. My 11 year old is headstrong (with me) but cautious and courteous, so I don't mind her being on her own fairly late. The others we keep short leash but we're giving them daytime opportunities for limited independence.

Fairly late is not and will not ever mean the wee hours for my tribe. We are very active during the day, and I'm not allowing them to stay up just so I have to deal with the sleep deprived repercussions the next AM. Negotiations will be interesting in a few years when a sea day follows a formal night...

[woodspines]

Wood and Pine together no less!!
Sometimes I see your posts and think they're mine. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

One thing I think we all have to remember is even the best parents can have kids that push the limits or do things that would put mom and dad into cardiac arrest.
The cruies lines just need to enforce rules and standards in a discreet, but firm manner to both adults and children. They owe it to all the passengers who find it offensive.

[inmyworld4ever]

I don't think a curfew at 11pm is good! maybe around 1pm when the teen center closes! Of couse I'm a teen myself. I think the younger kids should be with a parent or older sib after around 10pm. Making a curfew would suck!
see ya,
Mac

Sailed the Star Princess last year. Now I'm sailing the Diamond Princess this year!
Diamond Princess 6/12

[osnap2006x]

I don't think that teens should have a curfew at all!! this is their vacation as well. Yes they can get out of hand but making them stay in their room when everybody else is out having a good time is not the right thing to do.

Coty Jones

[pattie63]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by woodspines:
"It's not the kids, it's the parents." Children are a product of their environment and upbringing. They behave in the way they have been brought up..." .<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
For the most part, I have to agree with you. I'm constantly supervising my children even though they are still very young (7 & 9). I want to ensure that they understand that good behaviour is the only acceptable behaviour. However, I am 1 of 6 children. 5 of the 6 are responsible, hard working, well-educated (PhDs, JDs., etc), valuable members of society while the other is an alcoholic crackhead (he's number 4 in the line-up). He was raised the same as all of the other siblings and got far more attention and help when he started to go downhill. My hard-working parents would have done anything to help him (they spent thousands on rehab and support). I think it's simplistic to simply say it's that parents fault that kids go bad. Do I think parents need to supervise kids on cruise ships? You better believe it but I also pity the parents who are doing their best and despite this, the kid is causing havoc. Perhaps some would say it would be best to leave the child home but then what?

[This message was edited by pattie63 on 04-26-04 at 06:13 PM.]

[seafille]

I think that there may be many occurances of unacceptable child/teen behavior on board ships, but would like to comment on something that happened to us on our cruise last week. We were walking down the hall toward the door to the pool and two adolescents (a boy and girl) came along. My companion opened the door for them as he was waiting for me (I walk slowly due to an injury), and both young people said "are you sure?" and when receiving an affirmative response "thank you very much". We were both very impressed and made a point of telling their parents of their wonderful manners when we encountered them in the Horizon Court.

There is still hope... http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

seafille

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 04/04

[Mezzaluna]

When parents parent, kids act like Cory- they have built-in self control and make wise choices.

Princess should support parents who parent and prod those who don't, because those who don't are making other customers leave the ship with bad tastes in their mouths and the feeling that they've just wasted a good chunk of money.

In other words, it's in everyone's best interest for parents to do their job. I guess that extends beyond the pier into life in general.

Stella Solaris '80
Carnival Celebration '92
RCCL Majesty of the Seas '01
Coral Princess '04

[wolfsnare]

Laurie, Iwas in A730 and my mom was in A738. "The bunnies" were right across the hall from me in 732. But they had a large entorage of male friends who were stayin elsewhere!!!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=8b0000&cdt=2004;6;27;23;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

Conquest 4/03
Victory 12/03
Golden Princess 4/04 Golden Princess 6/04

[Lauire]

Oh . . . we were on the Caribe deck . . so must have had a differnt group of "2am runners in the halls". Again, I hope they were young & not HS seniors, that would explain their childish behavior than.
This didn't ruin of trip a bit . . . actually had a wonderful week, just noticed the kids a lot more "full of life" than in past cruises!!

[Moretennis4me]

Oh god. I was on the Golden the same week with two 17 year olds, 13, and 12. All boys.
Thought things were pretty much under control.
Knew where everyone was most of the time.
Although they all had curfews, I was much more generous than I would be at home and never went to sleep until they were in their cabins. Okay, the 17 year olds maybe not every night. Oh, god. Hope it wasn't them causing havoc.
Signed,
trying not to be the mother from hell

[jpancake]

Of course there are bad adults as well as bad teenagers. But by their very nature, teenagers are more likely to be unruly, disrespectful, and immature.

For starters, Princess could limit cruise reservations to those over 21. For every group of 4 under 21 there must be an accompanying adult over 21 on the cruise traveling with them. Or maybe limit the number of passengers between 14 and 21 for each cruise.

Jason Pancake
Grand Princess - 03/11/2001 (<A HREF=http://www.houseofpancake.com/pictures.php?id=14>Pictures</A>)
Caribbean Princess 11/20/2004

[sue d. miller]

I raised 8 of them and I was the mother from hell!!!!! Lol. They are all adults now, and all of them are different, but I am proud to say that because we were not pals, they have respect, care about other people and help when they can, and they truly understand what rules mean. I didn't have a ton of rules, but the ones I had were solid. Everything else was compromise. I laugh because of all the crabbing, They have raised their children with the same rules!!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[spongerob]

The problem seems worse on Western Caribbean cruises. The adults seem to be prone to the disease also. Both times we've done east and west back-to-backs, we had more issues with people in general than we had on the eastern leg.

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04