Teens in Fitness Center

[fsdj1097]

Good morning everyone. I tried to search on this subject, but didn't have much luck.

We are leaving next Saturday on the Oosterdam R/T from Seattle and we are taking our 15 YO nephew with us. He is a track athlete and wants to continue to workout and stay in shape during the cruise....go figure! :rolleyes:

My question is this: Will he be able to utilize the fitness center at his age, or will I have to accompany him?

Thanks for your replies.

Sam

[bepsf]

Sam--

I dont think he'll have a problem w/ the gym facilities at all - tho it might be nice to take him on the 'spa tour' the afternoon of departure to introduce him to the spa staff & vice-versa so that he'll be known there.

Be aware that the sauna/steamroom/T-Pool are extra charge - you may want to let him know what you've decided his limits are to be for those facilities at the start.

Let us know how it works out when you get home - the boards here could use more info and experiences about cruising w/ teens on HAL.
:)

[middle-aged mom]

Sam:

I agree with Brian that we could use more info about HAL policies regarding teens and children here on this board. When I finally, actually, really get to go on our first cruise this sumer, I will definitely be reporting back here about our experiences with our children. Now, I was onboard Zaandam in Seattle for a few hours just two weeks ago, as part of a PR ship's tour with my TA. I asked for a copy of HAL's Youth Program Guidelines, and I was given a brochure which states the following. I quote:

"Guests under the age of 16 are not permitted into the gym, jacuzzi, or steam rooms."

So it looks as if you will need to accompany your nephew to the gym area, and even then, perhaps your nephew may not be allowed in. I hope, though, that the staff will allow him to utilize the fitness equipment under your supervision.

I also agree with Brian that it would be a good idea to visit the gym and spa area upon boarding, to become acquainted with the staff there.

[fsdj1097]

I appreciate your prompt replies. I will definitely look into this on embarkation and then report my findings here when I return.

Sam

[sarahjane]

Last week on the Westerdam, I saw a gym attendant make a young guy leave. I'm not sure how old he was (maybe 14-15) but she said he had to go if he was under 16. It must be a liability thing, because he was not annoying anyone, looked as if he knew how to use the equipment, and there were very few people in there so he wasn't in the way.
Of course, there was the basketball court area on the top deck. If your nephew isn't allowed in the gym, he could probably rustle up a pretty good game if he needs some exercise! (unless you're going to Alaska, which case it seemed VERY COLD up there when I looked!:eek: )

have fun!
sarahjane

[Pudgesmom]

I don't know about anyone else, but that over 16 rule for the gym really rubs me the wrong way. Both of my children use a gym here at home, and have used it since the age of 14 as if they were adults.

Why not let these young adults have standard permission to use the gym? If they misbehave, revoke their priviliges.

Beth

[the2ofus]

Just based on my observations at our local YMCA, not all young folks (or even the older ones) know how to use weight equipment safely and properly.

I've seen too many guys grunting and groaning, lifting way too much, way too fast without proper warm-up and without proper form, just to show off how macho they are. Then they are in agony for a week and wonder why.

If HAL has to err it has to be in the direction of preventing injuries, even self-inflicted, to minors.

[Pudgesmom]

Just based on my observations at our local YMCA, not all young folks (or even the older ones) know how to use weight equipment safely and properly.

I've seen too many guys grunting and groaning, lifting way too much, way too fast without proper warm-up and without proper form, just to show off how macho they are. Then they are in agony for a week and wonder why.

If HAL has to err it has to be in the direction of preventing injuries, even self-inflicted, to minors.


My response to that would be to ban - or educate - those using the equipment improperly. ( How about a physician's letter for those over 60 allowing participation in physical activity? )

Beth

[Krazy Kruizers]

DH always uses the treadmills, bikes, and weights in the gym and on several occassions he has seen teens turned away from the gym even though they were accompanied by an adult. Each ship has its own rules.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Pudgesmon

I resent the fact that you think that those of us over 60 (and we are) need to have a doctor's letter to use the equipment in the gym. DH belongs to an athletic club (has for 8 years) and never has had to show a letter there.

Not all of we over 60 group are that incompetent to know how to use equipment properly.

Many times we have seen people in their 30's and 40's who don't even know how to turn on the treadmill!!!

[sail7seas]

I'm with you on this one, KK. ....and DH and I are not yet sixty.

Today's sixty is not what it may have been two generations ago. Today's sixty year olds are vital, energetic and many are in terrific condition. Many exercise on a very regular basis. I don't see a pertinence here re: teens vs. sixty year olds.

As to should young teens be allowed to use the gym.........?? I don't really care either way but will only comment we can't pick and choose which rules we like and intend to honor.

If we don't like a particular rule, discuss it with the 'powers that be' and until or if it is changed, that's the rule. Sure you assuredly have a right to have and express your opinion about anything. But, the ship owners have the right to make any rules they like. If we go on their ships, we follow their rules.

JMHO......as always. :)

[kryos]

"Guests under the age of 16 are not permitted into the gym, jacuzzi, or steam rooms."

So it looks as if you will need to accompany your nephew to the gym area, and even then, perhaps your nephew may not be allowed in. I hope, though, that the staff will allow him to utilize the fitness equipment under your supervision.

I would tend to think, though, that the above-noted policy is a generalization ... meant to keep cavorting kids out of the gym and spa area. If your nephew is mature, is using the equipment properly, and is not creating any sort of disturbance with other kids, I can't imagine anyone asking him to leave.

I agree with the other poster ... take him to the gym and spa on the first day ... introduce him to the staff and let them know he is a serious athlete who wants to continue his workout program while onboard, and I doubt anyone would have a problem with it. It's not like he's so young as to present a risk to himself around the equipment after all.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Eleris]

because he is a serious athlete and probably an outstanding 15 year old does that mean the rules don't apply to him to be 16? My son is also 15 an excellent student and works out with weight training 3 or more days a week but since he is not 16 until August I would not expect the attendents to make a special exception for my son. On our last cruise we went running together in the a.m. and spent a lot of time swimming and taking the stairs onboard. The stairs alone can keep you in shape on any ship!:D

[Pudgesmom]

Pudgesmon


Not all of we over 60 group are that incompetent to know how to use equipment properly.



I made that comment to highlight how silly the over 16 rule is. Now you know how it feels to be discriminated against because of your age.

Beth

[sail7seas]

I can already see, hear and visualize........

My kid got hurt in your gym because your staff wasn't supervising him ....because the machine was faulty......because you shouldn't have allowed him there unsupervised by a parent yada yada yada....

Think litigation as only one of the 'silly' reasons they have valid rules.
No one says we have to like the rules, no one says we have to agree with them, but we do have to abide by them. We don't get to pick and choose which ones we shall honor.

[the2ofus]

We adults all have to sign waivers before doing some of the more strenuous shore excursions HAL offers on HMC as well as other places, so maybe they need to have us do that if we use the gym also. At least that makes it clear that we take responsibility for our own health and safety.

If HAL asked me to bring an MD slip if I plan on using the gym I'd do that, or else just continue climbing stairs as I always do.

[the2ofus]

Actually, the over-sixteen rule is not all that silly. Because children are still growing, certain injuries to bones and joints can have life-long consequences producing long-term liability for the cruise line.

[Pudgesmom]

Actually, the over-sixteen rule is not all that silly. Because children are still growing, certain injuries to bones and joints can have life-long consequences producing long-term liability for the cruise line.

And if an out-of-shape weekend warrior drops dead of a heart attack after using the treadmill, is that OK?

Beth

[kryos]

[B]I'm with you on this one, KK. ....and DH and I are not yet sixty.

I think what the OP was trying to say is that if you are "automatically" going to just ban someone from the gym because they are under 16, presumably because it's a liability thing ... then how come it's not a liability thing for pretty much everyone. Why not require people OVER a certain age to provide a note from their doctor indicating that they are capable of exercise? I think she was just comparing the liability issues for younger, as well as older, passengers to show how ridiculous it is to prohibit someone from using the gym just because they were under 16.

I know that if I were a parent, I'd have a problem with this rule too. If the kid is not causing a problem, and is using the equipment properly (or accepting correction from the gym attendant when he is not), there is no valid reason he should be asked to leave just because he is under 16. I can understand the rule for very young children ... they are small ... and that gym equipment can be dangerous to them. But, if this kid is of a normal size for his age, and he is not cavorting or anything like that in the gym, why the heck can't he work out in peace? Of course, I guess mom or dad could accompany him there and hang around while he does his workout ... but I know I'd be raising cain about it if it were my child.

Let's see ... they can't use the aft pool ... can't use the gym ... can't sit in the first few rows of the show lounge ... can't be in the disco after a certain hour ... what the h*** am I paying for then when I pay their cruise fare? Seems like a lot of things the kids are prohibited from enjoying on the ship ... age-appropriate things too. I thought HAL was supposed to be family friendly?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

And if an out-of-shape weekend warrior drops dead of a heart attack after using the treadmill, is that OK?

Exactly. If they are gonna exclude people from the gym based on age, then I think the age should go both ways. Anyone under 16 and say anyone over 65 ... note from the doctor or no gym usage.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Pudgesmom]

I think what the OP was trying to say is that if you are "automatically" going to just ban someone from the gym because they are under 16, presumably because it's a liability thing ... then how come it's not a liability thing for pretty much everyone. Why not require people OVER a certain age to provide a note from their doctor indicating that they are capable of exercise? I think she was just comparing the liability issues for younger, as well as older, passengers to show how ridiculous it is to prohibit someone from using the gym just because they were under 16.

I know that if I were a parent, I'd have a problem with this rule too. If the kid is not causing a problem, and is using the equipment properly (or accepting correction from the gym attendant when he is not), there is no valid reason he should be asked to leave just because he is under 16. I can understand the rule for very young children ... they are small ... and that gym equipment can be dangerous to them. But, if this kid is of a normal size for his age, and he is not cavorting or anything like that in the gym, why the heck can't he work out in peace? Of course, I guess mom or dad could accompany him there and hang around while he does his workout ... but I know I'd be raising cain about it if it were my child.

Let's see ... they can't use the aft pool ... can't use the gym ... can't sit in the first few rows of the show lounge ... can't be in the disco after a certain hour ... what the h*** am I paying for then when I pay their cruise fare? Seems like a lot of things the kids are prohibited from enjoying on the ship ... age-appropriate things too. I thought HAL was supposed to be family friendly?

Blue skies ...

--rita

Thank you, you said it SO much better than I did.

Beth

[babyher]

I agree

Very well said Rita :) :)

thank you

[sail7seas]

I think what the OP was trying to say is that if you are "automatically" going to just ban someone from the gym because they are under 16, presumably because it's a liability thing ... then how come it's not a liability thing for pretty much everyone. Why not require people OVER a certain age to provide a note from their doctor indicating that they are capable of exercise? I think she was just comparing the liability issues for younger, as well as older, passengers to show how ridiculous it is to prohibit someone from using the gym just because they were under 16.


Thank you. I read what she wrote, understand what she wrote and I know what she is trying to say. I respectfully disagree.

An adult person makes an educated, informed choice. Minor children do not have the compentency to make choices that adults have the privilege of making.

A minor child presents more liability. Should the parent be required to be present? Should the parent sign a release? There are some parents who may believe (wrongly) their "athlete" child is competent on the various machines when they have no clue themselves as to the proper methods/form when sonny boy is (possibily) busy showing off for the new cute girl he just met.

Cruiseline doesn't need (or, presumably, want) that possible liability exposure.....(I am ASSuming ----which means that might not be their reason at all. I may be a horses behind in thinking that is their reasoning.)

I still stand firm on the tenent we don't pick and choose which rules we abide by. It isn't a buffet that we select a little of this and a little of that.

[Pudgesmom]

Thank you. I read what she wrote, understand what she wrote and I know what she is trying to say. I respectfully disagree.

An adult person makes an educated, informed choice. Minor children do not have the compentency to make choices that adults have the privilege of making.

A minor child presents more liability. Should the parent be required to be present? Should the parent sign a release? There are some parents who may believe (wrongly) their "athlete" child is competent on the various machines when they have no clue themselves as to the proper methods/form when sonny boy is (possibily) busy showing off for the new cute girl he just met.

Cruiseline doesn't need (or, presumably, want) that possible liability exposure.....(I am ASSuming ----which means that might not be their reason at all. I may be a horses behind in thinking that is their reasoning.)

I still stand firm on the tenent we don't pick and choose which rules we abide by. It isn't a buffet that we select a little of this and a little of that.



Sail,

No one was suggesting to break the rules. I think the discussion was more "about" the actual rule itself. In this time of overweight children (and adults), many posters here feel it is reasonable to allow a younger age in the gym. What a wonderful opportunity for exercise! And, these passengers are in possession of a ticket, just like adults. Obviously, there are certain other activities they should not be involved in, like underage drinking or using the casino.

We have belonged to several gyms, and in our current gym, the age minimum is 12 for using the machines. This seems much more reasonable to me. I would be happy to sign a release for my children to exercise on the ship.

Just because the current minimum age is 16 doesn't mean that some of us would like to see it changed. My thought is that it couldn't hurt to raise the question.

Beth

[sarahjane]

I'm with Sail7Seas on this one.
As a former gym owner myself, I can say that the reason for keeping younger teens out of the gym is probably two-fold. First of all, there IS the liability issue. For reasons some people fail to see, parents are much more likely to sue when something happens to their little angel (even if it was his/her fault) than those senior citizens who recognize the fact that perhaps they contributed to their own mis-hap. Secondly, out of respect to the majority of the older customers (who ARE the ones paying most of the bills) many of them do not want a lot of obnoxious teens filling up the place. Don't even flame me for that last remark. No one can try to pretend that there aren't plenty of obnoxious teens out there. You have to keep your "base" happy -- those with the pocketbooks.

A big problem with "overlooking" rules for some people, as Sail7Seas has mentioned, is the fact that once you break it for one "really good kid" you have the "really bad kid" standing there saying you broke the rule for him so you have to break the rule for me. Then you are stuck (speaking from the gym-owner perspective).

A possible solution? Maybe a "teen time" in the gym where they could use the equipment respectfully during a two-hour window or something. Adults who don't mind could also use it during this time, of course, but those who want to avoid the young crowd would at least have advance notice. Special supervision could be provided during this time as well.

Regarding the "how do we get our money's worth if the kids can't do whatever they want" issue, I disagree with that. The real world works the same way for the most part. There are just some things reserved for adults, and there's nothing wrong with that. Plus, few of us pay the full fare for the kids when we have paid the full fare for ourselves. It's called a 3rd & 4th passenger discount, and it is SUBSTANTIAL.

Just my opinions...

sarahjane

[sail7seas]

Just because the current minimum age is 16 doesn't mean that some of us would like to see it changed. My thought is that it couldn't hurt to raise the question.

That part we agree on, Beth. Of course you should raise any question. We're here to discuss whatever issue/cruise situation/question anyone has.
I definitely does not 'hurt to raise the question'.

[sail7seas]

A possible solution? Maybe a "teen time" in the gym where they could use the equipment respectfully during a two-hour window or something. Adults who don't mind could also use it during this time, of course, but those who want to avoid the young crowd would at least have advance notice. Special supervision could be provided during this time as well.

That sounds like a reasonable suggestion as an idea to toss around. I think it might not work though as I seriously doubt the ship has adequate trained gym staff to provide necessary supervision/assistance IF a number of teens all were present at the same time.

I don't know how many trainers/trained gym staff they have but it can't be more than a scant few.

[Pudgesmom]

A possible solution? Maybe a "teen time" in the gym where they could use the equipment respectfully during a two-hour window or something. Adults who don't mind could also use it during this time, of course, but those who want to avoid the young crowd would at least have advance notice. Special supervision could be provided during this time as well.

Regarding the "how do we get our money's worth if the kids can't do whatever they want" issue, I disagree with that. The real world works the same way for the most part. There are just some things reserved for adults, and there's nothing wrong with that. Plus, few of us pay the full fare for the kids when we have paid the full fare for ourselves. It's called a 3rd & 4th passenger discount, and it is SUBSTANTIAL.

Just my opinions...

sarahjane

I, too, think the idea of a "teen time" in the gym is a good one,

I must differ from your opinion on the the discount. We have taken our children on several cruises, and have always booked them their own cabin. Nevertheless, if an adult were booked at the 3rd or 4th passenger discount, they would be allowed all the privileges of a first or second passenger, so that argument doesn't "hold water."

Beth

[middle-aged mom]

"I think what the OP was trying to say is that if you are "automatically" going to just ban someone from the gym because they are under 16, presumably because it's a liability thing ... then how come it's not a liability thing for pretty much everyone." - Kyros


Actually, the OP (original poster) was Sam (fsdj1097) who simply wanted to know what the rules are, not why, or how come, or whether they are fair or not.

Have a special Memorial Day, everyone:)

[mountainmare]

Someone under 16 is a minor, someone over 60 is an adult.
I'm not sure but on some ships don't they teen/tweens clubs that limit the age to under 18?

In any event there are plenty of ways for him to workout without the gym if they won't let him use it and you can pick on shore activities that involve exercise also.

[Stevesan]

...many of them do not want a lot of obnoxious teens filling up the place. Don't even flame me for that last remark. No one can try to pretend that there aren't plenty of obnoxious teens out there. You have to keep your "base" happy -- those with the pocketbooks.
sarahjane

I've seen a boatload more obnoxious seniors on cruise ships than teens. The great majority of young people have been respectful, and generally better company than many of my contemporaries.

FYI - I'm a seventy YO couch slouch, much more likely to suffer a hernia or throw out my back than a fifteen YO, athlete or non.

Let 'em in, I say!:p

[kryos]

Thank you, you said it SO much better than I did.

Thanks for the kind words.

I'll tell you one thing, though ... I love HAL, but if I had kids, I'd steer clear of that cruise line. Personally, while they may bill themselves as "family friendly," I think they are anything but with all the rules. We talk about kids with diapers in the pools, and yes ... I agree, that is not sanitary. But how come HAL doesn't have a special splash pool just for the little ones? Other lines, such as Disney, do. Sure, HAL has the children's program ... but what is that really ... except for structured play? There are no "amusement" type facilities on a HAL ship ... nothing like a rock climbing wall, trampolines, interactions with cartoon characters, etc. ... all the things that generally excite kids. Sure HAL has that new loft ... the outdoor teen center, but what is there really to do there? It's pretty much a neat place to just hang out ... nothing more. Don't lines like Royal Caribbean have many more facilities to keep children and teens happy and busy with fun things to do throughout the cruise? While I'm sure there are some kids ... the more reserved, quiet type ... that would flourish on a HAL cruise, personally, if I were an active kid, I think I'd be bored to tears there.

If I were traveling with kids, HAL would be the last line I would take them on. I'd choose Royal Caribbean, Disney or even Carnival before HAL. I think a lot of parents who take their kids on HAL are primarily choosing that line because the parents like it ... and it suits them. But, often the kids could have been better served on another line.

Just my opinion ...

Blue skies ...

--rita

[the2ofus]

And thank goodness there are other choices for families who wish to cruise.

And thank goodness HAL is not in a race to be all things to all people!!

One should decide on their personal priorities for a cruise experience and then choose the cruise line that best meets their needs. Note that I said BEST meets their needs, not meets ALL their needs. After that, they should refrain from griping about how certain needs are not met.

[kryos]

A minor child presents more liability. Should the parent be required to be present? Should the parent sign a release? There are some parents who may believe (wrongly) their "athlete" child is competent on the various machines when they have no clue themselves as to the proper methods/form when sonny boy is (possibily) busy showing off for the new cute girl he just met.

Cruiseline doesn't need (or, presumably, want) that possible liability exposure.....(I am ASSuming ----which means that might not be their reason at all. I may be a horses behind in thinking that is their reasoning.)

I agree with what you say ... in part. Yes, SOME kids should be required to have their parents present. Yes, I don't think it is unreasonable to expect a parent to sign a waiver if they are going to let their kids use the gym. We sign them all the time for various shore excursions ... even something as tame as snorkling. (Can you imagine what kind of waivers I signed in Oahu to go skydiving?!?!?!?) But, there should not be one "cookie cutter" rule for all teens. Some are far more mature and capable than others. That's why you have what are supposedly highly skilled staff in these onboard gyms ... to make that determination on a one-on-one basis. Let's face it ... some of these teens are athletes at their schools ... and routinely use all of this standard gym equipment and more at their high schools. Many of them are more familiar with the various pieces of equipment and how they are operated than many adults are! So, I hardly think it is appropriate to just draw an arbitrary age cutoff (excepting very young kids) and say just because you are only 15-1/2 instead of 16, you can't work out in this gym. That's bull in many cases.

Yes, if you see a kid (and, of course, when I say kid ... I am not advocating allowing nine and ten year olds to work out on gym equipment ... I'm talking here about mature kids in their middle to late teens) who obviously has no idea what he is doing trying to operate the treadmill or the stationary bike ... doing things unsafely ... not understanding or caring to accept the correction offered ... then, yes ... the gym staff should tell him that he is no longer welcome in the gym unless he brings along mom or dad to supervise. If you see a group of teens ... whatever age ... fooling around in the gym ... obviously ignoring the safety rules and creating a dangerous situation not only for themselves, but for others in the gym, then yes ... gym staff should ban them. This is the same thing that would be done on any shore excursion that welcomed kids over a certain age. If the kid obviously could not handle the excursion ... maybe it was snorkling and they were petrified of the water and very uncomfortable in it, obviously the people running the excursion would have them just sit on the boat. They would not risk the child injuring themselves or jeopardizing the safety of others in the water.

All I am saying is it should be the same with the gym equipment. The gym staff should carefully watch how the teen operates the equipment on his first visit there ... and make the determination on an individual case basis as to whether the kid should be allowed to work out without a parent present, or whether he should be banned entirely ... based on his level of competency and seriousness. And, of course, there is nothing wrong with requiring the parent to sign a waiver to allow the kid to work out there ... just as I wouldn't be surprised if these onboard gyms required waivers from the adults as well. That's just our society today.

Just my humble opinion ...

Blue skies ...

--rita

[sail7seas]

[B]I have little else to contribute to this conversastion. I've spoken my opinion and it has not yet changed. :)

One last comment, however.

But, there should not be one "cookie cutter" rule for all teens. Some are far more mature and capable than others. That's why you have what are supposedly highly skilled staff in these onboard gyms ... to make that determination on a one-on-one basis.



I think that way too much to ask of a young gym supervisor who may or may not have that sort of training.....to know which teen placed before him/her meets certain maturity/athletic/experience levels. I don't think the young folks who lead exercise classes or yoga classes need to have the sort of training you expect them to have. It should not be necessary for them to assess maturity/physical condition of young teens.

I sure wouldn't want to have to be the twenty-young something year old who is going to tell irrate Mom that her darling track star from middle school is not going to use the treadmills. Or Dad that his 15 year old is not going to be using the gym's weights.

The rule has to apply to all IMO.......not be selective about which kid meets 'criteria'.



[B]

[kryos]

I'm with Sail7Seas on this one.
As a former gym owner myself, I can say that the reason for keeping younger teens out of the gym is probably two-fold. First of all, there IS the liability issue. For reasons some people fail to see, parents are much more likely to sue when something happens to their little angel (even if it was his/her fault) than those senior citizens who recognize the fact that perhaps they contributed to their own mis-hap. Secondly, out of respect to the majority of the older customers (who ARE the ones paying most of the bills) many of them do not want a lot of obnoxious teens filling up the place. Don't even flame me for that last remark. No one can try to pretend that there aren't plenty of obnoxious teens out there. You have to keep your "base" happy -- those with the pocketbooks.

To protect against liability, how about requiring parents to sign a waiver on behalf of their teenager?

As to who would be likely to sue and who would not be ... I respectfully disagree. We are a litigious society today. I think you have just as great a chance for a senior citizen to sue as a result of an injury sustained in the gym as you have for the parent of a child who was injured. Depends on the nature of the person ... and, of course, the severity of the injury. A waiver would help protect against at least the frivious suits. Personally, I think anyone using the gym should have to sign one ... and maybe they do. I have no idea. Sadly, I am not one to make much use of the gym facilities when I cruise. In fact, I'm sort of embarrassed to say that I've never set foot in a shipside gym. :)

As for older gym patrons (who are paying the bills) not wanting to be bothered by a bunch of obnoxious teens ... who said allow obnoxious teens in there? The gym is a place to work out ... not to cavort. If the teens are being obnoxious, fooling around, bothering other passengers ... toss 'em. Real simple.

No one is saying that there shouldn't be a minimum age to use the gym equipment. What I think is being argued here is that 16 is a bit over the top. Many of these kids ... not all, but many ... work with those sort of machines every day at school. Many of them play sports where they have to spend so many hours a week in the weight room, working out, and using these various pieces of equipment. Many of these teens know more about operating that stuff than many of the adults do ... adults who maybe never visit a gym at home because they simply don't have the time. So, they go on a cruise and figure they'll make up for lost time. Personally, I think those are the people far more susceptible to accidents in the gym than most teenagers.

I think a more reasonable general cutoff age for banning kids from the gym would maybe be 12 or 13 ... not 16. For the older teens, I think it should be a matter of a case-by-case basis. Are you serious about working out, or do you want to horse around? If it's horsing around, then ask them to leave.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

FYI - I'm a seventy YO couch slouch, much more likely to suffer a hernia or throw out my back than a fifteen YO, athlete or non.

Let 'em in, I say!:p
LOL ... I'm a 50 year old "couch slouch" and believe me, I'd be the first person injured in the gym. In fact, when I was doing physical therapy after my injury in '99, the therapists wouldn't let me out of their sight when I was on the bike or the treadmill. I kept doing stupid stuff like not stopping the treadmill before getting off ... not adjusting equipment properly, etc. Someone was always having to run over to me ... "here, let me do that."

No, trust me ... the majority of those teens would be safer in the gym than I would. And ... besides ... I'm too busy having a cigarette on the Lido deck to be bothered working out in the gym. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[sail7seas]

I think it should be a matter of a case-by-case basis. Are you serious about working out, or do you want to horse around? If it's horsing around, then ask them to leave.

I wouldn't want to be the young twenty-something year old who has to tell irrate Mom that her darling angel, Johnny, isn't going to use the gym based upon that young person's assessment Johnny isn't serious or mature enough.

But, the other Mom standing there is going to be happy because you've decided that her precious Harold MAY use the machines.

Doesn't sound like a very good plan to me.

Set an age and stick with it. Way too arbitrary for some young, who knows how well trained person, to be making those choices and telling guests who and who is not going to have their young star athletes working up a sweat with the gym equipment.


ANYONE CAN SUE.........Plunk down your filing fee and file suit. Doesn't mean those suits will be won.

To speculate who might or might not sue doesn't seem to be particularly worthwhile IMO

[Krazy Kruizers]

After we see DH's cardiologist next Friday, we senior citizens will stop by our doctor's office and get notes so that we can use the gym.;)

[sail7seas]

After we see DH's cardiologist next Friday, we senior citizens will stop by our doctor's office and get notes so that we can use the gym.;)

With some scant exceptions due to specific conditions, I have yet to hear of any cardiologist who wouldn't cheer and applaud to hear their patients WANT to use the treadmills!!! Mine is more than delighted with the treadmill we bought for our home and the walking he knows we do daily.


KK........I sincerely hope DH gets a good report after his recent episode. Hope you get the green light for your upcoming cruise. Good Luck. I'll be thinking about you and him.

[localady]

Stevesan- You are anything but a 70 yo couch potato my friend!!! Not met too many that can snorkel for hours at a time like you do! I can't believe you've ever met a couch.;)

As for the rest of the question, although I don't always agree with HAL's rules, I will expect my children to respect them. No one's mind will be changed on the appropriateness of children on HAL ships. It's become an age old debate around here, like dress code.:rolleyes:

[kryos]

what[/B] the rules are, not why, or how come, or whether they are fair or not.

Oops! Stupid me. I thought "OP" meant "other poster." Yeah, you're right ... the original poster never said that, but rather just asked the question. Another poster is the one my post referenced. Sorry about the confusion I caused. :(

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Pudgesmom]

Yeah, I think I was the one who went a little OT (off-topic.)

Sorry- I hope the OP can work out some exercise for her child.

Beth

[kryos]

Yeah, I think I was the one who went a little OT (off-topic.)

Sorry- I hope the OP can work out some exercise for her child.

Beth
I don't think she'll have a problem. Worst case scenario is that she will have to remain in the fitness center with him each day while he works out. Stupid ... but if that's the rules, what can you do?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

As for the rest of the question, although I don't always agree with HAL's rules, I will expect my children to respect them. No one's mind will be changed on the appropriateness of children on HAL ships. It's become an age old debate around here, like dress code
The only question I have then is why on earth is HAL trying to market themselves as a "family friendly" line if they are gonna have all these rules barring children from different facilities? Why not just say "we're a line that caters to discriminating adults," and leave it at that? Nothing wrong with admitting to being an adult-oriented line.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Tricia724]

I don't want to get into the fray of trying to determine appropriate ages to use the gym....young, old, or inbetween....because there will always be exceptions.....but I can see the necessity for the cruiseline to establish rules of some sort. I really don't think they can take the chance that everyone has enough sense to use their facilities properly.

A motel in our area sells "spa" memberships to locals who can use the pool, hot tub, and sauna during the weekdays. I have had a membership there for several years. There is no attendant on duty, so use of these facilities is at your own risk.

There are rules posted in the spa area. The hot tub says "No one under 12 may use the hot tub." I have seen people go in the tub and carry little tykes in there with them....screaming because it's too hot for them. I have seen small children jumping up and down in the hot tub while their parents are totally unconcerned talking to other people.

The pool has a sign that says "No running" in the pool area and "No jumping or diving into the pool." A few months ago I saw a father with his two daughters....one about 2-3 and the other about 4-5 years old. They were climbing out of the pool, going back about 15 feet and then running as fast as they could and jumping into the pool, trying to splash Daddy. I was a nervous wreck thinking one of them was going to slip and fall. What was Daddy doing? He was laughing and encouraging them to do it!

Let's face it....these days there are many people who see "rules" as "suggestions" that really don't apply to them. Others don't have the brains God gave them to know when they are risking injury. So I can see why a cruiseline or any business has to have some sort of rules if for no other reason than to protect themselves from liability.

Perhaps the age rule was established simply because at some point and time there was a problem. And....unfortunately....once a rule is established, there is always someone on the other side of it who suffers from the application.

[the2ofus]

"Family-friendly" and "we have age limits for some activities" are not counter to each other. In our family we had numerous rules as to what is adult activity and what is acceptable for a child to do. It was called responsible parenting. It was called teaching a child respect and responsibility.

By the way, the Oasis is a "teens only" area on the ships. Should adults be allowed to spend time there because they are "childish for their age"?

[fsdj1097]

Again thanks to all those replied. We will board the Oosterdam this Saturday in Seattle and we will make it a priority to visit the fitness center to get the question answered.

If my nephew is allowed to use the fitness equipment, wonderful! If not, we will spend our mornings "power walking" on the beautiful teak decks and take advantage of the basketball court as weather permits. :eek:

And, for clarification, I am definitely male!!! :D.

Will report back here upon return from our Alaska trip.

Sam

[the2ofus]

Have a great cruise. You will all love Alaska!

Between the shipboard opportunities and shoreside activities, I am sure you and your nephew will have a lot of opportunities to maintain your fitness levels.

We'll be looking forward to your report when you return.