18-20yr olds. too old for O2, too young for bars. ???

[frayedend]

Ah, yes. Well mine was an honor student who earned her scholarships and received a masters, never got in trouble, didn't abuse substances, etc., and I wouldn't have had a second thought about letting her have a glass of wine or a banana daiquiri on vacation. I could write all day about how wonderful she is, and you could do the same about yours.

 

The stats are stone cold accurate. (Doesn't science suck!)

 

This is the reason the drinking age was dropped in the U.S.

 

I'm confused by this post. Are you saying that your child had an alcohol problem even though, based on others criteria, you would have thought nothing of letting her have a drink on vacation?

 

As far a stats being stone cold accurate, well I don't buy that much. Stats are easily manipulated. Not saying you are wrong, just saying stats are not rock solid evidence of anything.

[larkz]

I'm confused by this post. Are you saying that your child had an alcohol problem even though, based on others criteria, you would have thought nothing of letting her have a drink on vacation?

 

As far a stats being stone cold accurate, well I don't buy that much. Stats are easily manipulated. Not saying you are wrong, just saying stats are not rock solid evidence of anything.

 

I was replying to the backhanded personal attack: "Now back to the great parents on this board who had great insight to their own kids." Sorry, but my kid is better than yours, sort of stuff. (Ain't so!)

 

My kid would not have had an issue with lax rules about 18-20 year olds drinking. But rules are, by their very nature, painted with a broad brush -- hopefully refined enough to make the most sense.

 

In this case, notwithstanding all of us wonderful parents who have fabulous children, a policy to allow this group to drink on Carnival ships would not be wise, in my opinion.

 

And it is a stone cold fact, proven and cross-correlated by crime statistics and sociological studies, that the age group between late teens and early twenties is most certainly most likely to engage in high risk behaviors, especially when associated with alcohol. Anyone who argues otherwise is in denial.

[bobsfamily]

Anyone who argues otherwise is in denial.

I will agree with one point... someone is in denial.

[frayedend]

I was replying to the backhanded personal attack: "Now back to the great parents on this board who had great insight to their own kids." Sorry, but my kid is better than yours, sort of stuff. (Ain't so!)

 

My kid would not have had an issue with lax rules about 18-20 year olds drinking. But rules are, by their very nature, painted with a broad brush -- hopefully refined enough to make the most sense.

 

In this case, notwithstanding all of us wonderful parents who have fabulous children, a policy to allow this group to drink on Carnival ships would not be wise, in my opinion.

 

And it is a stone cold fact, proven and cross-correlated by crime statistics and sociological studies, that the age group between late teens and early twenties is most certainly most likely to engage in high risk behaviors, especially when associated with alcohol. Anyone who argues otherwise is in denial.

 

I wouldn't argue with your point on crime stats etc. Certainly that is an age where experimentation and doing crazy things is much more common. Heck I'd rely on my own experience rather than statistics.

 

Nevertheless, I don't think any of that matters in this context. I think it's fair to assume that a parent who willingly allows their child to have alcohol on the ship, most likely also allows this at home. What one thinks of that is a matter of personal opinion but it doesn't change the fact that they are with their parents on a ship. Why not let the parents decide by having some method of letting them consume alcohol with permission? I see no slippery slope here. No one is headed for a life of addiction because the had a Drink of the Day on a cruise. Not to mention that if they aren't with their parents they probably brought rum runners.

[Name Of The Game]

My mom wouldn't let me drink until I was 21 and I didn't try behind her back. She has the nose of a bloodhound. :D Now I'm 26 and still don't like alcohol. Not everyone goes crazy with the "forbidden fruit".

[Karysa]

I was replying to the backhanded personal attack: "Now back to the great parents on this board who had great insight to their own kids." Sorry, but my kid is better than yours, sort of stuff. (Ain't so!)

 

My kid would not have had an issue with lax rules about 18-20 year olds drinking. But rules are, by their very nature, painted with a broad brush -- hopefully refined enough to make the most sense.

 

In this case, notwithstanding all of us wonderful parents who have fabulous children, a policy to allow this group to drink on Carnival ships would not be wise, in my opinion.

 

And it is a stone cold fact, proven and cross-correlated by crime statistics and sociological studies, that the age group between late teens and early twenties is most certainly most likely to engage in high risk behaviors, especially when associated with alcohol. Anyone who argues otherwise is in denial.

 

 

I have never read a post on the NCL board ( sailed 3 times on that line since March 2012 and next time on Carnival) about issues with the policy that they have for 18-20 year olds. This policy allows parents travelling on the ship with their 18-20 year olds to sign a waiver allowing the young adult to be able to purchase and consume wine and beer (1 at a time) on the ship.

 

Why do you think that this type of a program would be an issue on a Carnival ship when it doesn't appear to be a problem on NCL?

[larkz]

I will agree with one point... someone is in denial.

 

Insurance for teens: higher due to high risk behaviors, and increased likelihood of experimenting with drugs or alcohol while driving. From the Centers For Disease Control website --"per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash."

 

Criminal arrests: clear data that shows a steep bell curve as people approach later teens, and then steeply declines as they age beyond mid-twenties. Same goes for recidivism rates. See this report by the FBI

 

Again, yes the majority of young people might actually be able to handle alcohol in the 18-20 age group. But the odds of many not being able to handle it, make it a bad idea for Carnival ships in my opinion. Keep in mind that an accident of genetics can make somebody more sensitive to alcohol addiction, so it isn't simply a matter of whether people are good parents or not. This tendency for addiction may be increased during the teen years.

 

And if anyone is prone to believing that I've personally attacked their parenting or their children because of this view, take it easy.

[larkz]

I have never read a post on the NCL board ( sailed 3 times on that line since March 2012 and next time on Carnival) about issues with the policy that they have for 18-20 year olds. This policy allows parents travelling on the ship with their 18-20 year olds to sign a waiver allowing the young adult to be able to purchase and consume wine and beer (1 at a time) on the ship.

 

Why do you think that this type of a program would be an issue on a Carnival ship when it doesn't appear to be a problem on NCL?

 

I haven't sailed NCL or any of the other lines. I don't think it's a good policy in general. But we're on the CCL board, so that is where I focused my discussion.

[johnsose2]

I don't have a child that is even close to being old enough that I have to make these decisions (5 year old and 10 month old) but we have already started talking about this subject. The way we look at it is that at the age 18 they are old enough to serve in the military, gamble, drive etc. we would allow our child to have a glass of wine or beer with us for the simple reason of I would rather teach them how responsibly consume alcohol than have drink without our knowledge and do something stupid. Besides if they want to get booze they will get it somehow matter what their age. The laws here in the US are extremely out dated and for the most part don't work to curb underage drinking. I know when I was 18/19 all I had to do is ask one of my hockey teammates to go buy me some beer and no I am not a heavy drinker, just an occasional beer here or there.

[Karysa]

Insurance for teens: higher due to high risk behaviors, and increased likelihood of experimenting with drugs or alcohol while driving. From the Centers For Disease Control website --"per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash."

 

Criminal arrests: clear data that shows a steep bell curve as people approach later teens, and then steeply declines as they age beyond mid-twenties. Same goes for recidivism rates. See this report by the FBI

 

Again, yes the majority of young people might actually be able to handle alcohol in the 18-20 age group. But the odds of many not being able to handle it, make it a bad idea for Carnival ships in my opinion. Keep in mind that an accident of genetics can make somebody more sensitive to alcohol addiction, so it isn't simply a matter of whether people are good parents or not. This tendency for addiction may be increased during the teen years.

 

And if anyone is prone to believing that I've personally attacked their parenting or their children because of this view, take it easy.

 

Yes I understand that this is the Carnival board. You statued and I quote" Again, yes the majority of young people might actually be able to handle alcohol in the 18-20 age group. But the odds of many not being able to handle it, make it a bad idea for CARNIVAL ships in my opinion."

 

I asked a fair question that you did not answer yet. Why would a program like NCL has where 18-20 year olds travelling with their parents can with permission and a signed waiver, purchase and consume 1 beer or wine at a time not work for Carnival in your opinion?

[YubaSutter]

Could you buy 2 and give one to her?

 

My nomination for parent of the year. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[larkz]

I asked a fair question that you did not answer yet. Why would a program like NCL has where 18-20 year olds travelling with their parents can with permission and a signed waiver, purchase and consume 1 beer or wine at a time not work for Carnival in your opinion?

 

I don't have any evidence to say whether it works well on NCL, or if it has had problems. It is profit-driven, no doubt, and NCL may like it whether they have additional problems with drunken youth or not. I'm skeptical, however. I disagree with the policy on any ship.

 

If they tried it and didn't find a significant increase in issues, I'd be the first to revise my opinion. I like science. Hypothesize, test, concur or revise.

[bobsfamily]

And if anyone is prone to believing that I've personally attacked their parenting or their children because of this view, take it easy.

as I said - someone is in denial...

[Karysa]

My nomination for parent of the year. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

You must live a sheltered life.:)

[CheckersMidwest]

So, why not just order the drink non-alcoholic? Honestly a pina colada or a daquri tastes the same with or without the alcohol.

 

Our 20 year old son tried to order a drink last time. When they swiped his sign & sail card, his picture and age showed up on the screen. (Like everyone elses). When they saw he was a minor, they made it without alcohol . "nice try"

 

18 is considered an adult in most 'areas' in the US. 21 just happens to be the legal drinking and gambling age.

 

Our son was able to do everything on the ship that we could including the casino except for alcohol. Guess I don't see that as a big deal.

 

Cultures are different. "When in Rome...."

[bobsfamily]

I don't have any evidence to say whether it works well on NCL, or if it has had problems. It is profit-driven, no doubt, and NCL may like it whether they have additional problems with drunken youth or not. I'm skeptical, however. I disagree with the policy on any ship.

 

If they tried it and didn't find a significant increase in issues, I'd be the first to revise my opinion. I like science. Hypothesize, test, concur or revise.

They have "tried it" for many years and seem to not have an "increase in issues" or they would have stopped it. So maybe you can revise that "opinion"?

[Karysa]

I don't have any evidence to say whether it works well on NCL, or if it has had problems. It is profit-driven, no doubt, and NCL may like it whether they have additional problems with drunken youth or not. I'm skeptical, however. I disagree with the policy on any ship.

 

If they tried it and didn't find a significant increase in issues, I'd be the first to revise my opinion. I like science. Hypothesize, test, concur or revise.

 

 

I like cruisecritic. Few or no complaints or issues to read about (one may have gotten past me :D) makes me think that the NCL policy is working just fine.

 

Of course profit has something to do about it why do you think the Cheers program was brought about, alcohol consumption equals profit for the cruiselines. This is hardly news.

[Karysa]

So, why not just order the drink non-alcoholic? Honestly a pina colada or a daquri tastes the same with or without the alcohol.

 

Our 20 year old son tried to order a drink last time. When they swiped his sign & sail card, his picture and age showed up on the screen. (Like everyone elses). When they saw he was a minor, they made it without alcohol . "nice try"

 

18 is considered an adult in most 'areas' in the US. 21 just happens to be the legal drinking and gambling age.

 

Our son was able to do everything on the ship that we could including the casino except for alcohol. Guess I don't see that as a big deal.

 

Cultures are different. "When in Rome...."

 

Are you saying that on a Carnival ship sailing from Italy the drinking policy follows Italian law?

[larkz]

They have "tried it" for many years and seem to not have an "increase in issues" or they would have stopped it. So maybe you can revise that "opinion"?

 

At the risk of grinding this one into the ground, a last reply on my humble and singular opinion...

 

I don't have first hand evidence demonstrating the veracity of your claim, not having been on and NCL ship, nor do I know where you found the data to support your claim that there has not been an increase in issues.

 

So far nobody has provided links to evidence proving that older teens and 20 year olds are NOT high risk takers with higher tendency to abuse alcohol rather than use it responsibly. This is the foundation of my disagreement. Take it or leave it, you're entitled to your own opinion.

[mikel24m]

I don't know of anyone that didn't let someone drink until they turned 21. The whole situation is a farce out of an era where driving drunk was "okay".

 

The penalties for an "underage" driving while intoxicated now are so much stricter than first time adult DWI that there's really no reason for it still to be 21. Just leave the driving penalty the same. Let the establishments decide for themselves.

 

You do now

 

My family and every single friend that I knew didnt break the law and let us drink while underage

 

If you have ever seen a 21 year old puke and or piss on themselves so drunk they do not know where they are you may think differently.Lets let our kids loose on a cruise ship in foreign ports,some will be fine but others who get drugged or too drunk will not.Now thats gambling

 

I have been a bartender for 20 years

[Jruns]

So how about stats on gambling - its 18 - maybe our kids will have increased risk of becoming addicts if they gamble..... Come on.... Paranoia at its best!! Also, on royal we signed the waiver in Europe for my then 20 year old and she had maybe - maybe 3 drinks for 12 days.... Just saying and I saw a lot more tipsy over 21 year olds then the 18 to 20 on this ship who could drink!! But denial OMG yes

[Karysa]

At the risk of grinding this one into the ground, a last reply on my humble and singular opinion...

 

I don't have first hand evidence demonstrating the veracity of your claim, not having been on and NCL ship, nor do I know where you found the data to support your claim that there has not been an increase in issues.

 

So far nobody has provided links to evidence proving that older teens and 20 year olds are NOT high risk takers with higher tendency to abuse alcohol rather than use it responsibly. This is the foundation of my disagreement. Take it or leave it, you're entitled to your own opinion.

 

You do not have experience with such a program and yet you don't want it. I told you that I have been on NCL 3 times since March of 2012 including this past New Year's so I do know more about it than you do from a personal standpoint.

 

Remember these young adults must be travelling with their parents to be able to purchase alcohol. You can't compare this to sending your 18-20 year old off to college. Sometimes looking at the whole picture brings clarity.

[bobsfamily]

At the risk of grinding this one into the ground, a last reply on my humble and singular opinion...

 

I don't have first hand evidence demonstrating the veracity of your claim, not having been on and NCL ship, nor do I know where you found the data to support your claim that there has not been an increase in issues.

 

So far nobody has provided links to evidence proving that older teens and 20 year olds are NOT high risk takers with higher tendency to abuse alcohol rather than use it responsibly. This is the foundation of my disagreement. Take it or leave it, you're entitled to your own opinion.

You are FUNNY!

[Karysa]

You do now

 

My family and every single friend that I knew didnt break the law and let us drink while underage

 

If you have ever seen a 21 year old puke and or piss on themselves so drunk they do not know where they are you may think differently.Lets let our kids loose on a cruise ship in foreign ports,some will be fine but others who get drugged or too drunk will not.Now thats gambling

 

I have been a bartender for 20 years

 

If you think that someone can't slip something into a glass of coke as fast as a glass of wine you have something new to learn.

 

Remember these kids are with their parents on vacation not backpacking in Europe alone or on an AI vacation with their friends. Am I the only one that sees a difference between these?

[mikel24m]

If you think that someone can't slip something into a glass of coke as fast as a glass of wine you have something new to learn.

 

Remember these kids are with their parents on vacation not backpacking in Europe alone or on an AI vacation with their friends. Am I the only one that sees a difference between these?

 

slipping something into a glass of coke lol too funny

 

One can watch their coke sober.Good try though