What is there to do for 18 year olds?

[halos]

I'm 42 years old, I can approach anyone anywhere these days. It has ZERO to do with technology, because we didnt have it when I was 18. It's developmentally normal for an 18, 19 yr old to be unsure of themselves and uncomfortable approaching strangers. You are talking PEOPLE SKILLS, those skills are developed over years of experience. Pack mentality rules at that age, if you are in a group- you are boldened, even with just one friend, you can comfortably navigate a room of strangers. But solo? You have forgotten 18.

 

No, haven't forgtotten 18... and you are right. I probably had it easier as I had a job that forced me to talk to people, so it had to come easier for me, or I would have not made any money.

 

I still feel that on top of the fact (as you are 100% right on people skills being developed over years) technology does NOT help matters for kids who have grown up with it.

 

So, with no 'kids' club for the 18 to 20 year old group, this is a good start at practicing. His options are to put himself out there or be a loner for the whole sailing. His choice.

[kcwingwalker]

I see this often on the boards, and it always pertains to 18-20 year old boys...which makes me happy I had girls. Ours cruised with us at ages 19/16 and then later 23/20 and were happy hanging out with their parents.

They're off on their own now and still often come home...they must like us for some odd reason....;):p

 

Anyway, I honestly have no clue how to tell someone what to do on a cruise. if you've already been on a few and don't know what there is to do and are afraid you'll be bored, why would you go??

 

 

 

Don't you have to approach someone in a club and say "hello"

 

Seriously. Technology is killing social skills.

 

Agree it does happen with the boys.

 

18 can be difficult, not a child but not quite an adult. They don't quite fit and without their technical gadgets feel lost. My son was bored with his last cruise. He spent most of his time sleeping and eating.

 

I think the suggestion to join the roll call is good. Perhaps the OP will find some others and be able to be part of a group. Groups are usually preferred by that age.

[halos]

Agree it does happen with the boys.

 

18 can be difficult, not a child but not quite an adult. They don't quite fit and without their technical gadgets feel lost. My son was bored with his last cruise. He spent most of his time sleeping and eating.

 

I think the suggestion to join the roll call is good. Perhaps the OP will find some others and be able to be part of a group. Groups are usually preferred by that age.

 

 

Just curious...are boys usually OK when in port, or are they out of their element there as well???? I'm hoping that it's just the ship they are 'bored' on. I can't imagine paying to have my kid come with me on a cruise to be bored the entire time. That would stink...for the entire family. :eek:

[kcwingwalker]

Just curious...are boys usually OK when in port, or are they out of their element there as well???? I'm hoping that it's just the ship they are 'bored' on. I can't imagine paying to have my kid come with me on a cruise to be bored the entire time. That would stink...for the entire family. :eek:

 

Boys are better in port. My son is into photography so that kept him busy, he enjoyed snorkeling, visiting local attractions such as forts, ruins, etc. But above all was finding a café where he could log on. We did purchase internet time, but no amount that I was willing to pay was nearly enough for his needs.

 

He made it clear he wanted no part of our upcoming cruise in the Spring and said cruises were "boring" Just as well because I wasn't looking forward to telling him it was just the "girls".

 

I really think it's the age. When he was younger I know he would have loved cruising. My daughter as a child would have been too shy. Now that's she older and married thing are different. She loves cruising and we are both looking forward to a great vacation.

[scgirlatheart]

By this age you would think you could enetertain yourself. Oh yeah wait my 18 year old stepson wouldn't know how to either.

 

This was such a rude thing to say to this poster. This was their first post ever on the forum, I think they should be commended for taking the initiative to find out how to meet other people and not rely on their parents. I have an 18 year old daughter and would've been proud of her for reaching out this way.

[nybumpkin]

I'm mom to three boys, 22, 17, and 13. The 22 YO no longer cruises with us (he has his own cruises with the US Navy:cool:). He was 17 when he last sailed with us, his senior year of high school. Middle son will be 18 on our next cruise. Older son met guys who had aged out of Club O2 through card games (played on the Promenade deck not far from Club O2) or by going up to the sports deck, and the 17 YO has always had good luck meeting guys on the sports deck.

[pammycakes]

Well my youngest is 18 and the oldest is 23 and they both love the casino and the club, but they also found out on some of the islands you only have to be 18 to drink (I personally was not happy with that one) but in the evening they were both with me in the casino.

[Lerin]

OP: I'm very sorry for some of the RUDE posts in this thread.

You have a very valid question that many parents have come here and asked before. You are one of the only teens who has come to ask yourself. That shows initiative on your part.

 

I've always believed ages 17-20 would be the most difficult to cruise. Too old for the kid clubs, too young for adult activities. And even if you can do some of the adult stuff(clubs, casino) not all adults want to hang out with a newly turned 18-year-old, nor do you always want to hang out with us.

 

I hope you enjoy your cruise and please come back and let us know how it goes. I'm sure there are many young people who have the same concerns and can learn from your experience. :)

[gnocchi_mommy]

Just curious...are boys usually OK when in port, or are they out of their element there as well???? I'm hoping that it's just the ship they are 'bored' on. I can't imagine paying to have my kid come with me on a cruise to be bored the entire time. That would stink...for the entire family. :eek:

 

Mine loved port calls- the tours & activities and also the fact he could drink beer with us ;-)

[Colorado Kat]

My 21 year old daughter is very pretty and outgoing. She'll pop into the pool or hot-tub by herself the first day. In a very short time there will be guys hanging out with her.

 

It's actually very funny to watch. She always manages to meet lots of people on a cruise.

[halos]

My 21 year old daughter is very pretty and outgoing. She'll pop into the pool or hot-tub by herself the first day. In a very short time there will be guys hanging out with her.

 

It's actually very funny to watch. She always manages to meet lots of people on a cruise.

That's what I mean, no club necessary!!!

[Mysticks1]

My 21 year old daughter is very pretty and outgoing. She'll pop into the pool or hot-tub by herself the first day. In a very short time there will be guys hanging out with her.

 

It's actually very funny to watch. She always manages to meet lots of people on a cruise.

 

Well said, my next cruise is with my daughter and her best friend who will both be 20. I can't imagine them not making friends (especially boys) like this. It may be entertaining for me too. I might have to follow them around some (discretely) just to see. :D Both of them were cheerleaders and are outgoing.

I can see where it would be hard for a teen on their own. My daughter cruised with me and my husband at 16 and mostly just hung out with us or laid out by the pool with her iPod. She had no interest in the organized teen activities. For a boy I do think the sports activities would be the best way to meet others.

To the OP, do come back and post what you did on your cruise so that it might help others in the future. :)

[Blk_Amish]

My 21 year old daughter is very pretty and outgoing. She'll pop into the pool or hot-tub by herself the first day. In a very short time there will be guys hanging out with her.

 

It's actually very funny to watch. She always manages to meet lots of people on a cruise.

 

That was me at 21 but maybe not very pretty. Instead of the pool or hot tub it would be on top on a bar or dance floor. I can do cold sober what it would take all the Tequila in Mexcio for some to do drunk. My son has my personality but not my daughter, thank God:D

 

Surprisely without the more organize club activities this past crusie (almost 18) was not as enjoyable as the others. I guess going after pretty girl got tiring. He said the club had a lot of younger teens, maybe more 15 and 16 year olds. No, I won't take my daughter on a crusie for her graduation but opt for a land vacation. His wished he was older for this crusie, at least 18, but I would say 21 is when the true fun starts:D.

[Carolin]

There is usually a 18-20 yr old meet and greet aka singles mingle on the first night. While it may not be well attended, at least you will have an opportunity to meet someone to hang out with.

[mojean]

They do have the singles meet group on the first night.

[YubaSutter]

[quote name='Als29']I will be cruising the carnival sunshine next summer with my family and I'm already worried I won't find stuff to do on the ship since I will be 18. On past cruises I've usually spent most time in the O2 program, but I will be too old for it this time, but I also do not want to be stuck with my family all day. Help! Is there anything for 18-20 year olds?
Thanks[/QUOTE]

Do what most 18 year olds do on a ship, hook up for a week for an unforgettable weekend.