Carnival Liberty, July 6th! Questions....

[Pansy2014]

I booked a vacation for my kids and I. My daughter is 16 and my son is 9. Of course I'm a bit worried if they will have tons of fun. Their age difference does not bring them together much. I'm wondering if they will hang around me all the time or if they will go off and see how much fun there is.

My daughter has anxiety but no meds for it. (my ex is against it and we have 50/50 medical big battle). I'm thinking of taking her to the doctor to see if I can get something for these 6 days for her or maybe something natural at the vitamin store. Anyone have experience with that?

My ex also wants a number to reach them. I can take them out of the country as long as I provide him an itinerary. I was not able to get passports, as my ex will not sign (though I just found out my 16 year old can get one without a signature. I'd have to take him to court where yes I'd get a passport becuase no judge would expect them not to be able to create memories with me, but that is more money and no time now. I'm not to worried about no passports as I'll make sure if I do excursions I do Carnival ones. He (my ex) thinks he needs a number for them as he is suppose to be able to talk to them at anytime. Seriously part of my life and it never ends with him.

However, I intend for this to be a great vacation, anticipating my 16 year old only one more summer after this one before college. And my second husband left me in April to be with his exwife so I'm ready for some relaxing fun with my "babies"!

Any tips? Suggestions? Anyone taken kids alone before?

Thank you so much!

[Bonnie J.]

Your son will have a ball in Camp Carnival and your daughter can go to the teen stuff (after 17 they can't). I think there is a meeting about Camp Carnival the 1st day after everyone boards. You would sign him in & out each day whenever he wants to go. The 15-17 year olds have their own soda bar and areas just for them. Teens always seem to find each other and hang together. Carnival even has babysitting for the 9 year old from 10pm until 3am! (but you pay for that.)It is like a slumber party for these kids, not in your cabin.

They will have a ball and you might not see them much!

I know there is a phone number your ex can call to contact you on the ship but don't know what it is. Check with your TA or call Carnival for it. A cruise mate got a sad call about a death in her family while on a cruise. She left at next port.-so it can be done. He could also email if you have a lap top, tablet, etc. The ship has satellite service but you must pay for it unless you go ashore and use server there.

Edited June 19, 2014 by Bonnie J.

[cb at sea]

Cruising is the least "anxiety producing" vacation there is! She can sun, swim, read, enjoy the "teen" activites, if she wants! Let her help plan..get a guidebook on your ports from the library, and let her help with the plans. That way, she has some control...and that helps to reduce anxiety!

 

You don't NEED a passport on a "closed loop" cruise....your child's BC is fine. Under 16 doesn't need photo ID...your daughter will need BC and photo ID if she has no passport. So will you!