Age specific activities for cruise-awkward age 20

[compuryan]

18 hours ago, jbrinkm said:

 

I was surprised by how many "Hyperlink" activities there were in my upcoming Allure planner! I don't remember seeing any last year (also on Allure).

 

I thought Hyperlink was a recent launch.  Like late 2022/early 2023.  That would explain not seeing the activities last year.

[Luv2teachandcruise]

58 minutes ago, sprint180 said:

• My kids loved cruising at that age.  Why do you have to drink to have fun.  Meet some people (on deck, at deck parties, at any event) and hang out.  Spend time with your family.  They have always had a blast.  

He doesn't drink, he always was able to meet people in the teen club, and isn't one to put himself out there due to extreme social anxiety. He had fun in the casino and hung out with us, but he was lonely. Next time he goes I will make sure he brings someone with him. 

[Luv2teachandcruise]

1 hour ago, Joseph2017China said:

To solve your problem, you can take you 18 year old on a European/Asian cruise, than he could drink!  Also, 18 is an adult, not a teenager.  The Cruise lines do not put ADULTS in the kids rooms that are not staff. 

 

No, most new adults seem to hate just about anything, when it comes to vacations unless they picked it.  But the good news, is you don't need to take them, if they don't really want to go.  

 

The cruise lines have been trying to have mixers for that age group, the in between for USA and the new adults in Europe.  But like all adult activities, whether people go or not, is also dependent on the cruise itself. It seems that people expect to babysit the fun for younger adults, when in fact, they have full access to the ship, and clubs, and casino, and activities except for drinking based on the local age.  It is up to them to find people to "hang out with" which is easy at areas like the pool, or sports decks, or around the bar (drinking a nice mocktail).  

It has nothing to do with drinking. I merely mentioned that because at the singles get together that is what people were doing and they were all so much older than him, that it was uncomfortable.  He did go to every one, every night hoping to seem someone his age, but he didnt. I love when people want to say "dont take them" etc.  We were used to seeing activities for 18-20, which they obviously had not started back up, unfortunately.  My observation had nothing to do with "babysitting" the fun. It had everything to do with my son and his experience. He has extreme social anxiety and will not go up to a group of people and introduce himself. I'm glad if you are a person who can meet anyone anywhere, he is not. He doesn't "hate just about anything" as you put it, he had a blast in the casino, won two raffles there and walked away with mire than he put in. 18 is a teenager...it is in the name...eight-TEEN, but he is also an "adult". I completely get not mixing 18 in with the other teens, but you need to know...there are a lot of HIGH SCHOOL kids who turn 18 while they are still in high school...and mix all day long. 

[Joseph2017China]

3 minutes ago, Luv2teachandcruise said:

It has nothing to do with drinking. I merely mentioned that because at the singles get together that is what people were doing and they were all so much older than him, that it was uncomfortable.  He did go to every one, every night hoping to seem someone his age, but he didnt. I love when people want to say "dont take them" etc.  We were used to seeing activities for 18-20, which they obviously had not started back up, unfortunately.  My observation had nothing to do with "babysitting" the fun. It had everything to do with my son and his experience. He has extreme social anxiety and will not go up to a group of people and introduce himself. I'm glad if you are a person who can meet anyone anywhere, he is not. He doesn't "hate just about anything" as you put it, he had a blast in the casino, won two raffles there and walked away with mire than he put in. 18 is a teenager...it is in the name...eight-TEEN, but he is also an "adult". I completely get not mixing 18 in with the other teens, but you need to know...there are a lot of HIGH SCHOOL kids who turn 18 while they are still in high school...and mix all day long. 

 18 is an adult.  I have kids, who are older now.  One did not really like going on a cruise, and yes, they were left to making their adult decision to go or not to go.  There is a huge difference between a social gathering and a babysitting club (kids club). Kid's clubs are for kids and are a "safe" spot for them to hang with kids. It is not up to you to take them, but up to them to say if they want to go or not.  

 

Even though an 18 year old might be in HS, remember, that 18 year old does not need parental permission for anything, and they can drop out without your permission (hopefully not).  

 

All the issues you pointed out, is not a cruise line issue.  They have social activities from shows, to trivia etc, and the ships are filled with areas that young adults can mingle.  But you said it, that a cruise is not really a great place for him, since he does not socially mingle very well.  Nothing wrong with that, many don't, and that is why your adult kids can make their decisions.  You are not leaving them home because they are no longer your responsibility to make their vacation decision.  You gift them a cruise or any vacation, and let them decide.  

 

Remember an 18 year old can sign contracts, get credit, go to military, travel, and do anything that any adult is allowed.  IF they are on a cruise, in a port, they can drink also.  

 

My youngest boy owned a house before age 20, the very same age, you are saying kids are TEENagers.  But yet, he owned a house, and a car and decided to work before finally deciding college.  The other one, was spending a year in South Korea in the Army, as a teen, before he used his funds for college during and after the military.  

 

Your son does not really like a cruise and so it is not the companies fault, that a person, does not enjoy the product offered, which is the vacation experience.  Everyone is different, and next time, just let him decide.  

[mjkacmom]

33 minutes ago, Joseph2017China said:

 18 is an adult.  I have kids, who are older now.  One did not really like going on a cruise, and yes, they were left to making their adult decision to go or not to go.  There is a huge difference between a social gathering and a babysitting club (kids club). Kid's clubs are for kids and are a "safe" spot for them to hang with kids. It is not up to you to take them, but up to them to say if they want to go or not.  

 

Even though an 18 year old might be in HS, remember, that 18 year old does not need parental permission for anything, and they can drop out without your permission (hopefully not).  

 

All the issues you pointed out, is not a cruise line issue.  They have social activities from shows, to trivia etc, and the ships are filled with areas that young adults can mingle.  But you said it, that a cruise is not really a great place for him, since he does not socially mingle very well.  Nothing wrong with that, many don't, and that is why your adult kids can make their decisions.  You are not leaving them home because they are no longer your responsibility to make their vacation decision.  You gift them a cruise or any vacation, and let them decide.  

 

Remember an 18 year old can sign contracts, get credit, go to military, travel, and do anything that any adult is allowed.  IF they are on a cruise, in a port, they can drink also.  

 

My youngest boy owned a house before age 20, the very same age, you are saying kids are TEENagers.  But yet, he owned a house, and a car and decided to work before finally deciding college.  The other one, was spending a year in South Korea in the Army, as a teen, before he used his funds for college during and after the military.  

 

Your son does not really like a cruise and so it is not the companies fault, that a person, does not enjoy the product offered, which is the vacation experience.  Everyone is different, and next time, just let him decide.  

I disagree about the kids club, yes, younger kids go for babysitting, but once they are 12, it’s a spot to gather with others around the same age to meet up to go off an explore. My teens did not spend much time there at all, just a convenient way to make plans.

[LobsterStalker]

14 hours ago, Luv2teachandcruise said:

So, I know this will sound like a first world problem, but...In June we took our first cruise post-covid and my sons were 16 and a recent 18. My 18 year old was MISERABLE! He will tell anyone who listens that he "grew up" on Royal Caribbean and how much he loves cruising, but he said he won't go again until he is over 21,  if ever. There was NOTHING...NADA, ZIP, ZILCH...for him to do.  Too old for the teen group (crazy), too young for drinking. All of the people at the "Singles mixers" were in their late 20s to their 40s. Not one thing was in the cruise planner for 18-20. I sent a LONG letter to Royal and,  of course heard nothing back. I know pre-covid I would see activities for"18-20", but I promise you nothing was happening on our ship. I was talking about it in the elevator one afternoon and another couple heard and said their 19 year old hated it as well.

 

So, I hope that I wasn't the only person to complain and Royal realized that by alienating this group, they could ultimately lose a big group of future passengers. I hope that they bring back the 18-20 activities!

 

As I said, my son grew up on Royal we are just a few points away from Diamond Plus and I hope that he will give Royal a chance again someday.  

So I'm sure after this conversation your son and there son met and hung out the rest of the cruise 

>>>>Right ?

[Luv2teachandcruise]

10 minutes ago, LobsterStalker said:

So I'm sure after this conversation your son and there son met and hung out the rest of 

They hung out once at the sports deck, but it was at the end of the cruise when we met in the elevator. 

[Luv2teachandcruise]

49 minutes ago, Joseph2017China said:

 18 is an adult.  I have kids, who are older now.  One did not really like going on a cruise, and yes, they were left to making their adult decision to go or not to go.  There is a huge difference between a social gathering and a babysitting club (kids club). Kid's clubs are for kids and are a "safe" spot for them to hang with kids. It is not up to you to take them, but up to them to say if they want to go or not.  

 

Even though an 18 year old might be in HS, remember, that 18 year old does not need parental permission for anything, and they can drop out without your permission (hopefully not).  

 

All the issues you pointed out, is not a cruise line issue.  They have social activities from shows, to trivia etc, and the ships are filled with areas that young adults can mingle.  But you said it, that a cruise is not really a great place for him, since he does not socially mingle very well.  Nothing wrong with that, many don't, and that is why your adult kids can make their decisions.  You are not leaving them home because they are no longer your responsibility to make their vacation decision.  You gift them a cruise or any vacation, and let them decide.  

 

Remember an 18 year old can sign contracts, get credit, go to military, travel, and do anything that any adult is allowed.  IF they are on a cruise, in a port, they can drink also.  

 

My youngest boy owned a house before age 20, the very same age, you are saying kids are TEENagers.  But yet, he owned a house, and a car and decided to work before finally deciding college.  The other one, was spending a year in South Korea in the Army, as a teen, before he used his funds for college during and after the military.  

 

Your son does not really like a cruise and so it is not the companies fault, that a person, does not enjoy the product offered, which is the vacation experience.  Everyone is different, and next time, just let him decide.  

See, you are not reading what I am saying, you just want to argue amd make your point. I'm so proud of your younger than 20 year old child who owned his first home, so did I, but thats not the point.   

 

My son loves cruising but you keep spewing out your opinions and trying to make them facts. 

 

Anyway, have a great life.

[Joseph2017China]

1 hour ago, Luv2teachandcruise said:

See, you are not reading what I am saying, you just want to argue amd make your point. I'm so proud of your younger than 20 year old child who owned his first home, so did I, but thats not the point.   

 

My son loves cruising but you keep spewing out your opinions and trying to make them facts. 

 

Anyway, have a great life.

Sorry but you said your older son was miserable in the ship and does not want to go until at least 21?  

[jbrinkm]

Some Hyperlink activities, below.

ETA: While still only 1-2/day, it does seem as though Royal is trying to meet a need for this age group. As opposed to the teen club, where the kids can't participate in all of the adult activities, this seems to be just a place where those who struggle with social anxiety might meet some others of their own age rather than fill a whole social schedule, and then they can still participate in all of the adult activities (except drinking, on USA based cruises). 

 

Edited March 23, 2023 by jbrinkm

[moposh]

Why is it called Hyperlink?  🤔

[Blur]

34 minutes ago, moposh said:

Why is it called Hyperlink?  🤔

I guess it's what happens when you put 18 year olds with 25 year olds?

[Kathscof]

43 minutes ago, moposh said:

Why is it called Hyperlink?  🤔

Invented name from the old folks at corporate trying to sound "hip" haha

[moposh]

Just now, Kathscof said:

Invented name from the old folks at corporate trying to sound "hip" haha

It just sounds stupid.

 

Linking hyper young adults?

[moposh]

5 hours ago, Luv2teachandcruise said:

He has always had fun meeting people in the teen area. He has social anxiety and isn't one to go up to a group of people to introduce himself. It has nothing to do with drinking. He just said that when they had the mingles for singles, everyone was drinking and that was awkward for him. He enjoyed the casino and won a couple of raffles! But, he was lonely in the evening and I felt bad for him. That was my point. 

I get what you're saying.  My 16-year-old daughter went on her first cruise last year.  She has some anxiety and other issues.  She seemed to take it the other way.  She went to random strangers and showed them videos on her phone.  I think most people were gracious, but I could see some were thinking, why is she coming up to us?  (I do wish people would not be so polite!)  I told her I didn't want the doing this, but she did it anyway.  She also doesn't like to go to the evening shows.  I generally enjoy those and as much as I'd like her to join me, it looks like I'll be going alone.

[Blur]

Sounds like royal should add chat rooms to the app with appropriate age groups so more shy people can "meet" without the awkwardness of forced in person meetings.

 

This way they can self organize based on interests and meet when and if they want to.

Edited March 23, 2023 by Blur

[Tatka]

On 3/22/2023 at 3:02 PM, jbrinkm said:

 

I was surprised by how many "Hyperlink" activities there were in my upcoming Allure planner! I don't remember seeing any last year (also on Allure).

 

 I never seen Hyperlink activities before and we cruise 5 times a year. Have not seen it on Anthem in January... Even though we do not have anyone in this category I think it is a good thing. Many people in this category feel lonely and do not know where/how to meet people.

[LibertyBella]

20 hours ago, Luv2teachandcruise said:

So, I know this will sound like a first world problem, but...In June we took our first cruise post-covid and my sons were 16 and a recent 18. My 18 year old was MISERABLE! He will tell anyone who listens that he "grew up" on Royal Caribbean and how much he loves cruising, but he said he won't go again until he is over 21,  if ever. There was NOTHING...NADA, ZIP, ZILCH...for him to do.  Too old for the teen group (crazy), too young for drinking. All of the people at the "Singles mixers" were in their late 20s to their 40s. Not one thing was in the cruise planner for 18-20. I sent a LONG letter to Royal and,  of course heard nothing back. I know pre-covid I would see activities for"18-20", but I promise you nothing was happening on our ship. I was talking about it in the elevator one afternoon and another couple heard and said their 19 year old hated it as well.

 

So, I hope that I wasn't the only person to complain and Royal realized that by alienating this group, they could ultimately lose a big group of future passengers. I hope that they bring back the 18-20 activities!

 

As I said, my son grew up on Royal we are just a few points away from Diamond Plus and I hope that he will give Royal a chance again someday.  

 

 

And when the cruise is the main destination, that is the challenge.  I would never sail thinking it is the cruise ship's responsibility to "amuse" me or my family.  To us, the cruise is always secondary to the itinerary.  All the different ship activities are bonuses, some of which we use, many which we do not.

 

Perhaps the parents should take more of a lead role in helping their children learn how to enjoy a cruise, now that they are young adults!  Or next time, just have them get a job and stay at home while the rest of the family cruises, since they now hate (?!) cruising.

 

What should a young person do? Learn how to scuba, snorkel, jet ski, practice speaking a foreign language, create a video documentary, improve their photography skills, interview different crew/staff to see how they like their jobs, create recipes from their favorite cruise meals, read some famous literature by the pool, discuss the pros and cons of various shore excursions by having learned about the places in advance, learn how cruise ships are constructed,  etc. etc. 

 

Not a first world issue--an entitled child issue, sorry.

[sprint180]

As I mentioned earlier my kids at that age loved cruising. But we usually just hang out as a family. Go to the shows. Go to supper. Listen to the music. Eat some more. Maybe spend time as a family

[Luv2teachandcruise]

7 minutes ago, LibertyBella said:

 

 

And when the cruise is the main destination, that is the challenge.  I would never sail thinking it is the cruise ship's responsibility to "amuse" me or my family.  To us, the cruise is always secondary to the itinerary.  All the different ship activities are bonuses, some of which we use, many which we do not.

 

Perhaps the parents should take more of a lead role in helping their children learn how to enjoy a cruise, now that they are young adults!  Or next time, just have them get a job and stay at home while the rest of the family cruises, since they now hate (?!) cruising.

 

What should a young person do? Learn how to scuba, snorkel, jet ski, practice speaking a foreign language, create a video documentary, improve their photography skills, interview different crew/staff to see how they like their jobs, create recipes from their favorite cruise meals, read some famous literature by the pool, discuss the pros and cons of various shore excursions by having learned about the places in advance, learn how cruise ships are constructed,  etc. etc. 

 

Not a first world issue--an entitled child issue, sorry.

If you would have read further you would see that he has social anxiety, not an "entitled child issue", but thanks. 

[Jasukkie]

Is it possible to bring a friend along? I understand the social anxiety and how overwhelming that can be. 

[4hunters]

1 hour ago, Luv2teachandcruise said:

If you would have read further you would see that he has social anxiety, not an "entitled child issue", but thanks. 

Never mind 😑

Edited March 23, 2023 by 4hunters

[nimbex1970]

8 hours ago, Jasukkie said:

Is it possible to bring a friend along? I understand the social anxiety and how overwhelming that can be. 

 

I agree with this, we brought many friends of my children through our past 19 cruises.  Some we paid for, some they did, it all worked out and they managed to find a group of folks to hang out with. Our oldest with social anxiety really benefited from this, and they had their own room, which was a perk for them.  See if this is an option.

[LrgPizza]

On 3/23/2023 at 3:36 AM, Jasukkie said:

I don't see why a 20 year old can't participate in anything going on around the ship. They can have a non-alcoholic drink and do the same activities. It's one of the positives about cruising to me. No one cares if you are drinking or not.

My son wouldn’t drink if he could. That wasn’t the reason for my post. I get what you are saying though. 

[Luv2teachandcruise]

On 3/23/2023 at 6:00 PM, Jasukkie said:

Is it possible to bring a friend along? I understand the social anxiety and how overwhelming that can be. 

That's what we plan to do next time. 😀