Recomendations for an 18 year old?

[deltableh]

I've been going on cruises all my life, in fact, this next one will be number 9, but this is my first as an 18 year old, or as an adult according to the ship. I was wondering if you had any advice to give out, as older people than I, I figure you know more than I do. Thanks in advance.

[jhannah]

What sort of advice are you seeking? The only thing I can think of is to simply enjoy the cruise as a responsible adult and have a wonderful time.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

 

Okay, so you have been on nine cruises, what did you have in mind to do differently than before?

 

You still can't go to the casino.

 

You still can't drink.

 

:)

[jayjo]

but you can stay in the bars after hours! And some cruise lines do allow 18 year olds to drink beer and wine once they are in international waters.

[deltableh]

but you can stay in the bars after hours! And some cruise lines do allow 18 year olds to drink beer and wine once they are in international waters.

 

Yes, thanks, that's more the advice I had in mind. See, I'm just wondering what advice you all have to give, since I always hear you complaining about teenagers and how they act and how they "ruin your vacations" so I wanted to give you guys a chance to speak out.

[gliles]

Thanks for asking that question and while I have no answers for you, I would appreciate you letting me know what kind of time you have as I will be taking my 18yo on one. We made the mistake of taking the older one for graduation 2 weeks before she turned 18 so she got kicked out of the disco at 10pm so we aren't making that mistake again. I seem to remember on Carnival you only had to be 18 to play in the casino and I actually hope that is not true on HAL because this daughter is the wild one :eek:

[CaptData]

:D Let me see. You are suppose to be an adualt now??? Are you going to get drunk just because it is legal now. I thought that you thought that it was more fun when you were doing it underage. Been stupid now can land you in a whole lot more trouble so you now have to be responsible for your actions. You will also be expected to act more responible.

 

This does not mean you can not have just as much fun or act just as crazy, so let's party now. :rolleyes:

[deltableh]

:D Let me see. You are suppose to be an adualt now??? Are you going to get drunk just because it is legal now. I thought that you thought that it was more fun when you were doing it underage. Been stupid now can land you in a whole lot more trouble so you now have to be responsible for your actions. You will also be expected to act more responible.

 

This does not mean you can not have just as much fun or act just as crazy, so let's party now. :rolleyes:

 

Actually, I've never gotten drunk. I don't want to get drunk. I have no plans to get drunk. There ARE some teenagers out there who've not tasted alcohol before, though I'm not one. I've had a drink or two before, but I don't drink to get drunk. Nor will I on the cruise.

 

Half of the reason I posted this thread was to see if people had any advice.

 

The other half was to see how many people would assume things about 18 year olds.

 

GILES- I will get back to you on it when I return.

[jhannah]

Well, maybe I can add a little. You mentioned complaints about teenagers. It sounds as if you are not in the class that causes problems. Your cruising experience has evidently taught you what is proper on a cruise ship. The things that irritate fellow passengers (myself included) are those teens who run amok on the ship, up and down the stairs and halls, and across the decks at breakneck speed chasing one another. They disturb the peace and quiet and pose a danger to less mobile guests who encounter them. They also derive pleasure out of getting on an elevator and pushing every button, then running off. This makes getting where you need to go much more tedious than it needs to be. And their under-age drinking is another matter entirely. All the while, the most of us wonder where their parents are.

 

These are just a few examples of things some teens do that cause us to complain. If you are not in this category of behavior (and again I say it seems you are cruise-savvy and classier than that) then you shouldn't have to worry about irritating anyone at all.

[deltableh]

Well, maybe I can add a little. You mentioned complaints about teenagers. It sounds as if you are not in the class that causes problems. Your cruising experience has evidently taught you what is proper on a cruise ship. The things that irritate fellow passengers (myself included) are those teens who run amok on the ship, up and down the stairs and halls, and across the decks at breakneck speed chasing one another. They disturb the peace and quiet and pose a danger to less mobile guests who encounter them. They also derive pleasure out of getting on an elevator and pushing every button, then running off. This makes getting where you need to go much more tedious than it needs to be. And their under-age drinking is another matter entirely. All the while, the most of us wonder where their parents are.

 

These are just a few examples of things some teens do that cause us to complain. If you are not in this category of behavior (and again I say it seems you are cruise-savvy and classier than that) then you shouldn't have to worry about irritating anyone at all.

 

Yes, but the point I was trying to make is that when an 18 year old asks for advice, people automatically assume that s/he is going to get piss drunk and break things. In fact, if you were to see me it would probably be in a room with chairs where a few friends and I could sit, and I'd be wearing a bright Haiwaiin shirt, dark slacks, and a glass of wine in my hand, just sitting and talking and laughing. Perhaps watching a DVD on my portable DVD player, too.

[iluvcruzin]

Yes, but the point I was trying to make is that when an 18 year old asks for advice, people automatically assume that s/he is going to get piss drunk and break things.

I don't think that's always the case. As a mother who survived 3 teenagers, I can say that by age 18 they were more subduded. I think the majority of teenagers are by the time they graduate from HS. The thing that I found with all 3 of mine is that they thought they should be treated as adults at 18 and given all rights and privledges. They struggled with independence as if the number 18 was a magic number. They thought it was unfair that too many things became "legal" at 21. I think it's a normal thing for teens to go through this (I know I did).

 

OK.. advise.. Not sure what sort of advise you want other than - the drinks are not all that so I advise against them. If you choose to drink and it's allowed. (I don't know HAL's policy as I haven't sailed with them beore).. don't forget to drink lots of water as alcohol will dehydrate you and if you are traveling in a warm climate.. that means HEADACHES.. If you decide to try the casino's - remember it's just for entertainment purposes. Put a limit on what you want to give away (odds are that's what you are doing). My daughter (20) played the slots on our last cruise and had fun. It didn't take long to go through $25. But it was her money and her experience and I explained the entertainment factor straight up and she was cool with that.

 

What sort of things are you looking to do now that you are 18 that you couldn't do before on a cruise?

[jhannah]

Yes, but the point I was trying to make is that when an 18 year old asks for advice, people automatically assume that s/he is going to get piss drunk and break things.

Unfortunately, that's been the experience some of us have had. As I mentioned, it's only some who do this. But, as you know, the behaviors of a few taint the reputation of an entire group. I know some great kids who are models of responsibility, but it is the others who make folks cringe when they hear the word "teenager."

[KAJOKG]

Methinks someone is pulling a leg or two. Sorry. It was the Hawaiian shirt, dark slacks and glass of wine that got me.

[deltableh]

Methinks someone is pulling a leg or two. Sorry. It was the Hawaiian shirt, dark slacks and glass of wine that got me.

 

Methinks I'm not pulling any legs. I love wearing bright Hawaiian shirts, and they stand out more when wearing black pants. :-D

[Jacqueline]

In some ways its a bit awkward in the 18-21 category. Too old for the teen get togethers and still a teen. Meeting peers is probably the number one priority if you are doing a Cariibean type cruise. Bringing a friend is probably the best idea.

[Thoth]

Methinks I'm not pulling any legs. I love wearing bright Hawaiian shirts, and they stand out more when wearing black pants. :-D

I too love wearing Hawaiian shirts. I don't wear them to formal nights but on casual nights there are some nice looking ones in my closet that I wear.

You desire advise? As Polonius said to Laertes in Hamlet, "to thy ownself be true". I guess in other words be yourself and not what others expect you to be.

[pmcrr]

Go to a fun place with some friends,and stop with the 9 cruisers with the Geezers. An 18 yo should not want to party with strangers the age of her grandparents.

[pmcrr]

Go to a fun place with some friends,and stop with the 9 cruisers with the Geezers. An 18 yo should not want to party with strangers the age of her grandparents.

[Ellya]

I just returned from a cruise on the Zuiderdam with my 18 year old daughter and her friend. I would say that you should definately bring a friend your own age to hang out with, that made a big difference for them. Of course on HAL, you aren't allowed to cruise alone at 18 (only Princess and Disney allow that). HAL allows 18 year olds into all the nightclub and adult activities, including gambling, but not drinking. The girls enjoyed the sail away parties, the pool games, dancing in the nightclubs, all the ports, and the shows.

[deltableh]

I just returned from a cruise on the Zuiderdam with my 18 year old daughter and her friend. I would say that you should definately bring a friend your own age to hang out with, that made a big difference for them. Of course on HAL, you aren't allowed to cruise alone at 18 (only Princess and Disney allow that). HAL allows 18 year olds into all the nightclub and adult activities, including gambling, but not drinking. The girls enjoyed the sail away parties, the pool games, dancing in the nightclubs, all the ports, and the shows.

 

I wish that I could bring a friend, but everything has already been set in stone.

[Plut0]

Deltableh,

My son is 20 and has been cruising for a number of years. I think once you get to be 18 and over, it is a bit tough. The programs on the ships tend to be for those up to age 17 so there will not be an easy way to meet folks your own age. I would encourage you to go to attend events organized by the shiop such as team trivia as you will get a chance to meet people. He also enjoyed going into the lounges and talking with people especially the crew as many of the are in their early twenties.

 

Enjoy!