First time cruiser

[msutliff]

Can anyone offer some hints, suggestions, advice for us. We're doing our first cruise to the Mexican Rivera this December on the Oosterdam. It will be me and my three kids ages 16, 15, and 10. Any advice will be most appreciated. Thanks

[dakrewser]

That's pretty wide open, I'm afraid. Best to search thru for specific Oosterdam reviews, read those then come back with any questions you have left...

[seadrifter]

We did the Mexican Riviera on the Oosterdam last Jan/Feb and it was excellent - but is was just DH and I. I'm not sure how your children will feel about it. Cabo San Lucas is spectacular with Los Arcos. We did two excursions that took us out on the ocean - one was whale watching under sail - and we loved that but we didn't see many whales. In Mazatlan we took the tour to Concordia and Copala and again it was fine - not sure that teenagers would like it though. Puerta Vallarta has a great beach that the kids might enjoy. From what I hear, onboard activities keep the teens sufficiently occupied. Hopefully someone with kids will respond to your post.

 

Have a great cruise.

[Boatdrill]

Can anyone offer some hints, suggestions, advice for us. We're doing our first cruise to the Mexican Rivera this December on the Oosterdam. It will be me and my three kids ages 16, 15, and 10. Any advice will be most appreciated. Thanks

 

Is their other parent going too ?

[sail7seas]

Presumably, Boatdrill asked that question as you will need written permission for you to remove minor children from this country and to have them enter Mexico if only one parent is traveling.

 

If Mom and Dad are both going, obviously no problem.

I can understand why Boatdrill asked......given the way you worded your post.

[cruznon]

Both of your posts have the "thumbs down" symbol next to it. Are you unhappy about this cruise? I fine this puzzling...

[Boatdrill]

Presumably, Boatdrill asked that question as you will need written permission for you to remove minor children from this country and to have them enter Mexico if only one parent is traveling.

 

 

Yes, exactly, and the document MUST be notarized.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Both of your posts have the "thumbs down" symbol next to it. Are you unhappy about this cruise? I fine this puzzling...

 

I think some people confuse the "thumbs down" symbol with a question mark. I've seen it happen a few times across the boards.

 

Karin

[srzpoo]

If you plan to do slot machines, take rubber gloves to protect manicure. Buy soda cards. Take walkie-talkies---you couldwalk yourself to death looking fpr teens once they make friends. Have a great trip. Sandi :cool:

[Sunshine91]

Is their other parent going too ?

 

Sorry, but I don't think that's any of our business.

 

I don't know how well-travelled your family is, but remember that Mexico IS a foreign country. Although teens like to think they are independent, I'd stay all together on shore.

 

Onboard, some will advocate using walkie-talkies to keep track of each other. My kid (& my husband) are responsible enough that if it's decided to meet at a specific time/place, they'd be there - it's called a watch.

 

Even though you are on a family vacation, you are still the parent & still set the rules. You relax too & have a great time.

[msutliff]

Yes I put the thumbs down by mistake. I didn't have my glasses on and thought it was a question mark. So everyone can calm down. And no, I'm divorced, so no other parent is going. I have custody but I do know about the permission paperwork required. My question is what various activities are there for all of us and also what to expect at check in, going off ship at various ports, etc. Since this is a first time for all of us, we're hoping to have fun without getting all confused on all the various requirements, restrictions, etc. And for sure, my kids will not be leaving my sight when we go off ship. That's a no brainer.