Kicked Off Ship

[juniorsmom]

While we rarely do that, it would probably be very difficult for today's kids to do this unless they had their gadgets with them. Perhaps forcing them to put down the electronics and confront nature head-on would be educational. Teach them what it is to spend some time unplugged. Show them that nonstop music piped into their heads is not The World. The roar of the ocean is a music unto itself.

 

 

I totally agree. A cruise is an educational experience, kids can learn how they should conduct themselves in the dining room and learn to converse with dinner companions. That is not taught in school.

[suziehmkr]

While we rarely do that, it would probably be very difficult for today's kids to do this unless they had their gadgets with them.

 

Another generalization about teens. Do you know what we did over Thanksgiving? Our family (composed of 2 parents, a 13yo, an 18yo) and two other adult friends spent 2 days hunting down State Historical Landmarks up in gold country. Every single trip we make includes education, even if it is only for a weekend. We often drive out of our way to visit California Missions, landmarks, etc. May not be fun to others, but to our family it is "just what we do".... yes, we mix fun things in to all of our trips, but we make education fun. We are a typical family... kids in public school, average income, etc. Please don't assume that all teens can't live without electronics. That is also a broad paintbrush.

[cathleen]

OK- Maybe I'm a gossip, but I have to jump in with a story.

 

Last week on the Jewel a wife was getting very friendly with a man (not her husband) in one of the lounges. Shortly thereafter, the very drunk husband came in yelling obscenities and had to be removed from the lounge. The wife kept egging it on by rubbing on/ flirting with the other man. The husband then came back and punched the man, wrestling him to the floor. The bartender and security staff broke up the fight and the husband was taken to the ship jail. Amazingly the wife and other man STAYED in the bar together and then one of the three striped managers came and quietly escorted them out. All of them were put off the ship the next day. The sad part is that the adulterous couple had a ten year old son, and the other man was best man in a wedding party on the ship. A lot of people were disappointed over this act of idiocy.

[nanfromatlanta]

This is getting a bit off the original topic, I suppose, but you have to realize that there are so many different school systems across the country with different holiday schedules, there are basically always some children out of school on just about any given week. There are also over a million home-schooled children in the US, and I expect most of those families vacation during off-peak times, because they can. So, sure, there are some parents who take their children out of school to go on vacation off-season, but you can't assume that about all the kids you see on a cruise, when you think they should be in school.

 

 

I was referring to those parents who admittedly take their children out of school to cruise. I was not making any assumptions. . . :rolleyes:

[TheWog]

I was referring to those parents who admittedly take their children out of school to cruise. I was not making any assumptions. . . :rolleyes:

 

I took my 6 year old son out of school to cruise on Disney. He missed a week of 1st grade and has never been the same since. :rolleyes:

[nanfromatlanta]

Just because YOUR vacations are devode of culture, doesn't mean everyone else's are!:D

 

No need to be rude!! :confused:

 

As a matter of fact, WE are not beachgoers. WE usually make it a point to do cultural things on all of our trips, not just cruises. Having grown up near the water, beaches are not so special to us. We have been all over the world, and have spent very little time on a beach.

 

Sorry you are not having a good day, or did not more carefully read my post ...;)

[Onessa]

I took my 6 year old son out of school to cruise on Disney. He missed a week of 1st grade and has never been the same since. :rolleyes:

 

Love it!:D

[MakinGold]

I was referring to those parents who admittedly take their children out of school to cruise. I was not making any assumptions. . . :rolleyes:

 

Perhaps, but you sure seemed to be easily buying into the assumption by the poster you were quoting that the reason there were a significant amount of kids onboard was because of all the "bad" parents who take their kids out of school for a vacation. Sorry. I'll leave you in peace to be judgemental of only lose parents who confide in you that they have taken their kids out of school. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[MakinGold]

No need to be rude!! :confused:

 

As a matter of fact, WE are not beachgoers. WE usually make it a point to do cultural things on all of our trips, not just cruises. Having grown up near the water, beaches are not so special to us. We have been all over the world, and have spent very little time on a beach.

 

Sorry you are not having a good day, or did not more carefully read my post ...;)

 

OK . . . If that is the case, why on earth would you have written what you did, implying that parents who claim to do educational activities with their children on a cruise are not being truthful? :confused: I read your post again, more carefully, and it seemed you were being rather rude.

 

[Onessa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onessa

Just because YOUR vacations are devode of culture, doesn't mean everyone else's are!:D

 

. . .

 

As a matter of fact, WE are not beachgoers. WE usually make it a point to do cultural things on all of our trips, not just cruises. Having grown up near the water, beaches are not so special to us. We have been all over the world, and have spent very little time on a beach.

 

Sorry you are not having a good day, or did not more carefully read my post ...

 

Sorry you can't understand the meaning of a :D (literal translation is "big grin")!

 

My point stands, because I do understand the meaning of :rolleyes: Roll eyes, sarcastic. If you are going to generalize, sarcastically, about kids on vacation, I will call you on it

(-- and yes, since it is my first day back at work from my family's cruise, I am missing the family time we had! :D *)

* note "Big Grin" -- it is a happy symbol, not mean or rude but HAPPY!

[sagiv666]

While we rarely do that, it would probably be very difficult for today's kids to do this unless they had their gadgets with them. Perhaps forcing them to put down the electronics and confront nature head-on would be educational. Teach them what it is to spend some time unplugged. Show them that nonstop music piped into their heads is not The World. The roar of the ocean is a music unto itself.

 

I could make a list of educational objectives concerning tides and winds, erosionary power of water, sea life, etc etc., so it could be argued. I wouldn't want to have that particular argument with a school principal, however ;)

 

 

Perhaps the best education one can give to younger individuals regardless of age is to behave and consider the feelings of others on the ship.:)

[alcyone]

You can not condemn all children and parents because you have run into a few that are delinquents. There are many parents in this world who are bringing their children up with morals and a conscience.

 

Hopefully you will find a profession that suits you.

 

As my original post stated, I have found more and more parents taking MORE responsibility for their kids, and in no way is this all kids, but it's much more than you think if that kid's behavior surprises you or anybody.

It's also true many parents have little idea what their kids do with their free time (myspace examples), and their kid's language and behavior. When confronted with it, a parent should listen, and not automatically assume their child is innocent. This parent condoning his/her child's action resulted in the kid feeling he/she could NOT be held responsible, nor any action taken, which is often true with kids these days. This happens on a daily basis to many teachers, by more than a "few" kids. At my husband's middle school, it happened every day in every class, and nothing is done, because if you suspend the kid for the day, he's back in class the next and does it again, and again, often throwing things at you for good measure.

Many kids are being raised in homes where the parents work long hours and are not home till 8 or 9, or later, if at all. Their behavior examples are their 17 year old brothers or sisters, videos, violent games, etc., not positive adult role models.

I assumed they were younger kids, hence the less drastic examples. I applaud the captain for holding the line and ensuring the safety of everyone on the ship. I also applaud those parents, whom I see in ever increasing numbers, being involved in their children's lives, perhaps because of issues with older siblings, media attention, and more focus of good parenting. I haven't had to beg parents to have their kids do their homework or read at home in four years, nor been yelled at for calling home and asking for same!! Though I did get yelled at last year when trying to arrange tutoring for a student.

[RetireeWannabee]

Another generalization about teens. Do you know what we did over Thanksgiving? Our family (composed of 2 parents, a 13yo, an 18yo) and two other adult friends spent 2 days hunting down State Historical Landmarks up in gold country. Every single trip we make includes education, even if it is only for a weekend. We often drive out of our way to visit California Missions, landmarks, etc. May not be fun to others, but to our family it is "just what we do".... yes, we mix fun things in to all of our trips, but we make education fun. We are a typical family... kids in public school, average income, etc. Please don't assume that all teens can't live without electronics. That is also a broad paintbrush.

 

Yep, you caught me. Problem is, that's what I see - in the course of my job in a public facility, most every 'youth' I see has those ear buds in or has the cell phone in use or not watching where they're going cuz they're playing a handheld game or texting. A very high percentage, maybe 8 out of 10. Not the preteens so much, but the older kids.

 

Sorry for the generalization but it fits what I have observed.

[alcyone]

I was referring to those parents who admittedly take their children out of school to cruise. I was not making any assumptions. . . :rolleyes:

Actually, if you ask the teacher, many are more than happy to send some work with if you give them notice, at least a few days. You would just have to make sure you make a point about the kid doing it. I would have the kid keep a journal, write a log of each day, interview the captain, explain the muster drill, draw pictures of the ship labeling parts - maybe even ask for a special tour as an assignment! What about a price list? Figure out taxes? Cost per passenger of fare? Write a report on country visited? I don't have a problem with a kid going on a cruise, it does teach them valuable social lessons, and not everyone can take off in summer. Family time is rarer these days, and in reality, a week does NOT make a huge difference, unless it becomes a twice a year deal.

[crusinmama06]

I was referring to those parents who admittedly take their children out of school to cruise. I was not making any assumptions. . . :rolleyes:

 

Yes off topic - but I have to respond that I "admittedly" take my children out of school with 100% support of my childrens' school. It says in their school's rule book that they see the "importance of family time together" so they approve family vacations during school time as "excused". :D

 

So although you don't see it as a learning experience, luckily the school district we live in does. :)

[robntawn]

It has always amazed us how many children are let lose to roam the ship at will with out any parental supervision. And everyone says their kids are good! But I wonder when Mom and Dad aren't around if they still act like kids and get into mischief. :(

 

On our many cruises we have seen kids do minor infractions nothing more then an annoyance not worthing of getting kicked off the ship for. But too many parents use the security of a floating city to let their kids run free believing they are being good.....LOL.......not usually! :(

 

We always try to cruise when kids are in school and are usually surprised at the number of kids still on board...........I can't believe people take their kids out of school for a week to cruise...... :(

I wasn't going to respond, but felt the need to offer my input.

 

First of all, there are plenty of parents who take their kids out of school for vacation purposes. There are a multitude of reasons, including exorbitant fares during school vacation periods, scheduling restrictions based on parent's vacation time availability, and cruise line scheduling/availability. In our case, we signed up for the Presidential Suite over 18 months ago, and the only date available was December 9th...guess what? The kids will be missing a week of school and going on this trip! They won't be having a free-for-all though...they must complete their schoolwork early and do homework while they are gone.

 

Second, not all children are misbehaving hooligans. Having said that, I'm not so naive that I don't realize that their behavior is different around me than when they are by themselves. I can't speak for others, but I have reviewed the rules with my kids, as well as repercussions if those rules are broken. I believe in a certain amount of personal freedom, but if your behavior adversely affects someone else, then there's a problem and it will be dealt with.

 

Finally, there is the security issue. We don't let our kids run wild in town, and they darn sure won't be allowed to do so onboard. Again, infractions will be dealth with severely...both for the comfort of other guests as well as the safety of my children.

 

In closing, I want to add that family time is extremely important for kids and adults. In our day to day lives, things are quite hectic, so an opportunity to vacation together is wonderful. Yes, school is important, but family time is MORE important, IMHO.

[sassyredhat]

The original post had to do with passengers being "landed"---

DS and DDIL were on Freedom of the Seas, W. Carib. ALL DEAF CHARTER cruise a few weeks ago.

 

A couple of the guys got into a fight and were put off the ship at the 'next port', which happened to be in Mexico.

 

Putting deaf people off in a foreign country is serious stuff, so it does happen.

 

Pat

[HappyCampers3]

As everyone has 'their' opinion on whether or not students should be removed from school for trips, whether it be Disney World, cruises, etc., there is no right or wrong decision. I saw absolutely nothing wrong with taking our son out of public school for a week of fun, regardless of what it was for, and yes, we did it every year. He would collect a weeks worth of school work from his teachers just prior to leaving, come home and do that work in just a couple of hours and return to school to find the teachers not yet to the point where he worked up to. This was partially attributed to disruptive kids in school. He traveled with us as a family, we did most everything as a family, he appreciated very much what he was allowed to experience, was respectful to those around him and even received praise from the adults that he encountered on our cruise. My son is not a saint, but is an example of what a good kid is. There are good kids and there are kids that tend to test the limits, whether it be due to poor parenting or peer pressure. As I supported removing my child from the public school environment for trips because he could handle it, now that he is attending a more rigorous private school, we find it nearly impossible to take family trips during the school year.

[reallyitsmema]

That is EXACTLY true. Many kids these days are so spoiled by high priced electronic gadgets, they haven't a clue what to do if the battteries run dead. I have students who don't know what to do at recess without an electronic game, so they go attack someone. Heaven forbid they actually read a book or draw a picture.

PARENTS need to be made responsible for the behavior of their children - and I heartily applaud the captain's actions. Just because someone is a "minor" does not mean they can cause significant damage. To think that a young kid can't is being VERY naieve. We've had elementary kids sexually assaulting other kids!

Just recently one of the devastating California fires that destroyed hundreds of HOMES ws caused by kids "playing with matches", probably to see how big a fire they could start.

Bravo, Captain!!!! Thanks for making it safe for all of us!

 

As my original post stated, I have found more and more parents taking MORE responsibility for their kids, and in no way is this all kids, but it's much more than you think if that kid's behavior surprises you or anybody.

It's also true many parents have little idea what their kids do with their free time (myspace examples), and their kid's language and behavior. When confronted with it, a parent should listen, and not automatically assume their child is innocent. This parent condoning his/her child's action resulted in the kid feeling he/she could NOT be held responsible, nor any action taken, which is often true with kids these days. This happens on a daily basis to many teachers, by more than a "few" kids. At my husband's middle school, it happened every day in every class, and nothing is done, because if you suspend the kid for the day, he's back in class the next and does it again, and again, often throwing things at you for good measure.

Many kids are being raised in homes where the parents work long hours and are not home till 8 or 9, or later, if at all. Their behavior examples are their 17 year old brothers or sisters, videos, violent games, etc., not positive adult role models.

I assumed they were younger kids, hence the less drastic examples. I applaud the captain for holding the line and ensuring the safety of everyone on the ship. I also applaud those parents, whom I see in ever increasing numbers, being involved in their children's lives, perhaps because of issues with older siblings, media attention, and more focus of good parenting. I haven't had to beg parents to have their kids do their homework or read at home in four years, nor been yelled at for calling home and asking for same!! Though I did get yelled at last year when trying to arrange tutoring for a student.

That is your original post. I stand by what I have said.

[TheWog]

Love it!:D

:D :D It's silly to generalize everyone. I live 45 mins from the ocean and my family has a house there, yet, I still love to hit a beach and relax. Everyone does things differently and it works for them (well most of the time). I don't see it evil or even wrong to take a child out of school for a week. He is now in 5th grade and I had planned on taking him out in January (that reminds me... need to get rid of upcoming cruise in signature) and we will be heading to Atlantis Paradise Island with friends during school break. Just worked out that way. If he is up to his eyeballs in work in the higher grades, then we would definitely take it into account, but if his teachers are in agreement and approving then why not take that time for us as a family. They grow up so quick, take advantage while you can.

[cruisevacationsrock]

We are going to Mexico in January and will be taking the kids out of school. I agree that it is up to the parents as to whether or not to take your children out of school. As said earlier - Family is more important than school. This cruise will be my kids 3rd, and we are giving them their own "keycard" for the room. We have gone thru the rules with them 3 times over the last 2 months, and we will be going thru the rules with them 50 more times before we leave! I want them to start realizing that we are beginning to trust them on their own for an hour or two, but behavior and respecting others is always first.

C

[frenchmartini]

I was fortunate enough to be on this Thanksgiving sailing of the Grandeur of the Seas. I did hear the announcements at every port or almost every port that passengers were being landed. The stories for why people were kicked off the ship in different ports varied and included all of the ones listed in this thread as well as other stories that did not even involve children.

 

I also heard that there were approximately 500 children on the ship - more than I would have guessed because the ship did not seem overrun with kids to me. Our party was lucky because we didn't witness any truly out of hand behavior from any of the children (or adults.) I was pleased at the age range on the ship and thought the entire cruise was fused with a lot more energy because of it.

 

Like a previous poster, I was on one cruise where there were hardly any children (surprising because it was Christmas) and the median age was much older. It felt like the ship closed up before 10 p.m. every night and it literally was hard to get around the ship because of passenger mobility issues. I don't travel with children and I definitely like peace and relaxation, but that was too sedate for me. I like a mix of ages on a ship. As long as everyone is well-behaved, that is one of the best parts of a cruise - there is something for everyone at almost any age and you meet all kinds of people.

 

Great job Royal Caribbean and to the Captain for making this sailing of the Grandeur a wonderful holiday.

[land lover]

I read the first 50 posts and now I am reading the last few, it is amazing how threads get off topic..

 

but I will continue the off topic subject which is taking children out of school.........hopefully there will come a time when your child will say I can't go because I need to accomplish this at school, we began taking our children out due to my husband's serious illness when we thought our time together might be short....but as his health improved and our children began Junior High...they were more interested in their future, than trips with us...I am glad they made these mature decisions, even though it was very hard for me to accept. Infact we have a family cruise planned this March and one child must back out due to college commitments...talk about disappointed...but good for him for speaking up.

 

Often I think some of these unruley family members don't want to be there in the first place.

 

Enjoy

[PEGLEG]

So, if "Family Time" is so important, then why wouldn't parents accompany their kids every waking moment. This would be a 'win-win' situation. More "Family Time" & "Better behaved kids".

[cruisePRN]

I know you're dying to know. Well, pay attention.

 

They were DIAMOND and went to customer loyalty and politely inquired if the FUEL SURCHARGE could possibly be ABATED on their 4 week double back to back in March. After consultation with C&C in Miami they were summarily offered landing in Labadee (poetic) or adrift in a lifeboat (sans surcharge)!

 

LOL!

 

No No No No, they asked for second lobster tails :D