19 year old teen urinating off of his verandah..

[RhondaInMA]

On our 3rd DCL cruise, we came back to our cabin one day, and had a letter stating that items had been tossed from the verandahs, and would not be tolerated by DCL. It was signed by the security officer.

Well, we went and found our teen, gave him the 3rd degree and threatened him within a inch of his life...we checked with our friends who had a cabin on the other side of the ship, and they didn't have a letter.

So DH went to guest services and asked to talk to a security officer (ok, at this point I had convicted my son and he was grounded). Come to find out the security cameras had noticed things blowing off verandah's in a generalized block of cabins. And all of the cabins on our side had received the same letter.

OK, we felt awful for grilling our son, and yes, we made it up to him...

My point is, that I am sure(ok, at least I hope) security reviewed their tapes of the incident. (oh yes, there are cameras everywhere).

Needless to say, knowing there are security cameras, our "couples" time on the verandah is now kept G rated. LOL

Yes ... I did see many views of the ship during my recent tour of the bridge. They have many cameras taping at all times.

 

[jeast]

I know this is nit-picky, but we keep referring to this person as a 'minor' or a 'teenager'. 18 is the age of adulthood in our and many other countries. He can fight and die in a war and help elect a president. He's fully adult in every legal sense of the world except drinking alcohol. He is an adult. Why would you put an adult in with parents as a punishment?

When I think of 'teenager', I think of 13-17. Before they enter legal adulthood. And he is certainly not a minor.

 

[karibritt01]

I referred to him as a minor in the sense that he was an under-aged drinker. I totally agree that he should be treated as an adult.

 

[vossjemi]

warning - opening up a can of worms -- but....

years ago, i was nursing my baby in the mall and nothing more was showing than a little skin. In fact, there were scantily dressed teen girls close by that were showing much more! Anyway, a man walked right up to me and told me if I didn't stop, he would call the cops for INDECENT EXPOSURE. Come on -- huge different between that and the kid on the ship.....so you know what I did?


NOTHING. And you know what happened?



NOTHING.

In some states, nursing in public is a protected right by statute. It is in mine anyway.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Nothing more happened... after the incident I caused my own problems by thinking about it. I wish I could have stopped the thoughts... but it takes me time and the clock doesn't stop while you're on vacation.

I was hoping exactly that.... there is probably a back story. The security officer informed me that he would sleep it off in his parents room. I was hoping that there was more to it and maybe I wasn't informed.

I'm going to show some empathy here, if I can ... while it is easy enough to be told to "get over it," sometimes our heads can be in one place and our emotions can be off somewhere kicking cans. We can't always control our emotions, but we can control our will. (Lordy, it sounds like I'm channeling Dr. Phil. )

Anyway, you did what you needed to do, the Disney security folks did what their (unknown) policies dictated they needed to do, and there were no further incidents. Were you and Disney on the same page? Perhaps not this time, but it sounds like the matter is concluded.

 

[beachblanket]

After you are a busybody, the person you ratted out to security and his family are likely to send you dirty looks.

I knew I'd heard the above before, but it took me a moment to remember where:

 

["Got Disney"]

See I would have handled it a totally different way!

I would have started laughing at the kid. Then ever time I ran into this kid I would have let those around, know just how small he was, to be able to fit it between the railing and the plexe(sp) glass! Let's see who could handle what.

But no way would I have let a childish 19 year old ruin or cause me fear while on my cruise.

An people say 19 year olds are adults!

That was my first thought to do after reading the post I would have told him that we were the ones that saw him that night to see his reaction and if he would apologize. Than would have followed his lead.

 

[DevilDuckie]

so you know what I did?


NOTHING. And you know what happened?



NOTHING.

That would be because the man was a total moron.

 

[Caropooh]

OK HE DID NOT INTENTIONALLY EXPOSE HIS PRIVATE PART. SHE had to stand up and look around the veranda to see what he was doing.

He was acting foolish but he was not having intent of exposing himself..You need to calm down.

It is much worse for people to be having sex in the veranda next to them which seems to be excepted....You are making much more out of this than neccasary.

Those were my thoughts exactly! I personally do not consider peeing off the balcony in the same category as exposing oneself.
It's pretty sad that the guy behaved that way, don't get me wrong.

Very well said.

I guess the only point made I might view differently is the notion that after security talked to the teen there were "no more problems from him."

On a literal level, perhaps. But the point also implies the fear and intimidation the OP and her family had to deal with for the rest of the cruise (always watching over their shoulders for the jerk and his relatives) weren't an issue. Given the "magical" experience Disney so aggressively promises in their advertising, the OP's party was supposed to just bury/ignore their ongoing fear, despite the fact it was literally poisoning the remainder of their vacation? That most certainly sounds like a problem.

One which I still feel DCL had a very weak, bureaucratic and unsophisticated response to. The OP paid for a great experience but had it ruined. That led Disney to.....take a "low-customer-service-staff-get-out-form-letter-#26" approach. "Sorry, hope you have better luck next time" may seem sufficient to some, but those who live in the present-day, real world Fortune 100 service universe know better. That just doesn't cut it anymore.

Shipboard credit/discount off future trip? No. A situation this severe deserved a more personal and substantive response.

the family chose to have the fear and intimidation. I didn't read anywhere in her post where the guy threatened them. That was something they brought on themselves.

I referred to him as a minor in the sense that he was an under-aged drinker. I totally agree that he should be treated as an adult.

but he was NOT an underage drinker in Mexico. Just a pretty stupid sounding one.

 

[beachblanket]

the family chose to have the fear and intimidation. I didn't read anywhere in her post where the guy threatened them.

Exhibit A:

We were talking very quietly... I would even say close to whispering. Suddenly we heard someone yell.... 'Shut the **** up!!' We both stopped talking and looked at each other. Wondered if it was meant for us.... figured it wasn't... started talking again. As soon as we started talking again... 'Shut the **** up!'... and he started throwing his verandah furniture around and punching the side of the ship.

I apologize for not living in an environment where being screamed at with vulgar, threatening language while objects are being smashed is perceived as a "normal," acceptable, non-intimidating experience.

Or one that is now apparently perceived -- by some -- as a customary part of a cruise vacation.

 

[RanCan]

Those were my thoughts exactly! I personally do not consider peeing off the balcony in the same category as exposing oneself.
It's pretty sad that the guy behaved that way, don't get me wrong.


the family chose to have the fear and intimidation. I didn't read anywhere in her post where the guy threatened them. That was something they brought on themselves.

I disagree!!

I was sitting out on the verandah enjoying chocolate chip cookies and mickey bars with my cousin who was booked in a different stateroom. We were talking very quietly... I would even say close to whispering. Suddenly we heard someone yell.... 'Shut the **** up!!' We both stopped talking and looked at each other. Wondered if it was meant for us.... figured it wasn't... started talking again. As soon as we started talking again... 'Shut the **** up!'... and he started throwing his verandah furniture around and punching the side of the ship. My cousin and I were shocked. He continued to throw things around and then I heard water/liquid spilling or something. I thought that maybe he was vomiting. .. but within seconds knew it was something different. I looked over my verandah to see this man urinating off of his verandah. His body contorted into a weird position so he could fit 'himself' through the two pieces of glass.

Boy, if that doesn't sound threatening and intimidating....I don't know what does!!! I would have been pretty uncomfortable myself!! I don't think it was a choice for the OP to feel that way. He made her feel that way through his actions!!

 

[NHdisneylover]

OP--I am sorry this happened. I am sure it was very upsetting and I can totally understand how it was hard for you to let it go and enjoy the remainder of your vacation. That is really a sad ending to a series of Disney trips. It must be hard to have such a incident as your lasting final memory of what should be a great time.
That said--it sounds to me like DCL handled it well. The drunken teen was not putting the OP and family in true danger by what he was doing on his verandah while they were on their own verandah (so, no not having harmed anyone nor threatend in any real way saomeone's safety I do not feel he should have been thrown off the ship). By leaving the teen in the care of his parents he was supervised until sober (so that nothing else would happen). Additionally, is sounds like their were no prior nor later issues. Also, DCL may have "punished" the teen in some other way, but it would not be within their rights to tell the OP if they did. Whatever they did kept the situation from happening again.

Many people are surprised the 19 year old and family did not apologize to the OP. The family may have been too embarrassed or worried about retaliation themselves to do so. Or they may have perhaps figured that seeing their teen in your (OP) doorway would just make you feel worse again and keep the incident foremost in your mind.
But here is what I think is more likely: if the teen were that drunk he probably did not remember much once he was sober. He may have no recollection of where the OP was (to the right or left or even above or below his own stateroom). I highly doubt DCL security would identify to the family who the complaint came from (that would be dangerous if someone wanted to retaliate, etc.) so the family may not have known WHO to apoologize to. I doubt they would go around asking people comming out of various cabins which COULD have been the ones if they were in order to find you and apologize (seriously, can you imagine being asked about it if you didn't know?! ).

 

[DCLLVR]

I apologize for not living in an environment where being screamed at with vulgar, threatening language while objects are being smashed is perceived as a "normal," acceptable, non-intimidating experience.

Or one that is now apparently perceived -- by some -- as a customary part of a cruise vacation.

Given the "magical" experience Disney so aggressively promises in their advertising, the OP's party was supposed to just bury/ignore their ongoing fear, despite the fact it was literally poisoning the remainder of their vacation? That most certainly sounds like a problem.

One which I still feel DCL had a very weak, bureaucratic and unsophisticated response to. The OP paid for a great experience but had it ruined. That led Disney to.....take a "low-customer-service-staff-get-out-form-letter-#26" approach. "Sorry, hope you have better luck next time" may seem sufficient to some, but those who live in the present-day, real world Fortune 100 service universe know better. That just doesn't cut it anymore.

Shipboard credit/discount off future trip? No. A situation this severe deserved a more personal and substantive response.

DCLLVR... I think the kid should have been put in the brig to sleep it off. There is a reason those cells are called "drunk tanks." When he sobered up, let him back out. That action would not have required DCL security to witness the guy with his "stuff" hanging over the side. They would merely need to have seen an obviously drunk minor and have complaints that he was being indecent and aggressive... they had both.

Oh goody!!! I'm gonna do this next time I'm on a cruise ... just for fun. I'm gonna wait until I see you coming back to your room, then I'm gonna call Security and tell them that you have been 'insulting me verbally' and 'I saw you peeing over the balcony' and then kick back and wait for the fun to begin when they come to your stateroom with the handcuffs and drag your belligerent *** to the brig for the night ... and yes, I'm quite certain you will be very belligerent when they drag you off to the brig for something that you 'claim' you did not do.

Whoo hooo .... this is gonna be fun!!!! GUILTY until proven innocent.

The one fact that you all seem to be missing is that there is very little that DCL could do without any proof ... simply the OP's word against the 'accused' 19 year old, who was probably sleeping like an angel when Security got there.

They would merely need to have seen an obviously drunk minor and have complaints that he was being indecent and aggressive... they had both.

Actually, it is much more likely that they only had the later, who can say how the teen 'acted' when security showed up?.

Again, nothing against the OP here, I completely understand, however, not sure what the OP or others expect DCL or the police if this happened on land to do here. There is no proof, the 'accused' is just that ... accused. You need further proof to do anything more than tell the 'accused' that there was a complaint and that they will be watching for any bad behavior, etc.

Come on people .... do you really want to live in a society where you are guilty for anything that anyone wants to say about you? no proof needed? Immediate punishment for somthing that you may not have done?

Think about what you are asking for!!!!!!

 

[karibritt01]

Oh goody!!! I'm gonna do this next time I'm on a cruise ... just for fun. I'm gonna wait until I see you coming back to your room, then I'm gonna call Security and tell them that you have been 'insulting me verbally' and 'I saw you peeing over the balcony'

That would be fun indeed... by the time I hike my 5'2" self up to the railing, get positioned hanging over the edge, and urinate... but what ever!

and drag your belligerent *** to the brig for the night

You are the one being belligerent here. I simply stated my opinion. I appreciate a good discussion... without the sarcasm.

My main point in the arguement, which apparently you missed, was the guy was drunk - apparently obviously so according to the OP. I don't feel he was punished strongly enough. Apparently you do. That's your opinion and good for you. Go pee off your balcony for all I care... obviously you won't get into trouble for it.

 

[RhondaInMA]

Oh goody!!! I'm gonna do this next time I'm on a cruise ... just for fun. I'm gonna wait until I see you coming back to your room, then I'm gonna call Security and tell them that you have been 'insulting me verbally' and 'I saw you peeing over the balcony' and then kick back and wait for the fun to begin when they come to your stateroom with the handcuffs and drag your belligerent *** to the brig for the night ... and yes, I'm quite certain you will be very belligerent when they drag you off to the brig for something that you 'claim' you did not do.

Whoo hooo .... this is gonna be fun!!!! GUILTY until proven innocent.

The one fact that you all seem to be missing is that there is very little that DCL could do without any proof ... simply the OP's word against the 'accused' 19 year old, who was probably sleeping like an angel when Security got there.



Actually, it is much more likely that they only had the later, who can say how the teen 'acted' when security showed up?.

Again, nothing against the OP here, I completely understand, however, not sure what the OP or others expect DCL or the police if this happened on land to do here. There is no proof, the 'accused' is just that ... accused. You need further proof to do anything more than tell the 'accused' that there was a complaint and that they will be watching for any bad behavior, etc.

Come on people .... do you really want to live in a society where you are guilty for anything that anyone wants to say about you? no proof needed? Immediate punishment for somthing that you may not have done?

Think about what you are asking for!!!!!!

The teen was awake and harassing my husband on the verandah when the security officer arrived. He did not deny the act.

It's over... I'm over it. I can laugh at it now because I never have to see this young man again.

As far as Disney... they did what they felt was right. No worries here because I have had more than enough Disney... time to move on.

 

[WDWKevin]

I think he should have been put into the ship's brig until he sobered up. The same punishment as if this had happened in any town in America. They have put people in the holding cell at DTD for this offense... the same should have been applied. I do not think being made to sleep in his parents room was suitable punishment, as they obviously didn't care that he was out drinking to begin with.

No brig on the Disney Wonder or Magic.

 

[RLccweems]

OMG!!! I'm so glad your little ones didn't see this happening.....how awful.

 

[cdndizzylizzy]

Wouldn't it make sense for DCL to respond to the OP's issue by updating their cruise policy that we all have to sign before we board to spell out exactuly what guests can (and more importantly can't) do on their verandahs, and what the specific consequences will be if they do not heed the policy?

 

[Amlee]

next time this happens - you can take advantage of the opportunity for the 'wonderful' memory and snap a picture and then have it blown up at shutters in case others want the same memory....maybe even have a copy sent to his parents' room....then you could post it in the DCL pic of the day --- I'm sure his family would be very proud that he could play such an important role in your vacation!

I've been known to do just that!

 

[dursin]

Wouldn't it make sense for DCL to respond to the OP's issue by updating their cruise policy that we all have to sign before we board to spell out exactuly what guests can (and more importantly can't) do on their verandahs, and what the specific consequences will be if they do not heed the policy?

No