We homeschooled thru middle & high school. As you can see, we've sailed a lot. We did the reading-up on ports, history, facts, authors & artists from those places, etc. They got a bit of cultural experience from meeting crew members in addition to learning about work ethic. When they met a few Germans they had the chance to practice their foreign language. My dad was able to expand on the idea of ship life by telling them about his many years in the Navy and his duties onboard. It also became a bit of learning about their own family history. I also made it a point to use our time on the ship to let the boys spread their wings and have chances to be independent. Mind you, our first sailing our youngest was 13. It wasn't a problem to let them have time and freedom. They had to tell us where they were going, who they were with, be responsible with time, follow ground rules, etc. It was a good time to let them learn to be independent. We talked about various situations with peers both good & bad, best options to handle things and do the right thing. It was more learning how to exist without mom always around which is a very good thing. We did treat our trips as vacations. If learning moments happened it's because they made them so. I'm happy for them to take the lead.
Favorite moments: Key West! Oldest DS had asked about a month prior how exactly do roosters fight? How is that a thing? So we explained it but he didn't really believe us. He really thought we were making that up & pulling his leg. So, riding along in Key West and right on the side of the road he got to witness a couple roosters fighting. He was so excited. "HOLY COW! You weren't lying!" LOL! Also in Key West we had rented an electric cart to cruise around. We pulled up to an ATM by the drive up window at a local bank. They had tons of homes for sale posted in the window. He started reading the prices and was shocked. Yep. That made for a little economics discussion about supply, demand, escrows, loans, etc. Hassel Island kayak, snorkel, & history walk was truly fascinating. Lots of info on how ship yards waaaaay back worked.
We had our oldest son's high school graduation on Gatun Lake between locks on the WBPC last May. That was a special moment we'll never forget. Our youngest, however, asked that his graduation trip had no Disney in it. Whaaaa???? (I was a little sad at first.) That's fine. His trip. His choosing. He'll graduate in the 5 O'clock Somewhere bar on the NCL Escape this May.
The biggest lesson in traveling with our boys as much as we have is to show them that the world is big. There's so much adventure out there. Never be complacent. Go. Do. See the world. I think we got that across pretty well. The oldest DS will be 21 early next year. He and his brother who will be 19 have started planning a cruise trip for themselves next spring break that they plan to book & pay for themselves. They're now learning about travel budgets! The learning keeps on going........ I couldn't be happier. They're adventurers just like we had hoped.
They are now 13 and 14 and have been to various places in the Carribbean and Bahamas so far. We do excursions that are historical in base and being able to talk to CM's from other countries is always a big part of not only the cruising experience, but also the cultural aspects as well.
