Does anyone wish there was a dedicated area for 18-20 year olds?

[ladyofthetramp]

My DD was never into the clubs (Edge, Vibe). However, we cruised Alaska when she was 18. She was thrilled to finally be able to go to the adult areas (especially Cove Cafe) and eat at Palo. She met with the 18-20 a couple of times, but was happier doing her own thing.

My kids as well. They loved being able to go to the adult areas. When 18-20 club had fun stuff going on, they joined them.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

The 18-20 year olds have a "B" on their KTTW card. We call them the "Betweeners."

 

[amyg1]

We had the same discussion recently. I doubt that we will be able to cruise again before my child ages out of the Vibe. He is pretty disappointed and realizes he'll be in that in between age, so I don't think we'll be going back soon.

 

[cedricandsophie]

My grand daughter loved the 1820 group On the three cruises she qualified. A monitor from the staff organizes stuff and there was always a range of young men and women participating every day. They would meet for coffee or smoothies, at the pool, on excursions, etc. she hung out at the adult bars every night with a group and rarely got in before 2 am. On European cruises an 18 year old can drink If supposedly a parent is around, but that never seemed to stop them. just be aware that Booze can be readily avaliable, from friendly bartenders or private stashes.

 

[o&smom]

I wonder how the 18 year olds fit in. My daughter says she doesn’t want to cruise again if she ages out of the Vibe because of covid. It will be difficult as she turns 18 just before she graduates in 2022, so not looking good as with school commitments, we cannot go during the school year.

We are dealing with a similar situation. DS is a senior this year and has wanted to go on a Fantasy cruise to celebrate for years. We booked a pregraduation cruise for next April on the Fantasy. We are not sure that we will be interested in cruising if the clubs need to be scheduled, etc. We have a backup cruise booked for Oct., 2021. He will turn 18 in the middle of July, so the second option would mean to Vibe. We are anxiously awaiting any news before paid in full date the beginning of Nov. We are leaving the majority of the decision making to him, but I feel really bad that it does not look good for something that he has looked forward to for years.

 

[Disneyloverliz]

My daughter just turned 16 and we had to cancel our European cruise for her birthday. With Covid and school commitments, i’s plausible we can’t cruise again until just after she has turned 18 so will have aged out of the Vibe. She is really sad there is no real defined place for older teens but it doesn't seem any ships have this. I know they are able to hang out in the adult areas, but honestly, it’s not quite the same especially with a year or two where we couldn't sail.

I agree! I have two young men, who, when we cruise, will be 20 (while on ship I think), and both have Down syndrome. This is our first DCL cruise, to celebrate both their graduations from high school. I do wish they had something designated for older kids.

 

[mmmears]

Not really. They have access to all of the adult areas on the ship, so I don't see the need for a special space for them, nor do I think they would use it much. My DD sailed with us at 19 and 21 and liked that she could go to the gym, the Cove Cafe, and Palo. She certainly didn't miss having a dedicated area for her age group.

 

[JM23457]

Meh. My son has never been into the clubs, anyway. He's 15 now, and on our next scheduled cruise (December 2021), he'll be 17. But he probably won't go to Vibe even then. I think he'll enjoy cruising at 18, when he can try Palo & go to the adult beach.

 

[Snowwhyt]

Meh. My son has never been into the clubs, anyway. He's 15 now, and on our next scheduled cruise (December 2021), he'll be 17. But he probably won't go to Vibe even then. I think he'll enjoy cruising at 18, when he can try Palo & go to the adult beach.

My daughter has avoided all the clubs since age 11. The only club she did go to was the 1820 Society. She did talk to a few people with like-minded majors and enjoyed discussing where they were from and college topics.

I agree! I have two young men, who, when we cruise, will be 20 (while on ship I think), and both have Down syndrome. This is our first DCL cruise, to celebrate both their graduations from high school. I do wish they had something designated for older kids.

While I can see you have a special situation, I think the ability to make plans with others with the freedom to use the whole ship can be an advantage to the “adulting experiences “ plus for those that do not wish to make plans and just prefer to attend they have an activity once a day. Lunch, movie, desert...

 

[bbel]

The only way you could make it a dedicated space just for them and keep everyone else out you would have to staff it.
And do 18-20 year olds want to be babysat/watched?

What would you take out to create them a space?

 

[Snowwhyt]

The only way you could make it a dedicated space just for them and keep everyone else out you would have to staff it.
And do 18-20 year olds want to be babysat/watched?

I think you are right. But some individuals always want/need a little extra attention. Even in Europe they get a few men to keep the older single ladies entertained.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Even in Europe they get a few men to keep the older single ladies entertained.

On DCL?

 

[Snowwhyt]

On DCL?

No, I really do not see groups of older women on the ship that need dance partners or dinner companions. Disney is more of a family cruise. I don’t think they will ever need that. But it’s nice for those in Europe. Usually called a Host if some sort.
But like I said, I can see how a few young adults or senior solo ladies could appreciate an additional host, but it’s not really needed.

 

[Joe Brig]

The only way you could make it a dedicated space just for them and keep everyone else out you would have to staff it.
And do 18-20 year olds want to be babysat/watched?

What would you take out to create them a space?

They don't need a dedicated space, just different locations throughout the ship that are reserved for them. There are plenty of locations that have empty periods, the bars during the day, for example, they could also take over the vibe at certain times. A cast member, who is also between 18-20, could host the events.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

They don't need a dedicated space, just different locations throughout the ship that are reserved for them. There are plenty of locations that have empty periods, the bars during the day, for example, they could also take over the vibe at certain times. A cast member, who is also between 18-20, could host the events.

That's already being done.

When those who are interested in actually having group activities show up the first night, that's what they figure out - where/when/what they want set up. There's a DCL CM there to get the information and set things up. Then the group will get a schedule what/where/when.

 

[bbel]

They don't need a dedicated space, just different locations throughout the ship that are reserved for them. There are plenty of locations that have empty periods, the bars during the day, for example, they could also take over the vibe at certain times. A cast member, who is also between 18-20, could host the events.

Well the question of the thread was about a dedicated space for 18-20 year olds lol!

What you're describing is exactly what happens with the 18:20 society now. They have certain meeting points and times and things are hosted by a cruise staff. (as long as those 18- 20 year olds attend the first meeting and help plan what they want to do throughout the cruise. )

 

[ddonner]

They don't need a dedicated space, just different locations throughout the ship that are reserved for them. There are plenty of locations that have empty periods, the bars during the day, for example, they could also take over the vibe at certain times. A cast member, who is also between 18-20, could host the events.

I believe you have to be 21 to work for DCL.

 

[Joe Brig]

They have certain meeting points and times and things are hosted by a cruise staff. (as long as those 18- 20 year olds attend the first meeting and help plan what they want to do throughout the cruise. )

If someone misses the first meeting are they are SOL? Most people learn about activities by looking at the the Personal Navigators, it would appear that 18-20 group doesn't do much and that might explain why many do not want to sail with Disney after turning 18.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If someone misses the first meeting are they are SOL? Most people learn about activities by looking at the the Personal Navigators, it would appear that 18-20 group doesn't do much and that might explain why many do not want to sail with Disney after turning 18.

If the 18-20 year olds don't show up that first night, then things don't get planned. That is, there will not be a CM to assist. Now, it's possible that some 18-20 year olds could just meet up onboard and hang out, but there wouldn't be any planned activities.

I'm not sure, if on a longer cruise, that it may be possible a day or two into the cruise (that the group didn't get started the first night), if some of them were to show up at Guest Services and ask about setting up a time to organize some activities that could be done.

An example of the announcement in the first day's Navigator:

 

[bbel]

If someone misses the first meeting are they are SOL? Most people learn about activities by looking at the the Personal Navigators, it would appear that 18-20 group doesn't do much and that might explain why many do not want to sail with Disney after turning 18.

No, not at all.
All the activities are on the navigator.
However, if they dont go a give an idea of their interests then it might be lacking. If no one goes then they might just put on a coffee or ice cream social once a day, but of they all have input they may have three or more meet ups a day: lunches, games/trivia, island activities.

Remember though, with the exception of alcohol that age group can do everything on board that the adults can, I dont think that the lack of ice cream meet ups for their age group is the only thing putting them off cruising with Disney lol.