Older teens for DCL - just thinking for the future

[FTM22]

So we have never done a cruise because I have motion sickness issues (windy roads and choppy waters - never airsick at all) and have been scared to TRY one. But after watching some YouTube videos, my younger son said "well, if we ever did a cruise, it would have to be a Disney one". Thus I am revisiting the possibility.

Here's my dilemma - within 2 years both of my kids will be 18. I don't see a cruise in our future before at least one turns 18. That kicks at least one of them out of a teen club and possibly both depending on when we think this sounds like it's doable. So what do 18-year-olds do on a cruise? As of now, neither of them are interested in getting dates (one has had lousy experiences with relationships and the other likes having money more than dates) and the "old people" stuff would bore them to tears.

SO I am just interested in hearing experiences from others. TIA!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

There is a 18*21 group that meets on every cruise and get together to do things. As an 18 year old, they will have access to all adult areas, including pools, spa, gym, night clubs, Palo and Remy. The don't have to do "old people" stuff, whatever that is.

 

[dwonderz]

We're going on our second cruise and my son will be 19 - he's looking forward to being able to go to all of the adult swimming areas/gym/etc. I'm not worried about him finding stuff to do - last time we were on the ship they were plenty of activities for people in that "in between" range!

 

[FTM22]

There is a 18*21 group that meets on every cruise and get together to do things. As an 18 year old, they will have access to all adult areas, including pools, spa, gym, night clubs, Palo and Remy. The don't have to do "old people" stuff, whatever that is.

I don't know what "old people" stuff is either. I just know sometimes I hear "Mom, that's for people YOUR age" - OUCH! I wondered about the bars since they wouldn't be legal for alcohol until 21 but I guess there are allowances for that as well.

 

[FTM22]

We're going on our second cruise and my son will be 19 - he's looking forward to being able to go to all of the adult swimming areas/gym/etc. I'm not worried about him finding stuff to do - last time we were on the ship they were plenty of activities for people in that "in between" range!

I'm thinking that they both need to be 18 so they can enjoy things together since they do pal along.

 

[NZMUM]

My daughter was 18 on our last cruise (in January). She went to the 18-21 meet on the first night. Met some people that she continued to do things with during the week, mostly meeting up at one of the clubs in the evening. There were also official lunches & meets in the evening for the 18-21s. But she also enjoyed being able to go to all the adult only places (pool, clubs, Cove Cafe). We did see a lot more of her than her brother, who was in the teen club. But she's not a partier and doesn't mind hanging out with us old people .

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I don't know what "old people" stuff is either. I just know sometimes I hear "Mom, that's for people YOUR age" - OUCH! I wondered about the bars since they wouldn't be legal for alcohol until 21 but I guess there are allowances for that as well.

They do card I the bars, even though their KTTW card will shows that they're not 21. Our neighbors DD was with us in O'Gills. She turns 23 next month but the server still asked to see her driver's license. Personally, I thought he was just hitting on her, but regardless, they did check her age.

 

[firepuppy]

If you look at the KTTW card it will have one of three letters on it. A= adult over the age of 21, B= over the age of 18 but NOT 21, C= anyone under the age of 18. If you child has a birthday while on the cruise and would be changing classification all you need to do is go to guest services and they can print out a new card.

 

[thumpie's mom]

We started doing DCL when my daughter was 11. We were a little worried when she turned 18, but there was still so much she could and did do. DCL is awesome at providing family activities that can apply to any age group and and previously posted, they do have the 18-20 yr old activities. I don't think they will get bored!

 

[jjkmaccrory03]

My daughter is 17 traveling with her us as a family (sister 9 & 7 mom & dad) I'm concerned there wont be anything for her to do or kids her age on the cruise. ANy suggestions?

 

[seelyt2]

DS 18 is in the same situation and I laugh because he too isn't into dating and prefers to keep his $ and time to himself, too - lol! This summer will be his first cruise without being able to go into kid clubs, which he wasn't fond of anyway so I don't think it will change his habits. He's into ditching his parents and 14 years old sister and likes to explore the ship on his own and go to the movies. Luckily he's not too cool for the character interactions so he'll probably round out some of his time getting pictures with them.