Questions from apprehensive teen

[wimbledonchelsea]

Hey all! I'll be on board the Disney Fantasy for the Christmas cruise later this week. I'm excited to visit the destinations but I'm a bit apprehensive about the on-board part. The only other time I've gone cruising was on the Norwegian Jewel, and it was geared towards the 55+ range and as a teen arthritis seminars don't really appeal. I'd prefer to spend time with family than in the teens club but it being a Disney cruise I'm not sure if I'm the right demographic for most of their activities (still 17 so don't fit in the adult section). I had a few questions, any advice/feedback would be much appreciated!

1. I'm not expecting any shortage of activities on the cruise, but as a teen how much is there to do? Does it feel like the ship/pools are swamped with toddlers? Basically, if a teen doesn't want to go the teen club, is there stuff to fill a day?

2. I'm a high school senior so I'll be finishing up my college applications while on board. I read that the plans are based on data, how much internet does 100 MB get you?

 

[mom4fun]

My son has been cruising for a while now and he will be 16 on our next cruise. He loves Disney cruising and is never bored. We even did the Panama Canal when he was in 8th grade which is 14 nights and he was never bored. He does not like the clubs but many kids do. The pool will probably feel like kid soup on the Fantasy but they have a teen hot tub in the Vibe area. It's a family vacation so we have fun doing things together and there is a lot to do.
As far as data goes, my DH get the largest package for $99 because he has to stay in touch with emails and other things. It lasts him the whole week. On the first day if you sign up, you will get 50 for free.

 

[cruiser21]

The pools will be swamped with toddlers that is one thing I can absolutely guarantee you. Why are you against the teen club. Try it you may actually have fun. I assume you go to high school and are going off to college so why not make some new friends. Good practice for college. A 100mb will not give you much especially for filling out applications.

 

[jenpink]

My teen goes to the Vibe the first night to make a group of friends. They then use the space as a meeting point and have fun all over the ship. She has met people from all over the world that she is still in contact with today.

 

[Pens Fan]

My son is 18, and still loves DCL. I can honestly say that he has never been bored on a Disney cruise. He did enjoy Vibe before he aged out, but was never one of those kids that stayed in the clubs all day long. He would go for an hour or so most days, though. I agree with jenpink that going to Vibe on the first night really helps to meet the other teens on board.

The family pool will be kid soup. I wouldn't count on spending much time in it, unfortunately. There will be plenty of activities going on to keep you busy if you want. Sometimes it's good to just hang out and relax as well.

As for the college apps, if they are anything like the ones my son filled out, I seriously doubt the free 100 mb of data will be enough. The internet package is not that terribly expensive to purchase, though. You will probably need it.

Have fun!

 

[aggiedog]

We've done two cruises with my older twin teen girls - 7 days in the Baltic, and a 4 night to Mexico over Christmas last year. I will say they loved the ports, not so much the ship time. They found they did not have much in common with most of the kids in Vibe, but I'm sure much if that is luck of the draw on any cruise. They labeled them "Kendra Scott girls." which I think meant kids who value fashion trends??? They met a girl the first day of the Baltic cruise, though, that they often hung out with the rest of the trip. They played trivia and Bingo with us. Both trips were too cold to swim, so no draw there.

My younger teen, who did Vibe and Edge, LOVED the clubs, because she's a gamer and and extrovert, and had no problem sitting down in a group of people and beating them at Super Smash Bros. She makes friends easily, and we saw her only for meals while we were on the ship.

So much will depend you what you like, and how comfortable you are meeting new people. If investing energy in new people isn't your thing, enjoy the free time to relax, read, journal (whatever makes you happy!) without worrying about homework, AP classes, etc. Get a coffee card and enjoy the cappuccinos. There are movies playing literally all day long, if you are into that. I've not been on the Fantasy, but I'm sure you can get good tips on great places to sit away from your cabin to work on your apps so you can enjoy the shipboard atmosphere.

 

[Geomom]

We've only been on 1 cruise, on the Wonder to Alaska, but there should be similar activities on all ships. There would be crafts--including 'learn to draw' type classes, Disney movies, character meet and greets, trivia, shuffle board, ping pong, sports deck stuff, family shows during the day (possibly magic workshops, jugglers, etc.) My 16 yr old daughter only went to Vibe to go to activities that were listed in the Navigator (or app). She went to T-shirt making, smoothie making, and a Northern lights one specific to the Alaska cruise.

The Disney Cruiseline Blog website (http://disneycruiselineblog.com/personal-navigators/) has personal navigators from past cruises. I see both Eastern and Western Fantasy 'Very Merrytime' cruise ones from this year. Take a look at one similar to your itinerary and you'll see some of the things that could be offered on your cruise. You can go to any of the 'fun for all ages' activities, as well as Vibe activities, movies, characters, and shows.

I also wanted to add that if your family is doing excursions at the ports, then it's really only the sea days that you'd need to 'worry' about finding things to do. For us, evenings were filled with dinner and the theater show, so it was just entertaining ourselves on sea days until 5-5:30PM.

 

[Mitura]

My 14 year old has autism and a hard time with others. But he found things to do. Things he did, the movies. He loves the movies, in cabin, at the theater. Endless theater time. He went to the club but he wasn't that keen on them. Nothing wrong with the club, its his personality.

One thing we did and this is why I decided to reply is that Cabanas is the best place in the world to do homework, when it isn't open that is. We spent several hours catching up on homework in Cabanas. The world's best kitchen table!

We never did sign up for the internet, we found from this forum that the speed and the expense weren't worth it.

Good luck with your application and remember that the best part of a vacation is being on vacation. Relax for life is about to change for you.

 

[MaleficentRN]

My 17 year old had a great time on our last cruise. As it was Halloween they did have more activities on board so you may have a different experience, but she found plenty of things to do. Movies, trick or treating (even adults were doing it), she loves to take photos so she walked around the ship doing that.You should Google "Very Merry Time Navigator 2016" They are the cruise schedules and you can see if there are activities you may be interested in. My DD went to the teen club a couple of times. It wasn't her thing. I get that. However her 15 year old brother was there nearly all the time playing games, having smoothies, making a zombie movie.
If you find you run out of internet time or you want to conserve it, look at your port of calls and see if a place nearby has free internet, (Hotels, Starbucks) You can work on your applications offline and submit them there. Also, internet is veeerrryyy slooowwww after dinner. Early morning seemed best.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

The Fantasy is a great ship and you'll have a lot to do. I don't think it's possible to get bored on a Disney ship. The pools can be kid heavy, but not sure how that'll be in the winter time. You would have plenty to do even if you never set foot in one of the kids clubs. Enjoy your cruise.

 

[kiford]

Definitely check out the Midship Detective game. There are three different mysteries. We did two of them just recently. The Muppets one takes the longest.

 

[NCConch]

We will be going on our fourth post Christmas cruise on the Dream next week. My kids are 16 and 19 and they have always loved our trips. They are "home bodies" and do not go out a lot, but they loved the independence of this type of vacation. The teen club has its own pool. I am not sure about the data because we totally "disconnect" when we sail.

 

[havoc315]

Hey all! I'll be on board the Disney Fantasy for the Christmas cruise later this week. I'm excited to visit the destinations but I'm a bit apprehensive about the on-board part. The only other time I've gone cruising was on the Norwegian Jewel, and it was geared towards the 55+ range and as a teen arthritis seminars don't really appeal. I'd prefer to spend time with family than in the teens club but it being a Disney cruise I'm not sure if I'm the right demographic for most of their activities (still 17 so don't fit in the adult section). I had a few questions, any advice/feedback would be much appreciated!

1. I'm not expecting any shortage of activities on the cruise, but as a teen how much is there to do? Does it feel like the ship/pools are swamped with toddlers? Basically, if a teen doesn't want to go the teen club, is there stuff to fill a day?

2. I'm a high school senior so I'll be finishing up my college applications while on board. I read that the plans are based on data, how much internet does 100 MB get you?

Answer to question 2 -- You may be spending quite a bit on internet.

The answer to question 1 may be a bit better.
Disney is really amazing at managing to create activities for ALL ages. Certainly, during the day, the main pool will be swamped with young children.
I'd suggest you look at the Personal Navigators to get a sense of the daily activities. Generally speaking, the on-board shows are really enjoyable for all ages. The teen clubs are not "kiddy" clubs, and teens have many areas reserved for them, including a teen sun deck. There is also the full-sized movie theater showing new releases. The AquaDuck is fun no matter your age.

 

[Quellman]

Go check out the meet and greet in the teen space the first night. This is when they will do the icebreakers and you can meet some of the other kids. Then you won't feel like an outsider if you join in later. Lots to do family oriented and not, others have linked to cruise ship navigator (directories).

Lastly, I guess it depends on the college applications, if they simply require you to upload a .pdf or similar you can easily make that happen, likely with your 50mb. If you need to be logged on somewhere that could be more expensive. You could also find a cafe with wifi at one of the ports.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

Actually, on the computer/applications stuff, I can appreciate the diligence but I'd recommend putting in extra time and get that stuff done before you leave for the cruise. You'll be glad you did. There's going to be so much going on you probably wouldn't even end up touching your computer. A lot of people have brought their electronics with good intention and they never even get touched.

 

[CamColt]

I would suggest at least checking out the Vibe, especially on the first night when everyone is meeting. My DSs are now 16 and 19, and their favorite part of the cruises we have taken the last 5 years has been going to the Vibe. There is also a teen Wildside Adventure on Castaway Cay, that they have enjoyed doing, with other teens they have met on the cruise. I'm sure whatever you do will be fun. Good luck!

 

[Dug720]

Actually, on the computer/applications stuff, I can appreciate the diligence but I'd recommend putting in extra time and get that stuff done before you leave for the cruise. You'll be glad you did. There's going to be so much going on you probably wouldn't even end up touching your computer. A lot of people have brought their electronics with good intention and they never even get touched.

Not to mention shippernet is not the most reliable - it can be super slow and can freeze. Better to get something THAT important finished on a reliable internet connection.

 

[wimbledonchelsea]

Thanks all for the feedback, I really appreciate it! I wasn't planning on going to the teens club because my mom wants it to be a family bonding kind of trip, but I'll check it out.

 

[PurplePencil]

There is also a sports deck, on Castaway Cay there is a Teen Hideout that has hammocks , chairs, and a meeting place for activities

 

[jrabbit]

Hey all! I'll be on board the Disney Fantasy for the Christmas cruise later this week. I'm excited to visit the destinations but I'm a bit apprehensive about the on-board part. The only other time I've gone cruising was on the Norwegian Jewel, and it was geared towards the 55+ range and as a teen arthritis seminars don't really appeal. I'd prefer to spend time with family than in the teens club but it being a Disney cruise I'm not sure if I'm the right demographic for most of their activities (still 17 so don't fit in the adult section). I had a few questions, any advice/feedback would be much appreciated!

1. I'm not expecting any shortage of activities on the cruise, but as a teen how much is there to do? Does it feel like the ship/pools are swamped with toddlers? Basically, if a teen doesn't want to go the teen club, is there stuff to fill a day?

2. I'm a high school senior so I'll be finishing up my college applications while on board. I read that the plans are based on data, how much internet does 100 MB get you?

here's my perspective as a really old guy ...

I was on the NCL Jade (sister ship to the Jewel) and at age 50, i brought down the average age of the ships guests!!

On DCL as far as the "adult" activities that you cannot participate in: those are alcohol based so you won't be able to participate.

The other activity which is for the 18+ age group is the "Late Night" activities in Europa - the adult entertainment district. As an almost 18 yo, you should be able to go to see the entertainers that perform in the Tube WITH YOUR PARENTS. Don't sit in the front, don't get picked... and you should be fine. (others will disagree with this breaking of the rules).

There are lots of activities throughout the day - way better on the Jewel / Jade / Pearl!! Most are family - which doesn't necessarily mean toddlers or even screaming kids.
A sampling of activities

Anytime activities

• There will be a lot of unsupervised kids (8-12) going through the ship doing Mickey's Midship Detective Agency - As an Adult, I enjoy doing this. Its fun for me to see the creativity of the Disney Imagineers. There are 3 different scenarios, and you should try the Muppets (the most unique one) and one of the other two.
• There's the sports deck - basketball, volleyball, hockey, other activities
• Goofy Golf (mini golf)
• Pool
• AquaDuck
• AquaLab
• Walking / Running track on deck 4

Scheduled Activities

• Movies
• How to Draw
• Napkin / Towel Folding
• Trivia - Disney, Disney Movies / Music, Music by era, General Trivia
• Ping Pong / Shuffleboard tournaments
• shows (main stage and between dinner seatings)
• there may be times available to go to the gym
• there may be times available to go to the kids clubs - I've enjoyed doing the Marvel Acadamy for adults (might not be on the Fantasy)
• See the Personal Navigator for the days activities and times

You WILL have a better time on Disney than you did on NCL - that's guaranteed!!