I have been looking into booking a 4 day cruise for my husband, myself and all 6 of our kids. My oldest will be 17 at the time we go (next March), and he is convinced he does not wish to go because he thinks he will be bored. He really has no idea what he is talking about, but I will not force him against his will to go on a cruise (PUHLEESE). Can someone who has been there please list some of the fun things they did with teens? He looked at the pictures of the teen room, and said " but I don't drink COFFEE!!!!" I assured him pop would be plentiful. I really think he would regret missing this trip. Thanks ....hlfdzn
Teen Afraid Of Boredom
- Thread starter HLFDZN
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inkkognito
<font color=green>I shall call him Mini-Me<br><fon
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Actually, they no longer serve coffee in Common Grounds. It is more of a meeting place/game room, and they occasionally have a bartender to make smoothies.
In the course of 30 cruises, we have met teens who loved it and teens who hated it. Those who enjoy it seem to be the majority. As a matter of fact, on our last cruise we dined with a mother on daughter who were on their sixth Disney cruise. The daughter had "grown up" in Common Grounds and was very sad that she had just turned 18. She was allowed to go to CG since she was still in high school, but she knew it would be the last time. She told us she has met friends and counselors with whom she still stays in touch. I hope your son will enjoy it as much!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com
In the course of 30 cruises, we have met teens who loved it and teens who hated it. Those who enjoy it seem to be the majority. As a matter of fact, on our last cruise we dined with a mother on daughter who were on their sixth Disney cruise. The daughter had "grown up" in Common Grounds and was very sad that she had just turned 18. She was allowed to go to CG since she was still in high school, but she knew it would be the last time. She told us she has met friends and counselors with whom she still stays in touch. I hope your son will enjoy it as much!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com
Bev J
DIS Veteran
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I guess it depends on the teen, our son, 15 at the time we went on the Wonder. Anyway he does not like to hang with people he does not know, so he did not participate in any of the teen activities other than basketball. BUT he did have a great time with mom and dad and little brother. Him and his dad won the ping pong tournament and he ate his weight in pizza. I can't imagine anyone not having a good time, but I do think DCL is probably more fun for the younger kids. I am sure you will all have a great time.
It goes depend on your teen. We took our family-18yr old, 16 year old, and 2 smaller children. The boys kept wondering what they would do--well, that had an absolute blast. The 16 year old
met so many people-including alot of the workers. Some of the workers wanted him to get the other kids motivated and to start dancing. He was up on stage the first night practically running the show. So many of the teens thought he worked there. They both said it was the most unreal vacation--so--I guess its what you make of it.
met so many people-including alot of the workers. Some of the workers wanted him to get the other kids motivated and to start dancing. He was up on stage the first night practically running the show. So many of the teens thought he worked there. They both said it was the most unreal vacation--so--I guess its what you make of it.
I have 3 boys, now ages 11, 15 & 17. July will be our 3rd cruise since 2000 and my boys love it! Their favorite vacation of all time and they don't even care to go to the parks anymore...just the cruise. If you want, let me know and I can have my 17 yr old email your son and he can tell him about it or answer your sons questions. They meet so many kids and just love having the freedom of being on their own. My kids are always depressed when the week comes to an end.
Or have your son read this board..there are some posts from teens about the cruise.
Or have your son read this board..there are some posts from teens about the cruise.
Thank you all for the replies. Knowing my son, he would probably complain even if he WAS having a good time. He is not one to hang with strangers, but he DOES love to eat out, so I think that would be the highlight of the trip for him. He is also concerned about motion sickness, since he feels sick in the car, even on short trips. He has some notion that I am going to leave him home alone ( not a chance) and he would rather do that. He rarely hangs with his siblings, since he tries to be boss and they rarely listen to him. I would like for him to go and experience it. I honestly don't want him missing from the pictures either. Can you tell me? Do they charge for the shore excursion for the teens on castaway cay? I think I read that they build a raft and race it? Also is snorkling free or do you have to rent equipment. This is going to be expensive for us. Being a large family, EVERYTHING costs a lot. How about the other kids? Can they join the activities free or is it a charge for each child? Are there other things that "cost" on the ship that may surprise us? We would like to be able to make this enjoyable and not have to say "No" because we don't have the money.Thanks again for the replies..hlfdzn
Hi! I am also cruising with teens- and I agree it presents its own challenges unique to parents of teens. Reading your post reminded me so much of my own son. He is 15- and sullen sullen sullen! I wonder too if he will able to admit he is having a good time!
I have been trying to engage him with some pre-trip excitement and that is working I think. Each day I put a couple of trivia type questions on the computer and ask the kids to find the answer. They are starting to look around online to find the answers and I think it is making the trip more real for them- giving them some idea of what is to come! You know how it is when you go online looking for one thing- you soon find yourself surfing from site to site! I have also been changing our creen saver and wallpaper daily- there are some awesome pictures and if you are interested I will send you the links.
We are sailing May 3 so it is less then a month away. We are also sailing on a very limited budget- in fact we wouldn't be sailing at all except my loving sister won the cruise from a radio station and invited our family to join her since she has no children of her own! Is she the greatest or what! I don't know who is luckier- her for winning the cruise or me for having her as a sister! I think I can help you with some budget ideas.
We will not be doing the excursions- they are overpriced and with a large family pretty difficult to pay for. I have cruised in the past and always found it more fun to venture off on my own on the islands.
If you plan to snorkel purchase your own snorkeling equipment- it is pretty inexpensive to but and can cost up to $25 a day to rent. I found snorkel sets at Walmarts for less then $20.
On the days that you plan to leave the ship I suggest ordering room service sandwhiches the night before, pack them in ziplocks and store in your cooler- more about coolers later! Room service is free (excluding beverages) so for the cost of your tip you can avoid having to buy an overpriced lunch on the island. Be sure to pack a small, soft-sided cooler for this purpose. You can also visit the buffets to get some fresh fruit to bring with you. Lots of people do this so you don't have to feel uncomfortable doing it. Pack different sized zip- lock bags for packing stuff in.
Each week I have been purchasing various items we will need- disposable cameras for each child to have- that way you won't have to buy them all at once.
Soda is free at meal times but at cost most of the time. I think about 1.50 a soda plus tip. Ice tea, coffee, milk and juice are always free. There is a free beverage bar on deck nine- open 24 hours a day. Disney seems to have a pretty liberal policy in letting you bring canned soda aboard and we will be doing that. I am also planning on bringing a small hand-held blender. That way I can make my kids smoothie type drinks and avoid the $4.00 or more charge for this type of drink. You can get fruit and yogurt and ice cream for free at the buffets. Just bring them back to your room and blend away! Bring an extension cord if you plan on this- I hear the plugs are limited and hard to access.
Hard sided coolers are NOT allowed- I purchases a soft sided one that is on wheels at walmarts (love that wally world place!) It costs less then $20 and I figure it will save me many times that in beverage costs alone. You will be able to get ice from your room steward.
Let your children enjoy the free stuff onbaird- ordering room service is going to be a special treat that my kids will partake of more then once I am sure! You can order breakfast the night before and have cheese trays delivered for snacking! You only have to tip a couple of dollars each time. Small cost for feeling like a king I think!
I also have some tips for buying cruise clothing. If your kids are like mine they live in sort of grubby jeans all the time- not really appropriate for cruising though! I have been shopping at a local Salvation Army thrift shop, We go once a week to see all the new stuff and for very little money have built up quite fabulous wardrobes! Formal wear is especially good bargain since these type of clothes are usually worn little, well cared for and expensive quality to start with. My daughters formal night gown costs less then $15 and I know it is a $400 dress originally!! What a deal eh??
I probaly have more tips and I will reply again but this is getting long and I don't want to bore you anymore! Stay well and know the joy of anticipating a most wonderful and magical trip! You will create memories that will warm you and your children all the days of your lives! What a treasure!
I have been trying to engage him with some pre-trip excitement and that is working I think. Each day I put a couple of trivia type questions on the computer and ask the kids to find the answer. They are starting to look around online to find the answers and I think it is making the trip more real for them- giving them some idea of what is to come! You know how it is when you go online looking for one thing- you soon find yourself surfing from site to site! I have also been changing our creen saver and wallpaper daily- there are some awesome pictures and if you are interested I will send you the links.
We are sailing May 3 so it is less then a month away. We are also sailing on a very limited budget- in fact we wouldn't be sailing at all except my loving sister won the cruise from a radio station and invited our family to join her since she has no children of her own! Is she the greatest or what! I don't know who is luckier- her for winning the cruise or me for having her as a sister! I think I can help you with some budget ideas.
We will not be doing the excursions- they are overpriced and with a large family pretty difficult to pay for. I have cruised in the past and always found it more fun to venture off on my own on the islands.
If you plan to snorkel purchase your own snorkeling equipment- it is pretty inexpensive to but and can cost up to $25 a day to rent. I found snorkel sets at Walmarts for less then $20.
On the days that you plan to leave the ship I suggest ordering room service sandwhiches the night before, pack them in ziplocks and store in your cooler- more about coolers later! Room service is free (excluding beverages) so for the cost of your tip you can avoid having to buy an overpriced lunch on the island. Be sure to pack a small, soft-sided cooler for this purpose. You can also visit the buffets to get some fresh fruit to bring with you. Lots of people do this so you don't have to feel uncomfortable doing it. Pack different sized zip- lock bags for packing stuff in.
Each week I have been purchasing various items we will need- disposable cameras for each child to have- that way you won't have to buy them all at once.
Soda is free at meal times but at cost most of the time. I think about 1.50 a soda plus tip. Ice tea, coffee, milk and juice are always free. There is a free beverage bar on deck nine- open 24 hours a day. Disney seems to have a pretty liberal policy in letting you bring canned soda aboard and we will be doing that. I am also planning on bringing a small hand-held blender. That way I can make my kids smoothie type drinks and avoid the $4.00 or more charge for this type of drink. You can get fruit and yogurt and ice cream for free at the buffets. Just bring them back to your room and blend away! Bring an extension cord if you plan on this- I hear the plugs are limited and hard to access.
Hard sided coolers are NOT allowed- I purchases a soft sided one that is on wheels at walmarts (love that wally world place!) It costs less then $20 and I figure it will save me many times that in beverage costs alone. You will be able to get ice from your room steward.
Let your children enjoy the free stuff onbaird- ordering room service is going to be a special treat that my kids will partake of more then once I am sure! You can order breakfast the night before and have cheese trays delivered for snacking! You only have to tip a couple of dollars each time. Small cost for feeling like a king I think!
I also have some tips for buying cruise clothing. If your kids are like mine they live in sort of grubby jeans all the time- not really appropriate for cruising though! I have been shopping at a local Salvation Army thrift shop, We go once a week to see all the new stuff and for very little money have built up quite fabulous wardrobes! Formal wear is especially good bargain since these type of clothes are usually worn little, well cared for and expensive quality to start with. My daughters formal night gown costs less then $15 and I know it is a $400 dress originally!! What a deal eh??
I probaly have more tips and I will reply again but this is getting long and I don't want to bore you anymore! Stay well and know the joy of anticipating a most wonderful and magical trip! You will create memories that will warm you and your children all the days of your lives! What a treasure!
A few more things before I forget them! There are wonderful places to down load images from Disney. I am making our own custom t-shirts! Saves money and makes them one of kind! You can even include your family name and cruising dates in the design! Then get these sigened by your room stewards and servers in the resaraunts. Then drop them off with a permanent marker at guest services desk and they will have them signed by the characters for you! Even though your teens will probably think this is corny and goofy (pun intended!) right now, I think they will love the memories some day! You can get t-shirt transfer paper for under $15 at walmarts. You'll get plenty of it. An important tip- MAKE SURE YOU DO THE DESIGN IN REVERSE SO THAT WHEN YOU IRON IT ON IT WILL BE CORRECT! You can buy inexpensive tees for this. I hear shirts are more then $25 on the ship so this could be a big money saver for a large family!
My son also gets motion sick VERY easily. I am planning on giving him Bonine every morning regardless of the seas condition. You never know in advance when the seaes will get rough so it is better to be prepared- you know how hard it is to get rid of that sick feeling once it sets in! I have done this myself in the past and been glad I did. The one day I didn't take the bonine in the morning I was sorry! The ship started rocking and I had to take a nap (missed out on some fun!) until the medicine kicked in. I have found that Bonine has no side effects for my family. Great stuff!
Okay- hope this helps! I'll think of more later!
My son also gets motion sick VERY easily. I am planning on giving him Bonine every morning regardless of the seas condition. You never know in advance when the seaes will get rough so it is better to be prepared- you know how hard it is to get rid of that sick feeling once it sets in! I have done this myself in the past and been glad I did. The one day I didn't take the bonine in the morning I was sorry! The ship started rocking and I had to take a nap (missed out on some fun!) until the medicine kicked in. I have found that Bonine has no side effects for my family. Great stuff!
Okay- hope this helps! I'll think of more later!
HLFDZN - When we went on our first Disney cruise, our DD was 13. She is NOT one to make friends easily and she did NOT have a very good time because she did NOT want to participate in Common Grounds or teen activities. Thankfully, it was only a 4-day cruise.
The 2nd Disney cruise we went on (7 day Eastern), we did the best thing we could ever have done -- we took along a FRIEND of hers with us! What a difference! We hardly saw them, except for dinner! They got along famously with everyone at Common Grounds and made lots of friends.
We're going on our 3rd Disney cruise (7 day Western) at the end of May, and the same friend is coming along again with us.
It think it made all the difference in the world to have someone along that they know and get along with!!!
The 2nd Disney cruise we went on (7 day Eastern), we did the best thing we could ever have done -- we took along a FRIEND of hers with us! What a difference! We hardly saw them, except for dinner! They got along famously with everyone at Common Grounds and made lots of friends.
We're going on our 3rd Disney cruise (7 day Western) at the end of May, and the same friend is coming along again with us.
It think it made all the difference in the world to have someone along that they know and get along with!!!
mmouse37
DCL Diva!!
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Our three teens practically grew up in all the clubs since we have been cruising with DCL from day one...the actual Maiden Voyage back in July of '98. We have gone on 7 DCL cruises already and are going on #8 in May.
All my teens loved Common Grounds and made tons of friends that they still keep in touch with. There is plenty to do, but a lot of it is what your teen will make of it. Make sure he goes to the Meet and Greet the first night...that seems to be where most of the bonding takes place.
My two older ones are now over 18 and are experiencing a different side of DCL...the adult scene....they now love going to the adult clubs and dancing the night away, the adult comedians, the theme nights, the adult pool and beach....we just all love the cruise and have some of the best family pictures ever!!!!
Tell him he won't be disappointed. My son was also asked by the counselors to get the other teens up and motivated!!! He did just that and the counselors asked him if wanted to come back and work DCL when he was old enough!!!! He still stops in to see the counselor when he is onboard to say hello!!!
MJ
All my teens loved Common Grounds and made tons of friends that they still keep in touch with. There is plenty to do, but a lot of it is what your teen will make of it. Make sure he goes to the Meet and Greet the first night...that seems to be where most of the bonding takes place.
My two older ones are now over 18 and are experiencing a different side of DCL...the adult scene....they now love going to the adult clubs and dancing the night away, the adult comedians, the theme nights, the adult pool and beach....we just all love the cruise and have some of the best family pictures ever!!!!
Tell him he won't be disappointed. My son was also asked by the counselors to get the other teens up and motivated!!! He did just that and the counselors asked him if wanted to come back and work DCL when he was old enough!!!! He still stops in to see the counselor when he is onboard to say hello!!!
MJ
Sorry I can't send you a copy of the photo the DCL photographer took of my 16-year-old nephew on Castaway Cay, because it would be sure to change your DS's attitude about cruising: he's surrounded by about 6 teenage girls in bikinis! Needless to say, he had a great time on the cruise (actually better than my 13-yo DD, who was a bit too young to enjoy Common Grounds and felt intimidated by all the older teens there). We STILL joke about "Chris and his harem"!
mamagoggle
Countdown clocks move so slowly.....
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- 72
HLFDZN,
All of the children's activities in the Oceaneer's Club and Lab are "free" (included in the price of the cruise). You will not have any extra charges for anything there. If you are traveling with children under 3 years old, it will cost $6.00/hr at Flounders if you want to use their child care.
All of the children's activities in the Oceaneer's Club and Lab are "free" (included in the price of the cruise). You will not have any extra charges for anything there. If you are traveling with children under 3 years old, it will cost $6.00/hr at Flounders if you want to use their child care.
I'm 18 and I just cruised about a month ago. I went into the teen age group because my friend and brother were. None of us were really into the organized teen stuff, but we still all had a great cruise. There's a basketball court, ping-pong tables, a shuffleboard court, movies and Common Grounds had chess and computer games. This was more than enough to keep us entertained.
Thank you again to everyone who posted. You are most wonderful people to help ease my mind about my son and his moods. Jeanne, wonderful budget tips!! I have iron on transfer paper and it would be cute to make t-shirts. I especially like to wear them for group pictures. My son has his 16 ( will be) yr old brother with him and bringing friends is not an option as we have 6 kids of our own and are maxed out in 2 cabins. I really don't think he has any idea of what to expect and he is always leery of this.
Am I correct to assume that you are allowed to snorkle on any beach for free if you have your own equipment?
As far as thrift shops go, I live in them most of the time. Are the dress codes very sgtrict as far as nice new tennis shoes go? my boys wear the vans skater style and they look kind of nice with dress pants I would hate to get dress shoes for them , but will if it is recommended.
I already was figuring tips...especially with kids who make mess..I am a generous tipper.
Son wondered if there was a curfew for teens? He is nocturnal, like most teenagers.
Thanks again for the answers.....bringing pop is a great idea too..
Hlfdzn ( Melissa)
Am I correct to assume that you are allowed to snorkle on any beach for free if you have your own equipment?
As far as thrift shops go, I live in them most of the time. Are the dress codes very sgtrict as far as nice new tennis shoes go? my boys wear the vans skater style and they look kind of nice with dress pants I would hate to get dress shoes for them , but will if it is recommended.
I already was figuring tips...especially with kids who make mess..I am a generous tipper.
Son wondered if there was a curfew for teens? He is nocturnal, like most teenagers.
Thanks again for the answers.....bringing pop is a great idea too..
Hlfdzn ( Melissa)
As far as I know, the curfew is really up to the parents. We let our teens enjoy the cruise and come in pretty late. They were very responsible about it and checked in w/ us, etc. WE also mad sure they ate dinner w/ us each night as a family. It worked well. My kids usually slept late every morning...most teens did!
I bet you he has a great time. My kids didn't joint a lot of activities at Common Grounds, they just met friends and were happy just to hang out w/ them and do nothing half the time! Just the freedom is what the want most I think. I'd be interested to hear how your son enjoys it when you return. Be sure to have him post a report for us!
I bet you he has a great time. My kids didn't joint a lot of activities at Common Grounds, they just met friends and were happy just to hang out w/ them and do nothing half the time! Just the freedom is what the want most I think. I'd be interested to hear how your son enjoys it when you return. Be sure to have him post a report for us!
LADYnTRAMP
<font color=FF66FF>Is living proof that begging wo
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I am LADYnTRAMP's DD and I am 15 years old. I have been on two Disney cruises, and I am going on my third this fall. On my first cruise I was 13 and I was nervous about being bored and not meeting people. But I spent time in the Common Grounds for teens, and I met some people the very first day. My second cruise I was 14, and I had tons of fun again! I still talk to people online that I met on both of the cruises. This cruise I am even more excited, and I can not wait! So tell your son not to worry and there's plenty of things to do! Beaches, games, pools on the ship, a basketball court and much much more! You'll meet a lot of people your age and there will be no time to be bored! There is so much to do and you'll want to do everything at once! I hope you and your family---and your 17 year old son 
---have a lot of fun on your curise! Love, a DD 
---have a lot of fun on your curise! Love, a DD The vans should be just fine with dress pants & casual pants. They might look a little funny with a tux or dark suit on a formal night (7day), but nobody will tell you he's dressed wrong.
There aren't any curfews - that's up to each parent to set their own for their kids.
There aren't any curfews - that's up to each parent to set their own for their kids.
mmouse37
DCL Diva!!
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Two years ago when my son was 16 onboard he told me he was not coming to any formal night. I said fine...you can eat at topsiders. Well, we are all sitting at the table having dinner on formal night and in comes my son with a nice button down shirt, tie, nice slacks and.......his slippers!!! I almost fell off my chair. After I thought about it I was more impressed that he decided to join the family for dinner than what he was wearing on his feet. He never packed formal shoes because he didn't think he would come to dinner that night!!!
We still chuckle about that one!! At least they were brown and matched!!
MJ
We still chuckle about that one!! At least they were brown and matched!!
MJ
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