What is an adult?

[Eeyorefan12]

I have allergies and that is one thing that can set my system off & ruin a vacation for me. When the ship is at sea the breeze carries it all aft & I found that it hit me right in the face when we walked out the door near the elevators there. It is easy to avoid though once you learn your way around the ship. We also avoided walking thru the Beat Street area on deck 3 from the forward elevators to reach the atrium. We just walked to the mid ship area & took the stairs down.

Wow, smoke? Was this on the West Coast cruise or East? I ask because we just got back from the Magic and even though I spent a LOT of time wandering the ship (sometimes just late at night for a different atmosphere), I NEVER smelled a whiff of smoke, except for the smell already permeating the Sessions bar area. (No one was smoking then but obviously they do at some point because the room was saturated.)

I think I may have seen some people smoking up on the highest decks a couple of times but they were few and far between. I wonder if there's a difference between the coasts on this? When we go to the East Coast every year to visit family, I'm always struck by how much public smoking there is. On the West Coast (California in particular but now my adopted state of Washington), it's banned in so many places that people have gotten used to "hiding" it. Not to say there weren't East Coasters on board...but the majority of people I chatted with seemed to be from California and Washington.

Think there's a difference? I'm genuinely curious...especially because we plan to take and Eastern cruise next year.

CB

 

[mom+3girls]

I'm going to try to word my opinion on this very carefully, b/c I don't want to appear disrespectful of anyones feelings.

I do not have children...which I've discovered usually makes people stop reading my opinion right there But I have worked with kids of all ages in the past. One thing I dealt with ALOT were parents who thought their kids were different. They were certain Johnny could handle this, or that Susie was more advanced then those, etc. I'm not saying they were always wrong. But I'm saying that plenty of people think that way about their children. Plenty of them perhaps overestimated their chidren, some didn't.

SO, my point in saying that is that if you took every parent who thought their child should be the exception to the rule, AND made exceptions for them...there would be absolutely no point in there even being Adult sections. It would be in theory only.

Honestly, if DCL didn't have Adult only sections, that they truly enforced, then I would not go on DCL. They know this. They even know that parents want some adult only time. So much of the ship is geared towards families and kids, that I think the adults section deserves to be respected. It's a shame that a mature 16 or 17 year old may get bored or feel out of their element, but that should be taken into consideration when booking a vacation. It's a matter of if you make exceptions for one, when does it end? Who determines the cut off point?

I do partly question charging an adult price for under 18. Adults, teens, children all have special places and activities, so really the only reason Disney might justify why children are cheaper is the food consumption (adult menu vs. kid's menu.) Curious..

Branv
I guess since you posted this directly after my post I guess you are directing this at me.
I would agree there are parents that set the standard too high for their children, I haven't set that bar for my daughter she has, she came here the way she is. I would love it if she had things in common with teenagers and liked doing things with them. It would give me a break. But how many teenagers do you know that are involved in a political campaign as a voluteer and works 2 jobs, and while doing this maintains a 3.75 grade point average.
As far as booking this vacation when I have a mature 17 year old, I do have 2 other girls that are going on this cruise that are 12 and 10. My 17 year old will be going off to college next year and I wanted to have a nice vacation for our family before we were no longer all together. She will not be bored she will find things to do and hopefully she will enjoy being with some of the teens that are on the cruise.
I don't know if you have looked at the difference of an adult price and a child price but it is quite a bit of a difference infact I am paying $460 more for her just because I am a single parent. I am a big Disney fan actually I was a Castmember for 6 years. So why did I choose a DCL, because it was just the natural thing to do.
I will be cruising in I think it is 65 days and we will have fun.

Sorry if I offended anyone with my post about my daughter being a 40 year old 17 year old.

 

[linco711]

You are all so right! But I've discovered that even 18 year olds can be annoying. And then there are the 21 and over group that can ruin the atmosphere! Let's just empty the cruise of all except the perfect ones...us!

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

While I don't want to see young children running rampant through the adult areas, I feel there is a significant difference between 16 & 17 y/o young adults and "kids". I can see where allowing those ages 16 & 17 to attend Palo brunch or tea IN THE COMPANY OF THEIR PARENTS would seem reasonable to me. I would not want to see groups of teens dining together but a family that includes an older teen seems okay to me. Given mom+3girls' situation, I just don't see how 6 months from now when her daughter is 18 she is going to be such a different person as to make her suddenly more acceptable to dine with.

I understand there has to be an age limit and it should be enforced. I just think a few rule adjustments for things like Palo brunch and tea for those 16 and over wouldn't be such a bad thing. The pool would be harder as teens would tend to congregate even in the presence of their parents but it could easily be a "one strike" and you are no longer allowed even with parents kind of thing. It just seems that everyone wants to group these young adults along with 3 year olds under the heading of "kids" and it just doesn't seem appropriate - we let them drive, date, etc. at this age and it seems they have earned a bit more respect for their age.

When we cruise again next year (with a 3 and 6 year old), I will be very happy to know that the adults-only areas are enforced but I would not be upset at all to see some limited access for young adults as well.

 

[branv]

Well I'm certainly not the best person to be offering an opinion on these kinds of things. My husband often points at me accusingly and says "RULE FOLLOWER!" It's true, it's an issue...I'm sick Mebbe I suffer from a deep suspicion that something's waiting to smite me

Good luck to all of you on your cruises. I hope everyone finds a way to come away satisfied.

 

[linco711]

While I don't want to see young children running rampant through the adult areas, I feel there is a significant difference between 16 & 17 y/o young adults and "kids". I can see where allowing those ages 16 & 17 to attend Palo brunch or tea IN THE COMPANY OF THEIR PARENTS would seem reasonable to me. I would not want to see groups of teens dining together but a family that includes an older teen seems okay to me. Given mom+3girls' situation, I just don't see how 6 months from now when her daughter is 18 she is going to be such a different person as to make her suddenly more acceptable to dine with.

I understand there has to be an age limit and it should be enforced. I just think a few rule adjustments for things like Palo brunch and tea for those 16 and over wouldn't be such a bad thing. The pool would be harder as teens would tend to congregate even in the presence of their parents but it could easily be a "one strike" and you are no longer allowed even with parents kind of thing. It just seems that everyone wants to group these young adults along with 3 year olds under the heading of "kids" and it just doesn't seem appropriate - we let them drive, date, etc. at this age and it seems they have earned a bit more respect for their age.

When we cruise again next year (with a 3 and 6 year old), I will be very happy to know that the adults-only areas are enforced but I would not be upset at all to see some limited access for young adults as well.

I strongly agree!! You are a wise woman!!

 

[KCMiller]

I strongly agree!! You are a wise woman!!

I second that emotion ! It's too easy to get huffy when discussions of this sort pop up - nice to see moderate rationalism . . .

My oldest son is 17 today, and will turn 18 tomorrow, believe it or not. I'm going to stay up tonight and watch him magically turn into an adult . . . .

Peace.

KC

 

[Debbie H]

Depending on the staff your 17 yr old could get into the adult only areas. I've found them to be very strict. When I was 18 they carded me for breathing. The only place they seem not to card young girls is the spa. They obviously don't discriminate when it comes to money.
karina

They do not allow anyone under the age of 18 in the spas. The first question they ask of a young person is if they are over 18.

 

[Debbie H]

We just got off the Wonder and I was amazed how many adults brought their children (under 18) down by The Cove Cafe so they could smoke. First of all, I guess they never heard about second hand smoke and the effects on children. It is an area for the over 18. What don't they get about that? One woman had her child get in the hot tub with her and stated as she was getting in, " What are they going to do, make her get out?" Well, guess what, yes they did.
I don't think it is about whose kids are more mature than others, we all think our children are wonderful and so mature. However, I go in the adult areas to be with other adults, not with other adults and their kids. You can have that at the Goofy pool. I'm glad they have certain areas just for adults. I just wish everyone would abide by it.
I have 3 kids, (all now over the age of 19) and looking back when I thought they were so mature at the age of 13, 14, etc., they weren't any more mature than the next kid. 13 is 13, etc.

 

[linco711]

We just got off the Wonder and I was amazed how many adults brought their children (under 18) down by The Cove Cafe so they could smoke. First of all, I guess they never heard about second hand smoke and the effects on children. It is an area for the over 18. What don't they get about that? One woman had her child get in the hot tub with her and stated as she was getting in, " What are they going to do, make her get out?" Well, guess what, yes they did.
I don't think it is about whose kids are more mature than others, we all think our children are wonderful and so mature. However, I go in the adult areas to be with other adults, not with other adults and their kids. You can have that at the Goofy pool. I'm glad they have certain areas just for adults. I just wish everyone would abide by it.
I have 3 kids, (all now over the age of 19) and looking back when I thought they were so mature at the age of 13, 14, etc., they weren't any more mature than the next kid. 13 is 13, etc.

Sounds to me like the adults are the problem!!!!

 

[clten]

The pool would be harder as teens would tend to congregate even in the presence of their parents but it could easily be a "one strike" and you are no longer allowed even with parents kind of thing.

Sorry but here is where I need to add my two cents. I don't travel with children. I understand that DCL is very geared toward family and that's the price I have to pay to sail with them. But I also sail under the understanding that they have areas that are 18+ so I know I will have areas I can escape from everyone's wonderful children (screaming infants to bored teenagers and all the children in between). I do not want to give the teens one strike each to get thrown out of the adult area. That's one disruption of my vacation allowed for every teen on board?? No thanks! I'm sure there are very mature 16 and 17 year olds who would blend in perfectly with the adult atmosphere but to let them in we would have to let in the not so mature 16 and 17 year olds.

I'm sure they need to have more activites for teens onboard but that should be a separate discussion from whether 16 or 17 year olds are allowed in 18+ areas.

 

[tiggerwannabe]

This is quite an issue isn't it?

My first comment is to those who said about booking...I did not book this cruise, I was invited on it...and so were the two 17yo's that will be traveling with us.

My second comment is that there are plenty of other things to do on this cruise that my girlz and I could find something to do together without interrupting the "adults."

My third is that I am the planner and researcher and choose not to tell the girlz of the adult's areas, to only talk up the areas they are allowed to be in. They will be less apt to be disappointed that way.

My itinerary includes basketball and table tennis and movies and shows, they know about the stack and fully intend to use it. They will do the goofy pool and teen activities.

If they leave me to myself, I will go to the adult areas...but I have serious allergy issues and can be made quite uncomfortable if I have to breath in cigarette smoke...therefore the adults may even make ME uncomfortable...and again, given the multitude of options on DCL, I will find something else that I can be comfortable in doing.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!!!!!

 

[Laurajean1014]

How is DCL charging your 17 and 13 yos?

That may help you and DCL decide.

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Once again, more lumping together of "kids" including bored teenagers and screaming toddlers all in the same breath. That is just not a fair grouping regardless of the fact that they are all not considered adults. Young adults (and I really am referring to 16 and 17 y/os here - not younger) are not the same as toddlers, screaming or not, and should be offered some respect for the emerging adults we expect them to be.

I am curious how many of you would feel if there was a cruiser who turned 18 while on the cruise? Suddenly this person is acceptable adult company while yesterday they were a nuisance and only a "child" ?

I really really do respect that DCL has adult-only areas on the ship and hope that my dh and I get the chance to make use of them on our cruise. I even agree that the pool would be a hard area to enforce (as I said previously) and would cede that it is probably not worth the hassle. However, I still think that IN THE COMPANY OF THEIR PARENTS/FAMILY, allowing young adults to experience brunch and tea at Palo would not be a detriment.

I do accept that this is an issue upon which many will never agree so no amount of explanation will change minds. I just wish I saw more understanding for the young adults in our society (remember I am not talking about 13 y/os here) - they drive, date, babysit, go see R-rated movies (the 17 y/os at least), hold down jobs, compete in adult-level athletic competitions, etc. and I think it is completely reasonable to allow them the opportunity to live up to our expectations of adult behaviors in these situations.

Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful vacation - with or without the company of children as they desire

 

[Jsme]

This is quite an issue isn't it?

My first comment is to those who said about booking...I did not book this cruise, I was invited on it...and so were the two 17yo's that will be traveling with us.

My second comment is that there are plenty of other things to do on this cruise that my girlz and I could find something to do together without interrupting the "adults."

My third is that I am the planner and researcher and choose not to tell the girlz of the adult's areas, to only talk up the areas they are allowed to be in. They will be less apt to be disappointed that way.

My itinerary includes basketball and table tennis and movies and shows, they know about the stack and fully intend to use it. They will do the goofy pool and teen activities.

If they leave me to myself, I will go to the adult areas...but I have serious allergy issues and can be made quite uncomfortable if I have to breath in cigarette smoke...therefore the adults may even make ME uncomfortable...and again, given the multitude of options on DCL, I will find something else that I can be comfortable in doing.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!!!!!

Just wanted to let you know I have never had any issues with the smoke around Quiet Cove. Warning do not go in one of the adult bars. I also do not smoke and when around too much I break out in a rash.

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Just wanted to let you know I have never had any issues with the smoke around Quiet Cove. Warning do not go in one of the adult bars. I also do not smoke and when around too much I break out in a rash.

Thank you for the quick reply! Quiet Cove it is!

 

[Liz]

Once again, more lumping together of "kids" including bored teenagers and screaming toddlers all in the same breath. That is just not a fair grouping regardless of the fact that they are all not considered adults. Young adults (and I really am referring to 16 and 17 y/os here - not younger) are not the same as toddlers, screaming or not, and should be offered some respect for the emerging adults we expect them to be.

I am curious how many of you would feel if there was a cruiser who turned 18 while on the cruise? Suddenly this person is acceptable adult company while yesterday they were a nuisance and only a "child" ?

I really really do respect that DCL has adult-only areas on the ship and hope that my dh and I get the chance to make use of them on our cruise. I even agree that the pool would be a hard area to enforce (as I said previously) and would cede that it is probably not worth the hassle. However, I still think that IN THE COMPANY OF THEIR PARENTS/FAMILY, allowing young adults to experience brunch and tea at Palo would not be a detriment.

I do accept that this is an issue upon which many will never agree so no amount of explanation will change minds. I just wish I saw more understanding for the young adults in our society (remember I am not talking about 13 y/os here) - they drive, date, babysit, go see R-rated movies (the 17 y/os at least), hold down jobs, compete in adult-level athletic competitions, etc. and I think it is completely reasonable to allow them the opportunity to live up to our expectations of adult behaviors in these situations.

Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful vacation - with or without the company of children as they desire

I just wanted to say I think your posts on this topic are really well thought out and I enjoy reading what you have to say. When we travel on our first cruise it'll be myself, DH, DS18 and DD17 so that's probably why this topic is so interesting to me.

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Liz,

Thanks for your kind words. I hope you and your whole family enjoy your cruise. I imagine it will be a bit disappointing to your dd to be the only one not able to go to Palo etc. but hopefully you all will find enough other activities that you can enjoy together that in the "big picture" it will not seem too important.

I truly do believe that ages 16 and 17 are a pivotal time in young adult development. They are learning about independence, decision-making, responsibility etc. in a whole new light. All too soon we will be sending these young adults out to live on their own and fend for themselves at college and the more opportunities we can give them to prove themselves worthy of our trust and respect the more they are likely to do so.

Best wishes Liz!

 

[AlexandNessa]

I am curious how many of you would feel if there was a cruiser who turned 18 while on the cruise? Suddenly this person is acceptable adult company while yesterday they were a nuisance and only a "child" ?

Well, I sort of liken this to a 20-year-old who has a drink in a bar the day before their 21st birthday and gets caught. The line has to be drawn somewhere. If Disney has a policy that says if the child turns 18 while on the cruise then they are considered an adult for the entire cruise, fine. Otherwise, 18 it is to be in an adult area. (What if the child will turn 18 within a week? A month? Is that any different than a day? Then why not just make it 17 to be admitted to an adult-only area? Then why not just 16? Where is the line to be drawn then?)

Even if we're not talking about legalities but just policies, my sister was not able to rent a car without a huge surcharge just 2 days before she turned 25. Would her driving change dramatically in just 2 days? Was that fair? Rules are rules and 18 is 18. Just like in my sister's case, 25 was 25. Sorry. JMHO.

On the other hand, what if Disney said they wouldn't charge adult fares until the child turned 18? Would this eliminate the argument of "what is an adult?" I would think it would, and I certainly understand this argument, but then again, this is JMHO.

On a side note, one of the reasons that we are choosing to cruise with DCL in 2006 is because of everything we've heard that DCL does enforce adults-only sections of the ship. So, if they suddenly stopped doing so or made lots of exceptions, we would cancel our reservation pretty quickly.

Happy cruising with or without kids!

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

I agree that a line has to be drawn somewhere and it should be enforced. In my example about a 17 y/o turning 18 during the cruise, I was really referring to the attitudes that people seem to have towards them - not about breaking the rules for them. I just find it disconcerting to read the negativity towards these teens (and even towards all kids) in these posts and was trying to illustrate a point.

I do not feel that the rules should be bent or that exceptions should be made - I feel the rules should be changed. As I stated above, I think that 16 and 17 y/os should be able to attend Palo brunch and tea in the company of their parents/family. I also think there should be a designated hour every day at a reasonable time that these young adults can use the fitness center as many have the same ongoing fitness routines that adults have (in the company of parents/family would be fine here too). I think the spa, the pool, and the nightclubs are fine as "18 and over only" but I don't feel that the changes I mentioned would significantly alter the experiences of others.

Obviously I have no influence over DCL so I doubt there is any worry about any of this coming to fruition so those who disagree can rest easy!