In the never-ending pursuit of attracting families to ships, cruise lines are always searching for ways to appease the teenagers because, really, that's where the problem lies. Anybody who doesn't think so hash't parented a teenager.
We love teens, of course. What parents today have to tolerate is what our own parents tolerated: that the transition from being a kid to being an adult, and all that comes with it. Rebelliousness and rejecting authority are part of developing your own voice and your own beliefs, and part of growing up, aren't they? To parents, that sometimes is a black and white issue…you say black, your teen says white. Or vice-versa.
To assist families in the midst of bridging that growth to adulthood, cruise lines have developed a long list of activities. Rock climbing. Surf-riding. Zip-lining. Video gaming. Simulated sky diving. Private "lounges" without the alcohol. Water slides. If there is something the wise people at cruise lines haven't thought of yet, they will.
It's all designed to give families with teenagers the perfect vacation together by having something for everyone, so that every family member goes home saying what a great trip it was…even the teenagers.
Let us know how that works out…
Today at Phil Reimer's portsandbows.com: Surprise refurbishing for Carnival Magic
Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas
12 nights
November 1, 2014
Cape Liberty, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Galveston
Inside: $899
Cost per day: $74
www.royalcaribbean.com