Going on a cruise... I just have a few simple questions, I hope!?

Question

So im going on a cruise in april for our family vacation. Ive never been on a cruise, and im so excited! We're going in the Caribbean, and stopping in Jamaica and Mexico. But I have a few questions? First of all, I want to know if im going to have to be under adult supervision the whole time? im 17, twin sisters are 15. Are we going to have to follow my parents around all day? or can we just go do our own thing? Like can my parents go swimming while I go and get a massage or something? And that leads to my second question: to get massages and stuff, will it cost extra? (besides tipping). Or can I just like walk in and say I want a massage? because if so... i'd be in there all day. haha

Also, are we going to need passports if we're docking and getting off in mexico, and jamaica and the cayman islands? (btw... what territory are the cayman islands in? just wondering.)

and, will I need to get shots and vaccines since we'll be doing things off the ship in mexico in rainforests and stuff.

Answer 1

First: get that passport applied for ASAP. You might want to pay extra to have your application expedited. With the new laws, the passport office is overwhelmed.

You don't have to be accompanied by your parents at all times.

Spa treatments are extra. Quite expensive, in fact. The treadmills and the like in the gym don't cost extra to use.

You don't need proof of any vaccinations to go to the Caribbean. Bring bug spray. United Blood Services gets nervous if you've been to the islands. There is a malaria risk if you get bitten by a mosquito.

Sodas cost extra, but you can get a Fountain Club card. It's ok to pack a few sodas in your luggage.

Answer 2

you'll be able to do things on the ship without parents, but massages are extra!  you will need a passport, jamaica is british principality and caribbean is also ithink.  you don't need shots.  some stuff costs extra, check the cruise line website for what is free.

Answer 3

You can do whatever you want. The major cruise lines have teen programs with a social lounge, activities to help you meet other teens on board, etc...

Massages are not free (I wish) and most spa services on board are much more expensive than on land.

You definitely need a passport.

You probably don't need any vaccines but ask your doctor.

Answer 4

Hey!

Ew, no you don't have to follow your parents around everyday!  Your stuck on the ship... you can't go anywhere else.

Yup you could go get a massage.  They cost a lot a lot extra though.  They are never included.

You need passports.  It's outside of the U.S.!

No shots :)

Answer 5

First of all I have been on 5 cruises so far in my life and on most of these I have been 12-14.

I was given complete freedom on my cruise ship and I was allowed to go anywhere and do almost anything, without adult supervision. I have no doubt you will be able to also.

Usually massages need to be scheduled but they are included in the price of the cruise (Normally)

You will definitely need passports when you get off of the ship and back on the ship.

You won't need vaccines to go on the tours. They keep you in tourist safe areas. Do bring bug spray, because you can get malaria if you don't, (the possibility is still unlikely. I hope you have an amazing time.

Answer 6

well ive been on two and i'm 14 and the parent thing i guess thats pretty much up to your parents if they trust you guys, but my parents let me and my brother roam around the boat, but not that much at the places we stopped at. we did messages on you second cruise(amazing) but they were extra. that might depend on what type of cruise you are going on though. im pretty sure you might need a passport now because the new laws and stuff (prob only when you get the card thats explained later), when we were at the stops (we whent 2 mexico 2) all you need is the little card they give you when you board, like a credit card, and they scan it when you get on and off the boat. i got vaccines too, but for the second one just to be safe

have fun!! =)

Answer 7

Hey! Im also going on a cruise to Jamaica, Cayman islands and Ocho Rios. Well, no. You and your sisters are still considerd kids. you have to be 18 or older to go anywhere alone. and yes, they will charge you a ton extra for a massage. If they didn't everyone on the boat wouln't leave there! and i don't think you would need vaccines. if you have the basic shots, you'll be ok. I think. well, im not a doctor!

Answer 8

You have as much freedom on the ship as your parents will allow. When I got off the ship, I would stick with your parents though, especially since you will be in a foreign country. You do need a passport, but no you don't need any shots and please don't drink the water off the ship unless it comes in a bottle. You sure don't want to get you know what. Also on one of my cruises a teen got into big trouble when she decided to sleep in someone Else's cabin and didn't tell mom. The captain woke everyone up at 4am looking for her. She got grounded by both the captain and her mom. That was stupid.

Answer 9

Go to www.cruisemates.com for all your questions. it is a great website. they also have a teen section. once on the website, click on messageboards then on the cruiseline you are traveling on. Have fun...btw, I dont think you need a passport yet for the area you are going to, and yes the massage cost $$$. If you are traveling on carnival go to the 02club(your are group).