On cruise and kids so ungrateful and bored

[Fishnchips22]

On our first ever week long cruise, ship is amazing, loads to do. Family of four, kids are 19 and 12. They’ve enjoyed some
of it but now can’t be bothered to get up in the morning, spend loads of time on phones, haven’t done the pool/slides etc. DH pretty lazy too, so unless I organise stuff we don’t do anything. I’m so frustrated, last day today and I’m off doing my own thing cos they can’t be bothered. I’m just so fed up, it was a very expensive holiday and I’ve had a crap year with losing a parent and just wanted some lovely family time. My 12 year old DD just can’t be bothered, despite being blown away by the ship when we first boarded. I went to a show last night on my own as none of them fancied it. And just had lunch on my own as they were still in bFeel like holidaying on my own in future and saving my money! I just feel they’re so ungrateful. Does anyone else have this?

I bet neither of your children would have chosen a cruise with loads of oldies

Ha! Ever been on one? They even have babies on cruises, and people of all generations.

I have one particular one that I love - going in a month - but yes, would go alone, let them stay at home and sort themselves.

You enjoy yourself. Just let them get on with it. Put your feet up, enjoy the journey and chat to strangers. Will end up as friends. (Mine did).

I’m loving all the cruise experts who have never been on one.

@marmamumma

a 19 year old doesn’t need “taking” to a nightclub, if they wanna go they go themselves!

Suspect the place may be different but the attitude (s) are not new. You enjoy best you can. Jyst let them get on with it but beware next holiday planning.

Cruise Wi-Fi is really difficult and expensive though?

Really! The sense of entitlement of some people 🙄

Surely it’s their holiday too and if they want to loaf about why can’t they?
TBH a cruise would be my idea of hell. It’s not going to be everyone’s dream holiday. Maybe they are not cruise people.

Totally agree! I’m in my sixties and it doesn’t appeal to me yet!
Did you all discuss and decide on the type of holiday you were taking together?

They should be grateful and show some appreciation …I would have gone with you ! 😉

What were you thinking bringing two teenagers on a cruise 😂

I dunno.....
Unlimited food, drinks, ice cream, arcades, cinemas, sports complex, age appropriate nightclubs, water parks and loads of kids their own age.

Yeah it's shit for teens 🙄

Some very antagonistic responses on here.

Cruises are very popular with families now - different vibes with different companies.

I think that many DC are awkward at that age - and being contrary will probably look back and say 'best holiday ever'!

But cruises aren't for everyone and sounds as it's not for OP's family .

Hope you are able to enjoy yourself none the less @Fishnchips22

Yes, absolutely this. They just KNOW everything don’t they!

The big problem is surely your OH not your teens. Their rude lazy behaviour has been learnt.

I think you need to relax and let your kids be adolescents. At that stage of development, it’s not at all unusual for kids to withdraw and focus on their mates (on their phones) a few days into a holiday. Just allow them to relax as they wish and stop trying to micro-manage them.

You husband is a different matter. Maybe tell him you ‘need to talk’. Explain how it feels for you to have to keep going it alone when you should be sharing the pleasures of a holiday together. Improving that will probably require compromises from both of you.

I used to think that before I went on one. It’s not the case.

We've been on several cruises since our kids were about 7 & 14. They love it. Loads for teens, youngsters & parents to do together or separately.
Last year my 25 year old & his girlfriend went on a cruise on their own as it was the most economical & relaxing way to travel to where they wanted to go.
Dh & I went on our own on a cruise this summer, loads of young families.
We also go on hotel holidays some years but the cruise will usually be our preference for true relaxation.

My teenager used to love cruising with us.

My only expectations were dinner with us each evening and spending time together in ports. Rest of the time was entirely up to them so enjoy as they wished. I think that's the beauty of cruising (amongst many other beauties!).

Hope yours is improving OP.

On our honeymoon my DH and I found we had one major thing in common. Although we're not good at doing nothing, we both hate organised "Entertainment" especially those Evening Shows. We'd get horribly bored on a cruise. We did try Center Parcs with smallbee in tow. We couldn't relax or enjoy it really. You may be loving it but if your family would rather just chill out or sleep in that's what they want to do.

Tell me you’ve never been on a cruise without telling me you’ve never been on a cruise cruise 😂

Cruises are no longer full of oldies, especially the new ships with all the water slides etc. Even more so during the school holidays.

Have you actually been on one??

@Fishnchips22 did you buy wifi? If not the price of mobile at sea is extortionate!

After similar experiences with my children, I waited until they went away with their Dad (we're seperated) and booked myself an adult only hotel in Majorca. It was the most blissful 4 nights, no one shouting Mum, no arguments, no kids in the hotel. I loved every second of it... maybe an idea for next year op?

Take your own holidays from now on!

Cruises aren’t for children.

As much as I love my son, the fact he’s now an adult and finally I can now go away with a friend, lounge round the pool all day, eat in a restaurant that isn’t a pizza place and drink cocktails without hearing ‘I’m bored’ in my ear is absolute bliss