Amsterdam - minimum age?

[MEgirl]

DS has expressed a wish to go to Amseterdam with a group of friends. He's only 16.5 and I've said no but was wondering what would be a suitable minimum age to set?

16yo DS got to & from Berlin, last month (with a 17yo mate). Flew Ryan Air. I seem to recall Ferry wouldn't take under 18yo... but flying no problem.

Actually, yes - I think ferries won't take unaccompanied under-18s on overnight crossings. (This based on Condor, from the Channel Islands - so not specific to international journeys.) Going to the CI (which is a daytime service) seems to be OK. Perhaps the same to Europe?

I have a 16yo and tbh I'm quite surprised by the idea that I should be cool with her going to Amsterdam with her mates. I wouldn't be happy at all (and I speak as someone who knows the Netherlands very well).

Tbh I've always found bars in Holland much more lax about serving underage than in the uk too.

IS it likely they are going for weed and prostitutes or a spot of sightseeing?

I reckon you'd know that from your own child, I would about my dc. And if it was for weed or women Id do my damdest not to allow it.

My DS went to kos with 7 mates when he was 18. One of them died while they were there.
It was horrific and there were no flights in or out of kos for days so they had to deal with it alone.
8 years later and he's still not the same.
I'm hoping dd never wants to go without us bit of course she will