My daughter (21)and her college roommates (age 20) were planning to go to Hawaii for spring break (end of March) but now have decided they don't have the money for the trip. They were talking about going down to Rosarita Beach (they live in Orange County) but I am trying to convince them not to go there for spring break. They are not big partiers and I know it gets crazy there during that time of year.

One option would be the 4 day cruise to Mexico out of Los Angeles. Which line is better, Carnival or Royal Carribean? During spring break, are there all ages on the cruise? Would this be good for 20-21 year old girls? I know they have the reputation for being party boats. That's OK, I would just like to keep the girls from driving into Mexico during spring break>

You might want to search on "spring break" as a topic, maybe on cruisecritic.com also. I seem to recall reading that cruise lines have limitations for unaccompanied younger adults -- not sure what the age cutoffs are...

sb travlr - Thanks for the info on the age restrictions. I did look it up on the cruise line pages. You have to be 21 to go unaccompanied, otherwise you must be with parent or guardian over 25. I did look up drinking and gambling ages but didn't even think about the boarding restrictions. My daughter would be OK, I will have her check the birthdates of her friends to see when they are turning 21.

Assuming they can go--(good catch, SB)--there probably isn't that much difference between RCL & CCL on a short cruise at that time of year. They will probably get more cabin space for their money on Carnival, but it just depends on demand for the particular sailing...

I don't think a cruise would be any safer for the girls than the Beach stay you mentioned. If they are all over 21 I guess they can do whatever they want, but I wouldn't want my daughter (if I had one)on a short itinerary cruise!

How about a trip to Disneyland?

Maybe they will get some money for Christmas presents and can plan that trip to Hawaii!!

Good luck! I wish them a great, safe
Spring break!!

Thanks for the info back on the difference between Carnival and Royal Carribean. I think one of them will not be 21 until after spring break so they will not be able to go on the cruise.

Cruiser - I kinda have to laugh (in a nice way) at the suggestion of Disneyland. First of all they live in Orange County and go there all the time. Next of all several of them have worked there as characters so that is about the last place they would want to go for a vacation!! I agree that the cruise wouldn't be an ideal situation but they are over 18 so they can do what they want. The reason I liked the cruise better than Rosarita Beach is because they would not be driving into Mexico. Living in San Diego, I have heard about a lot of instances lately where things have gone wrong with vacationers in Mexico (car accidents, illness, etc)and there have been some tragic outcomes due to lack of cooperation between Mexico and the US. Although I drive into Mexico myself, I would prefer my daughter and her friends didn't. I was stopped once by the federales at a checkpoint (lots of other cars being stopped, too)but they pointed their weapons at me and my young daughters and searched our trunk. A little scary. I do love Rosarito Beach-just not for the girls at spring break.

;-)Yeh, I was just kidding about Disney---just trying to think of something safe. I didn't know that beach was in Mexico. It doesn't sound like a good idea either.

You could go along as a chaperone for the under 21 girl. You'd have a great time, maybe.

I still like the Hawaii trip idea!!

Happy planning!