I'm thinking about taking my 15 yr. old son on a cruise this summer through the Caribbean and Mexico. Any advice? He is quiet, a reader, and also enjoys gaming. Not very outgoing, so teen socializing isn't a huge factor(dances), but any help would be appreciated. J.

Perhaps a Voyager class ship would be a good option. Lots of choices and activities if one wants them but there is no hwaking to get involved. Personally, they are too big for me but many people really seem to love them,

If you could afford a balcony it might be nice so there is always a quiet respite available for reading.

RCI has a great youth program and of course he could pick and choose but I think he would have the chance to meet lots of kids his own age.

Any chance a good friend could accompany him? We did this 4 times with our son and it worked out quite well.

I agree - Voyager class is the best as far as choices for teenagers. If you can afford it - they became very expensive. Has anybody booked Freedom of the Seas yet?

Is the Voyager class on RCI? Thanks, J.

Yes, Voyager class is RCI. Series started with the Voyager of the SEas and the sister ships are all approx. 140,000 tons. They have the ice skating rink, the climbing wall, in line skating and even min. golf. If he is not social he may benefit from a friend coming along. I have two kids and went on the Mariner of the seas. My 17 yr. old social butterfly had a wonderful time. My 13 yr old was not so social so he sometimes he did not want to do much. He also wanted to hang out with us a lot-which was fine for us, but a friend for him would have been nice!

My son sounds much like yours and my best suggestion is to just adjust your expecations. Our social daughter - when we went to the Caribbean - had a blast, but our son was not interested in participating in any group activities since he didn't know anyone. But guess what? He had a great time, by HIS standards. He loved going to movies, watching movies in his room, exploring the ship, eating pizza and ice cream anytime he wanted, etc. His vote for our family vacation this summer was another cruise (we're going to Alaska). Taking a friend is, I will admit, a wonderful idea if that is an option.