Hello to all, your advice would really be appreciated if you can spare a few minutes--my wife and I would like to take a Mexican Riveria cruise this February and take our 16 year old son on his very first cruise. We've only been on two cruises before, both without our son...one when we got married to the Western Caribbean (on Royal Caribbean) and the other on our 10th Anniversary to the Mexican Riv (on Carnival). What is most important to me on this particular cruise is that my son has a really good experience....he's wanted to go on a cruise with us since he was a little guy. I would like to go on a cruise that has activities for teens, where he could meet up with other kids and do interesting things, rather than have to hang out with "the folks" the entire time. We are thinking of the Oosterdam--a seven night cruise that goes to the same ports that were on our 10th Anniversary cruise, except that it leaves out of San Diego. Can anyone tell me how this particular cruise line/this particular ship is for teens? Is there enough going on that makes it interesting for them? Is there any way to find out more about it from the cruise line? It won't be long until my son is "out of the nest" and moving on in his life and I'd like him to have a fun experience to look back on with fond memories.

I would REALLY appreciate some advice from anyone who has been on this ship and brought a teen with them, or just has knowledge of what it's like for a teen........it would mean a lot to me!

Thanks very much!

The Oosterdam is a gorgeous ship and the crew was fantastic when we were on the ship 2 years ago to Alaska. Capt Jonathan Mercer was wonderful as well. We had kids of all ages on our ship and they always have something to do. I wouldnt worry about taking a 16 year old, you will have a great time. We are looking into the Mexico cruise for 2008. Let me know what you think. We are excited that we will be back on the Oosterdam again.