Advice needed

[RedSoxandPatsfan]

My twin children, DS 14 & DD 14, & I have been invited to join my BIL family on a Royal Carribean 5 night cruise. It will be a 5 night cruise next Feb during Presidents week. We have never been on a cruise before so I don't know what to expect.

My dilema right now is about my daughter. She doesn't like boats to begin with. After a lot of coaxing I have finally convinced her to give this a try. My son will have another male teenager the same age to hang out with. They get along very well at the holidays and different family functions. My daughter would have some younger cousins to hang out with 13 and 11 female, but no females her age to join her in the special Teen only areas of the ship.

Should I consider allowing her to invite a close friend? Or should I assume that she'll meet other kids her age to hang with on the cruise and that will be enough?

Thanks,

[Pirate Granny]

Who is paying, and what are the current sleeping arrangements...do you want a 15 yr old friend of opposite sex sleeping in same area...privacy is at a premium in a cabin of any size... Normally, a bed that can be converted to a full or two twins and then bunk beds...no room for 5 people, if your spouse will be going. Are you willing to sleep in the bottom bunk with son above, and the two girls in the bed????

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I'm glad you convinced her to come. A cruise ship is NOTHING like any boat she can imagine!

DD was really nervous before our first cruise, she just couldn't picture it all in her head (and for a while thought it would be like a little boat that people live on).

As for the friend, that's tougher. DD is an only child, and she made friends on the ship and had a blast with other kids. My first thought is that with all of the cousins around, she'll be fine.

But, it sounds like everyone else will have a "special" friend. So, can you afford to bring a friend along, and is there room for a friend in the room? If so, it might be a nice idea.

[NJGIRL]

My son is an only child and we always bring a friend or cousin on our cruises, but I agree that the sleeping arrangements sure be considered first.