Cruise Lines

I was interested to read on Travelmole that Cruise West has started to offer kids' prices.

It's a welcome new development for any parent who longs for an adventurous cruise away from the Mediterranean or Caribbean hordes but is put off by prices. But what really grabbed my attention was seeing the cruise line says children are children until age 18.

Hooray.

With the notable exception of MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, which offer free cruises for under 18s, cruise lines generally suffer from the theme park syndrome that says kids are adults by the age of 12 or 13, which is patently unfair for many reasons.

First, as far as I'm aware anyone under 16 in this country has to go to school so how can they be out earning money to go on a cruise? They can't. It's just more for mum and dad to have to pay. Not a great way to win new customers.

Second, as youngsters get on board the family-friendly ships they are bombarded with leaflets urging them to join the kids or teens clubs. Hang on? I thought they were adults.

And lastly, as if to pour salt into the wound, they pay an adult price but you just watch what happens when kids try to get into the adult-only pool or relaxation area. I'm not saying they should be allowed in - I'm sure all adults welcome a child-free bolt-hold - but if they can't get in, they should not be classed, and charged, as adults.

Under Cruise West's new pricing, under 18s will pay half the adult fare. Babes under two will cruise for free.

While on the subject of age, I spotted this on Carnival Cruise Lines' website the other day.

"Guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied in the same stateroom by a parent or guardian 25 or older."

Imagine the scene. Mum looks up to 20-year-old (he didn't stop growing and now towers over her) and says excitedly "We're going on a cruise."

Then adds apologetically: "There are just two things. As it's an American ship, you won't be able to drink alcohol. And two. I know you have your own house here in the UK but in the US you're a child so you've got to share a cabin with your father and me."

I'm not sure who to feel sorry for most.