It is surprising this does not happen more often. I have been on many,many cruises and i am always shocked to see kids as young as 10 running around the ship without an adult! They do have programs that are supervised by crew. These are planned and the folks they have in charge of these programs are hired for it and background checked. These programs are great and my kids love going. But when you are 12 a parent can let them sign themselves out. I would never, ever allow that! It is not uncommon to see groups of pre teens(and teens) running all over the place without an adult in sight!! This scares me to death! There is no limit to the harm that can befall these kids! A cruise ship is like a small city of 5000 people! Normally i don't think parents would let their kids run the streets at home but they have no problem letting em run around a cruise ship at all hours of the night and day!!! I don't get it!!! I don't trust anybody on land or sea with my kids!! Cruises are great but everyone taking one should be responsible for their family's own personal safety. Common sense should tell you not to let kids run wild around thousands of strangers on this floating city but sadly some parents leave their common sense on shore!!
