I just wanted to add my .02 about Common Grounds. I am a single dad and my 14 year old son (6 feet tall fairly mature, good kid...but dont we all say that) wanted to explore the ship. Once we settled down I encouraged him to go to CG as soon as it opened so he could establish relationships right away. He resisted at first because he wanted to hang out in the room and watch the various films.
Anyway, he went to CG and that was pretty much the last I saw of him the entire cruise. Well, almost. He really LOVED that place. I bought him a mug so he could drink until it came out of his ears.
As a result I became a solo cruiser and that was fine with me. Sure we had "most" meals together and still had some good quality time, but I actually had plenty of time to be an adult.
One funny story comes to mind. One night maybe the second night of the cruise my son had not made it back to the room. It was about midnight. I was wondering where the heck he could be. (As a parent thoughts of "did I hear loud splash" come to mind) Anyway, I called CG and he was there having the time of his life, so I let him be. When he finally returned to the cabin at (at about 1AM!) I asked him if he was having a good time he said YES! I then asked him if I needed to worry about him. He told me, "No Dad." That was good enough for me. I know each kid is different, but for the "most" part I trust my son (but yes he is still a teeneger)
What I started doing is having a sandwich and juice or milk ready when he got to the room. We would talk, swap jokes (he told me a couple of good ones that had me in stiches) and we'd then hit the sack.
We had a GREAT time!
I agree with one other poster said, kids with similar interests tended to hang together...all in all the kids were great, but water does seek its own level. Thats not a bad thing, just the way of the world...even on DCL.
Oh, the counselors were GREAT, they seemed to have a real way of connecting with the carious personality types that hung out in CG...and even some of the worry wart parents...