We just got back from a cruise where dd10 reports not really enjoying the Oceaneer Lab as much as usual. She didn't spend much time there and, while she briefly connected with one girl, didn't really make many friends...usually she makes plenty. The issue seems to be that so many of the children were really, really young....so the older kids sort of stopped coming.
For much of the time the 3 year olds were intermixing with the 10 year olds in the Lab....meaning that the games weren't challenging/fun for the older kids and much of the CM attention had to be focused on tending to younger children.
Also, we noted that many times there were these huge blocks of time that were "open houses" that for the most part meant that that particularly side of the club had limited programming---thus all of the kids of all ages ended up on the opposite side from the "open house"? What's the purpose of all these open houses throughout the week? I can see a few in the beginning while children acclimate, but after that.....let the CM do their thing--at least on the Lab side.
Anyway, we are headed out on an Alaskan cruise in June and she will have just turned 11. We are wondering how the 11 year olds fit in at the Edge? She went to one of the "out and about" activities that was in the Edge from 8-12 year olds---but it was half-way through the week--so she didn't know anyone and the others had sort of found their groups. Also, I think she felt awkward since the CM's asked them to leave the Edge as soon as the activity ended (and it ended early--so we weren't expecting her to be done yet)--like they weren't really welcome.
So...how do other 11 year olds adjust to moving from the Lab to the Edge? Especially on their own? We'll be traveling with just our family--so her sister will still be in the Lab.
For much of the time the 3 year olds were intermixing with the 10 year olds in the Lab....meaning that the games weren't challenging/fun for the older kids and much of the CM attention had to be focused on tending to younger children.
Also, we noted that many times there were these huge blocks of time that were "open houses" that for the most part meant that that particularly side of the club had limited programming---thus all of the kids of all ages ended up on the opposite side from the "open house"? What's the purpose of all these open houses throughout the week? I can see a few in the beginning while children acclimate, but after that.....let the CM do their thing--at least on the Lab side.
Anyway, we are headed out on an Alaskan cruise in June and she will have just turned 11. We are wondering how the 11 year olds fit in at the Edge? She went to one of the "out and about" activities that was in the Edge from 8-12 year olds---but it was half-way through the week--so she didn't know anyone and the others had sort of found their groups. Also, I think she felt awkward since the CM's asked them to leave the Edge as soon as the activity ended (and it ended early--so we weren't expecting her to be done yet)--like they weren't really welcome.
So...how do other 11 year olds adjust to moving from the Lab to the Edge? Especially on their own? We'll be traveling with just our family--so her sister will still be in the Lab.