13 year old in Lab?

[Wonderwoman1982]

I was wondering if anyone has any first hand knowledge of whether or not a 13 year old would be allowed in the lab. I know it isn't the usual thing, but if he had his sister AND cousin in the lab, could he be there, too, so he wouldn't be off on his own??

 

[noseybuddy]

That's funny. I keep wondering the opposite. Can a 12 1/2 year old go into Common Grounds with her 15 year old brother. Have posted this before and got some positive and negative responses. Seems like it will just come down to luck. Driving myself crazy thinking about it. Just would make life so much easier if they could hang out together in common grounds.

 

[Wonderwoman1982]

Yes, I know what you mean about positive and negative feedback. That is why I asked for people with FIRST HAND knowledge. I appreciate peoples opinions, but I dont' need an opinion here, I'm just looking for what actually happened in someone elses case!! I know how you feel. These things sort of would be nice to know before, so you can tell the kids "this is the way it's going to be.." So no one is upset, or disappointed.

 

[SweetSpot]

I don't have actual first hand knowledge yet but if it helps at all when we were on the ship in Nov '02 my son was 12 and in the Lab. I asked the counselors (asked different ones at different times) and I asked the woman who does the bookings on the ship if my son who will be 13 this year will be allowed in the Lab again because he wouldn't fit into the Common Grounds yet. He would have his 11 yr old brother with him in the Lab. I was told every time that it would be okay. There isn't a problem taking a child down an age they have a problem with moving a child up an age. There was a 13yr old in the Lab at that time. Unless they have changed the rules you shouldn't have a problem and I am hoping that they keep to their word because we are counting on it.

 

[westjones]

I don't have first hand knowledge either, but on this board the topic of putting kids in different levels has come up and it seems like going 'down' is easier than going 'up' in level.

In September, my twins will be celebrating their 10th birthday on a 3 day cruise. The day we board, they are 9; the next day they turn 10. I am going to put them in the 8/9 group (hoping there won't be a problem because the ARE 9 on the day we board). My girls just aren't ready to be with the 12 year olds (and maybe almost 13 year olds). They are still little girls and like to play like little girls (dolls, stuffed animals, etc.).

Next year, for their 11th birthday they can go in the next level up (10-12 year olds), but this year I don't want them to move up yet. So I am hoping there won't be any problem.

I hope your situation works out for you too!
DJ

 

[floridaminnie]

The "official word" from the counselors mouth was that a child can step down a level, try each level just once and then will have to decide which group they want to be in. THey can't jump back and forth. To bump up a level, the child HAS to be within one month of that b-day.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Michelle was kind enough to post the official rules here
Child Program Guidelines

This question has been coming up for years. The reason for the confusion is, quite simply, it varies! They will always follow at a minimum, the official guidelines BUT on some cruises the counselors will stretch it further. The problem is that there is no way in the world to know that untill you get on the ship.
This is a very important question to some people and they want it settled before they board but unfortunately nobody can say with certainty exactly what will happen on YOUR cruise.