Aug 18 2002 4 day DCL

[NY1ST.TIMECRUISER]

This is my first cruise. I am overly protective with my 5 yr old son. I am very nervous about letting him go to play areas without me. Does anyone have a suggestion on how a c can deal with this? I am honestly a wreck about this that I am starting to think about canceling the trip. I just know that I'm not going to relax on this vacation. You'd think that I never left him with anyone before. But to me this is very different. These people are strangers to me and the ship is very big and can be very dangerous. Can someone please help me before Aug 18th 2002? HELP!!!!!!!

Thanks
Victoria, NY

 

[newarknut]

It's okay. I was a little freaked out by the whole "leave your kid with strangers on a ship in the ocean" thing, too! Our son had just turned 10 last October when we took a three day cruise. He enjoyed the time in the Oceaneer's lab. They are very good about checking in and out. They beep you when your child is ready to leave. They had an orientation session to check things out so you should feel more comfortable with the situation.

Your son will let you know if he likes it or doesn't. If he doesn't, oh well, you'll just have to adapt and hang with him. There's alot to do on the ship and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

I hope this eases your mind a little.

Newarknut

 

[BethC]

Hi Victoria, welcome to the DIS!

My family will be on the same cruise and my kids (Melanie-9 and Jake-7) are really looking forward to the kids clubs. They have cruised before (when they were 7 and 5) and really loved all the different activities offered. The clubs also offer family time where you can go along with your child. You might want to try this a couple of times and see how your son does.

When you register your child for the club, he will receive a wristband with identifying information. You create your own password to use when dropping off and picking up. You are also given a pager so if you child is upset or wants to leave they will notify you right away.

Please don't cancel your trip, trust me you're going to have so much fun you'll wonder what you were worrying about! And if for some reason the kids clubs don't work out for you, there are PLENTY of other activities to keep you both busy. There are movies, broadway-style shows, game shows, karaoke, dancing, deck parties, characters, and a favorite among all kids - the Mickey pool and slide, there's so much to do you won't be able to do it all!

See you on board!

 

[NY1ST.TIMECRUISER]

Thank you so much for all the info. It has really been helpful. The only other question I have is does anyone know if the playroom doors are locked? I'm afraid of my son not telling someone he wants to leave and just walking out the door.

Thanks a bunch
Victoria

 

[BethC]

The doors are not locked, but there is a locked gate at the entrance, that I believe is continually staffed by one or more counselors. Your child will not be allowed through the gate until you sign him out and provide the password.

 

[Mjasp]

Please go and enjoy yourself. As Michelle stated there is a gate to enter and a gate to exit. The gates are right next to the desk where the counselors sit to get your password before leaving. He will not only not walk out I really don't think he will want to.
You will have a beeper if he wants you he can page you, so more of a reason not to want to walk out.


Joanna