Current Youth Activities CM -- Ask me anything!

[lanejudy]

Where on the ship do the other activities take place? I am going to give my kids permission to leave the Edge, but I want to restrict them to select areas if they leave-- mainly the pool level. I don't like the idea of them roaming through the hallways past a lot of staterooms alone. Which activites require kids to leave the Edge?

Rather than trying to specify where exactly they are allowed to go, I would tell them WHY they are allowed to go. For example -- only allowed to leave for an Edge activity and must remain with the group, going directly to the location(s) necessary but not wandering the ship. No leaving Edge for anything else without contacting you first.

If there are specific areas you do NOT want them to go, indicate those areas as off-limits (your example of no wandering stateroom corridors). At this age, they should be old enough to understand; and if not, make the consequence that they'll be restricted to the Lab (if 11-12) or sticking with mom/dad all day.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[MouseinMelbourne]

I like the idea of ordering some good food or desserts and bringing them to the Edge for the counselors. I have some questions though...

Can I bring them at any time? Are they allowed to accept them?

Where can I find trays to carry the stuff?

Can I even get to the Edge? I thought I remembered the KTTW cards being age coded and only Tweens could get in there.

What would be most enjoyed? Food or desserts?

 

[CMontheseas]

I like the idea of ordering some good food or desserts and bringing them to the Edge for the counselors. I have some questions though...

Can I bring them at any time? Are they allowed to accept them?

Where can I find trays to carry the stuff?

Can I even get to the Edge? I thought I remembered the KTTW cards being age coded and only Tweens could get in there.

What would be most enjoyed? Food or desserts?

As far as Edge goes, there is rarely management present so technically the CMs there would be able to hastily stash things away for later consumption in a camera-free zone. (Stricter Cruise Directors are notorious for watching cameras and reprimanding CMs eating anywhere on board the isn't below deck.)

Trays should be available up on deck in our quick-service areas, at the buffet, or via room service!

For this reason, finger foods I.e. burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, wraps and chicken tenders are much easier than a concealed melting dessert. (But if they were cakes or cookies or pastries that don't melt I'm sure it would work!). Another thing you'd be surprised we don't have much access to is fresh fruit. We can't even have more than one piece of any fruit in our possession or risk disciplinary action! (no joke!)
**Note that in front of any officers or management we technically can't openly accept anything, or if a CM is present who enjoys reporting colleagues. But we are always hungry and will eat anything. Always hungry! )

But you could realistically visit Edge and drop things off at any time, you just won't be able to linger more than a minute. Ideally during the down time between major activities when there aren't a lot of tweens in the space.

 

[gydell]

How many CM's in the Edge? (Total on and off duty)

Thanks!

 

[CMontheseas]

What are the dates that you are going to be on the Fantasy? We will be going on the Fantasy on Jan 11. Was wondering if you will still be in contract. I have read every page of this thread so if you are still working expect a music cd, magazines, chocolates and a midnight snack

I can't say exactly what dates, but I'll be seeing ya there!


As for Edge, there are at least 2 in the space at any given time, generally 4-8 Edge-specific Counselors depending on the ship.

 

[gydell]

I can't say exactly what dates, but I'll be seeing ya there!


As for Edge, there are at least 2 in the space at any given time, generally 4-8 Edge-specific Counselors depending on the ship.

Thanks! I will plan on 8.

 

[MND]

I have a question. I've always where the crew cabins are. I understand that many are below water, but some are scattered throughout the ship. Where do the Youth Activities CMs have their quarters?

Mike

PS, keep up the good work! My kids love the youth activities on the ships!

 

[CMontheseas]

I have a question. I've always where the crew cabins are. I understand that many are below water, but some are scattered throughout the ship. Where do the Youth Activities CMs have their quarters?

Mike

PS, keep up the good work! My kids love the youth activities on the ships!

This really depends from ship to ship, but generally they cluster us in the same area alongside Cruise Staff, Techs and assorted Characters on Deck A. For a visual reference, if you look at the ship's side, where the red part begins on the hull? Just underneath that bit.

 

[ness0905]

Thanks for everything you have posted I have really learned a lot and will make sure I take my kids out for lunch this is great info last time we cruised dcl was our honeymoon 10 years later we now have dd7 and ds4 they are so excited.

my question is we will be traveling on april 28th on the magic and was wondering if this is a busy time I know its after easter so I am hopping not but as their first cruise I hope its not overflowing. also do the bike rentals on castaway cay have training wheels I see price for snorkeling vs. bikes ,float and snorkeling is only 10 bucks so would like to get all three.

Thanks again this is great I will be bringing treats for sure.

 

[ggfred32]

This really depends from ship to ship, but generally they cluster us in the same area alongside Cruise Staff, Techs and assorted Characters on Deck A. For a visual reference, if you look at the ship's side, where the red part begins on the hull? Just underneath that bit.

Totally underwater. Feeling claustrophobic even as I type this. Ugh. This deserves SO much more than Mickey Bars and magazines. How do we get you some LIQUOR????

 

[CMontheseas]

Thanks for everything you have posted I have really learned a lot and will make sure I take my kids out for lunch this is great info last time we cruised dcl was our honeymoon 10 years later we now have dd7 and ds4 they are so excited.

my question is we will be traveling on april 28th on the magic and was wondering if this is a busy time I know its after easter so I am hopping not but as their first cruise I hope its not overflowing. also do the bike rentals on castaway cay have training wheels I see price for snorkeling vs. bikes ,float and snorkeling is only 10 bucks so would like to get all three.

Thanks again this is great I will be bringing treats for sure.

The end of April/Early May is still pretty crazy for us, even after Spring Break!
(But definitely not as bad as March - Early April. My goodness!)


There are a limited number of bikes with training wheels for rental at Castaway Cay, I'd get there earlier to snag them, or much later on once they've been returned after the early wave.

 

[CMontheseas]

Totally underwater. Feeling claustrophobic even as I type this. Ugh. This deserves SO much more than Mickey Bars and magazines. How do we get you some LIQUOR????

We sadly can't have liquor! We physically aren't allowed to be holding or consuming more than an ounce at a time. (So no buying more than one drink per person at any time! Ever.) Beer and wine we're allowed to have 24-packs in our rooms, but never liquor.

I've heard stories of sneaky guests buying alcoholic coffee drinks with Baileys, or Frangelico, or Kahlua delightfully swirled in there and given as "special hot chocolate". But in my good conscience I can never ever condone that sort of naughty behaviour, my goodness!

 

[UK mum of 4]

We are sailing the first week of September next year. Is it likely to be a full ship or will things gave calmed down a bit by then?
Thank you

 

[CMontheseas]

We are sailing the first week of September next year. Is it likely to be a full ship or will things gave calmed down a bit by then?
Thank you

Which ship/itinerary?

 

[castlegazer]

I can't say exactly what dates, but I'll be seeing ya there!


As for Edge, there are at least 2 in the space at any given time, generally 4-8 Edge-specific Counselors depending on the ship.

awww, was hoping to see you on the Magic!!! But congrats on going back to the Fantasy!

 

[CatManDoo]

We'll be on the Fantasy 2/22. Hope to see you there!!! Are you working in the Club/Lab?

 

[SeattleSuz]

A couple of questions:

1) When do parents typically drop their kids off in the club/lab? Is it for all day excursions? Or spa treatments? Being full-time working parents, all of our free time is spent with our DD, so I can't fathom as to why I would drop her off while on vacation...

2) If my DD went to the Oceaneers Club, but decided she wanted to be in the Lab, is it something that is easy to switch back and forth?

3) If I were to make a CD of "popular" music for all of the CMs in the club/lab, exactly what type of popular music is suggested? And how many CDs would I need to burn?

This is fantastic that you are taking the time to do this. I used to work for a small ship cruiseline and I know how underappreciated the crew is and how little they are paid. I applaud that you care about your guests this much to do this.

 

[UK mum of 4]

Which ship/itinerary?

The fantasy, departing 30th August Caribbean stopping at Falmouth

 

[mikat]

CM, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I'll be on the Dream for Christmas Are there any must-not-miss activities in the Club / Lab for the holidays? I already know about the Gingerbread houses, but anything else that is holiday specific?

 

[vgaskin]

I have someone that wants to go and they have 2 boys. One is 4 and the other one will be 2 1/2 in March when they plan to go. He is progressing to being totally independent and potty trained by then.

If he meets all the other requirements and doesn't want to be separated from his brother, will they let him in?