DCL vs RC kid/teen freedoms

[Sleepyluke]

Ok, I finally found one of those too good to pass up RC cruises with kids sail free. BUT, one of the great things about DCL is that I feel like I can give them a little more freedom than at home. And this is a huge reason we love DCL. The ship we are looking at is the Harmony of the Seas, so one of RC big ships. Do you feel the same safety with your kids as you do on DCL?

I have read about the clubs and activities and know it will be a different experience, but I can't get over the feeling that I am taking the to a mall and dropping them off, which is for sure not happening

 

[scrappinginontario]

How old are your kids?

 

[ilovebassets]

Ok, I finally found one of those too good to pass up RC cruises with kids sail free. BUT, one of the great things about DCL is that I feel like I can give them a little more freedom than at home. And this is a huge reason we love DCL. The ship we are looking at is the Harmony of the Seas, so one of RC big ships. Do you feel the same safety with your kids as you do on DCL?

I have read about the clubs and activities and know it will be a different experience, but I can't get over the feeling that I am taking the to a mall and dropping them off, which is for sure not happening

We have sailed the Harmony and two other RC mega ships. I have no problem allowing my 12 and 14 year old boys to wander around together on the RC ships. They are well laid out. Central Park and the Boardwalk are great public areas for them to hang out in.

Their 6 year old brother is not allowed out of our sight unless he is checked into the kids clubs.

 

[Sleepyluke]

That does kinda matter huh??

At sail time would be an adventurous 7 year old and not so much 12 year old.

 

[Sleepyluke]

That does kinda matter huh??

At sail time would be an adventurous 7 year old and not so much 12 year old.

How old are your kids?

 

[scrappinginontario]

That does kinda matter huh??

At sail time would be an adventurous 7 year old and not so much 12 year old.

Thanks. It's personal choice. At those ages my DD was still accompanied by me at all times she wasn't in the DCL clubs but some 12yos had freedom to navigate the ship on their own. Our last sailing on DCL was when she was 13 and I was comfortable with her going around on her own but she needed to keep me updated where she was.

We stayed with DCL until my DD was old enough (14 for us) for me to fell comfortable allowing her to have some freedom on her own.

Our last sailing was on RCL and I felt comfortable having her navigate on her own but we both had phones with WhatsApp to keep in touch. We are sailing on the Harmony in the spring and I will feel comfortable with her on her own.

For me, I preferred DCL until my daughter was in high school and had more freedoms in general. I will admit I tend to be on the conservative side so many will feel I was too cautious but each person parents as they're comfortable.

 

[FreeTime]

RCCL hands down. My kids when that age felt DCL was boring. I would not allow those ages to wonder around alone.

 

[Sleepyluke]

I guess I should clarify a little. Both were in the kids club last cruise, so they were either with us, or in the clubs where they could not escape. While on deck though, I didn't think twice about letting them go get food, bathroom, slides, other places for 5-10 min kind of thing. I have no intention of giving them free reign of the ship, but with the oldest being aged out of check in and out, I am curious the feeling of things. Do you have concerns with the tween/teens going in and out of the club and to you, type of instruction.

We are 100% the worst parents ever in their eyes because of the list of things their friends get to do that they don't, and proud of it

 

[FreeTime]

I think there is not an issue with “ check yourself out at X time and then meet me at Y place.” I would have a no open deck rule in place. Wandering around aimlessly, no. And have safety discussions. Just last night onboard our shuffleboard puck went under a railing and rested on a landing. My daughter insisted that we tell guest services as she said she could see some kid trying to find a way to retrieve it.

 

[starvenger]

Harmony should be fine. If they have the RC App the chat feature is easy to use and see conversations (unlike, say, Princess Cruise's app).