Feedback on the Edge for 11 year old?

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

We just got off the Magic Wednesday and it was both of my older kids' first times in The Edge. They both really liked it. It's very small, which surprised me. My kids did the movie night and really liked that and they also made slime. We are rebooked for next summer and my youngest who will almost be 11 at the time is really hoping she can go in, too!

 

[Brisbanemum]

That makes me sad to hear he was teased about the band. We're doing our first DCL in December and my son will be 11. I had planned on having him registered for the lab, but letting him go to the edge. He's very sensitive and I'm afraid he won't want to go back to either if he feels excluded. I'm keeping my fingers crossed he hits it off with a couple kids.

We are on the same cruise NewYorkcruiser It will also be the first time our 11 year old ds can attend the Edge. He is also quite sensitive and is definitely more of a 'gamer' than a 'sporty' kind of kid. If he decides to go to the clubs, I think he will be happy to have the freedom to go to either the Oceaneers and Edge. He has Aspergers (and selective mutism), so often stands out a little from most of excited groups of kids running around the cruise ships and usually just stays away from those that are too 'full-on'. I'm also hopeful he finds a friend or two!

This will be my daughter's first time in the Edge, though our 15th cruise, so she is pretty familiar with the ship itself and cruising in general. However, this will be her first time at the Edge and first time with self check privileges. She will have her cell phone with her for onboard chatting to let me know where she is and we will set up rules and check-in times, but I'd love to hear any tips/tricks/suggestions/warnings from other parents who have had kids in the Edge. I'm sure she will go to the Lab at times as well, since she loves it there, too.

Thanks for starting this thread sabrecmc! There is some great advice here

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

We've tried to get our son to go to the edge for three cruises now. Every time he says he doesn't like it because everyone is just playing video games. I suspect it is different for the girls.

 

[PurplePencil]

We've tried to get our son to go to the edge for three cruises now. Every time he says he doesn't like it because everyone is just playing video games. I suspect it is different for the girls.

There is usually a craft sitting out on a table in Edge, so it's not too unusual to find a cluster of girls doing the craft or playing a game and talking. One of the most popular activities that girls (and some guys) like to do is Animation Cells so when thats out kids flock to it.

 

[elvispursley]

One of the most popular activities that girls (and some guys) like to do is Animation Cells so when thats out kids flock to it.

Why don't they have this activity for adults?! I'd flock to that!! All I ever end up seeing is origami, foam crafts, etc (last year I ended up making the cheesiest "door hanger" out of foam craft material. It was the worst craft activity EVER)!

 

[bbel]

Why don't they have this activity for adults?! I'd flock to that!! All I ever end up seeing is origami, foam crafts, etc (last year I ended up making the cheesiest "door hanger" out of foam craft material. It was the worst craft activity EVER)!

They do! Look out for it during Open House in the Oceaneer club and lab.

Or go to an OH and ask nicely for it. If it's a long OH with no other big activities going on they'll usually get some stuff out for you. It's actually quite a common request.

 

[elvispursley]

Will do! Thanks!!

 

[kkayluvsdis]

I too, am thankful to the OP for starting this thread. We will be cruising for the second time in February of 2018 and my oldest will be 11. She is SO excited about trying Edge and by having a bit of independence from her siblings. I am very hopeful that she'll make some friends. She's super tiny so I also am a bit worried that might present an issue - kids thinking she's not old enough to be there or whatnot. Hopefully it will be a fun, accepting group. Kids can be so horrible to one another!

 

[Canadian Girl]

Edge for my daughter now twelve has been hit or miss. We sailed in November on the Dream and she practically lived there and made friends she is still in contact with. We just got back from the Wonder and she only went there a couple of times. Different group of kids, different dynamics and they all seemed to have a lot more freedom than I was comfortable with, i.e. playing hide and seek all over the ship ( not an Edge activity). Many were first time cruisers although that may not have had anything to do with it. My daughter said there was a staff member who yelled a lot and was harsh with the kids. When I mentioned it to someone they said that perhaps she was at the end of her contract and just wanted to get away. Lol.
We are doing a much longer cruise in the fall and many of the families seem to be from Europe and the UK. She will still be the age for the Edge so hopefully will enjoy it.