GF's pirate cruise ?

[cherio]

Hope this is the right board for this question.

I am thinking about booking this for my DS(5) and DD(3). I have not read much on this 'adventure'. Anyone have good or bad reviews for me.

Thanks a million........Cheri

 

[eeyore0062]

My DD went when she was 6 and had a blast! You meet over at the GF marina about 15 minutes prior to sailing... so about 9:45. The kids are fitted with their life preservers, and given pirate bandanas to wear. The parents sign a waiver at that time, giving permission for the child to go, etc.

The excursion lasts about 2 hours, and the kids sail to the beaches at the Poly, Contemporary, and WL to search for pieces of the treasure map. Once these are found, they sail over to Fort Wilderness, near River Country to dig for buried treasure (it really consists of party favor type toys). Then on the way back, they have a snack, and when they arrive, they split the booty.

The trip is supervised by 4 adults that work in the Child activity department, and 2 of them are certified lifeguards. The person in charge is Drew, and he is WONDERFUL!

It is a great time for the kids to do their own thing, and let mom and dad get a little alone time, as well!

 

[cherio]

Thanks. I am trying to decide if my DD is too young yet. She is 3, am just wondering if she will "miss out" on the treasure finds as the older kids are faster at grabbing things. Her big brother(5) does well to help her but I don't want him to be left behind too. Do the adults help the younger kids a little more? Of course most people would call me an overprotective mother

 

[vicb]

The staff of the cruise is very good about making the hunt a success for kids at both ends of the age extreme. When they find the treasure it is not a free for all grab situation. Each child will get an individual bag of treasures!

Try doing a search on this subject on this resort board I know there have been many threads in recent weeks.

 

[padams]

DSs 4 and 6 went on the cruise last month. The CMs divided the treasure and each child was given a paper bag as they disembarked from the boat containing their treasures. DSs compared bags and they received the exact same number and selection of trinkets (plastic spiders and bugs, rings, coins, etc.), the only difference was that one would have a yellow plastic bug and the other had a red one, etc.

Most of the 3 and 4 yos on the cruise appeared to have an older sibling with them. The kids are instructed to pair up with a buddy before they board the boat. Everyone appeared to pair up witha sibling if they had one.

BTW, after reading raving reviews on the Dis about Drew, he was not on the boat when DSs sailed. It was 2 female CMs (and not 4 as others have mentioned- and yes, the cruise was full).

DSs enjoyed the cruise. I enjoyed my time alone, as I sent DH off to the Richard Petty driving experience at WDW Speedway.

 

[Janet2k]

Cherio, my daughter has done the Pirates Cruise many times. I have some photos posted here in my on-line photo album. As a matter of fact, just the other day I added some photos to it that my daughter took during her last cruise (ealier this year). I hope your children like it as much as my child does.