My 5 yr old DD did the cruise this past June, 2001. She LOVED it, although she did say it was hot! She said they sang some songs, went on the hunt for treasure, and rode the boat back. She said she would like to do it again when we go back. On the day that Allison did the cruise, most of the kids were between about 4 - 7 yrs old. I would double check with the CM's on exactly what they do on the cruise since your oldest is 10, that way, you could let him know exactly what the kids will do and he could make up his own mind. If he chooses not to go, maybe you could go have breakfast together at the GF Cafe while the younger ones do the cruise. (That's what I did while Allison cruised! The pecan pancakes were great!!)
Allison really enjoyed wearing the pirate "hat" (scarf).
By the way, the CM's that went with the kids on the pirate cruise were great!!! They answered many of the parents questions and the kids went off happily.