leaving kids on ship while you go into port...

[Vanvmom]

They tend to do more activities in the club and lab on port days than sea days. There are fewer kids in the programs on port days. The counselors can tell on their computer if you are on or off the ship (as they scan your KTTW as you get off and back on the ship). We left my 5 year old in the club during 2 of our port days, and he loved it! We also left our 9 and 11 year old in the lab when we went into Cabo. It wasn't a discomfort over tendering thing, but rather that we would be walking and shopping, and they would likely get bored quickly. I've heard of some kids that don't like the children's programming available on the ship, but ours enjoyed it (and I've heard from several others who's kids loved it as much as ours did).

The club and lab have programs going on all day long (it's not all free play time). Don't feel guilty about leaving them to have fun with their peers while you have fun with yours. That's part of what makes cruising on DCL so much fun!

As for something happening while you are on shore, and your kids being stuck in their club. I can't think of a better place for them to be if something were to happen to my husband and I while we were ashore. Being part of an accident that happened in a foreign country can be a lot scarier to a child than being in a club with caring counselors a little longer than they planned to be. Just my opinion of course....

 

[lillygator]

I have tried to post a thread but it won't work....
what are the hours of the kids clubs?

I have looked through old navigators and it seems the clubs open at 10am and Flounder's opens at 7am closing at 1pm, which makes it hard to go on an adults only excursion.

Anyone have any experience?

 

[HooKooDooKu]

I have tried to post a thread but it won't work....
what are the hours of the kids clubs?

I have looked through old navigators and it seems the clubs open at 10am and Flounder's opens at 7am closing at 1pm, which makes it hard to go on an adults only excursion.

Anyone have any experience?

I'm only experienced with Flounders. There I can tell you that the hours change daily, and that they have a list of excursions that they will be openned for. However, typically, Flounders is closed from 2-5pm, so afternoon excursions will likely be out. However, I think they schedule Flounder's hours around MOST morning excursion.