Oceaneer & Shore Excursions

[Zman19]

My family is taking our first Disney cruise in January (me, wife, and 3yo daughter). My wife and I were looking at doing a shore excursion in cozumel that my daughter isn't old enough for. I read our daughter can stay in the oceaneer club while we leave the boat (would only do this if she really loved the club which I think she will), but just realized the excursion we were thinking about leaves at 7:30-8am.

Does anyone know what time oceaneer opens on port days? or if there is some child care available for people who book early excursions? I called Disney and was told it usually opens at 9am, but there may be something available. I would have to ask when I board when it's too late to cancel plans. I don't think my daughter would like to spend all day in the nursery either, plus the CM said it's only for children who aren't potty trained.

Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My family is taking our first Disney cruise in January (me, wife, and 3yo daughter). My wife and I were looking at doing a shore excursion in cozumel that my daughter isn't old enough for. I read our daughter can stay in the oceaneer club while we leave the boat (would only do this if she really loved the club which I think she will), but just realized the excursion we were thinking about leaves at 7:30-8am.

Does anyone know what time oceaneer opens on port days? or if there is some child care available for people who book early excursions? I called Disney and was told it usually opens at 9am, but there may be something available. I would have to ask when I board when it's too late to cancel plans. I don't think my daughter would like to spend all day in the nursery either, plus the CM said it's only for children who aren't potty trained.

Thanks!

Typically, the clubs/nursery will be open early enough for those who pefer to leave their children onboard while off the ship. I can't say specifically what time that might be, but I'm pretty sure you'll be able to do it.

The nursery is ONLY for non-potty trained kids. A 3 year old can participate there, if you want, but they do ask that you give Oceaneer's a try first. Also, you'll be paying for nursery time.

EDIT: OK, I looked at a couple of past Navigators. On days that the all ashore time was earlier than 9:00 Oceaneer's Club (not the Lab) opened early. As did the nursery.

 

[Dug720]

My family is taking our first Disney cruise in January (me, wife, and 3yo daughter). My wife and I were looking at doing a shore excursion in cozumel that my daughter isn't old enough for. I read our daughter can stay in the oceaneer club while we leave the boat (would only do this if she really loved the club which I think she will), but just realized the excursion we were thinking about leaves at 7:30-8am.

Does anyone know what time oceaneer opens on port days? or if there is some child care available for people who book early excursions? I called Disney and was told it usually opens at 9am, but there may be something available. I would have to ask when I board when it's too late to cancel plans. I don't think my daughter would like to spend all day in the nursery either, plus the CM said it's only for children who aren't potty trained.

Thanks!

Unfortunately, you would also not know if your daughter really loved the club until you were on board and it was too late to cancel plans...

 

[bbel]

The club/lab and nursery will open in time for kids to be dropped off for parents to get off.

However, one side will be secured and at 9 the other will be open house. Usually they then swap so the side that was drop off is now open house, any kids checked in will be moved to the drop off side.

So your kid may love the club, not enjoy the lab, but when in port they're not going to get a choice of which side they're in. They'll offer lunch too, but won't make your kid eat it so if your off for a long time that's something to consider too.

At three you can still use the nursery (potty trained or not) but you pay for it. But there, on a port day, your kids likely to get one (or 2 or 3) on one attention. Toys and activities they want to do, snacks, juice, milk and if it's quiet more than likely they'll take them through to the club (and chaperone them there) for a bit to play, especially if characters are going to be there.

 

[Zman19]

Thanks for all the help and advise! I know there's the risk that my daughter doesn't like the clubs and we end up skipping the your anyways. However, I would feel better "wasting" the money to make the trip more enjoyable for her than because Disney couldn't say one way or the other...Glad to know the nursery and oceaneer open early and are both options.

I think we'll just play it safe and book an available excursion on the boat if she's loving oceaneer. Maybe pick something shorter as well. Wasn't too fond on spending ~2 hours traveling each way to/from the excursion anyways.