Oceaneer's Club question

[kellimomo3]

I have three sons that will be in the Club when we cruise. Their ages will be 7,6 & 4 3/4. I am thinking about moving the 4 3/4 year old up into the 5-7s with his brothers. His interests are more in that range (i.e. computers, games, etc.). My only concern is that sometimes when they are all together, they can get a little wild!!

So.....
to help me make my decision, I was wondering if the activities listed in the 3-4 Navigator are required. For example, during the "Quiet time" movie after lunch, does my son have to rest because he would hate that and that might help my decision to move him up??

Any thoughts are appreciated.....

Kelli

 

[colonels cruisers]

Yes they expect the club members to lie still on their matts. We got a negative report because our son did not lie on his matt. I will admit this was from one CM and when I asked the others they told me that he colored and did other activities quietly.

 

[kellimomo3]

My son has not had a rest for a couple years. He likes to do his own thing and may lie on a mat if he liked the movie but if he didn't he definatley would not. I don't want a negative report so maybe I should move him up???

Any other experiences???

Kelli

 

[kcashner]

The official policy is that kids can be moved up only if they are within 30 days of their birthday that would place them in the next group. That said, exceptions can be made by talking with the counsellors....although exceptions are almost always for family situations.

I'd suggest that you start with the kids in their age appropriate groups. DCL has lots of experience with kids, and the age groups nearly always fit. Another hard and fast rule is that there is only ONE move per cruise--so if you move a child up and the new group doesn't fit, you can't move him/her back down. Thus, if you start in the age appropriate group, you have preserved the option of a move if you want it later.

There is a huge difference between an "almost 5" and an "almost 8" year old. Moving a 4 year old to the 5-7s puts him with some "almost 8s"....stick to age appropriate at first.

We've done 10 cruises....and used all kid venues (Club, Lab, and Stack!) Never had a problem with discipline or anything like that. DD did feel that the lab was "lame" after several cruises that put her there.

 

[kellimomo3]

Thank you all. I think I'll start him in the 3-4s and move him up if we have issues. I'll just be honest with the CMs when I register him and tell them to let me know if he won't rest on a mat or really wants to be with his brothers so I know to move him up. We are going off season so I would imagine there would be more spots in the 5-7s than the 3-4s.

Thanks again!!

Kelli

 

[dletz]

When we were on the crusie, I recall that at quite time they could either lie on mats or they could do some other quite activity. I know at night (not sure about in the afternoon) that when they had the movie on and mats our they were either out in the main room and they were supposed to be relatively quite, or they could go play in the room with the computers, games and dress up clothes. I don't think they have to take a nap, however I do think they have to be quite around the other kids.

 

[cwf1028]

I also have a little more than 4 and a half year old when we cruise. She has not napped since turning 2 (unfortunately just not one of those kids that needs the recommended amount of sleep). I just plan on pulling the kids out just before lunch and eating with them and depending on how tired make them nap in the cabin or do something else with us and then putting them both back after the quite time. Believe it or not, my 7 and a half year old will need a few naps during the week to keep going. We do have late seating, so they will be up later and could probably both use the nap. I just know that the little one will not nap unless forced by me!

 

[kellimomo3]

I'm relieved to hear that they don't have to rest but can choose a quiet time activity instead. Jason would love to sit and color or play computers. There was also a good point made that just because he doesn't rest/nap in the afternoon at home, does not mean he won't need on while cruising!!

Thansk for all the advice!!

Kelli

 

[mkbowlkw]

We were on the Disney Wonder on 8/1. I have 2 boys (4 & 7). I put the 4 yr old in the 3-4 and the 7 yr old in the 5-7. I didn't think the 4 yr old would go for it since they were so close, but he had a ball. Also, there are certain periods during the day where they all are together so they will get to see each other some times.