PLAPLAP/early with almost 5 yr old?

[JLDSMD]

First time posting, First time cruising.

DW, DS (sailing 2 weeks before 5th BD) and I are taking our first cruise 1/22/05 on Magic (eastern).

We put a request in for early seating and PLA rotation.

We chose PLA so that we would be in PC on Tropical Night and in L for Semi and AP for Formal night. (based on links on DIS, this is how PLA would play out on Eastern Itin.) We just don't want to be in PC for Semi or Formal night. Am I looking at this wrong? Any other suggestions?

Also, we took early seating since we can always change to late (hopefully without problems) if we choose. DS will be almost 5. We live in the Central Time zone and on the Eastern Itin., we figured the time would be 2 hours ahead of here (unless the boat stays on EST). This would put early dinner at 4:30 our time. Wondering if we should look at moving to late. He would probably sit better at the show than he would at dinner, regardless of the time. He usually doesn't have a problem staying up late, so that won't be an issue either. Plus this would put 8:30 dinner at 6:30 our time (7:30 if on EST).

Would it be better to have him at the early dinner with most of the other kids in case he gets fidgity or late dinner since it will be closer to our dining time, not to mention an unrushed dinner?

Also, DW wants DS and I to wear Tuxes on Formal night because he'd look really cute. What percentage of people wear tuxes that night? Do any children aged 4 or 5 wear them?

I want to just bring a dark suit, but she says no.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[kcashner]

Very few children wear tux (but there are always a few). The ship will be 1/2 on Eastern time and 1/2 on whatever the next zone East is. The changes occur on sea days. You will be totally fine in a suit. DS could wear a suit or a polo shirt and pants...or anything in between. Seems to me that it's a pain to get the little guy into a tux, but that's his mom's call.

Dinner won't be rushed no matter which seating you choose. I've always found early dinner better with little ones. Now that I have a teen, I like late dinner....although I'm frequently too tired to do anything after dinner.

A couple of the shows have matinees, so he could see those if that works better than the later shows. No matter which you choose, you'll have a great cruise!

 

[strawberryblonde]

Your questions remind me of things I was trying to decide while I was in the planning stage . My DS will be 7 for our cruise and my DD is 4. We did go ahead and choose early dinning, I'll report back if that was a wise decision when we get back. We are central time as well, so I'm thinking of the time change. My thoughts are that it is harder to switch to early than to late. If early turns out to be a HUGE mistake, we could switch (in theory, in reality I won't want to fiddle with things, I'll want to stay with my servers). We requested PLA and most likely will have this request met as we booked the Romance at Sea Package.

My DS wants to wear a tux for formal night . He still remembers wearing a tux (as ring bearer) in a wedding and can't wait to feel that handsome and get all that attention again . We went ahead a bought his tux as buying is cheaper than the rental fee ($54 plus tax is what we paid) and we can pass it down or sell it on ebay after he outgrows it. He wanted all white, DH wanted him in black. We bought white, I want DS to have it as he imagines it and I think all white is fine for out at sea . Mickey wears a tux on formal night and I can't wait to get his picture with DS! DD has many dresses to pick from , so this is a rare chance for DS to also dress up.

I think I would rather my kids fall asleep during the show than during dinner. If they tire of dinner quickly, I can drop them off at the club until we pick them up for the night show. If they get hungry before bed, we can order room service. I'm thinking it will all work out but I will find out. Happy planning!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

We've never done early dinner, so I can't answer which would be better for you. However, are you planning on doing any shore excursions? If so, you might feel rushed to get back to the ship to shower and get ready for your early dinner seatings. That's an issue for many families when deciding early vs. late seating.

As far as the tux for your DS, there are a few children who wear them, and if your DW is really pushing for it, I have to admit, the young boys are ADORABLE in them.

I don't think you'll regret renting (or buying) a tux for him. These will be some of the best family photos.

However, you know your own DS.

Have a great time!