Question about activities for child

[Tibbles98]

I was wondering if someone can answer a question I have. My DH, DS, and I are booked on the Dec.27, 2003 eastern Caribbean cruise on the Magic. My DS will be 12 1/2 years old at the time of sailing (He will be 3 months shy of his 13th birthday). Would he be considered in the teen category activities(Common Grounds) or would he be considered still as a 12 yr. old(Oceaneer's Lab)?
I talked to a CC representative and was told it would be up to the counselors to decide. If anyone knows anything about it, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Based on our experience he'll probably be considered not quite a teen and be in the Lab. Having said that the last time we cruised our DS was in that same boat and he had a blast. The 11 & 12 year olds were in their own group and the older boys tended to band together.

He did tell me just the other day that they "snuck" into Common Grounds a couple of times and felt a little out of place.


Either way - he should have a grand time!

Deb

 

[jds]

I agree he'll probably have more fun in the lab. On our 7-day Eastern cruise Common Grounds was full of older teens (15 to 17-year-olds). Our 13-year-olds (DD and Dnephew) felt very out of place there, and did not participate. The age range probably varies from week to week, but we felt there was a distinct lack of activities for young teens (middle schoolers) on our cruise. Hope DCL considers adding some special activities for them in the future...

 

[hokie5cruiser]

We cruised on 6-22 and our twins (boys)turn 13 on 8-26. They looked at the navigators and thought that they would prefer to be in the teen area.We were also traveling with a 14 yo boy cousin and 15 yo girl cousin. On the first day I went to Common Grounds and asked if they could be there. The counselors said it would be on a trial basis since they were not yet thirteen based on their behavior. They loved it! We did spend most island days as a family, but they spent every evening there from after dinner until curfew. They also spent much of their time on sea days with the teen club.
With all of that, though, you know your own kids best. If they are independent and mature, they might like the teen group. If they prefer more structure/planned activities/guidance than the lab might be better.