Question about children's ages in clubs

[CM Tinkerbell]

My children's best friends/cousins may be traveling with us next January and I have a question regarding the kids clubs and if they ever allow children of different ages to particpate in a different group. My son will be 10 and his cousin will be 9 years old at the time of sailing and my daughter will be 8 and her cousin will be 7. Would they ever consider allowing my 10 and 8 year old to participate with the 9 & 7 year olds? They are inseperable and would be so sad if they couldn't be together. Has anyone else had to deal with a situation like this?

Thanks!

 

[katiemegcz]

We were in a similar situation. Here's what I know...

Per policy, older kids can participate in younger programs, but NOT vice-versa, unless the b-day is very close. One very sympathetic CM suggested for a child who's cousin was 11 months older, and in the next program up, that we could fudge on our daughter's b-day a bit. We ended up not doing it, and her cousin just participated in the program for one group younger and was very happy.

Another family we were with added 18 months to their daughter's age to keep siblings together, and said it worked out just fine.

Have a great trip!!

 

[CM Tinkerbell]

Thank you so much for your quick reply.

That's great news! My kids have no problem moving down to be with the younger group. They'll be so happy.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Just a question about 'fudging' on your kids age. I thought that with all of the cruise documentation and all, that they would know each childs/cruisers actual birthday. So, how would this work. Not submitting any info showing your childs birthday from the very beginning when you book your cruise? Or, just telling them the age that you want when you register your child for the kids clubs? Hhhhmmmm????

 

[Michelemouse]

Not only do you have to fill out paperwork with your child's birthday, you also have to provide a birth certificate or passport which will have their birthdate on it. I would feel uncomfortable lying about something that was documented elsewhere. YMMV

As for moving kids down, yes kids can move down an age group. If either of the younger members in your pairs are within a month of their next birthday they will be able to move up.

 

[katiemegcz]

I appreciate your opinion, but this was suggested to me by a CM for a child that was very close in age. You do not have to provide a birth certificate for the clubs. I am not talking about lying on immigration forms-that is a whole other story. Actually, we ended up not having to do it, but I don't see a moral issue with it. I have a daughter who is 8, in a 5th grade class. I have never believed that age should be a deciding factor after children are verbal and potty trained. As long as they are able to participate without interfering with the enjoyment of the other children, there is no issue.

 

[Otisp]

We had considered "fudging" to keep our then-6 and then-8 year olds together, but decided against it. As it turned out, they each met new friends and they each felt that they had their own special cruise experience. Unless you plan on stashing them in the Club/Lab for the entire trip, they'll still have plenty of time to hang out together.

 

[CM Tinkerbell]

Well, from what's been said, I think I understand that there is no "fudging" required in order for the older ones to move down one age level to be with their cousins, which is what we would be interested in doing. I was just wondering if it was possible to do that. We don't want to have the younger ones moved up.