Question regarding Oceaneer Lab on Magic

[marmermea]

Hi,

We just booked the Magic for January 19, 2008 so I'm a little early here. But here, I am, reading every detail of your cruise reports and posts and loving every one!

One big question: We are going with cousins so we will have four kids. They will be 12, 10, 10 and 9. I know they all go to Oceaneer Lab, but will be grouped into 10-12 and 8-9. My 9 year old would be devastated if she is separated from all the others. She is shy and would really be miserable. The rules I read say that she can move up if she is within 1 month of being 10. She won't be. She'll be move like 6 months away. But she is very very tall for her age and is used to hanging out with older kids.

My question: How strict are they about this?

If the rule is hard and fast, we either have to rebook the cruise for another year (and that leaves the 12 year old alone) or lie about her age. Honestly, she just would not be happy separated from the rest!

Help!!!

 

[pyramid2000]

Well, there is no way to lie about her age as they have her birthday in the system. It is no guarantee that she will be able to move up, but they do try to make the children happy. In my opinion, she will be able to move up. If they don't let her, there are plenty of times both age groups are doing things together. Check the navigators and you can see how often this happens.

Last January, I was on board with a friend and her 9 yo moved up to be with her sister and my DD. I can't say how far from 10 she was though.

 

[Vanvmom]

Just ask the counselors when you arrive. It depends a lot on how many kids in that age group are on the cruise. They did it for my middle son in 2005 so that he could be in the 10-12 group with his brother and friend. It's not anything to stress over, especially if your daughter is tall for her age (as all my sons are) and her behavior is as you say it is.

 

[lbgraves]

It is not strictly enforced. They want the kids to have a great time first & foremost. If the kids are cruising together to spend time together, that wont happen in different groups. Just talk to the lab supervisor when you board.

 

[Quimby]

I have heard that if they are within 30 days of their birthday that they will move them up...so don't spend a year of worrying about it
Positive thinking and it will happen!!!

 

[marmermea]

Thanks so much for your replies. I was so worried it would be strictly enforced and was really debating having to wait a year. But it sounds like they are somewhat flexible.

I was going to worry for a year, so now I won't. Thanks again to the wonderful help I always get on these boards!!!

 

[KrisannB]

on our first cruise my kids were 9 and 11 - I left them in their own age groups but they seemed to be together more than apart as those 2 age groups are in the same area but might do scheduled activities at different times - sometimes in the Lab and other times different areas of the boat - so even though they were in different age groups they were together a whole lot.

Krisann

 

[suzannef]

On our last cruise in Sept. my 8 year old was moved up to the 10-12 year old group without my even having to ask. I was dropping off my 11 year old dd and 10 year old niece and my 8 year old didn't want to go in. The counselor came right up to her and asked her what was wrong and she stated she wished she could be with her sister and cousin. The counselor made a quick phone call and that was that she was moved up. I wasn't even going to ask as she was not even close to 10 but it made our cruise a million times better. I was sure to give lots of kudos and praise to that counselor in our comment card.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks so much for your replies. I was so worried it would be strictly enforced and was really debating having to wait a year. But it sounds like they are somewhat flexible.

I was going to worry for a year, so now I won't. Thanks again to the wonderful help I always get on these boards!!!

Marmermea, you should come and join us on the "Worry Warts" thread! We are having a good time talking about things we worry about, and other things, including being SUPER PLANNERS for our vacations! Nice group of positive people! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1244337

 

[kcashner]

The biggest thing is that they want everyone (parents and kids) to have a good time. Moving to another age group in circumstances other than the "rules" is up to the counsellors and parents. The most common situation is to keep families together. The counsellor will meet the child to assess maturity, etc. If the number of kids in the age group allows, they will frequently suggest that it is ok on a trial basis--if it doesn't work, they'll move the child to the age appropriate group.

There is no way to lie about ages--they are on the KTTW card which is swiped every time the kid checks into the Lab.

They tend to be more strict about The Stack just because the teens don't want a bunch of "little kids" around. However, in The Stack they don't check cards...they do have a list of who is age appropriate.

 

[marmermea]

I just LOVE these boards! I thank you all for so many informative answers. From Krisan who said even though they were separated (if my worse fear happened) they still do lots together to suzannef who said her child was moved up!

And MAGICFOR2 - I love that you have a "Worry Warts" thread. What a fun idea. I'll definitely visit soon!