Tell me more about kids clubs

[minniesota]

First cruise for us and I'm wondering about the kids clubs for my DD 12 1/2 and DS 10. What kinds of activities are available to them? Will there be things for my almost-teen daughter? ANd how much time do your kids spend in the clubs? I'm at at-home parent so my kids have never done daycare or after-school programs so I'm wondering if they will want to participate and how much, etc. Thanks for any and all input!

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Check out Barb's site www.castawayclub.com

She has copies of the kids Navigators posted there.

My older DS was 12 when we cruised last springbreak. He didn't really spend much time in the clubs - but he did join in on some of the activities and had fun when he went. The rest of the time he preferred to be with me & my DH or in the arcade. My younger DS was 6 and he wanted to spend every second in the club. I think it just depends on the child.

 

[MO Disney cruiser]

I have to agree. It really depends on the child. On our first cruise my DD was 10. I had to force her out of the lab if I wanted to see her.

They do have fun activities for kids. For the 12 1/2 year old it might be different. She may think she's too old and want to go to the teen club.

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Dave's site www.dcltribute.com has Navigator copies too.

 

[crisi]

Haven't been, but I have been told its relatively important to get your kids to the kids clubs the first night. This is when friendships are made and may determine if your daughter's enjoy the clubs or show up and have no one there to interact with because everyone else has already paired up. Especially that preteen girl age.....

 

[blueswoman]

thanks for posting this question. My DS are almost 8 and 11. The 8 year old is a bit nervous about the camps, although they are used to summer camps and whatnot (I work pt during school hours) . Luckily they are very friendly and make friends easily so I don't have to be concerned about shyness factor. My little guy is worried that he will get lost on the ship I told them they could do what they wanted, as long as my DH and I get to spend some alone time! We are cruising with other family so I'm sure they will have plenty of opportunities to be with the other adults. From what I've read, the camps sound great. Can't wait!!

Tara

 

[TootyJane]

Depends on your child. I have 3 boys. On our first cruise they went one time and would not go back. On our second cruise oldest ds went to Common Ground (we hardly saw him after the 1st night) and the other two would not even go. Oh well, it's their vacation too and there certainly are plenty of things for them to do other than the clubs.

 

[Redmic]

We went in October with our daughters ages 12 and 9. They went 3 times, stayed about 20 minutes each time, then paged us because they were bored. Be aware that most of the "fun" activities are late at night after the second dinner seating (10:00 p.m to 1:00 a.m.). There is very little to do during the day, especially when the ship is in port.

I have read on this board about kids who don't want to leave the clubs, but they seem to be mostly little kids. My girls gave it a fair shot but were very disappointed. Every time I went to pick them up there were kids on the computers and other kids waiting around waiting to use the computers. The counselors were basically just hanging out doing nothing except working as gate keepers. I was extremely underwhelmed by the kids clubs.

 

[blueswoman]

Redmic:

Thanks for posting that your kids didn't enjoy the clubs too much. It is interesting to hear the different opinions about these clubs. I will go with an open mind and let my kids choose to do what they want. You did mention that there was "plenty of other stuff for the kids to do." --I assume that was non-club oriented. Can you give us some examples? Do you mean like the shows, movies, etc?

Tara

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

My 12 yr. old DS - the one that didn't really spend much time in the club - went to movies, watched some of the shows with us, and really enjoyed playing Bingo! He also spent some time in the arcade although we limited him to the amount he could spend each day up there. Of course there was the pools too...and he and his dad played ping pong several times....