Two dd's 6 and 8 - can they go together?

[fam4jc]

Hi. My two dd's will be six and eight at the time of our cruise. My TA told me that my older can go into the younger age group club but my younger can not move up to the lab. Does anyone know about this? The Passporter states that they must be split up. Who is right? I would like for them to be together, but is that possible?

Thanks,
Shellie

 

[hopelea]

I think it all depends on your dd's. My dd's were 7 & 9 on our first cruise. When I say 7, I mean 7 years and 3 months. My 7 year old was allowed in the lab on a trial basis on the first night. She didn't have any problems and was allowed to stay the whole cruise.

I definatley would not want the older to go to the club. It is really geared for the younger kids.

Hope that helps.

 

[kcashner]

You will need to discuss it with the counsellors. The official policy is that a child can only move up if they are within 30 days of their birthday that would place them in the older group. They are also allowed to "move" only once--that is, they cannot jump back and forth between groups.

My suggestion is always to start them in their own "age appropriate" group and save your one move to use if this isn't working for some reason. A 6 year old really won't fit in an 8-9 group, and an 8 year old isn't going to want to drop back to a 5-7. Not being in the same group doesn't mean that they'll never see each other--you'll surely have family time with both girls, and the groups do some things (like the Island Magic show) together.

Exceptions are occasionally made....and the bottom line is always to talk with the counsellors. They want everyone--mom and kids--to have a great cruise.

 

[dzneprincess]

It may be good for them to spend time apart. I know that is one of the things my kids are looking forward to, is having some time with new people where their siblings are not constantly in their face Of course, like a previous poster stated, there are some activities where they may still be together

 

[CM_Mom]

kcashner is singing my refrain...Talk to the Counselors. I think a lot of it depends on the kids. If you have a "young" eight, either in age or maturity, she might be fine in with the 5-7s. I doubt even a mature six wwould fit in with the 8-9s.

The counselors have tons of experience working with the kids (like 700-900 kids per week) so they can help you make the decision that works best for both your girls.

Remember that they really are interested in Mom AND kids having a great time.

 

[kristen821]

Have they ever let a 2.5 year old in the club who is fully potty trained?

 

[fam4jc]

Thank you! I know that the counselors are the ones who will be able to make this choice. I will take your advice and take them to their age groups the first night and see if they can make some friends on their own. My 6 yr old has never met a stranger, especially other kids. My 8 yr old is very shy and sensitive so she is the one that is worrying me. My hope is that it will be so magical and so many other shy girls that they will find each other! I know my 8 dd will LOVE being away from her little sister for a little while

 

[CM_Mom]

kristen821, sorry no clue on that one but it can't hurt to ask. Just remember that "fully" potty trained means managing clothes, wiping etc. with NO assistance.

BTW, kids CAN participate in Club activities at that age if a parent STAYS with them so even if you aren't allowed to leave them you could plan some play time in the club each day. As always, talk to the counselors to get the most benefit from the activities.

 

[baileybaby]

Are parents allowed to stay with the older kids? I have a feeling the only way my daughter willl stay is if I am there also.

 

[grlzmom]

Kristin,

Our fully potty trained 2.5 year old dd was allowed in the club on a trial basis and had no problems. There were a couple of close to three year olds in there with her. One of whom definately wasnt 100 percent potty trained and did NOT get to stay in the club after the CMs figured that one out.

We stayed with her the first time or two and after that she was asking us to go away so she could play with her friends in the club.

Jeanne

 

[kristen821]

Thanks Jeanne

I have 1 month to get my daughter to rip her own toilet paper without pulling half the roll with her. Hopefully we can master that skill down in 27 days and then if she wants to stay in the clubs they will allow it. I plan on going with her a couple of times but I am so afraid with the way everyone makes the clubs sound that she will not want to leave. I don't want to spend the whole cruise in the clubs! Will they allow me to go in every half hour or so to bring her to the bathroom myself? She is completely potty trained but sometimes she has a hard time ripping the toilet paper. I also have a six year old son that I believe would be in the same club as her. Will they allow him to rip her a piece of toilet paper if necessary?