When to check kids into kids' clubs?

[Egghead]

This is probably a really stupid question, but I haven't seen it addressed anywhere.

This is our first cruise of any kind. Our port arrival time is 12:30 for the 4/1 three-night cruise on the Dream. We heard this arrival time will be good for avoiding the crowds that show up early, and the crowds that show up about an hour later when the buses from the park hotels arrive.

We'll want to spend time on the AquaDuck and a little time in the family pool. Should we do that right away? We have second seating dinner, so would we be better off waiting until most people are at dinner? Should we sign up for kids' club bracelets when we first arrive, explore the ship together for a while, and then drop them off?

I realize these questions are very much a matter of opinion, but any insights would be much appreciated!

 

[wherespluto]

We signed up the kids at the port and got the wristbands there. However, we arrived earlier and had some time to kill. You can also get them at the kids club during open house hours (and I am assuming any other time as well).

I am not sure about the shorter crusises, but I know on the one we did in Jan (5 nights) the kids club was not open for drop off before dinner at all. They had an open house where people could come in a take a look at things. They also had that for a couple of hours the next morning as well. During open house times you could come in with your kids, but could not leave them there.

As for the pool and such, if it is warm enough, I would wait until the main dinner seating since it should empty out a lot by then.

 

[short1882]

we did the Dream 3 night cruise in August and did it at the terminal at check in. The line did get lengthy as time passed, so I'd just check it out when you get there and if the line is minimal just get it done!

 

[AndreAggie]

We just got off the Wonder last week. The line at the terminal to check kids in the club/lab was ridiculous! Granted, this was around 11:30 and they hadn't started boarding the ship. We waited until we got on the ship and there was hardly any line at the Oceaneer Club. You an assess the line in the terminal and then decide if you'd rather wait until you get on the ship.

The lines for AquaDuck tend to slow down during dinner times.

 

[Egghead]

Awesome! This is a big help!

 

[gilsan]

We usually arrive around 12:30-13:00. There is no line to check in and we can usually drop our stuff off in the room. We usually go and get some lunch and then go to the kids club to get the bracelet. The best time to use the pools is during early dinner, the place clears out. The only negative is that you miss the show, not a huge deal for us, but some people really like the shows.