WWYD? about taking DD"s friend on cruise

[minkydog]

We have taken friends on week long trips, but I don't think I'd want to take a child out of the country even if I could afford it.

 

[endy]

I took my ds12 friend with us last summer. The parents paid his flight and gave me spending money for him. I wouldn't expect my son to go anywhere, even the movies, without paying for himself.
I have never heard of inviting and paying for a childs friend before I started reading about it here.
The boys had such a blast together they want to go again this summer. And it was different countries, from Canada to California. They wrote out the permisssion to take him across the border, which Customs asked for but didn't really check.

It's different taking a kid to a movie or out to eat than paying for their holiday.

 

[shortbun]

We only offer if we can pay. I would never invite a child and expect their parents to send money or pay for anything. All the kids we've taken on vaca have come with a good amount of spending money but seriously, you're the host-you pay. Tell your daughter no.

 

[shortbun]

I took my ds12 friend with us last summer. The parents paid his flight and gave me spending money for him. I wouldn't expect my son to go anywhere, even the movies, without paying for himself.
I have never heard of inviting and paying for a childs friend before I started reading about it here.
The boys had such a blast together they want to go again this summer. And it was different countries, from Canada to California. They wrote out the permisssion to take him across the border, which Customs asked for but didn't really check.

It's different taking a kid to a movie or out to eat than paying for their holiday.

They(immigration) will be checking this year. Better have all the documentation in order.

 

[disneylovin24]

Hello.

DD and I are going on a DCL cruise in October, our 4 Wonder cruise. Now, she wants to take her BFF. We have taken her places before like local amusement park etc.

DD's BFF has had her grandparents take DD several places and driven.
I haven't ask her DM yet. I don't think I would be able to pay the airfare and portion of her cruise. So, how do I ask her DM? TIA

If it's going to be just you and your DD then I wouldn't ask her to come. Also, if you can't pay then I wouldn't ask

 

[TDC Nala]

I think the posters gave you lots of great advice and you can get around the issue of putting the parents on the spot if you're so inclined.

My only thought is, it seems like it's a mother/daughter bonding opportunity that might be lost if another child were to go along (even though you've had other bonding times and will have more opportunities in the future). I question that it would be as enjoyable for you if you're suddenly the 3rd wheel so to speak. I don't think the girl will ruin your vacation, but I do question that it may prohibit you from getting full enjoyment yourself out of the vacation. If you had a hubby or BF going along, I'd certainly understand you wanting your daughter to take a friend along, but are you sure this is what you want when it's only the 2 of you?

This could happen even if you don't take the friend - I met a lady on a Disney cruise last May who was cruising with her son. She was in the Cove Cafe with us a lot because her son preferred to stay in the kids' club with other kids. She said she had a hard time getting him to leave there to eat dinner with her, and then he would sulk. I don't think she was happy about it.

If you take the friend I'd say it might even be better odds that they might want to spend the whole cruise in the kids' club.

 

[hereyago]

OP- thanks for all the replies. As some posters have said they themselves will pay for their kids expenses when their kid goes someplace, as have I. So that is why I came and asked, because I wasn't sure what the proper protocol is.

When DD's friends relatives take her place, I always give her money for spending, treats for both girls if they go out of town and the relatives usually drive, so there isn't the big expense of the plane and they own a beach house, so there is no extra money spent there.

DD and I have been going on vacations since she was 4 and this year will be our 4th DCL cruise. She does love the clubs, but we do hang out as well.

I started thinking about the paper work that would be involved ,as I am a single mom with custody and I am crazy paranoid about remembering to take it, let alone someone's elses paperwork.

So, the DM and I were talking: her dd has never been on a plane or a ship. I decided to change my vacation a little bit, as in go on shorter DCL cruise in December and we will go to WDW for a mini trip the weekend of Halloween.

Her DM will pay for the airfare-which she offered before I said anything and the DD will save money for souvies and I pay for food, SW ticket and hotel. We are all going to do the give a day get a day-so that will be one less expense, 1 day at SW and they get to trick or treat at WDW.


Thanks again.