for those who cruised with kids....

For those that cruised with kids...what line where you on and what was the sign in and sign out proceedure like. We just teturned home and they changed how they sign kids in and out and was not a fan. We felt it was much more secure last year. So I am curious how it compares to other lines/kids programs.

for those who cruised with kids....

We jusat returned form the Disney Fanstasy. DD was fitted with a bracelet that had a transmitter on it and tapped the entrance gate to get in. When we picked her up, our names had to be on the list, our rooms key was swiped and we were aked for a password

Re: for those who cruised with kids....

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Re: for those who cruised with kids....

Thanks - Dh and I were thinking maybe we were paranoid but we were really annoyed at our Celebrity cruise. Last year - we felt secure - they had clip boards but they kept them behind the desk and someone at the desk at all times. When you picked up you had to give them your child's name and they had a sheet covering the other names and only allowed you to quickly sign. You had to always give a password event though they KNEW who we were. They asked the child when my parents went who was picking them up - even with the password. They kept the kids separated in their age respected groups. My DD LOVED it.

This year - the 6-8 were being allowed to come into the 3-5's and were picking up the little kids, ripping toys out of their hands etc.

Then they left the clipboards up on the counter ALL DAY LONG. There was often no one at the desk when we arrived so we were standing there and could read the clip boards. They never asked for the pass words etc. The clip board had on it - the child's full name, cabin number, age AND where their parents would be in case they needed you - BUT The joke was that they had a laminated card attached to the side where the parents would sign the child OUT - which made no sense. They would say oh did you sign them out - but didn't check. We felt that since the girls are very friendly and had a lot of adults talking to them telling them how cute that they were that anyone could potentially go and take them out of the fun factory. Since they met a lot of the other children's parents and talked to them I would HOPE they wouldn't go with someone but you never know.

Also last year they came up with nice alternatives when DD couldn't have the snack - this year they said oh we might have chips but I'm not sure - we will just give her saltines while the others have chocolate chip cookies - she won't mind will she? If she minds she can't stay. Last year they offered her potato chips (not my 1st choice but better than saltines) or sugar cookies so she was not upset.

They only went there maybe 2-3 hours total the 1st 2 days because after seeing these things we weren't comfortable with them continuing to go. Also the staff didn't seem to have any control over the kids. They had a clip on the TV of the kids sitting with the head of the fun factory - and talking about the next days activities. Well in the background there was a girl and boy fighting over a toy, punching each other, shoving each other, then the boy tries to tell the woman talking on the camera who ignores him so he goes back and you can see them continue to fight in the background. Didn't know where any of the many FF staff were but no one intervened. The kids were also really wild when I went to get the girls and the staff was like oh no you can't jump off that, or oh no we can't do this. Last year they had this fabulous climbing structure with a slide and ball pitt that they removed when they rehabbed the ship (summit). It is now basically just a few rooms and some computers. No outlet for excited kids to play and run around anymore.

Listen the kids had an amazing cruise and had a ton of fun in the pools etc and want to get back on. But my older DD was upset because she met some kids and wanted to go back but didn't like the older kids bullying them, and I was concerned about the security. Just wondered if the other kids programs on say disney or RCCL worked in the same manner if we choose to cruise with them in the future. The bands looks like a good idea. The girls had to wear plastic bracelets all week anyway for their muster stations - so they could easily have put a barcode on them.

for those who cruised with kids....

Christine, which ship was it? We didn't have that experience on the Eclipse but Mia's older and didn't spend much time in the Club. She's been spoiled by Disney and the other clubs just can't compete.

- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008

Re: for those who cruised with kids....

for those who cruised with kids....

It's been a while since we cruised with RCCL but we'll be on the Oasis for Thanksgiving/Mia's birthday. I'll let you know about our experience!

- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008

Re: for those who cruised with kids....

Re: for those who cruised with kids....

Christine,

I think your girls would adore the Disney Fantasy! Jenna loved it, especially Pixie Hollow in the Oceaneer Club

for those who cruised with kids....

Mia's almost 10 and much prefers playing with the littles doing dress-up and games than hanging out with the bigger kids in the Lab. She's going to be so sad when she ages out and has to go to the pre-teen club. Pixie Hollow is her favorite!

- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008