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kbarnum
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We are taking our 8 and 10 year old on the Mariner during summer break (Alaska). Does any one have any links or information on how Regents kids club is set up? I do realize there will not be many children on a cruise like this, but information on their web site is nonexistent and the Regent section on CC is also pretty small.

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We are taking our 8 and 10 year old on the Mariner during summer break (Alaska). Does any one have any links or information on how Regents kids club is set up? I do realize there will not be many children on a cruise like this, but information on their web site is nonexistent and the Regent section on CC is also pretty small.

 

I found the following info about Regent's children's program online:

 

CLUB MARINER YOUTH PROGRAM

Cruising with children ages 5-17? Club Mariner's Youth Program staffs professionals who make a unique effort to offer each child a special experience. Whether sailing the Caribbean, Alaska or beautiful Baltic Sea, Regent allows an opportunity for all ages to enjoy their peers while absorbing fun and interactive climate while learning the visited destinations.

The Club Mariner Youth Program is carefully designed for children ages 5 to 17 years old. Children under this age are not eligible to participate in the program, due to USPH regulations.

Club Mariner's opening hours:

Port Days: 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M. 3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M. 7:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M.

Sea Days: 9:30 A.M.-12:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. 7:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M.

 

Please note that hours for activities during ports may vary as Regent Seven Seas Cruises does their best to insure that young guests won’t miss out on any of the fun!

Cruise activities include:

  • Get to know you games
  • Arts and crafts
  • Meet the Captain
  • Prize Bingo
  • Group Scavenger Hunts
  • Circle games
  • Board games
  • Cookie decorating
  • Pizza Party
  • Pajama Party
  • Wacky Olympics
  • And many more…

Ages 9 to 12

Cruise activities include the below and all the above:

  • Individual Scavenger Hunts
  • Survivor Challenges
  • Dodgeball
  • Mariner Idol
  • Movie nights
  • Dance parties
  • And many more…

Teens Ages 13 to 17

 

Teens sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises have many opportunities to socialize with one another. Regent’s dynamic youth staff is there to facilitate introductions and to design activities specifically for teens ages 13 to 17. Regent understands that by giving teens a place to call their own, where they can interact with their peers, they can give them the opportunity to create memories they will cherish for a lifetime.

Cruise activities include the below and all the above:

  • Ice Breakers
  • Scrapbooking
  • Sports Tournaments
  • Club Mariner Style Casino
  • Lounge Lizard Nights
  • And many more…

Life onboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruise will be a most memorable experience for any teenager. Regent takes pride in getting to know each individual and have highly qualified Club Mariner youth staff that are quick to listen and adapt to each teen's needs. The Club Mariner youth staff, with their individual styles, design activities specifically geared to entertain and captivate teens. Teens can enjoy music, movies, games, crafts, food, and special activities or just hang out and socialize.

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Kbarnum,

We did an Alaska Regent cruise (our only ever cruise!) with our kids last summer. They are a few years older than yours. Our older teenager found little interest with the kids club, but enjoyed catching up from sleep after competing hard at the junior olympics immediately prior). Our younger son loved the kids club. He received a note in our stateroom each night with the activities for the next day and he loved the freedom of just going to meet the group. He like the kids, the activities etc. One time I had no idea where he was and looked at the schedule and saw they were in the Stars Lounge so went there to check and sure enough he had checked himself into the club. (There were about 50 - 60 kids on board but we hardly saw most of them.There also seemed to be a lot of college students)

 

However, what our kids loved the most about the cruise was the nature and our visits in the ports. (and that first day my older son loved room service. I think he ordered an ice cream sundae. Just an ice cream sundae.)

 

It is a great family trip. Have fun!

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kbarnum: But there will be many children on a cruise like yours (at least there usually are in summer in Alaska). All seem to enjoy the experience very much. I enjoy seeing their pleasure in the ship and the ports-- except, of course, for the occasional rowdy kids, but I've seen occasional rowdy adults as well. I think you'll all have a wonderful time-- and, oh, boy, what scenery!

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We are taking our 8 and 10 year old on the Mariner during summer break (Alaska). Does any one have any links or information on how Regents kids club is set up? I do realize there will not be many children on a cruise like this, but information on their web site is nonexistent and the Regent section on CC is also pretty small.

 

The real question is what do you expect from the children' program? If you expect an additional source of entertainment in addition to your own time taking care of them it should be fine. If you expect Regent to take your kids off your hands for the duration of the cruise you should look elsewhere to a line that caters more to kids. jmo.

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The real question is what do you expect from the children' program? If you expect an additional source of entertainment in addition to your own time taking care of them it should be fine. If you expect Regent to take your kids off your hands for the duration of the cruise you should look elsewhere to a line that caters more to kids. jmo.

 

Agree with you!

 

It is also concerning to read that a child could "check themselves" into the club without their parent's permission. Parent's need to know where their children are at all times - for many reasons including safety.

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Agree with you!

 

It is also concerning to read that a child could "check themselves" into the club without their parent's permission. Parent's need to know where their children are at all times - for many reasons including safety.

 

That might make sense for little children. But when you have a teenager, they do have the capability. Regent offers sign in/sign out privileges for kids of a certain age that parents agree to and sign when you register on the first day.

 

You might want to ask questions before being so judgmental.

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Regent does not offer "family" cruises and doesn't claim to. Their "kids program" really is a bare minimum and usually only exists on cruises where there are likely to be more children than usual eg, holidays, school vacations. Alaska is also popular but even then the overwhelming majority of passengers will be adults who prefer to cruise without their and sometimes other people's kids. If parents want to cruise and have the kids tag along then Regent might work provided parents understand and accept that they will be required to supervise and maybe entertain their offspring too. If the cruise is intended to give the kids the trip of a lifetime then maybe a more family oriented company like Disney would be more enjoyable for all concerned.

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Kbarnum,

 

We did an Alaska Regent cruise (our only ever cruise!) with our kids last summer. They are a few years older than yours. Our older teenager found little interest with the kids club, but enjoyed catching up from sleep after competing hard at the junior olympics immediately prior). Our younger son loved the kids club. He received a note in our stateroom each night with the activities for the next day and he loved the freedom of just going to meet the group. He like the kids, the activities etc. One time I had no idea where he was and looked at the schedule and saw they were in the Stars Lounge so went there to check and sure enough he had checked himself into the club. (There were about 50 - 60 kids on board but we hardly saw most of them.There also seemed to be a lot of college students)

 

 

 

However, what our kids loved the most about the cruise was the nature and our visits in the ports. (and that first day my older son loved room service. I think he ordered an ice cream sundae. Just an ice cream sundae.)

 

 

 

It is a great family trip. Have fun!

 

 

 

Thank you so much for the input, just what I was looking for. Congratulations on your child’s participation in the junior olympics, you must be very proud.

 

 

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The real question is what do you expect from the children' program? If you expect an additional source of entertainment in addition to your own time taking care of them it should be fine. If you expect Regent to take your kids off your hands for the duration of the cruise you should look elsewhere to a line that caters more to kids. jmo.

 

 

 

Historically our kids would rather tag along with us then go to the kids club on any line...including Disney. They are well traveled, well behaved and engaged. I was just looking for what to expect on a line that we have never sailed and on a ship deck plan that didn’t even show where the club was located. I would assume it would be something for them to do on a sea day, sometimes they do need a break from the adults to be kids. Thank you for the time and input. Happy sails!

 

 

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Regent does not offer "family" cruises and doesn't claim to. Their "kids program" really is a bare minimum and usually only exists on cruises where there are likely to be more children than usual eg, holidays, school vacations. Alaska is also popular but even then the overwhelming majority of passengers will be adults who prefer to cruise without their and sometimes other people's kids. If parents want to cruise and have the kids tag along then Regent might work provided parents understand and accept that they will be required to supervise and maybe entertain their offspring too. If the cruise is intended to give the kids the trip of a lifetime then maybe a more family oriented company like Disney would be more enjoyable for all concerned.

 

 

 

Funny you say that, this particular cruise highlights that it is a family, kids focused cruise...and of course bridge, for all the experienced, seasoned travelers. We live in Florida and have sailed Disney when the kids were younger, can’t say that I would recommend that, didn’t see much value for the commanding prices. We sail Celebrity the majority of the time and they have a nice program. Thanks for your time and input on the matter.

 

 

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Funny you say that, this particular cruise highlights that it is a family, kids focused cruise...and of course bridge, for all the experienced, seasoned travelers. We live in Florida and have sailed Disney when the kids were younger, can’t say that I would recommend that, didn’t see much value for the commanding prices. We sail Celebrity the majority of the time and they have a nice program. Thanks for your time and input on the matter.

 

Don’t pay any attention to those that try to dissuade you. Your kids will have a great time on Regent. I have personally observed and experienced it. Yes, It is true that there are normally few if any children on Regent but during the holidays and summer, Regent goes out of their way to accommodate. Of course it is not the Disney experience but it appears that you have been there and done that (as I have) and it is not what you are looking for.

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Regent is advertising special children’s rates on several itineraries. Not only Alaska but Europe too. Obviously they are marketing to families and extended families now.

 

 

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Yes - they advertise children's rates during the summer and school breaks but they do not provide the level of entertainment that NCL (for instance) does with their 2 deck racing cars that are as much fun for adults as for children. And, this is not something new. Regent/Radisson used to offer free fares for children. They do encourage children on special cruises but thankfully do not offer anything for children the rest of the year.

 

IMO, anyone under the age of 18 needs parental approval to do anything and parents should be aware of where they are all the time. Also, having raised teenagers, they are more likely to get into trouble than young children. Our "cruise from hell" had children between the ages of 11 and 18 and they were like a "gang". Unfortunately, there are few places for older children to just hang out so they hang out in places not meant to be for children. I blame the parents for booking the cruise and not supervising their pre-teen and teenage children. I do not feel the same about children supervised by the Mariner's Club personnel or are with their parents. My biggest fear for teenagers is being unsupervised and having the opportunity to go into their suite and doing things that they should not be doing.

 

I suspect that cruisers are beginning to understand that luxury cruise lines are not ideal for children since luxury cruise lines are having difficulty filling their ships. Last summer and this summer have less bookings than on Regent's other itineraries. There is obviously a reason for this.

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There is no dedicated kids' club space on any Regent ship. They usually set aside a conference room or some other public room. I'm really not trying to dissuade you, just telling the truth so you aren't disappointed or feel misled.

 

 

That’s Good to know. I was wondering about the venue. I appreciate your input on the matter. I am aware that there are a lot if parents that do push their “offspring” aside to others in general and often on the clubs on cruises. We do not, we in fact don’t even push them off on family as they are our responsibility, which is why at their age are extremely well traveled. In turn they understand the expectations we have for them and act accordingly. Thank you again.

 

 

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Yes - they advertise children's rates during the summer and school breaks but they do not provide the level of entertainment that NCL (for instance) does with their 2 deck racing cars that are as much fun for adults as for children. And, this is not something new. Regent/Radisson used to offer free fares for children. They do encourage children on special cruises but thankfully do not offer anything for children the rest of the year.

 

 

 

IMO, anyone under the age of 18 needs parental approval to do anything and parents should be aware of where they are all the time. Also, having raised teenagers, they are more likely to get into trouble than young children. Our "cruise from hell" had children between the ages of 11 and 18 and they were like a "gang". Unfortunately, there are few places for older children to just hang out so they hang out in places not meant to be for children. I blame the parents for booking the cruise and not supervising their pre-teen and teenage children. I do not feel the same about children supervised by the Mariner's Club personnel or are with their parents. My biggest fear for teenagers is being unsupervised and having the opportunity to go into their suite and doing things that they should not be doing.

 

 

 

I suspect that cruisers are beginning to understand that luxury cruise lines are not ideal for children since luxury cruise lines are having difficulty filling their ships. Last summer and this summer have less bookings than on Regent's other itineraries. There is obviously a reason for this.

 

 

 

I understand your point. We are always respectful of others in regards to having our children present in “adult” situations and typically shy away from those occasions. We do want to give them experiences to broaden their outlook in this world. Your “cruise from hell” sounds like a Stephen King plot line, I am sorry it was a bad experience. On the other hand there are some good kids out there that can fit in to these situations. Just because you can afford a luxury cruise doesn’t mean you respect the rights and feeling of others. We do. I haven’t been through the teenage years, hopefully we stay the course! Thank you for the input on the thread.

 

 

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I understand your point. We are always respectful of others in regards to having our children present in “adult” situations and typically shy away from those occasions. We do want to give them experiences to broaden their outlook in this world. Your “cruise from hell” sounds like a Stephen King plot line, I am sorry it was a bad experience. On the other hand there are some good kids out there that can fit in to these situations. Just because you can afford a luxury cruise doesn’t mean you respect the rights and feeling of others. We do. I haven’t been through the teenage years, hopefully we stay the course! Thank you for the input on the thread.

 

 

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Appreciate the fact that you can accept another point of view. This says a lot about you and your parenting skills. We have seen several wonderful children and parents on Regent. Unfortunately, it is the out of control parents/children that we tend to remember.

 

Hope you and your family have a great cruise in Alaska!

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That’s Good to know. I was wondering about the venue. I appreciate your input on the matter. I am aware that there are a lot if parents that do push their “offspring” aside to others in general and often on the clubs on cruises. We do not, we in fact don’t even push them off on family as they are our responsibility, which is why at their age are extremely well traveled. In turn they understand the expectations we have for them and act accordingly. Thank you again.

 

 

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You and your family sound a lot like us. Our kids are also well traveled and are used to being able to relate with anyone, young and old. As I mentioned for our kids the cruise was not about the kids club but the nature and the ports. There are some who try to make it seem that children will just ruin a cruise and that may be true of certain kids, but I can say (in my admittedly limited experience with Regent) that the kids who were on our cruise were not at all obnoxious or intrusive, There were actually a few adults who were very pushy, entitled and really boorish (and they were retired! Not at all young people). So don't let anyone make you feel bad about your decision. You know your family and only you will know what they will like.

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That might make sense for little children. But when you have a teenager, they do have the capability. Regent offers sign in/sign out privileges for kids of a certain age that parents agree to and sign when you register on the first day.

 

You might want to ask questions before being so judgmental.

 

Teenagers are n

to kids and do not need a program. All they need is an electronic device to keep them occupied.

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Teenagers are n

to kids and do not need a program. All they need is an electronic device to keep them occupied.

 

Just because that is how you raised your kids, don't assume that everyone follows your protocol. A very patronizing comment at best.

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Teenagers are n

to kids and do not need a program. All they need is an electronic device to keep them occupied.

 

Actually, based on our experience, it is the teenagers that get bored - especially if there are many sea days. In terms of electronic devices, they weren't around when our children were young - they tended to want to watch television or be outside to play (we encouraged the being outside to ride bikes option). Going outside on a ship isn't a whole lot of fun with few places to go and hang out. '

 

It has been said many times over the years that luxury cruise lines are not the best experience for most (not all) children. What parents think does not bother others may in fact not be the case. Children playing by jumping into and pool and splashing around isn't disturbing when we are in your backyard or a public pool but, with the very small pools on luxury cruise lines, some adults just want to swim laps (very small laps) without anyone splashing or dive bombing into the pool. Expecting young children to sit for a 2 hour dinner and behave (speak quietly, sit in your seat for instance) may be challenging for a child. I prefer letting children be children and not have to watch their voice volume all of the time. So, Regent may not be the best choice for children that would not be happy in that type of environment.

 

Having said that, summer is a good time to have children in Alaska on a luxury cruise ship since it is port intensive and there is lots to do in Alaska. On the other hand, why not sail on a ship with lots of things to do when the ship is at sea and still be able to enjoy Alaska during the day? IMO, it is adults that need to know that there will be a lot of children during the summer and if this is going to bother them - avoid the summer (one reason that I wish there were one adult only sailing during the summer in Alaska). Unfortunately, only around 5% of Regent cruisers read CC so many people take Alaska cruises and are not happy that the atmosphere is quite different than the rest of the year.

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