Our Daughter's first cruise (our 3rd). What do I need to know for a 7-year-old?

[Messunderstood]

This will be mine and my DH's third cruise. We know what to expect at this point and what we do/don't like. This time though, we are taking our daughter who is 7-years-old instead of depositing her with the grandparents.

 

OK, I started off by assuming it will be just like the other cruises except we will have our daughter with us to share in the wonder and excitement! Major differences would be no more closing down the casino and no booze cruises! :p

 

I'm now reading things on here that is making it grossly apparent to me that I know VERY little!! :confused:

 

So, what is a muster station bracelet and where do we get one?

 

Do I have to sign her up for the kids club prior to boarding?

 

Is the Kid's Club going to keep her entertained and happy? Will we feel safe leaving her there? I have read where the staff to child ratio is incredibly high?

 

Why do we want to avoid the build-a-bear kiosk? Doesn't "NO" (after she's gotten the first and only one) work on a cruise ship?

 

How do kids keep track of their pass card (other than mom carrying it for her)?

 

Is there such a thing as a milk pass instead of a soda pass? Actually, if I remember correctly, I can get cold milk in the promenade coffee area 24/7, right?

 

Is mac-n-cheese offered at least once a day SOMEWHERE on the ship? :rolleyes:

 

At what age do parents typically put charge priveledges on their childs card? Is it possible to put limited charging priveledges on a youth card?

 

As far as port days go, I have done NO planning other than booking an independant Sting Ray City excursion for the Caymen Islands. We are taking the "wing it" approach this year as the last two cruises had been planned to the hilt and simply weren't as relaxing as well as being a major drain on the wallet! Luckily, our daughter will actually be happy with sandy beaches and a little trinket shopping at the markets. We will be in Labadee/Jamaica/Grand Caymen/Cozumel. Is there a CAN'T MISS excursion that would be perfect for a 7-year-old mermaid?

 

We are almost at the 3-week-countdown for our cruise and I realize I am QUICKLY running out of time to make plans! :eek: Where did all my time go? Oh yeah, now I remember; school, PTA, extra-curiculars, homework, church and various family commitments! Can anyone take a little pity on a harried mom and educate me a bit on cruising with a kiddo in tow?

 

Much thanks in advance!

 

~Becka~

[cb at sea]

Unless a child is old enough to wander the ship on her own, there's no reason for her to have to keep track of her pass card...Mom or Day should keep it.

Charging privledges are for kids off on their own...kids that stay with parents will not need that feature at all...if child wants something, mom or dad will buy it.

 

If your child is used to you saying "no" and abiding by that...you're good to go. Don't worry about the "build a bear" thing!

 

I think your daughter will be mesmerized by the entire cruise...no need to spend money you don't want to, to entertain her ashore! The beach and a "trinket" is fine!

 

Milk is avail. all day, in all the dining venues...you don't need a "card" for that! Mac and cheese is widely avail., too!

 

Don't worry...this will be a fun family vacation...just do what you normally do when with your child and everything will be fine!

[MamaParrotHead]

This will be mine and my DH's third cruise. We know what to expect at this point and what we do/don't like. This time though, we are taking our daughter who is 7-years-old instead of depositing her with the grandparents.

 

OK, I started off by assuming it will be just like the other cruises except we will have our daughter with us to share in the wonder and excitement! Major differences would be no more closing down the casino and no booze cruises! :p

 

I'm now reading things on here that is making it grossly apparent to me that I know VERY little!! :confused:

 

So, what is a muster station bracelet and where do we get one? At the muster drill on the first day. Alteast that's when my kids got theirs.

 

Do I have to sign her up for the kids club prior to boarding? Not sure about RCI, on Carnival you could print the paperwork and fill it out at home, then bring it with you to "Orientation" on the first night.

 

Is the Kid's Club going to keep her entertained and happy? Depends a lot on the skill of the staff and the kinds/amount of other kids in Club with her. Will we feel safe leaving her there? I assume so, does she go to daycare and such? I stayed home with my kids (and did daycare at home), and I was comfortable leaving my kids there. I have read where the staff to child ratio is incredibly high? Just as in land-based childcare, ratio is different as ages of kids are different.

 

Why do we want to avoid the build-a-bear kiosk? Doesn't "NO" (after she's gotten the first and only one) work on a cruise ship? It works as well on the ship as at home. Problem most who avoid that activity have is that their kids apparently aren't used to hearing it and/or don't know the meaning of the word.

 

How do kids keep track of their pass card (other than mom carrying it for her)? My husband keeps one kiddo's card, I keep the other. No need for them to carry it, as my kids are either in Camp or with me.

 

Is there such a thing as a milk pass instead of a soda pass? Actually, if I remember correctly, I can get cold milk in the promenade coffee area 24/7, right? Not sure of RCI, but on Carnival the milk is included in your cruise fare.

 

Is mac-n-cheese offered at least once a day SOMEWHERE on the ship? :rolleyes: Kids menu on Carnival offers it in the MDR. I've heard most adults say that it rocks, LOL. And also offered on the buffet at lunch time.

 

At what age do parents typically put charge priveledges on their childs card? Probably not until my kids are older, early teens I'm thinking. Is it possible to put limited charging priveledges on a youth card? On Carnival, yes. Unsure about RCI, though I'd assume so.

 

As far as port days go, I have done NO planning other than booking an independant Sting Ray City excursion for the Caymen Islands. We are taking the "wing it" approach this year as the last two cruises had been planned to the hilt and simply weren't as relaxing as well as being a major drain on the wallet! Luckily, our daughter will actually be happy with sandy beaches and a little trinket shopping at the markets. That's a GOOD plan. We had 4 port days on our cruise with our kids and ended up just cancelling our plans we had made for the last port and just cabbing it to the beach. The kids were just as happy, if not more, to just be kids on the beach. We will be in Labadee/Jamaica/Grand Caymen/Cozumel. Is there a CAN'T MISS excursion that would be perfect for a 7-year-old mermaid? Jamaica is not one of my favorite ports, I'd stay right inside the gates of Island Village and hit Margaritaville (they have a beach). Cozumel, however, is great and really family friendly. We went to Chankanaab and it was gorgeous. You can book animal encounters if you wish, but you can also just watch. The beach is gorgeous, snorkeling is great (they rent gear there, even kids' sizes) and service and food are outstanding. Just hop a cab when you get off the ship.

 

We are almost at the 3-week-countdown for our cruise and I realize I am QUICKLY running out of time to make plans! :eek: Where did all my time go? Oh yeah, now I remember; school, PTA, extra-curiculars, homework, church and various family commitments! Can anyone take a little pity on a harried mom and educate me a bit on cruising with a kiddo in tow?

 

Much thanks in advance!

 

~Becka~

 

I'd also recommend letting her pack a FEW things (whatever she can carry on her own in a little backpack or something) for the travel time to/from port and the LIMITED amount of down time you may have in your cabin. The last sea day, my kids were OVERJOYED just to have a little downtime to veg out and watch some cartoons and play with their toys in the cabin.

Hope that helps. If you have any other questions, let me know. I'm happy to help!

[Scrapchick]

So, what is a muster station bracelet and where do we get one?

 

It's the bracelet that identifies which lifeboat your child goes to in case of emergency. Some cruise lines insist kids wear them for the entire cruise. They will be given out on the first day if that is the case.

 

Do I have to sign her up for the kids club prior to boarding?

 

No. Depends on the cruise line... Some have a booth set up at Check In where you can sign up, other invite you to a sign up session on the first evening and usually do open house on the first afternoon.

 

Is the Kid's Club going to keep her entertained and happy? Will we feel safe leaving her there? I have read where the staff to child ratio is incredibly high?

 

hard to say because it depends on the child. My almost 9 year old LOVES the kids club and it's the first thing we check out when we board. Plenty of entertainment offered! She can choose what she wants to do and skip the rest. Don't forget the pools on board, plus other kid friendly activities. It depends what line you are going with. Evening entertainment can also be fun for older kids. I personally feel extremely safe leaving my DD in the kids club. The staff are well trained, plentiful and there are many rules in place designed to protect both kids and caregivers. Your child will never be alone with a caregiver and there are strict guidelines on the staff-child ratio, just like in schools.

 

Why do we want to avoid the build-a-bear kiosk? Doesn't "NO" (after she's gotten the first and only one) work on a cruise ship?

 

Presumably this is Carnival??? Can't answer, as my one and only Carnival cruise was several years ago.

 

How do kids keep track of their pass card (other than mom carrying it for her)?

 

Get a lanyard and have the card punched so she can wear it around her neck, if you trust her enough not to lose it.

 

Is there such a thing as a milk pass instead of a soda pass? Actually, if I remember correctly, I can get cold milk in the promenade coffee area 24/7, right?

 

No milk pass needed, milk freely available at no cost.

 

Is mac-n-cheese offered at least once a day SOMEWHERE on the ship?

 

Should be on the kids menu!

 

At what age do parents typically put charge priveledges on their childs card? Is it possible to put limited charging priveledges on a youth card?

 

Don't know, as we have yet to do it. I might impose a $20 limit for the cruse, but so far we have controlled spending by freezing the spending on DD's card and shopping with her for things. She doesn't drink soda and ice cream is usually available, so there's no need for her to be spending money that we don'tknow about. She is developing a taste for hot chocolate... This issue evolves on every cruise as she gets older.

 

As far as port days go, I have done NO planning other than booking an independant Sting Ray City excursion for the Caymen Islands. We are taking the "wing it" approach this year as the last two cruises had been planned to the hilt and simply weren't as relaxing as well as being a major drain on the wallet! Luckily, our daughter will actually be happy with sandy beaches and a little trinket shopping at the markets. We will be in Labadee/Jamaica/Grand Caymen/Cozumel. Is there a CAN'T MISS excursion that would be perfect for a 7-year-old mermaid?

 

Try Swim With Dolphins in Cozumel... Fun and educational. Stingray City is also a good excursion. DD also like shopping for trinkets etc in the ports.

 

Hope that helps a bit...

[Messunderstood]

Thanks for the responses!

 

The info on the muster bracelets is actually good. Hopefully, RCI ~ Liberty of the Seas is one that requires they wear them throughout the cruise. I'm thinking we could add our cell number to the back of it should she get lost (God forbid and knock wood) as the hubby will have his phone on him 24/7 for business.

 

Great news on the milk and Mac-n-cheese-a-roni as she calls it. She's not one for soda either but MUST have her strawberry PDQ and starches!

 

I likely will keep her pass card with me other than the times when she will be with her aunt/uncle or teen cousins who are also going with us. I saw on another post where they used a lanyard so that's likely what I will do.

 

I was asking about the ratio for the kid club because of a post I had read a while back where there were 50+ kids with only 3 staff (i forget what age group but think they were younger). To me, that sounds like a recipe for disaster! Especially once you consider one of the three staff would be constantly busy with signing kids in/out. If she enjoys it and the ratio isn't outrageous we will happily use it.

 

I was looking at the dolphin tour in Cozumel earlier today! The price is best there plus the description of it as compared to the other ports that offer something similar seems to be more educational. My daughter is finishing up 1st grade and is EAGER to learn! I need to take advantage of it while it's there! She also wants to learn about the history of Haiti since there's been so much talk about it in her school what with the aftermath of earthquake.

 

Once again, thanks for the responses!

[RoadTripFanatic]

This will be mine and my DH's third cruise. We know what to expect at this point and what we do/don't like. This time though, we are taking our daughter who is 7-years-old instead of depositing her with the grandparents.

 

OK, I started off by assuming it will be just like the other cruises except we will have our daughter with us to share in the wonder and excitement! Major differences would be no more closing down the casino and no booze cruises!

 

I'm now reading things on here that is making it grossly apparent to me that I know VERY little!!

 

So, what is a muster station bracelet and where do we get one? Depending on the cruise line they will give it to you at either the muster station drill or the orientation for the kids center.

 

Do I have to sign her up for the kids club prior to boarding? No. You sign up the first night on the ship. Actually anytime after that is fine too.

Is the Kid's Club going to keep her entertained and happy? Will we feel safe leaving her there? I have read where the staff to child ratio is incredibly high? You will be just fine. DD loves the kids center and has since she was 3 years old. (She is now 9) I've never had a problem with the ratios in the kids center.

 

Why do we want to avoid the build-a-bear kiosk? Doesn't "NO" (after she's gotten the first and only one) work on a cruise ship? It does for us. DD has been told she will not have another stuffed animal from a cruise ship.

 

How do kids keep track of their pass card (other than mom carrying it for her)? DD doesn't carry her room card. I do. She is never off in the room by herself and doesn't need to carry it.

 

Is there such a thing as a milk pass instead of a soda pass? Actually, if I remember correctly, I can get cold milk in the promenade coffee area 24/7, right? Milk is free at all meals. I don't remember about 'off times."

 

Is mac-n-cheese offered at least once a day SOMEWHERE on the ship?

It is not offered every day but you could ask. :)

At what age do parents typically put charge priveledges on their childs card? Is it possible to put limited charging priveledges on a youth card?

Yes, you can make it a cash only account. I don't let DD charge on the ship.

As far as port days go, I have done NO planning other than booking an independant Sting Ray City excursion for the Caymen Islands. We are taking the "wing it" approach this year as the last two cruises had been planned to the hilt and simply weren't as relaxing as well as being a major drain on the wallet! Luckily, our daughter will actually be happy with sandy beaches and a little trinket shopping at the markets. We will be in Labadee/Jamaica/Grand Caymen/Cozumel. Is there a CAN'T MISS excursion that would be perfect for a 7-year-old mermaid? We go out on our own in Coz. We like to take a taxi to Chakanaab for the day.

 

We are almost at the 3-week-countdown for our cruise and I realize I am QUICKLY running out of time to make plans! Where did all my time go? Oh yeah, now I remember; school, PTA, extra-curiculars, homework, church and various family commitments! Can anyone take a little pity on a harried mom and educate me a bit on cruising with a kiddo in tow?

 

 

Much thanks in advance!

 

~Becka~

 

Also remember sun dresses are your best friend for little girls on excursion. (IF you are close to an H&M store they have little girl's dresses for $5 that make great cover-ups/excursion/dinner outfits. :) For the kids center old shorts and t-shirts are best. They can get stained with markers and such in the kids center.

[sailinglisa]

I noticed that your daughter likes Strawberry PDQ milk. All of the ships that I have been on (20 cruises), I have never noticed strawberry flavored milk available. Is there any chance you can carry the strawberry flavor mix on and mix it into her milk?

 

I too am a milk and juice drinker.......I HATE soda..................and milk is always available somewhere.....even if it is through room service.

[seashell36]

 

Is the Kid's Club going to keep her entertained and happy? That depends on the personality of you child. Will we feel safe leaving her there? I've never felt that the kids were no well taken care of.

 

Is mac-n-cheese offered at least once a day SOMEWHERE on the ship? Yes, it's on the kids menu in the dining room daily.

 

At what age do parents typically put charge priveledges on their childs card? We gave our 13 yr old charging priviledges on our last cruise.

 

Is there a CAN'T MISS excursion that would be perfect for a 7-year-old mermaid? Not a ships excursion but your 7 year old mermaid would probably like Paradise beach in Cozumel. It's a short taxi ride from the pier. They have all types of "climb on/jump off of" water toys that you can use for I think $7. They have great nachos too. You don't have to pay to use the beach chairs and umbrellas. Check out the port of calls board there's a huge thread about Paradise Beach.

 

Can anyone take a little pity on a harried mom and educate me a bit on cruising with a kiddo in tow? My advice is relax - I'm sure that you, DH and DD will have a great time. And she'll probably be hooked on cruising!:rolleyes:

quote]

[Rapunsel]

What I did not like Is that I have to pre-register for our HAL cruise and they will be putting a $60 a day per person hold on my credit card..... It is my self and my 2 kids... who are 5 and 8. Can I get them to not put that $60 hold per day on my kids??? I don't have a HUGE limit on my card and it will freeze up most of my account???? I mean they don't need any $ on it!