What to do for first day activities when the kids clubs are not open

[jcearth]

Okay, so I will admit that I am an obsessive planner when it comes to cruises, but that is only fueled by my desire for everyone to have a great time. We are sailing with a group of 13 friends and family in September aboard the Dream that will include my wife and three young sons (ages 7, 4, and 3). Right now I am trying to formulate a gameplan for the first day that will maximize fun for the whole family, and I was wondering if some of you fine people could offer your opinions. On our previous two cruises, the kids club was open on the first night so this wasn't an issue for us, but this cruise being a 7 nighter, I am asking what activities would be the most fun for the entire family on the first night?

 

My plan for the day is to board early (FTTF!), drop the bags in the room, and hit the lido deck and the Waterpark. First question: what to do about dinner? My boys are not fans of the MDR (the meal takes way too long for them), and my wife and I are not fans of correcting behavior throughout an entire meal. On other nights, they will most likely eat dinner with Camp Carnival (they love this!). The only time that they have enjoyed a meal in the MDR was onboard the Disney Dream at Animator's Palate (there was an animated turtle conversing with them- incredible show). The first night in the MDR is also chaotic at best, as the waiters have not learned your dining habits yet (I am always amazed at how quickly they do this). Last year on the Fascination, I tried to convey my wishes to get the kids done with dinner early, but there were communication issues and this did not happen - the rest of the cruise it was very smooth. Only one time on any of my cruises have I skipped dinner in the MDR, so I am wondering if people eat at the buffet or pizza place or grill (before it closes at 6) and hang out at the pool instead of going to dinner.

 

Second question: What first evening activities are more family friendly - piano bar, karaoke, live music at Ocean Plaza, or the activities going on in the theatre before the Welcome Aboard Show? My wife and I love piano bars (especially the sing along variety) , but just never seem to make it to the ones on the ship (Since they have stopped smoking in there, however, I am making it at point to hang out there at least once - this time I mean it). The boys love listening to music, or even just a place where they can be loud and not have to worry about being hushed.

 

I would love to hear some opinions, so thank you in advance.

[cb at sea]

Lots of folks NEVER eat in the dining room...so do meals however you want!

[#1TravelMom]

We are just off the Dream with our 8 yr old DD. First day we ate at the buffett after boarding. Then, spent the day at the pool and waterpark. Later, we had pizza and grilled sandwiches from the deli(YUM) - and of course, ice cream. Then, we played miniature golf and watched a movie by the pool.

 

If you want to something extra: When traveling with a group, I will sometimes do a digital scavenger hunt. It is similar to the one that Carnival has for the family(really fun!) You have a list of tasks, etc. that each family, couple, team has to photograph. Note: make sure to get permission when unsuspecting cruisers are involved. EX: photo of someone in the group giving "bunny ears" to a girl in a bikini./ Someone in the group on one knee proposing to cruise employee. /Someone holding a lollipop(these can be found at the cherry on top gift shop)/ someone reading a horror book(found in the library. Etc, etc. You can customize it for your group and age range.

 

 

IMPORTANT sidenote: Please tell the children to be very careful at the waterpark. The deck is extremely slippy in places. I saw 11 people fall in one day. I kept telling everyone I could find about the problem. They basically said that the deck is what it is and they put a "wet floor" cone up to warn people. Also the deck gets really hot. Water shoes are great for gripping and for keeping the feet safe from the HOT deck.