Children on board

[travelforlife]

We will be taking our first cruise with our children (ages 11, 8, and 7) on the Explorer ship in April. The kids are excited but wonder what there is on board to do. We know of the pool, skating rink, etc., but are there family activities? What is the ocean club like? What about excursions, would they be suggested for children or should the children stay on board during shore days? Any and all comments would be appreciated.

[Merion_Mom]

Look slightly down the page at the listed threads. There is a very large one right now "all things explorer of the seas". Some of the posts address your questions.

[Ocean State]

We took our boys (ages 7 and 9) on our first cruise in January on Adventure of the Seas. I was worried if there would be enough to do as well. The ship offers so much for families to enjoy! The Ocean club is wonderful and the staff has so many planned activities for the kids to keep them involved and to meet new friends. The Ocean club will take the kids to Johnny Rockets for dinner on formal nights (if you want) and they have theme days/nights like pirates, sports, etc.

 

The Ice show is really good, not too long and very exciting with cool music.

 

We used the rock wall, basketball court, mini golf, pool, plus relaxed with snacks like frozen yogurt, etc.

 

We brought our kids with us on the islands, they enjoyed the snorkling, or just swimming in the warm water; walking thru the towns, etc.

 

We are already planning another cruise in January 2008 - looking at the Explorer 9 day cruise out of New Jersey. Enjoy your trip!

[Sue L]

We will be taking our first cruise with our children (ages 11, 8, and 7) on the Explorer ship in April. The kids are excited but wonder what there is on board to do. We know of the pool, skating rink, etc., but are there family activities? What is the ocean club like? What about excursions, would they be suggested for children or should the children stay on board during shore days? Any and all comments would be appreciated.

 

 

Definitely take them on shore excursions there are plenty that they will enjoy. Pull up the list on the website and you a hubby narrow it down first based on what you would enjoy and then let them vote. Besides why would you let them miss the enjoyment and wonder of missing the experience of a different culture.

 

There was also a thread not too long ago that someone got left on the island (their own fault) and the kids were left on the ship for 2 days by themselves.

[Ocean State]

Here is another thought - we reviewed the excursions offered by RCI and also read the ports of call boards - and we just booked our own activities using the internet or planned our own beach excursions. Sometimes RCI excursions cost a little bit more, and for 5 people it can add up. But we always made sure we were back at the ship at least 60 minutes prior to the deadline.

[telesaps]

The Freedom had family activities at night, like family disco, family scavenger hunt, etc. Our kids wouldn't do them with us though! (They're older than your kids). Also my kids did alot of night swimming.

[cruiseguy1016]

The Adventure Ocean club is fantastic! There are activities for the kids all day and most of the night (depending on age). Make sure you sign your kids up. They can attend any or all of the scheduled activities. Nothing is mandatory. It also gives them a place to "hang out" with other kids their own age. It also allows mom and dad some time away from the kids so they can enjoy adult activities.