Our son went on his first cruise when he was right around that age and he always went. It was a good way to meet other kids. He didn't always do the programs they had, but the kids would at least meet up there and hang out. Maybe hit the pool together, or get pizza. We always set rules about checking in with us occasionally, and of course, always together for meals. And also, no going into other's rooms, and nobody in ours, staying in the standard public places, etc... But it gave him a chance to have some fun with other kids on sea days. The activities are pretty much the same from cruise to cruise and fairly standard type things. You want to go on the first night as well, to complete the paperwork and meet kids right away. And then after that, if they don't want to go, they don't have to.