crown princess & kids a good match?

[Mom and Daughter]

My 11 year old daugther and I are considering a cruise on the Crown Pricesss next August. Having cruised on Disney previously would appreciate any comments on the kids programs on Princess and especially the Crown Princess. Thanks

[momasita]

Hello, I have done 3 disney cruises, and went on the Crown Sept 12th. I have a 10 year old DS, and a 7 year old DD. THey absolutely loved the ship, the clubs, everything. I do think that you will have more kids in August than we did. We had a total of 51. The counsellors were AMAZING, and told us during the summer that it was a full house. The only thing is the lack of pools for kids IMHO. WE stayed at the MUTS pool, but people were really complaining with kids around. I did tell them that there are MANY adult only pools if they don't want to encounter children...

 

The only thing that got me was the hours. 12-2 closed 5-7 closed, and again at 10pm closed. They have special 10-1am hours at a charge per hour per child. Was not worth it to me, as they said they do nothing but watch movies. I would rather my children do something, so we picked them up at 10, and usually went to the MUTS. They really loved that.

 

I went with the mindset of having a great time, and trying not to compare, as there will be huge differences. For the cost for us, basically half Disney cost, it was absolutely fantastic. I have no complaints, it was amazing..

 

Hope this helps.:)

[pink1]

I am going on the Crown this Wednesday with my 7 and 4 yr old children. I'll try to remember to let you know how it is!

 

Momasita, thanks for your feedback. How safe do you think the kids were? Could anyone get into the child area or were the doors lock with some type of electric doors so you could be "buzzed" in? I understand that the counsellors are great but how about the safety?

 

Thanks!

[momasita]

I am going on the Crown this Wednesday with my 7 and 4 yr old children. I'll try to remember to let you know how it is!

 

Momasita, thanks for your feedback. How safe do you think the kids were? Could anyone get into the child area or were the doors lock with some type of electric doors so you could be "buzzed" in? I understand that the counsellors are great but how about the safety?

 

Thanks!

 

Well, the club for under 8 years old..Pelicans I think.:rolleyes: had a great secure door with a lock on the top. No child could EVER reach this, and it looked good. My kids however both went to Shockwaves and here you signed them in or out, or allow them to do so for themselves. There was no buzz in/out. This was a NO for me, and they ask you the first time for a photo ID, and they photocpy it, put it in the sign in/out sheet, so they know you, and you don't have to carry it around everytime. Since there were few kids, we all knew everyone, perhaps when there is more, it is different???? The thing I missed was the pager like Disney. However, it did allow for time knowing you would not be buzzed..My only concern was sickness, how would they reacch us/?? The counsellors said, we will call your cabin..I am at the pool, how can you reach me????/ They said they would. So, I was a little weary at times, but all in all the times went quickly enough, and the kids were fine..

[allie's g]

The door to the 7 and under kids area is kept locked. Your have to knock to get in. If you pick up your kid photo ID must be shown. They photocopy it and keep it on record. You will get a beeper so if they need you they beep you.

[rebeccalouise]

I am sure that if there were an actual emergency that they would page you over the ship's loudspeaker. I am sure that would be true of any line.

I have always been impressed with the kids club on every ship I have sailed. I think they are fantastic.

On one of my recent cruises though, I went to pick up my son and he was hiding because he didn't want to leave and no one could find him. finally he peeked out from his hiding spot- but boy were they embarrassed and of course we were all worried! Could have killed him!

[willysgrandma]

Check the pictures we took on the ship - there are pictures of the three kids areas:

 

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcuGjds2csmL6Y

 

The groups are well supervised. I was totally shocked at how nice the kids clubs were. I would not have associated Princess with kids, but they do a great job on this ship.

[#1TravelMom]

Kids pool looks boring

[newcruise1]

Hi,

 

I will be on the Crown on 7/23. My nephew is 7, but he is a more mature 7. Are the activities for the Pelican group more babyish? Will they allow a 7 year old to join the 8 year olds in their group?

 

What type of activities do they do with the Pelican group? Do they do any of the activies that are listed on the Princess website? Do they do the dinners with the kids only group on the two nights as they say on their website? Do the kids enjoy it?

 

Any info will help.

[#1TravelMom]

The activities are sort of babyish for a 7 year old, in my opinion. I accompanied our almost-3-year-old and had a great time. Lots of games, singing and crafts. The one staff member said they are not allowed to deviate from the age requirements. However, they did offer to let one little girl "move up" against policy. I chatted with her for a few minutes the first day and she obviously was going to be out of place with 3-7 yr. olds. I'm not Jewish, and she started a philosophical discussion with me regarding the merits of Kosher food and her desire to try some nonkosher foods. She was extremely knowledgeable and capable of arguing her point. Although I didn't have much to contribute, she was adorable.

 

I'm sure they have to be careful or they'd end up with kids all wanting to switch groups.