DoraDee622

I've been there, too. It's not a very active forum at all - there are only 7 threads that have activity this month.

I'll be cruising with my youngest for the first time in March of 2025 - also on the Symphony. He'll be 3.5 then. Three is the cut off for the regular kids club, but they must be fully potty trained. Otherwise, the nursery is available for a fee, but that also requires advanced reservations where the regular kids club doesn't. There is also a small swim-diaper friendly splash pad available if they aren't potty trained. If they are, they'll have access to all the pools/splash pads (except the diapered one). I feel like there aren't a ton of posters here with young children - you might have better luck on Facebook. I joined a couple of really great groups there and that's where I've gotten most of my information about cruising with kids.

If the kids aren't school age yet, there are definitely a lot of options available, as other people have mentioned. However, if they are school age, one break that my kids have that qualifies for Kids Sale Free is Fall Break (mid October for us). I'd look into that if the kids in question have a fall break. Yes, we had to get a room that accommodates 4, but it was still substantially less expensive than having them pay normal 3/4 passenger rates.

We're sailing on February 24th, and it looks like they've pulled the cruises until the 29th from the website. Before the storm, there looked to still be decent availability. My guess is things are up in the air and they'll need the extra cabins to move people around if needed. We're booked on Deck 9 in a starboard JS near midship. Hoping all is well by then!

I actually didn't answer your question at all though. For the Zipline and Ultimate Abyss, I did see a "fast line" for VIPs (on Wonder) that was separate from the general line.

I didn't get the Key on our recent sailing on the Wonder for my family of 4, but considered it due to some of the things you mentioned - mostly avoiding chaos and line with high energy kids. But I couldn't justify the price. Boarding was a breeze at 11:00 AM. There were lines, but they moved fast. I really really dislike the Windjammer on embarkation , so we booked Giovanni's for lunch and it was the perfect way to start the cruise and saved us a ton of money vs The Key. This will probably be a go-to move for me on future cruises as well. Regarding the activities - for everything but the Flowrider (my kids aren't tall enough yet), we always found a time of the day where the lines weren't bad at all. If the line was long, we'd just come back at another time.

I also feel your pain! We missed it on the Wonder last week due to windy conditions. It was our only beach day scheduled.- and my kids LOVE beach days. I would have booked my other excursions much differently if I had known. Next time, I'll probably plan for at least one other beach day.

Necessary for everyone else on the ship. 🤣

I feel like a lot of you all have never cruised with two kids 5 and under! Adults only cruise - 7 days all the way! With young kids - 5 days would be plenty, especially factoring in an extra day (or two) for traveling

I'll be the opposing viewpoint. I just got off the Wonder with my 6 & 8 year old. They absolutely loved everything about it, but it was a lot and the crowds were a bit overwhelming to me at times. I would have been happy with 5 days. 7 days was definitely a long time, and my kids are a bit older than yours will be. We also spent a lot more time in the room than I anticipated due to very necessary naps (sometimes multiple), so I was glad we had a Junior Suite as a balcony might have felt a bit cramped. The Wonder is an amazing ship, but I think for a first experience with young children, you could definitely go smaller/simpler and still have the "WOW" factor.

We generally sail in Junior Suites if the price difference isn't too much more than a balcony. I'll pay an extra $300 or so PP for one (for a 7 day cruise). I find the extra space and few perks worth it for the right price. We're booked in one for our first post-covid cruise on the Wonder in October. First time bringing the kids (8,6, & almost 2), so we really wanted the extra space. Otherwise, we'll do an Ocean View balcony. I enjoy having a private place to get some fresh air and escape the crowds.