RCL Kids' Club

[krisssten]

We spent X-Mas 2018 on the Allure of the Seas.  We were a party of 20 with 9 kids ranging from 5 to 17.

We were very disappointed with the youth programs for all ages.  The staff was not friendly, the activities were boring and even the space was lackluster.  Our kids began to call it "Kid Jail"  (These same kids loved Disney and NCL kids' clubs)

I know it has since gone to dry-dock so I'm wondering if they've improved the facility to match what other cruise lines are doing in their kids' clubs.

 

We are looking to book for X-Mas 2019 and are hesitant to book RCL for these reasons.

Can anyone share most recent kids' experiences?

[Clarea]

 

I don't believe there have been any major changes to Adventure Ocean on Allure since last Christmas.

[brillohead]

You already cruised next week?  X-mas 2018?

 

[Merion_Mom]

14 minutes ago, brillohead said:

You already cruised next week?  X-mas 2018?

 

 

[Grandma Dazzles]

Confused. You indicated you already sailed for Christmas 2018?  Also one of your other posts talks about sailing on NCL for Christmas. 

[sandy toes]

We take Grans on Royal MANY times and they always have enjoyed Kids Camp activities and the staff. There was one child, one time, that had an issue. We went to right back and discussed the problem with the child and staff member. Issue resolved. Sometimes kids want to enjoy some activities with their families, sometimes they never want to leave "Camp", every cruise and every child is different. We have been on older smaller ships with lots less bells and whistles and they have had fun. Just because the 4 year old is unhappy the 10, 14 and 15 year olds need not be. Talk about what options the ship has before you sail so the children are not expecting the ship to be like what they saw on the TV or internet ad and then, be disappointed. Many times that simple bit of planning is all that is needed. Watch some you tube videos on the ship you plan to sail together with the kids. Talk about how much fun you will have. 

There are different cruise lines and ships because different people have different likes. My group of grands are very happy on Royal. 

[GarlicBread]

Having done both royal and disney (can't talk about ncl) . If you're kids didn't like it before then they probably won't now either. The two styles of programming are completely different.

 

Disney has the option of 100% free time, sure they run activities but no kids are expected to tske part and often only a small portion of kids participate and the rest enjoy the iPads or craft or a movie or the other games around and at times is a free for all for any kid aged 3-12

 

The idea behind royal is age appropriate sessions and kids go for those sessions. There's usually some free time at the start and occasionally during but it's activity based and once the session starts there's limited (if any) other options of entertainment. So, for example, if your kid does or doesn't like ball games either aim for that session or totally avoid it. Same with rock and roll night of your kid does or doesn't like dancing and loud music, or movie night, pirate night, sports night, trivia afternoon, etc...

 

Again depends on the kids. Some kids thrive on structured activities, others would rather have more freedom and find their own entertainment. Royal might take a bit more planning than just drop in and play like other lines but for many kids, royal doesn't need to 'improve' their facility and match what other cruise lines do.