leaving daughter in room alone

[crusinmama06]

I couldn't say enough about the kids programs! I had to drag my almost 5 year old out of them every night. She would stay till 1am if I let her. Many nights I wanted to go to sleep, but had to wait up for her. ;)

 

Your daughter will make friends and enjoy the kids club late night parties.

[bplazo]

RCI has an Outstanding "kid's program" - all ages! Sailed SOS 12/05 - it's a beatiful ship - Great Adventure Ocean program - we have a 9 going on 19 g.daughter....she luvs the program (selects her own outfit for the day as she goes to "her club"). No way would I leave *any* kids alone on any ship! It's not the kids I worry about -- it's the adults. It's a floating city. Suppose a real disaster at sea occurred and you couldn't get back to your cabin:eek: ? The only way to be "safe 'n sure" is to stay together. A family vacation' date=' IMHO, is just that: "family (being together)". If kid's don't enjoy being with mom/dad or visa versa, they should stay home. Adventure Ocean is staffed with highly qualified Staff - the programs are appropriately organized by age groups. The only problem would be if a kid doesn't mix well in strange or new environments - the Staff tries really hard and as I said before, their credentials are Top! When we go w/the kids, it's always RCI![/quote']

 

Hi EmJake,

 

I agree with you. When I take my daughter on vacation, it is all about her and I wouldnt think to leave her in the cabin by herself (even if that is what she wanted and it probably is).

[EmJakeBubbie]

bplazo - it's nice to see you again - any cruises on your horizon? we are recovering from NCL STAR, with our next holiday to China coming up in May. Would be nice to reunite the old SOS gang:) We had a 52-member Roll Call on the STAR - Zamboni became our theme - it was a hoot!! NCL gave us a great Cruise Critic party!!!

[IndyMisty]

I cruised on RCCL in July 2004 with my three sons, 8, 7 and 6 at the time. It was almost more their vacation than mine. They woke up every morning at 6am begging me to get up and take them to "camp." I had to explain to them it wasn't open yet. And when it was time for me to pick them up (closing time) they ran and hid! They spent every available minute in the kid's program. They wouldn't have had it any other way.

 

After dinner, on the few nights when there was no kids activities available, I left them in the cabin alone. Believe me, they were dog tired from playing all day. All they wanted was to crash! I felt completely safe leaving them alone in the cabin. I have very mature boys who know how to follow instructions. I closed down the disco most nights while they caught up on their sleep and prepared for the next day of savenger hunts, crazy dancing and exploring.

 

They had lanyards with their own key and could check themselves in and out. Our cabin was two floors directly below the kid's activity center. My number one rule was they had to stay together, and they did. They loved it! They can't wait to cruise again. They'll be 10, 9 and 8 on our next cruise and I still have no reservations. Of course, I'll have my four year old daughter along as well, but she won't be alone with them. She'll be with the babysitting service.

 

If you're a nervous parent who won't be able to enjoy yourself, then don't leave your child alone in the cabin. If you're level-headed and use common sense, then have a ball. Do what you feel comfortable with.

[leonardjan]

Hi Everyone,

 

I find it very interesting that Carnival and RCI permitted my 9 year old child to sign himself out of Kids Camp to roam the ship on his own. I think this was ridiculous, but it's the policy.

 

My husband and I permitted our children last year to watch tv in the room while we finished our dinner. We had a beeper, and they were not to open the door to anyone.

[EmJakeBubbie]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=304554

 

IMHO, and it really is only my opinion, so no flames, please, children of all ages should not be left alone on a ship (unless they are in the supervised children-teen programs). If you read the above link, you will see reasons why I'm so opposed to leaving them alone. Seasoned cruisers/travelers know from experience to expect the unexpected. Thankfully I've never been involved in a sea tragedy, but I have been on ships that turn around suddenly; have helicopter rescues at seas; good weather this moment and rockin 'n rollin the next. Children can be bright and trustworthy, but if they are in their cabin without adult supervision, would they be able to reach their life jacket and know where to go if hallways fills with smoke, etc.? Cruise vacations are wonderful opportunities to be together and make precious family memories. I won't judge supervision that determines the under 18 set should be in their cabin alone (or wandering hallways w/friends).....just consider the What If....and then go see the re-make of the Poseiden Adventure....

May you continue to enjoy the seas always and all ways.

[Nliedel]

On the Mariner in October I was surprised and shocked to see the little girl, about 6, next door going in and out of her cabin alone. I just could not fathom it. I would never leave my kids alone on the ship and while I don't really want to tell others how to parent I, well I was just plain worried about that little girl. I love my 6 year old but trust him alone? Not for a minute. Not that he is not a good kid, because he is my dream boy and VERY trustworthy but when someone comes up with a dumb idea (read older brother) my Stevie is all over it and judgement just flies out the window. Kids in small groups can be trusted to an extent but if they get in a pack.... look out.

[renata102]

just wondering if anyone thinks it is an okay idea to leave an 11 year old in the room alone while husband and wife go out to the casino and stuff, like late in the evening. my husband seems to think this is okay, but i am not really liking the idea. just wondered what others thought.

 

Thanks!!!

 

it all depends on the maturity of your child. If you trust her and she is responsible I don't see why not. put the "do not disturb" sign up and adamtly tell her that she MAY NOT open the DOOR FOR ANY REASON. unless there is an alarm. If someone keeps knocking have her raise you up on the talkie and you can come ande check it out. Same rules as the house. Invest in a walkie talkie maybe and relax and have fun check in on her every few hours to see if she is safe and sound. Bring like a portable DVD player with a bunch of DVD's movies so if she gets bored she can watch a movie or two. anyway

[renata102]

On the Mariner in October I was surprised and shocked to see the little girl, about 6, next door going in and out of her cabin alone. I just could not fathom it. I would never leave my kids alone on the ship and while I don't really want to tell others how to parent I, well I was just plain worried about that little girl. I love my 6 year old but trust him alone? Not for a minute. Not that he is not a good kid, because he is my dream boy and VERY trustworthy but when someone comes up with a dumb idea (read older brother) my Stevie is all over it and judgement just flies out the window. Kids in small groups can be trusted to an extent but if they get in a pack.... look out.

 

 

11 years old is fine but 6 years old is a concern. That is something that I would NEVER DO.