What to do with Kids on Cruise

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Diamand

Guest
Hi!
We'll be doing our first family cruise this Feb. on the Star Princess. We'll have 3 boys 3, 5, 8. Other than the "Fun Zone" activities, what other things are there to do. We're just afraid they will get bored.. Also, we would like to have nice family dinners 1 or 2 nights in the main dining area, but since these are active boys an hour is about all they can take sitting still. How long does dinner usually last or would they be able to accomodate us so we can get in and out faster??? Also, are there alot of kids this age on Princess cruise lines? Thanks for any advice in advance!
 
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Lisa63

Guest
Since you have a lot of time until February, might I suggest something that has worked well for us regarding dining?

Prior to our son's earlier cruises, we prepared him for the long, dining room dinners by going out to eat at home. We started in diners, and worked our way up to fancier places when we felt he was ready. He quickly learned what we expected of him. We also started using our dining room at home, rather than eating in the kitchen. We did this every night... and by the time the cruise came around, he was a gem! And he was only about 2 years old at the time. :)
 
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Natalia

Guest
Dinner onboard is lengthy, yes longer than an hour. There really isnt any way that they can speed it up for you in the main dining room because there are hundreds of others seated, everything is served in courses, and it just wouldnt be possible (Im speaking of the traditional seating). PC dining might be a better option, request a table for just the 5 of you. I know you said you wanted a few nights with the whole family, but on those other nights, take them to the buffet where you can get in and out pretty quickly. Kids that age will love the kids programs and will most likely want to spend a lot of time there with the other kids (at least mine did). This may work to your benefit and give you and your husband some personal time to enjoy a later, more intimate dinner together. There will be plenty of kids onboard, especially if you are going during a school break time.
 
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crjjetjock

Guest
Natalia just said it best. We just came back from Alaska on the Island and there were not alot of kids, maybe 15 or so, but they always had fun. The pools were a big attraction. Sabitinas restaurant was a 2 hr experiance but worth it. Not sure kids would enjoy it. Turn them loose. let them eat at the Buffet. There is more than plenty of choises or the Grill or Pizza facility on deck. Burgers and fries. Yum, Yum
 
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Lady Jag

Guest
They often serve the kids before all the adults, a pet peeve with my sons. (They don't like this, as they feel strange eating when others aren't.) We had such a perceptive waiter on the Coral Princess recently, that he sensed this and served them along with the rest of the adults.

But, believe me, I know what you're talking about. Once the kids have eaten, let them go to the kids program. You or your husband can walk them to the kids' center, check them in and come back to dinner for the next course.

Or, better yet, go with Anytime Dining. We did this with our sons and it really worked out the best. We'd put our name in for dinner, my husband would take the boys and check them into the kids' center and then he'd return to the atrium. By the time he got back (about 10-15 mins.), our name was being called for our table. On the nights the kids wanted to join us, we simply said we had 2 more for dinner. It was so simple! The boys were happy and so were we. We all got what we wanted! :)
 
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