Thread: Taking the Kids for the First time

I'm taking my two little grandsons (6-10) on a 3 nighter on the Celebrity Mercury. I think there are alot of things I'm going to need to know. I know I need to take their birth certificates and the signed, notarized letter, signed by both parents. The weather's not going to be that hot so they won't be swimming but what else is there for them to do with me in attendance. I'm not sure I want to check them into the kids program much if at all.

You may want to let them try out the kids' program. Not sure when you're going...if after Labor Day, there may not be too many kids onboard anyway. But this may be a nice chance for them to hang out with kids outside of school. There will be activities even on a short cruise -- might be fun for them.

Some kids are into the entertainment onboard -- the production shows, listening to music in the lounges. But many aren't. Maybe you can get them a soda if they promise to listen to some music of your choosing.

Thanks Patty, for the answer. Getting them a soda will guarantee them not sitting and listening to anything. We decided we are going to party all weekend anyway

Show them how to push all the buttons on the elevators and then watch the angry people getting off, thats always fun.....

You could also get them to have hallway races, but best to do that around bedtime and see how many cabin doors will open as they run past screaming.....

The other fun thing for them is to see how long they can stay in the adults pool before some cranky pants complains.....

Oh there are sooooo many things for kids to do

Originally Posted by bs_outwest

Show them how to push all the buttons on the elevators and then watch the angry people getting off, thats always fun.....

You could also get them to have hallway races, but best to do that around bedtime and see how many cabin doors will open as they run past screaming.....

The other fun thing for them is to see how long they can stay in the adults pool before some cranky pants complains.....

Oh there are sooooo many things for kids to do

AND hang out in the hot tub

Originally Posted by Chudley

AND hang out in the hot tub

Hang out? They might be embarrased to do that

neither of them are still in Little Swimmers, either

I would at least sign them up for the club. That way if they meet a friend at the pool deck that is going or see an activity they would like to do they can just show up and you do not have to waste the time at that point to do the paperwork.

I would take different colored highlighters. OH man I should not be responding to this post. I could go nuts here. I have a ball doing things for my kids for a cruise. I do make sure they have a highlighter of their choice of color. This way they can highlight what they would like to do on the activity paper and you know which has what color. This way you can color code things to see if you can make it work out to do what they want to do. I also make special door signs for each of my children for them to hang on the door. I love to make little goody bags for them with cruise related items. The various dollar stores are great finds for this type thing too! I put bubbles in there for sailaway. I buy the glow sticks, necklaces, glasses for the bags too. You get the picture I am sure.

Oh and make sure to give them some $1 bills so they can order room service. For some reason my children love room service.

You do not need a passport as of right now if you are not flying out of the country. Their birth certificates and the form you mentioned should do it for identification.

I would find some of the ginger pills or altoids for them to take or chew on. This will help little bellies. My son was so green the first 8 ours on our first cruise. My daughter has bouts of seasickness. It comes and it goes.

Kids still tend to get bored so make sure you are prepared if they do get bored. Naps are good too. This will help them from getting cranky.

If I think of anything else I will post it for you.

Oh Selena! You are a life saver! I never even thought of seasickness. I didn't think of alot of the things you've mentioned. Great ideas, all of them. I'll do the goody bags and highliters for sure. Actually, I'm going to use every single suggestion. Where do I find ginger pills and why do Altoids work?

Originally Posted by Chudley

Oh Selena! You are a life saver! I never even thought of seasickness. I didn't think of alot of the things you've mentioned. Great ideas, all of them. I'll do the goody bags and highliters for sure. Actually, I'm going to use every single suggestion. Where do I find ginger pills and why do Altoids work?

The ginger altoids I saw at Walmart today. Sometimes I have found them at Target.

I have never taken the ginger pills but we have friends who swear by them. I would say at any drug store, Walmart or Target.

Target always have some awesome things in their dollar section!! I bought some really cute little bead kits there for gifts. I also picked up cheap waterguns and water balls at the Dollar Tree.

You also could pick up different colored pens this way each child has their "own" color. I love those pens that have the different colors and you click on the little clicker on the top ( I do not know the name of these...lol). Most children love those too!!

Oh try some of the Go Fish or Crazy 8's cards too!! I really could go on and on and on..............

But you need to do the glow sticks and the highlighters. They are the boob!! If you are taking a little girl that has pierced ears look for the glow earrings.

If you want to spend real money go on line and do a search for the lcd drinking glasses. The ship may sale them with a drink but you normal can pick them up for a lot cheaper on line.

I love Eartholrando.com . While most of their stuff is for older people they do have the cups I mentioned.


I need to stop before I go too wild. Ya know they have light up braids too! Little girls love them. Little boys love the little light up mouth piece to put in their mouths. They have light up hair barrets and leis and...etc....OK I am not typing anymore. I am going a little overboard. lol