Disney Cruise Line

Junior Cruisers

As expected, Disney ships have extensive programs for children and teens. Parents are issued a pager for peace of mind and to alert them when their offspring need them. Complimentary age-appropriate activities are scheduled from 9 AM to midnight in the Oceaneer Club for ages three (toilet training required) to seven, in Oceaneer Lab for ages 8 to 12. Activities include arts projects, contests, computer games, pool parties, interactive lab stations, and opportunities for individual and group play. Ocean Quest, designed for 10- to 14-year-olds, has video games, plasma-screen TVs, and a ship simulator where young mariners learn to steer the ship. The emphasis is on fun over education, but subtle educational themes are certainly there.

An hourly fee is charged for child care in Flounder's Reef Nursery, which is open during select hours for infants as young as three months through three years. Supply your own diapers, and nursery attendants will change them. Private, in-cabin babysitting is not available. The Stack (Disney Magic) and Aloft (Disney Wonder) are coffeehouse-style clubs with music, a dance floor, large-screen television, and Internet Café. Scheduled activities include challenging games, photography lessons, sporting contests, beach events, and parties, but the Stack is also a great place for teenagers to just hang out with new friends in an adult-free zone.