I know it's too late, but I'm beginning to second guess our decision to take the kids on a Celebrity cruise (we're already booked). I've been trying to get info on kids on Celebrity, but so far haven' turned up any stellar reviews.<BR><BR>We've sailed Disney and RCCL, which of course had fantastic kids programs, so I'm wondering if I'll have to lower the kids expectations for our upcoming cruise Presidents week on the Mercury. They had the times of their lives on the previous 3 cruises. The children are almost 3, 10 and 13 year old boys. Can anyone comment on:<BR><BR>Childrens facilities?<BR>Whether kids programs ran while the ship was in Port?<BR>How occupied the kids were and how much they enjoyed the programs?<BR><BR>Thanks, I appreciate it.

We traveled with Celebrity (Constellation) this summer (Copenhagen, Norway Fjords, Normandy, London) with family and it was wonderful. Our group of 10 included 2 grandparents, 4 parents, and 4 cousins ages 10, 11, 13 and 15. The Celebrity kids program was terrific and the kids had a great, great time! I understand that Celebrity may be a bit more upscale (can't say for sure - it was our first cruise besides a barefoot Windjammer through the BVI's a few years back), plus I believe, as a European cruise, the guests may have been a bit more cosmopolitan than many cruises (guests and kids were from over 40 different countries, crew from 50 countries - the kids experienced many different and wonderful people) ---- So the kids had to behave AND they did! We were so proud of them and so glad they could have such a special experience! I was surprised how much they enjoyed even the formal nights. But I especially think they loved the freedom that the ship and the kids club allowed them to have. I appreciated knowing they were safe. We did have to have a few talks, however, about how a cruise ship is the only place you can order a warm, chocolate chip cookie via room service in the middle of the afternoon from the television screen no less - every day - and not have to pay a huge amount extra!!!! (smile - It got to the point that I knew where our room steward was going with his silver tray overhead - straight to the boys room for a mid afternoon snack - needless to say he deserved a full tip no matter how old the kids were!! The kids were very respectful and appreciative though so I don't think he minded too, too much!)

Hi Nina,<BR><BR>Never fear. Celebrity has a quality children's program. Sailed many times with family. No program on port days.<BR><BR>Paul

Whew. What a relief. My kids and nephew are seasoned travelers as well, and as a result can be a bit jaded, but it sounds like it's going to be fine. <BR><BR>I assume the kids programs resume in the evening on port days though?<BR><BR>The warm cookies sound like a great treat. Is this something available on all cruises and to all passengers (not just suite passengers?). Thanks for replying.

Paul's wrong about programs on port days. On our recent cruise on the Millie, our youngest daughter was active with the teen club and in Barbados was offered a separate teen club excursion to one of the beaches at no charge!!! She didn't go but it was offered as part of their program.<BR><BR>Don't know about the Mercury, but I wouldn't take Paul's word on this important question. He's been known to be wrong before. He'll probably come back with...&quot;well, I really meant...&quot;

Peter, I hope you're right. I know on the Disney Cruise and RCCL they offered the kids programs during Port days, which was especially helpful when we went shopping for china in Bermuda (this is something you do not want to do with kids!)

Nina- Call your ta or call celebrity direct- they will answer the questions that you specifically have that are not being answered here.....<BR><BR>Celebrity does have a kids program- but remember, it is NOT Disney--so don't expect Disney ===Celebrity is a much more upscale line WITH a kids program...

THe warm cookies my son ordered every day (it seemed) were just part of the regular room service menu. Anyone can order room service at no additional cost. My son and his cousins were in an inside room across from our room and by husband's brother's room. Our room steward (who delivered the room service) was wonderful. He allowed the 3 boys to stay together each night even though we technically were supposed to have an adult in that room - as long as they behaved. SO it was very, very important that the kids be respectful to him and to keep the room neat. I think the kids learned alot and had a terrific time. I was proud of them.