The kids and I were "roped into" accompanying my MIL (without my husband as a buffer) on a cruise in a few weeks. I would like to make it an educational trip for the kids. Our stops are Cozumel and Grand Cayman. I have been avoiding prepping for the trip because I am dreading it so much and need some ideas because I am completely blocked other than having them look at our route on a globe. Any other ideas? Please? I've never been on a cruise and am not quite sure how to go about it. I don't want to bring a bunch of books to lug around though.
just take little note books, let them draw pictures, tape or glue in post cards or brochures later, save them in a manilla envelope in your room in your suitcase each day. You know the hard cover ones that say Assignment on the outside? They sometimes have time zones in them too incase you cross any, I dont know where the lines are down there lol. Take a camera , or get them each a disposable to take thier own photo journal, make them jot a note or something about the pictures they took each day before bed. How many days is your cruise?
five. long. days. Thanks for the ideas. I usually have them do a photo journal when we go to Washington DC each December. Can't believe I forgot that one!
wow, ya five days with kid on a ship, spend lots of time in the pool, eating ice cream and all that fun stuff! I bet they have things for kids special programs I mean? Does the brochure say anything about it? Or did you get a packet? ( I actually wanted to be a cruise Director of Activities back when I first started college lol all it has helped me with is helping other people plan vacations and ladies retreats!)
I'd be happy to go in your place . Cruise ships are huge, I'll bet you can lose her (lol). Seriously though, you can study up on the two places before you go. Check out which excursions are available to you and choose one that is educational in nature. They usually have tours that include history or architecture of the region. Maybe practice your Spanish while you are there. They are sure to enjoy the kids program that's available which often includes educational opportunities.
I agree with timkelmom, I will go in your place, its easy to lose someone a big cruise ship, when do I leave. journal have them write a journal. Good luck getting them to do any school on the ship there is usually way to much to do on a ship, then to worry about school. Have fun.
I've been trying to talk people into going in my place. All paid for. No one has jumped at it yet. Does that tell you anything? LOL! I didn't get a brochure or anything. It's all online and I've been avoiding it. I will face it head on and look at the website. LOL !
Think of it as you and the kids going on a trip, sure she is there to deal with but focus on the kids, dont make it like youre the tag along but she is! Maybe that will help things go easier for her as well.. These are special memories they will have with thier grama however hard it is to get along with her they will cherrish them or dred them, but I am sure you know that lol. I would just focus on the fun stuff you will be able to do. ALL YOU CAN EAT buffets, let them kids go hog wild with yummy foods!< they can write about the food too in those nightly journals if it was good or gross! lol
Of course I don't know your MIL but I would focus on the opportunity for the kids to be with her. My children only have had the privilage of knowing one of their grand parents, the rest are all deceased. As for "school" on the ship, I agree with the post a couple above with having them enjoy the experience and do the studying before or after the trip.
I didn't really want to do school on the ship, but definitely make it educational. I don't want it to be all about hanging out at a beach or at the pool. I only had one grandparent (great grandmother) growing up and she died when I was 12. They are very fortunate and have all their grandparents alive AND here in town and 2 great grandparents in Florida. I've told them how lucky they are several times. But it still doesn't make me want to hang out with my MIL for 6 days. A couple hours is usually about my limit. LOL! I will certainly try really hard to change my attitude about it. My son is beyond excited, my daughter is lukewarm, but she hates flying and is scared of being on a boat. So, it should be interesting to say the least ;o)
oh yeah, you will get to have fun with them! Check out the places they stop like she said, check the excursions not sure if they cost more to go one or what not, but see that and really at thier ages you should be able to take in some of the on ship activities too
Here are some suggestions for the Mexico bit of your journey: In advance of the trip, you might do some research on the Maya. The ruins of San Gervasio are nice (not stunning), but advance research should give them more impact. (Guess you’d spend about 2 hours at the site. If you go, hire a guide (Someone should speak English.); you will get more out of it.) I just purchased The Maya: Activities and Crafts from a Mysterious Land (Braman), but it won’t arrive for a month or two, so I can’t comment on the quality. You might wish to take a look at it on Amazon. The Chankanaab National Park would be a good spot (at least a half day) to visit. (Your cruise will probably sell trips, but you might opt to do it on your own (less expensive and you can set your own pace for the day).) Chankanaab has a beach from which you can snorkel and other activities, though I would not recommend swimming with the dolphins. It’s a common tourist activity in the area, but dolphins in captivity…:cry:. Obviously a lot of people feel differently….You could do research on dolphins and have them debate dolphin/captivity/tourism/ethics. The park also has a botanical garden: rubbings of leaves. Snorkeling might be a terrific, low-key educational activity and snorkeling equipment isn’t (or should not be) expensive (better if you can get your own before the trip as you could use them on Grand Cayman as well). Obtain a reef fish guide and/or a reef fish behavior guide, and identify creatures. I loved my guides and frequently used them another lifetime ago (before babies). The guides came from New World Publications, and if there is a decent-sized SCUBA center near your home, they may have them or similar books. There is a museum devoted to the Island and the Maya (about an hour). It is a few blocks from the main square/zocalo, which is also a good place to check, especially in the late afternoon/early evening. Mexicans tend to be very family-oriented, and watching local families spending time together is a positive experience. Sometimes there are activities in the square. If you are inclined toward bird watching, Cozumel is a good place for it. GC probably is too. Get the kids a few disposable cameras (for land and underwater) and let them have a go at documenting their trip (or document X (sea creatures, plants, etc.)); use the pics as prompts for activities once you are home. Have the kids collect small jars of sand for their friends and family. Buy some nice vanilla, then use it for recipes at home. Sample the local cuisine, comparing it to American food or even Taco Bell! Or just eat some shrimp tacos (yummy fried goodness) and drink a margarita (you, not the kids) with your toes in the sand and forget about homeschooling for the afternoon. Enjoy your trip! Donna
