kbarnum

There is no dedicated kids' club space on any Regent ship. They usually set aside a conference room or some other public room. I'm really not trying to dissuade you, just telling the truth so you aren't disappointed or feel misled.

That’s Good to know. I was wondering about the venue. I appreciate your input on the matter. I am aware that there are a lot if parents that do push their “offspring” aside to others in general and often on the clubs on cruises. We do not, we in fact don’t even push them off on family as they are our responsibility, which is why at their age are extremely well traveled. In turn they understand the expectations we have for them and act accordingly. Thank you again.

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Regent does not offer "family" cruises and doesn't claim to. Their "kids program" really is a bare minimum and usually only exists on cruises where there are likely to be more children than usual eg, holidays, school vacations. Alaska is also popular but even then the overwhelming majority of passengers will be adults who prefer to cruise without their and sometimes other people's kids. If parents want to cruise and have the kids tag along then Regent might work provided parents understand and accept that they will be required to supervise and maybe entertain their offspring too. If the cruise is intended to give the kids the trip of a lifetime then maybe a more family oriented company like Disney would be more enjoyable for all concerned.

Funny you say that, this particular cruise highlights that it is a family, kids focused cruise...and of course bridge, for all the experienced, seasoned travelers. We live in Florida and have sailed Disney when the kids were younger, can’t say that I would recommend that, didn’t see much value for the commanding prices. We sail Celebrity the majority of the time and they have a nice program. Thanks for your time and input on the matter.

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The real question is what do you expect from the children' program? If you expect an additional source of entertainment in addition to your own time taking care of them it should be fine. If you expect Regent to take your kids off your hands for the duration of the cruise you should look elsewhere to a line that caters more to kids. jmo.

Historically our kids would rather tag along with us then go to the kids club on any line...including Disney. They are well traveled, well behaved and engaged. I was just looking for what to expect on a line that we have never sailed and on a ship deck plan that didn’t even show where the club was located. I would assume it would be something for them to do on a sea day, sometimes they do need a break from the adults to be kids. Thank you for the time and input. Happy sails!

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Kbarnum,

 

We did an Alaska Regent cruise (our only ever cruise!) with our kids last summer. They are a few years older than yours. Our older teenager found little interest with the kids club, but enjoyed catching up from sleep after competing hard at the junior olympics immediately prior). Our younger son loved the kids club. He received a note in our stateroom each night with the activities for the next day and he loved the freedom of just going to meet the group. He like the kids, the activities etc. One time I had no idea where he was and looked at the schedule and saw they were in the Stars Lounge so went there to check and sure enough he had checked himself into the club. (There were about 50 - 60 kids on board but we hardly saw most of them.There also seemed to be a lot of college students)

 

 

 

However, what our kids loved the most about the cruise was the nature and our visits in the ports. (and that first day my older son loved room service. I think he ordered an ice cream sundae. Just an ice cream sundae.)

 

 

 

It is a great family trip. Have fun!

Thank you so much for the input, just what I was looking for. Congratulations on your child’s participation in the junior olympics, you must be very proud.

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Thank you Towel-Animal. I am usually pretty good with digging through the internet. This is just what I was looking for.

We are taking our 8 and 10 year old on the Mariner during summer break (Alaska). Does any one have any links or information on how Regents kids club is set up? I do realize there will not be many children on a cruise like this, but information on their web site is nonexistent and the Regent section on CC is also pretty small.

Hopefully this will clarify the issue for you from X's website:

 

What is Celebrity's Alcohol Policy?

 

The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on Celebrity Cruises ships sailing from North America is 21. The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on Celebrity Cruises ships sailing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18. In certain circumstances where local laws permit or require, Celebrity Cruises may modify this policy which may also require parent/guardian request/authorization. Guests may contact Guest Relations or refer to Celebrity Today for specific minimum drinking age information on their cruise vacation. For purposes of complying with the minimum drinking age requirements, a guest’s age is established upon boarding at the beginning of the cruise vacation. If a guest celebrates their birthday during the cruise vacation, and thereby becomes of age to consume alcohol, the guest may thereafter ask the Guest Relations Manager to modify ship’s records to permit their consumption of alcohol during the remainder of the vacation. The guest will be required to appear at Guest Relations to present a valid government-issued form of identification to permit verification of their age.

No guest under age 18 may possess or consume alcohol at any time while onboard. No guest under age 21 may possess or consume alcohol at our private destinations. Any guest who goes ashore and consumes alcohol (whether under the supervision of a parent/guardian or not, is responsible for ensuring they consume responsibly and retain their ability to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations when they return to the ship. Parents/guardians are reminded they are responsible for the actions of their child/young adult at all times while on a Celebrity Cruises cruise vacation.

Guests who violate any alcohol policy, including but not limited to underage drinking; providing alcohol to minors or young adults; possessing, concealing or attempting to conceal alcoholic items in their luggage, when boarding or while onboard; engaging in alcohol drinking games; or failing to consume alcohol responsibly, will be considered for discipline under the provisions of this policy.

Which translate into a 'No' unless your children are 18+/21+.

 

 

bon voyage

Thank you for the policy. I wasn't concerned with the drinking age, they are both under 8.

Can I bring alcoholic beverages on board?

No beer or hard liquor may be brought onboard for consumption. If you wish to bring personal wine onboard with you on the day you board your cruise, you may do so, limited to two (2) 750ml bottles per stateroom. When enjoyed in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, each bottle shall be subject to a corkage fee of $25.

We technically have two rooms, two bottles per room is 4. Doesn't say anything about occupants. Just don't want to trash 2 bottles of good wine for not understanding the policy.

We have two cabins booked. Adults in one, the connecting cabin the kids. Celebrity states their bring aboard wine policy is 2 bottles per stateroom. Can we bring 4? Or is there an issue with the cabin having minors? Seems to be a grey area.

Will the 20-somethings change in their likes and dislikes as well as their bodies as they become the 50 or 60-somethings? Will the entire business world be in shorts and flip flops? Will a thanksgiving dinner consistof a 20 pound lump of tofu stuffed with lentils and humus? Will all the men's and women's clothing stores no longer carry anything more fomal than overalls and housecoats?

 

I think that no matter how many stuffy, stick in the mud, traditioanal old timers pass over to their rewards there will be plenty of others lined up behind them looking for something special and for some of them the experience of what is now considered today to be "traditional" of "old fashioned" just might be the ticket.

 

Time will tell.

 

bosco

Mr Beans,

Everyone has their own outlook on this subject as it has been a very active thread. I agree with you in the aspect as people get older their preferences and outlooks change. There is a saying that is you look at the world at 50 the same you did when you were 20 then you have wasted 30 years. I think this is generational change. I am in the early 40 range with a wife and 2 young kids. We enjoy celebrity for the elegant nature of the entire cruise. I am pretty sure no matter what I say or do the corporate wheels will keep moving. So I will keep paying to go until something else comes along that interests me more, or the family wants to do that better suits us. Either way I hope we don't have a 20 pound lump of Tofu in the main dining room on our upcoming thanksgiving cruise! I wish you well for your holiday! Cheers.:)

Celebrity is a for profit company that has hired marketing and directional personal to remain viable going into the future. Celebrity has the past reputation of catering to the upper middle class and middle to upper age. If they do not make steps to encourage the next generation of upper middle class cruisers and get their young families to enjoy the experience by making changes to encourage them to spend their dollars then they will go out of business as the older generation dies off or can no longer cruise due to medical conditions.

Cadillac had the same problem years ago and really shaked the tree with providing stellar technology and modernizing their package. They have turned the corner and have lured a younger generation back to that brand. Lexus is having the same challenge and is working on it as well. Oldsmobile...well the financial crisis didn't help, but you get the idea.

Change is going to happen, you have to be nimble and embrace it or you let it eat you alive and be all sour and resentful. Besides if not for change we would all be going to formal night in our togas with olive wreaths in our hair.

Forward on!!!

We have two cabins. Kids in one, adults in another. Can the adults bring 4 bottles?

They keep the portion size down to avoid waste as well. With so many choices and the ability to get "both" the eyes grow bigger then your stomach and the possibility of feeding the fish is great. Keeping those costs and waste in line!

How long are families actually on holiday for ? We are on the 13 night Eclipse cruise out of Miami on the 16th November

For us in Florida we have the week of thanksgiving off. I think that is pretty standard for the States. My wife teaches, so we vacation when she and the kids are out of school. Sure doesn't help with the rates.

The whole idea is to not let anyone know where you will be. At 5 and 7 they are old enough to fend for themselves. :D

You, my friend have a great since of humor.

Before everyone comes after me...It is just a joke. Our little ones have been on 5 cruises, and we always get compliments on how well they behave. I have read so many threads recently poking at the families with the kids. I see it too, that is why we are point to keep ours from interfering with anyone else's experience. On sea, land, vacation or not we will pull them out if we need to, fortunately it is a rare occurrence.

Thanksgiving is a family time, I hope there are families with kids, "hordes of them"

Our second-ever cruise was on the Connie out of San Juan over Thanksgiving and yes, there were "hordes of kids" ... unruly kids with oblivious parents and crew that did nothing about it. :mad: Never again!

This is our first cruise for Thanksgiving. I am going to stuff our 7 and 5 year old full of pumpkin pie and double espresso and let them run wild up and down the halls!!!

I will be in the spa if you need me!:D

This is what the Schmoe's use.....

 

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-Impulse-10x50-Binoculars/dp/B00LPMCD70/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1445949050&sr=8-2&keywords=10+x+50+binoculars&refinements=p_89%3ABushnell|Celestron

 

They work fine....if you like them, you can spend more $$ on better optics later

Wow, those seem large. I went with the 8x's zoom as when the Zoom gets more focused, 10 and greater it is harder to find things on the horizon with the motion of the boat. I also like taking them with me and the size of the H20's are very portable. Also compare weight, if you are using them regularly the heaver they are, even in dealing in a few ounces the more fatigue you will get. I use them on my boat as well, so the waterproof and the sealed fog proof may not be as important to you. You should be able to have a lot of choices in the sub $100 range.

I was in the same "boat" last year. I found these on Amazon and they work great for spotting distant ships, island detail and searching around port. Not sure if I wouldn't upgrade for an Alaskan Cruise? I searched for 2 months before deciding on these.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006U3ZIWQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

Have seen this at breakfast but never at lunch. We save some from the morning to make lunch sandwiches sometimes

Last trip my kids were 5 and 3. I would ask anyone of the people working in the line for a PB&J for the kids and it appeared almost instantly. They were happy to do it!

My question to you is, while you have not been charged for late night room service, did you tip your delivery person when he brought your order?

 

In my view, I'm relieved to know that a late night room service order will incur an automatic charge, so I need not be concerned with scrambling around for cash to tip that wonderful person who brings to my cabin what I want to indulge in at 1:00 in the morning.

How do you know the charge goes to the food runner? My guess is like a pizza delivery charge the fee goes to the house.

When in doubt I tip a little extra. I think of the great time I am having with my family while I know a lot of these guys have little ones at home in underdeveloped countries and have 6 months ahead of them before reuniting with their loved ones...whats a couple bucks if you are requesting a special service? I am just grateful I am able to cruise with my wife and babies!!!:)

Good thing I have the beverage package!

My apologies guys. I read in in the print version and went to find it online real quick to share with the CC community. I think it is awesome Women are taking on these traditionally male jobs. I am a fan! I did not realize the web site had so much red tape to see the full article.

Sorry

I came across a Captain Kate story in the WSJ today. Figured I'd pass it along in the forum. Here is the Link.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/what-captain-kate-carries-onboard-1441143004

It seems to me the spirit of this thread is lost. It looks to me like the OP was asking if there was enough to keep a 9 and 12 year old happy and occupied.

If your children are well behaved and civilized, there is a lot of fun to be had on board a celebrity ship. If your children run around unattended and rude it doesn't matter what line you choose they are going to disrupt the other passengers. I only assume your children know how to act in public, giving that they will have a great time on a cruise in general.

I have seen poor behavior across generations on previous trips both on sea and on land. It is just the world we live in, we must be aware on how our actions affect others in close quarters. respect and tolerance go a long way on vacation...life in general!

If the kids like fancy dinners, great service, clean ships and organized activities then Celebrity should be great for them. If they are into sports and more physical activities It may suit them to try one of the larger ships with the flow rider surfing, zip line, bumper car, water slide type activities. Either way a cruise is a great way to spend time with those special people in your life. You will make memories and hopefully have some great photos to cherish. I wish you well on the decision and hope you guys all have a great time!

Smoking not allowed on balconies. Not sure about casino as we don't spend time there. But I know we never smelled smoke.

We like Princess. We cruised Norway/North Cape, Spain and Baltic with them, as well as 2 Carib. The new ships,, Regal and Royal, are inching closer to X. For sure if you want to

Change things up, you won't be disappointed. The lines are more similar than different.

We are back to X in Jan. for a 14 day Carib. Princess doesn't have anything over 10 days, just back to backs. We look forward to seeing how the lines compare now...while our July Regal trip is fresh in our memory.

I agree the Regal and Royal are very modern and similar to the Celebrity. I went on Regal March for spring break. It still just isn't Celebrity. I know cabins are small but Regal's were the smallest I have ever seen, not to mention the balcony. It was so narrow we rarely went out there. Typically we spend hours watching the sea go by. that was really disappointing. Clean nice ship otherwise!