Ifoundmydream

I think that it is his sense of humour but I am prepared to be corrected.

I am sure it is.

The ceiling is a deckhead.

Lol. Sorry, all kinds of jokes are springing up in my mind ...

Thanks for the advice. I wasn't sure if a sleeveless dress would be appropriate at night but I guess it may be if the climate is controlled as in the Caribbean.

I am not looking to be dressed up in port, only wish to blend in and not stand out.

Kathy

We all look like tourists in different countries. it's the it where you're standing in the middle of the road looking at a map, with cars passing either side.

People are only in suits etc as many of the European ports are working cities, not beach holiday resorts. I am English, but I have also worked in other European cities and worn a suit.

I would never wear a suit as a tourist to a European city though, it's pretty much the same as in London, and the weather could be anything from 40F to 80F!

If I were going, I would wear black or white linen trousers, with t-shirt and a sweatshirt/hoodie.

and also yes, check out what bits need to be covered (eg knees) for some religious places etc.

It just shows how inconsiderate and rude people have become, and how terrified companies are to enforce rules. I do not want to be burdened by people's children acting out in public, especially at venues that are supposed to be special moments for adults ONLY.

absolutely. Imagine the uproar if it were the other way around.

The bottom line to me is that it's RCI's prerogative to bend its own rules. Who knows? Maybe it was some "VIP" that the Captain wanted to impress? Now - if they bend the rules, then the company should refund money to anyone who doesn't want to be at the table with the little ones - any maybe an additional perk like an OBC. But, since RCI makes the rules, it can break the rules - it just has to appease those guests inconvenienced.

 

Also, about taking kids on cruises. Who do you think the vast majority of mass market lines cater to?????? Families! So, if you don't like my four year old at your MDR table, you're free to get up and leave - we won't.

If they continue bending the rules then no one would travel. I'm a mum, I wouldn't want an adult to be in a children only area, why would I want kids to be in an adult only area? I think bending the rules is a diabolical practise.

I've read all this thread with interest. We dined at Chef's Table on Grandeur last year and had an amazing night. We were at the table for almost 4 hours since our group got on so well and took a lot of interest in the food and wine so asked lots of questions.

 

I do not think it's a place for toddlers and I would not have been particularly happy to see them there. I realise that they were well behaved but just think that the dynamic would inevitably change with such young children there.

 

It's difficult to know what age would be acceptable. My sons have dined out with us on many occasions and in some very nice restaurants from a fairly young age and we have never had behaviour issues and I can see how a couple travelling with (say) a well behaved 13 year old might want to experience this and would know that their child would be well behaved.

 

However, we are sailing with our sons later in the year and asked if they would like to join us at Chef's Table - they will be 20 and 21 at the time (and yes, the 20 year old can join in adult activities and drink alcohol as it's a Med cruise). They both declined as they would love the food but just feel it's too long and too structured an evening for them.

I agree with everything you are saying here.

I think the problem is that parents sometimes think their kids are well behaved (rose coloured spectacles) and then how do the staff deal with one 13 year old misbehaving, and another being well behaved. the parents would be up in arms.

As the mum of a 14 year old I can see a whole spectrum of behaviour in her age group. I also taught 16-18 year olds for years and there is an amazing span.

My daughter doesn't want to sit with us anyway, she has enough other stuff to experience and it will be a miracle if we see her much at all, fingers crossed lol :D

I appreciate your comment very much. It's good to be accepted into the CC family, if you will. I fully understand the Chef's Table ordeal, and I fully understand that some adults need time alone, and without the presence of children. (You probably get your fill for the day around the pool.) But I merely suggested selecting one or two days on the voyage opening up 150 Central Park or the Chef's Table. If you don't want to be around children, then just simply book another night. This would allow private time for the adults and please families as well.

There are so many places for people to take their kids, but not many options for adults to be alone. Why do we need more stuff for kids to do? My Dad was happy with an orange at Christmas but now we have to give kids everything adults have! don't get me wrong, I am a mum, but really, they do and will spoil adult only environments. just like my teenager wouldn't want me to sit with them at her parties!

This isn't a go at you by the way.

I am going to do the Chef's Table on an upcoming cruise and to tell you the truth I would enjoy the company of children more than some of the adult posters on this thread.

 

Shak

you sound like my husband, he prefers kids to adults. Although I don't think I would even take him to the Chefs table, he would definitely misbehave!

Those are good arguments, but they will be challenged by the egocentric parents who can't fathom that everyone doesn't think their kids are as totally awesome as they do.

 

The simple reason this shouldn't even be a debate is that RCI bills this as an adults only event. I don't care what the thought process is. They say no kids, so no kids. Anyone arguing otherwise is just being selfish.

Just putting my view forward with teenage daughter. No way would I expect her to want to sit with a bunch of adults, and no way would I expect other adults to accept her at an adult only event. Blimey, the conversation just isn't the same at all with kids about.

and you are right, others think their own kids are the best and that everyone else should be interested in them. Kids should do kids stuff, there's so much on board. and for those who have chosen not to have kids, good for you.

We are trying to do 2 cruises a year, one with DD and one without. I don't want kids running around or colouring in at an adult only place when I have chosen not to being my daughter.

This comes from one angry women whose niece was allowed to pick the flowers out of my bouquet on my wedding day because her parents thought it looked cute. :mad:

Tips are part of cruising. If you are too stingy to tip, find another vacation outlet.

It sounds to me that its about cruise lines being too stingy to pay their crew well, this relying on passengers to make up the downfall, so that they can compete for customers when they market their "very competitive cruise prices". To me, it's as simple as that. Maybe if people were happy to pay more for their cruises in the first place, there wouldn't be this problem. I believe that's what happens on some of the more expensive cruises, its all included and the cruise lines advertise at a more expensive price. Unfortunately the majority of us want a good deal, which means perhaps the crew suffer.

This thread is a bit weird and just shows how we make assumptions based on one small thing. What anyone does regarding tips is just one tiny action of a persons life. Some people may really struggle with tips because they don't earn much in a job that, for example, helps to save lives. Or they spend all their spare time working for good causes. Others may be loaded and feel good about tipping well yet spend the rest of the year being misers. most people are somewhere in the middle and able to make their own judgments based on their own morals and values.

Well, one of our differences is I hate being waited on. I'd much rather get up and get my own food than have someone bring it to me. Even when the waiters in the Windjammer offer to get us drinks I decline and go get them myself.

Funny, I was talking about this with my husband last night. I don't like being waited on either, I find it really awkward. I end up helping them by moving plates and generally making it more hassle for the staff. I would go and wash my plate too if there was an option, maybe it's because I've camped so much!

We have a cruise upcoming but it was gifted to us as an extended family cruise/reunion. I have been unemployed and we are in the process of moving for a new job. Smack bang in the middle of all this is our cruise.

While I am looking forward to some relaxation, the tips going on our seapass account is killing me. The cruise was gifted but we were told gratuities would come out of our own pocket. It will be me, my spouse and 3 kids in the cabin for 7 days. $420 is more money than I have.

Good ways of saving money (in my opinion).

- get the kids a soda package, this means you won't have to buy them any drinks and that will take the stress away, and will probably cost you less than if you are staying at home for food and drink.

- research the ports before you go, stay on deck if you are in the middle of no where, but some you can definitely walk to or even catch local transport

- if you drink, limit this, take a couple of bottles of wine on board and perhaps the small wine package. If you don't drink alcohol there is free tea, coffee, lemonade (I think), water available all day.

- check your account every day.

You can still have a lovely time, just tip what you can, and enjoy what you have paid for already which is the cruise. Xx

There is such a lot of cultural difference on this thread, I think that is the issue in general, rather than a general 'etiquette of cruising'.

I think if people would deal with tips/ service charge etc they way they would do outside of a cruise then all will be well.

One point though, being able to go on a cruise doesn't mean you have loads of money. We can just about afford this cruise (in fact my parents are paying for my daughter) because of other commitments. We really had to spend a long time looking for the best deal and to us it has to remain the best deal.

But I'm sure we'll still have a lovely time and whatever we decide we will have a good relationship with the crew.

we've been on three cruises so far and this will be our 4th in the summer on IOTS. I will never go back to other types of holidays, and here are my tips:

Watch the sunset as often as possible. It is an amazing sight and you will never forget it.

don't get stressed about queues, just take them in your stride they don't last long.

Look for dolphins and whales and watch them in their own territory, they are beautiful

Watch the high heels, especially on deck, they don't look so elegant when you're slipping about

Join in with the fun. It's surreal all singing whilst leaving a port and sounds a bit naff, but its really special!

and a sixth - remember how lucky you are to be experiencing such magic!

More like a den of the opinionated. :D

I can now see from other threads what a huge topic I decided to join in on so early in my cruise critic career! Typical of me :D

She WILL be amazed. You are going to have such a great cruise.

 

:-)

When we told her she went bright red and started to cry! Doesn't usually happen with teenagers! :D

Yes don't take things to heart on here

It's a den of opinion!!!

What cruise are you going on ? Guessing ex uk ?

Hi :) We're going on Indy from Southampton in August. We started cruising on Thomson then we went on Ventura last year and loved it. It will be DD 14th birthday the day we go she is so excited, she didn't come on the Ventura so I am sure she will be amazed.

Why would/should I care what you do, none of my business. But, since you have to post about it here you must feel guilty about what you are doing and you are looking for some to say its ok:rolleyes:

:confused: its just my opinion. Sorry I won't post anymore. hanks for your other comments.

Do the staff actually know whether or not you have paid tips in advance :eek:

Hello, I'm new on here, and I'm about to go on first RCCI cruise (have done 4 cruises previously but not with RCCI).

I have asked to have my pre-paid tips removed. In my humble opinion, RCCI have this system so they can compete more effectively, and then we are making up the difference in staff payments. I of course will tip good service, I always do this in restaurants etc, but I want to choose who I give my money to.

Prepaying is a bit like giving my daughter 1000 A* at GCSE before she's revised or completed a paper, and then saying "you failed them all but have them anyway"

I would hate to think others are making up for me being mean. I'm self employed, no one pays me in advance :D