Age restricted areas on Freedom of the Seas

[tinaka]

So, DH and I were excitedly discussing our upcoming cruise last night and a few comments he made struck a note and got me thinking...

 

This is our first cruise with DS (11.5 months) and I know its going to be a completely different experience for us. Some of our usual cruise rituals include going to the Champagne bar before dinner for a Belini or other cocktail, having a pre-departure drink up in the viking crown lounge, and sitting at the tables outside the pub to people watch on the Promenade.

 

Now, I know I can't bring DS into the Casino and the Solarium, but what other areas are restricted for children? I obviously don't plan on hanging out at the bar all night with him and would remove myself immediately if he became at all disruptive, but can we sit in the lounges and have a drink with him there?

 

I'm looking for factual info, not opinions on how I'm a bad parent for bringing an infant into a bar. Thanks in advance for any help :)

[6rugrats]

I don't know why you couldn't do all of this; I haven't been on a cruise where children were prohibited in the bar.

 

We took our older kids into the bar on HAL, and the servers were right over every night to bring them peanuts and their Roy Rogers and Shirley Temples; they knew what the kids wanted.

 

As long as you are adaptible and can take him out if he fusses, I would go for it.

[Kerry's Girls]

I've taken my twins into the lounges since they were teeny. We just find a corner out of the way. Kids also love sitting in the main atrium/lobby areas to see all the people going by and it's always a nice place to have a drink.

 

Another fun place for a toddler is the disco during the day or early evening before it opens. Bring your drinks there and relax as your tot runs around the dance floor.

 

I probably wouldn't do a small, enclosed bar where people are having adult time, but all the other areas are open for everyone.

 

Best,

Mia

 

Best,

Mia

[jerin]

There's one nightclub on F-Class that's adults only after a certain time, and you already know about the solarium and casino. Other than that, he can go pretty much anywhere, though obviously in the evening when it's crowded, you probably don't want to let him run and get tripped over, and you'll want to find an out of the way corner for the stroller if you're using that. If he's happy chilling with the mellow atmosphere of the Champagne Bar or wherever, there's no reason why he can't be there.

[tinaka]

Thanks guys!!! I can't say I've ever noticed small kids in any of the lounges, but maybe that's a testimate to good parents on the cruises we've been on so far.

 

We have 10 of us going total, so I know I can always hand him off to Grandma or an aunt if we need a little time, but I'd prefer to keep him with us for the most part.

[beachchick]

The spa and gym are two other places where he won't be allowed to go. You probably already know that...but thought I'd mention it just in case. The adult nightclub/disco would probably not be enjoyable for your son anyway because it's often so crowded and loud. But during the day, there's no reason you couldn't take him into those nightclubs or lounges before they become adults-only venues in the evening. Most of the bars/lounges will be fine for all of you, day or night.

 

I think you're right that the reason you haven't really noticed young children in the bars/lounges is that most parents are careful and concerned. You've gotten some great suggestions about how to still enjoy that lovely Bellini (or what have you) and bring your son with you. We sometimes see parents who do exactly what 6rugrats and Kerry's Girls mentioned. Selecting a quieter and out of the way corner, as opposed to sitting right at the bar, can be good for the children too because really little ones can get overwhelmed if they are in a crowded area with many adults around, all talking at once. Plus, it makes it easier to slip out if you need to do so.

 

Have a wonderful first (but surely not last) cruise with your son. BTW, I'm betting that Grandma and other family members will offer to spend time with him, not just because they want you to have some adult time, but also because Grandmas (and Aunts, Uncles, etc.) generally want to form close bonds with their grandchildren. So don't be surprised if she sends you off from time to time, while she gets to have fun with your little one.

 

beachchick

[Sky616]

I think a good place to go would be the Bull and Finch pub on the Royal Promenade. They have seats outside the pub and your young one could look around in amazement especially as they look up 6 stories to the top and also at the people walking by.

[cb at sea]

You can take the baby into any bar you choose..