My Experience in CL with Kids

[gerif]

I just said "it appears", which means it's how it LOOKS to others. Is that all you took out of my post? Geez, taken completely out of context.:rolleyes:

 

While I agree with your comments otherwise, I don't believe people necessarily want to drink in front of their kids. It's just that for that time period, they have nowhere else to dump them as the kids' club is closed until 7.

[teddie]

While I agree with your comments otherwise, I don't believe people necessarily want to drink in front of their kids. It's just that for that time period, they have nowhere else to dump them as the kids' club is closed until 7.

 

If it were me, I'd go without the drink and be a parent to my kids. That is how I was raised. Old-fashioned, I guess. I shudder to see kids in bars, and around an alcohol-centered event. It's inappropriate.

 

teddie

[BND]

While I agree with your comments otherwise, I don't believe people necessarily want to drink in front of their kids. It's just that for that time period, they have nowhere else to dump them as the kids' club is closed until 7.

 

This apparently only became an issue in the last couple of years when people started deciding their children were the center of the universe. I have raised two boys and while they were the center of our universe, I never expected anyone else to think so. While raising our kids, there were things we didn't do and places we didn't go with them.

 

My point was the parents want to use the CL to get a drink and bring their children to do so. My comment was a bit tongue in cheek, but some posters see evil intent in everything and anything that has anything to do with adults wanting some small amount of time with other adults. There is currently NOWHERE onboard that adults have all to themselves. Even the solarium is not closed to children, just the pools and hot tubs in there. Is it asking too much to have adult only spaces? As I said above, even Disney has adult only areas.

[JillLovesTravel]

While I agree with your comments otherwise, I don't believe people necessarily want to drink in front of their kids. It's just that for that time period, they have nowhere else to dump them as the kids' club is closed until 7.

 

"dump them"? Nice attitude toward the children of others.

[JillLovesTravel]

This apparently only became an issue in the last couple of years when people started deciding their children were the center of the universe. I have raised two boys and while they were the center of our universe, I never expected anyone else to think so. While raising our kids, there were things we didn't do and places we didn't go with them.

 

My point was the parents want to use the CL to get a drink and bring their children to do so. My comment was a bit tongue in cheek, but some posters see evil intent in everything and anything that has anything to do with adults wanting some small amount of time with other adults. There is currently NOWHERE onboard that adults have all to themselves. Even the solarium is not closed to children, just the pools and hot tubs in there. Is it asking too much to have adult only spaces? As I said above, even Disney has adult only areas.

Why don't you cruise an adult only cruise line instead of a family cruise line? Or at least cruise Disney then? Why would you subject yourself to a family cruise line that welcomes suite guests under the age of 18 in the CL?

 

It's not the cruise lines fault that kids are in the CL, the cruise line invited them. You have a choice. You choose to travel on a family cruise line that invites children into the CL. Why are you complaining about it?

[CruisinGerman]

When you are on the Explorer in November, do use the overflow lounge. They do it in a private lounge upstairs in the "Viking Crown" off of Dizzies.

 

The reason I tell you to use it is that it is fantastic -- even better than the CL.

 

First of all -- the view versus no view in the CL.

 

Second of all, up there you order your drinks from a waiter or waitress but the drinks are actually made in the Dizzie's full-service bar. You can basically order almost anything -- even complex blender drinks, which you cannot do in the make-shift bar set up they have in the CL.

 

We would first stop in the CL, have a drink there and say hello to the Concierge and ask if the overflow lounge was open. It always was, and then we'd go upstairs and spend some time there.

 

Enjoy your cruise,

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

[ljf6]

You are referring to suite guests and also to the Diamond Lounge. Suite guests and children are not entitled to use the Diamond Lounge. They are invited to the Concierge Lounge, unless they happen to also be Diamond members. Even then, children are not allowed in the DL, unless that policy has changed, and NEVER unsupervised. I would have brought the situation you describe to the attention of the Diamond Concierge and also to Guest Services.

 

You are correct, I actually wrote "Diamond lounge" however I meant to say Concierge Lounge. The scenarios described all occurred in the Concierge lounge.

[bplazo]

Why don't you cruise an adult only cruise line instead of a family cruise line? Or at least cruise Disney then? Why would you subject yourself to a family cruise line that welcomes suite guests under the age of 18 in the CL?

 

It's not the cruise lines fault that kids are in the CL, the cruise line invited them. You have a choice. You choose to travel on a family cruise line that invites children into the CL. Why are you complaining about it?

 

It is not all about families.

[Heidils]

Ah...this is why we get the cabin we feel comfortable with, do our research so as to avoid possible problems, but all in all realize we are in fact traveling with a diverse group of people. We can talk till the cows come home and are not likely going to change anything. So carve out your nitche and be happy.

 

As a side my parents are not drinkers. However, on vacation Mom might have ordered a Pina Colada, and she would let me have a taste. I guess she would be looked down on for that now. And somewhat rightfully so. But this being said, I didn't have a need to sneak to try something. I certainly wouldn't put alcohol in my kids clothes. That's a whole different message.

[Debde]

It is not all about families.

 

Well-it is now as far as the CL goes.

 

This thread was brought back to life after being very quiet for 6 months.

Seems nothing has occured and policy did not change and from what I hear is not so some may just have to deal with it.

[temple1]

I admit, I've not read the entire 20 or so pages of back and forth on kids no kids in the previously adult areas, but I think I've read enough to add my 2 cents worth to a variety of comments without quoting everyone involved. ;)

 

1. For such a - I don't want anyone telling me how to live my vacation and I paid a lot of money to use the CL lounge - group of people, some sure do worry about parents allowing their teenagers to experience alcohol in a controlled environment.

 

2. Just because people want ONE or TWO adult spaces on a ship holding over 4,000 people does not mean they should pay extra for a super expensive all inclusive cruise line. It means the main stream cruiselines should respect their guests who do not have children or choose to cruise without their children and provide some small space other than the smokey casino.

 

3. After the first night TPTB on the ship should know about the situation in the lounges and should provide additional support to the staff to prevent abuse.

 

4. At the end of the cruise everyone who is bothered by the different behaviors allowed by the staff or the change in policies should speak up on their cruise surveys and send emails to corporate once you arrive home.

 

:)

[spcopps]

We all know the big issue is the alcohol. Of course the Suite guests are upset (and rightfully so) that they cannot have free drinks for their whole family after they have paid 3-8 times more per passenger for the same cruise as the other guests. RCI could solve 90% of this issue if they would provide alcohol (or an alcohol allowance) to their Suite guests to be served IN THE SUITE. It would relieve some of the congestion in the Concierge Lounge and it would eliminate many of the requests to bring children into the lounge.

 

LOVE this idea. We travel with 3 kids ages 4, 4 and 8. I want to say I would not take my kids into the lounge because A) what fun is it for the kids to sit with adults having a drink before dinner and B) as a parent, I can say, it isn't very relaxing to have to keep telling your kids to be quiet, sit down, stop that, while trying to enjoy a pre dinner drink. IF suite guest could order just 1 bottle of wine or bucket of beer per night for in cabin enjoyment, WOW, that would be wonderful. We could enjoy our wine on the balcony and the kids wouldn't be "held hostage" in a room with nothing to do but sit quietly. If they put a limit on the daily order the system couldn't be abused. Say 1 bottler of wine/bucket of beer per cabin or gold card would prevent abuse, simply blocking the ability to order more within a certain time frame. To make it even easier for Royal they could do it the same way disney does their dining plan, add a pre determined number of credits onto your sail & sign card for each guest over the age of 21 that can be used during your cruise, then when all your credits are used you have to pay out of pocket. This would allow those without children to enjoy the lounge with friends and parents can enjoy relaxing drinks without disturbing other passengers. The S&S card would save RCCL money as opposed to having a 3 1/2 hour window EACH day to drink all you can because some adults can drink a lot of alcohol in that time period.

[trolleydolly]

Out of interest, going on the Indy in a week and was wondering, if anyone knows do they have an overflow lounge if really busy. Have noticed nearly all suites sold, so where would that be and is it a question we would ask if CL packed. Thanks.

[travelgoddess1]

Out of interest, going on the Indy in a week and was wondering, if anyone knows do they have an overflow lounge if really busy. Have noticed nearly all suites sold, so where would that be and is it a question we would ask if CL packed. Thanks.

 

Usually, when the combined Suite/Diamond Plus/Pinnacle Club count Hits a certain number, the ship will open an overflow Lounge, usually on Deck 14, sometimes in the Lounge on Deck 5 at the forward end of the Promenade.

 

I assume by your screenname you are a flight attendant, as was I. Bon Voyage!

[blondcat]

Just to put my 2 cents in (or pennies technically as I'm from England!), I have booked an owner's suite for July holiday on Freedom with my 15 year old son. For the record, prior to reading this thread, I probably would have popped into CL for a free drink in the evening before dinner with my lad (we have gone for the late sitting) and would have thought nothing of it. If the leaflet delivered to my room says we're welcome I would have gone. Who is going to turn down a free drink?

 

Definitely wont be going now! I hate conflict or bad vibes in any situation but definitely not when I'm on holiday. I think it would be horribly uncomfortable sitting there thinking people don't want us there. Maybe if I had a hubby or a boyfriend or was with a friend I'd feel a bit braver. But still not convinced. Have to say though I am finding the whole suite thing a bit of a quandary. There was another thread talking about suite guests getting priorities to the shows and other priority lines for embarkation/debarkation etc which was quite heated also.

 

If you pay for a holiday and there are a list of cool things that come with it, it's a bit of a shame to feel like you can't use them when you are technically entitled. Not trying to be provocative. Just questioning why I booked a suite if the perks are disapproved of by so many. Two smaller cabins would have been cheaper and given us the individual space and privacy we will get in the very expensive suite.

[Wilda]

Just to put my 2 cents in (or pennies technically as I'm from England!), I have booked an owner's suite for July holiday on Freedom with my 15 year old son. For the record, prior to reading this thread, I probably would have popped into CL for a free drink in the evening before dinner with my lad (we have gone for the late sitting) and would have thought nothing of it. If the leaflet delivered to my room says we're welcome I would have gone. Who is going to turn down a free drink?

 

Definitely wont be going now! I hate conflict or bad vibes in any situation but definitely not when I'm on holiday. I think it would be horribly uncomfortable sitting there thinking people don't want us there. Maybe if I had a hubby or a boyfriend or was with a friend I'd feel a bit braver. But still not convinced. Have to say though I am finding the whole suite thing a bit of a quandary. There was another thread talking about suite guests getting priorities to the shows and other priority lines for embarkation/debarkation etc which was quite heated also.

 

If you pay for a holiday and there are a list of cool things that come with it, it's a bit of a shame to feel like you can't use them when you are technically entitled. Not trying to be provocative. Just questioning why I booked a suite if the perks are disapproved of by so many. Two smaller cabins would have been cheaper and given us the individual space and privacy we will get in the very expensive suite.

 

Blondcat- go to the Cl, take your son, and enjoy every single moment:) Don't let a very small sample of the cruising population sway you from enjoying something you are entitled to!

[BND]

Blondcat- go to the Cl, take your son, and enjoy every single moment:) Don't let a very small sample of the cruising population sway you from enjoying something you are entitled to!

 

While, we want the CL the way it was, with adults only during those 3 hours, we would never say anything to anyone with their children. If there were children who were making it difficult to have a conversation or find a place to sit, we might mention it to the Concierge and ask what they planned to do about overflow, etc. It's not our place to say anything to the family/parents under those circumstances (only would say something if the kids were in our faces, being disrespectful to us, things like that). I think most of us that don't like the change, are not about confronting the parents at all, we just want the adult time. I agree there are good, well behaved children, but even those children get bored and most don't want to sit there while their parents are drinking and having conversations with others.

 

And, yes, the suites cost more, but someone correct me if I'm wrong,that the 3rd and 4th, etc passenger charge is the same regardless of cabin category?

 

We book suites for a couple of reasons, one, that we like the room, secondary is the perks, including barefoot beach on Labadee (our GS have all been on ships going to Labadee) and the cocktail adult hour before dinner.

 

And, as for the idea of alcohol provided to suite guests in their cabins, not my idea of fun. We like meeting new people in the CL during cocktail hour. We never drink in our cabin unless we receive a bottle for bonvoyage.

[LovesCruising]

Just to put my 2 cents in (or pennies technically as I'm from England!), I have booked an owner's suite for July holiday on Freedom with my 15 year old son. For the record, prior to reading this thread, I probably would have popped into CL for a free drink in the evening before dinner with my lad (we have gone for the late sitting) and would have thought nothing of it. If the leaflet delivered to my room says we're welcome I would have gone. Who is going to turn down a free drink?

 

Definitely wont be going now! I hate conflict or bad vibes in any situation but definitely not when I'm on holiday. I think it would be horribly uncomfortable sitting there thinking people don't want us there. Maybe if I had a hubby or a boyfriend or was with a friend I'd feel a bit braver. But still not convinced. Have to say though I am finding the whole suite thing a bit of a quandary. There was another thread talking about suite guests getting priorities to the shows and other priority lines for embarkation/debarkation etc which was quite heated also.

 

If you pay for a holiday and there are a list of cool things that come with it, it's a bit of a shame to feel like you can't use them when you are technically entitled. Not trying to be provocative. Just questioning why I booked a suite if the perks are disapproved of by so many. Two smaller cabins would have been cheaper and given us the individual space and privacy we will get in the very expensive suite.

 

Please go - take your son - do not stay away! We have been cruising suites, we go, we have seen children and they have been well behaved and have not been bothered by it.

 

While, we want the CL the way it was, with adults only during those 3 hours, we would never say anything to anyone with their children. If there were children who were making it difficult to have a conversation or find a place to sit, we might mention it to the Concierge and ask what they planned to do about overflow, etc. It's not our place to say anything to the family/parents under those circumstances (only would say something if the kids were in our faces, being disrespectful to us, things like that). I think most of us that don't like the change, are not about confronting the parents at all, we just want the adult time. I agree there are good, well behaved children, but even those children get bored and most don't want to sit there while their parents are drinking and having conversations with others.

 

And, yes, the suites cost more, but someone correct me if I'm wrong,that the 3rd and 4th, etc passenger charge is the same regardless of cabin category?

 

We book suites for a couple of reasons, one, that we like the room, secondary is the perks, including barefoot beach on Labadee (our GS have all been on ships going to Labadee) and the cocktail adult hour before dinner.

 

And, as for the idea of alcohol provided to suite guests in their cabins, not my idea of fun. We like meeting new people in the CL during cocktail hour. We never drink in our cabin unless we receive a bottle for bonvoyage.

 

Third and fourth passenger charge is not always the same regardless of cabin cat - it depends on the sailing.

[spcopps]

While, we want the CL the way it was, with adults only during those 3 hours, we would never say anything to anyone with their children. If there were children who were making it difficult to have a conversation or find a place to sit, we might mention it to the Concierge and ask what they planned to do about overflow, etc. It's not our place to say anything to the family/parents under those circumstances (only would say something if the kids were in our faces, being disrespectful to us, things like that). I think most of us that don't like the change, are not about confronting the parents at all, we just want the adult time. I agree there are good, well behaved children, but even those children get bored and most don't want to sit there while their parents are drinking and having conversations with others.

 

And, yes, the suites cost more, but someone correct me if I'm wrong,that the 3rd and 4th, etc passenger charge is the same regardless of cabin category?

 

We book suites for a couple of reasons, one, that we like the room, secondary is the perks, including barefoot beach on Labadee (our GS have all been on ships going to Labadee) and the cocktail adult hour before dinner.

 

And, as for the idea of alcohol provided to suite guests in their cabins, not my idea of fun. We like meeting new people in the CL during cocktail hour. We never drink in our cabin unless we receive a bottle for bonvoyage.

 

I agree with the kids getting bored, actually posted it a few post up. We travel with 3 kids and I can tell you the 3rd, 4th person rate is NOT the same across the categories. I know on some ships the 3rd/4th rate can be over $1,000 EACH...so more than some pay for other categories 1st/2nd rate.

[Debde]

Blondcat- go to the Cl, take your son, and enjoy every single moment:) Don't let a very small sample of the cruising population sway you from enjoying something you are entitled to!

 

I agree with Wilda. Blondcat, go and enjoy with your son.

[trolleydolly]

Usually, when the combined Suite/Diamond Plus/Pinnacle Club count Hits a certain number, the ship will open an overflow Lounge, usually on Deck 14, sometimes in the Lounge on Deck 5 at the forward end of the Promenade.

 

I assume by your screenname you are a flight attendant, as was I. Bon Voyage!

 

Thank you! Yes. Have been 24 years now!! Off to south Africa today. Back Monday. One day to pack and then on the Indy!:D happy cruising.

[oneeyedguy]

While, we want the CL the way it was, with adults only during those 3 hours, we would never say anything to anyone with their children. If there were children who were making it difficult to have a conversation or find a place to sit, we might mention it to the Concierge and ask what they planned to do about overflow, etc. It's not our place to say anything to the family/parents under those circumstances (only would say something if the kids were in our faces, being disrespectful to us, things like that). I think most of us that don't like the change, are not about confronting the parents at all, we just want the adult time. I agree there are good, well behaved children, but even those children get bored and most don't want to sit there while their parents are drinking and having conversations with others.

 

And, yes, the suites cost more, but someone correct me if I'm wrong,that the 3rd and 4th, etc passenger charge is the same regardless of cabin category?

 

We book suites for a couple of reasons, one, that we like the room, secondary is the perks, including barefoot beach on Labadee (our GS have all been on ships going to Labadee) and the cocktail adult hour before dinner.

 

And, as for the idea of alcohol provided to suite guests in their cabins, not my idea of fun. We like meeting new people in the CL during cocktail hour. We never drink in our cabin unless we receive a bottle for bonvoyage.

 

 

Our cruise next year is around $1200.00 for the 3rd, 4th passengers. Not exactly cheep.

[BND]

Our cruise next year is around $1200.00 for the 3rd, 4th passengers. Not exactly cheep.

 

That tells me you're in, what a family suite? The only way you'd be paying that much for 3rd and 4th is if you're paying a lot more for the first two. That's a choice.

[ljf6]

Why don't you cruise an adult only cruise line instead of a family cruise line? Or at least cruise Disney then? Why would you subject yourself to a family cruise line that welcomes suite guests under the age of 18 in the CL?

 

It's not the cruise lines fault that kids are in the CL, the cruise line invited them. You have a choice. You choose to travel on a family cruise line that invites children into the CL. Why are you complaining about it?

 

You seem to be missing the point of this discussion. The original policy for the Concierge Lounge was adults only. RCI changed the policy to allow children to enter. Many people are questioning the wisdom in doing so. I believe their intent was to allow children with their adult parents to go to the Concierge lounge. I believe there would be no objection to supervised well behaved children. I don't think RCI anticipated the misuse of the lounge by unsupervised children. This was evident on our last cruise. I go on family cruise lines because I have a family. I travel with my children and we have always observed and understood the long standing rule of excluding them from the Concierge lounge. While my wife and I have been in bars I can tell you we have never brought our children to one. We just happen to believe there is little for children to do in a place where the primary activity is drinking. We find fault in inappropriate behavior by unsupervised children, not all children in the Concierge lounge. Do you believe paying extra entitles people to behave poorly?

[midwife1021]

I don't think RCI anticipated the misuse of the lounge by unsupervised children. This was evident on our last cruise.

 

This I can definitely get behind. Kids in the CL are supposed to be supervised. It might be better if they made the kids keycards such that they can't access the CL by themselves. Even when he just wanted to pop in and get a cup of tea, my 16 year old always had my husband with him.

We just happen to believe there is little for children to do in a place where the primary activity is drinking.

In the CL, my older kids (16 & 12) enjoyed getting to review the MDR menu, hors d'oeuvres before dinner and eldest son loved getting a glass of soda (since he didn't have a soda package).

We find fault in inappropriate behavior by unsupervised children, not all children in the Concierge lounge. Do you believe paying extra entitles people to behave poorly?

EXACTLY. But also, it doesn't entitle the adults to behave like animals either. Bathing-suit-scowling-man and ZOMG-must-drink-all-the-drinks-guy made me laugh a bit because they were the most ill-behaved people I saw in the CL all week.