Celebrity with Young Kids?

[amandajean06]

Hi all, my family is considering our first cruise on Celebrity in 2017. It would be the Summit to Bermuda. Myself (28), husband (31), and kids (3 and 1).

 

We have only cruised Carnival and RCCL in the past, and only RC with our son when he was 1. We really like the departure port, itinerary, and stateroom size/layout options on the Summit. But, I want to ask those of you with experience if you feel that we will be openly accepted on X.

 

Our kids are well behaved and we are by no means the "let your kids run, scream, and do whatever they want" type of parents. We prefer to have them with us most of the time so kids clubs aren't a big issue, and we will be traveling with extended family which will help.

 

We have a more laid-back and low-key approach to the cruises we take: eat, lay out by the pool, eat, Bingo or casino, eat, show, bed. We aren't up all night or interested in a lot of constant activity.

 

My main concerns are what the overall climate of the other guests will be toward a family with small kids, as well as the employees. Would we be "welcomed?" Are there kid-friendly food options available in the MDR? Any small splash-type area that I could allow the kids to run through?

 

On our first cruise with kids, Enchantment of the Seas, our son was doted upon. I don't necessarily expect that again, but we would like to feel that we are welcome on the ship.

 

Thanks in advance for your help. I'll post this on the Family board too.

[Celebrity Cruises]

Hi all, my family is considering our first cruise on Celebrity in 2017. It would be the Summit to Bermuda. Myself (28), husband (31), and kids (3 and 1).

 

We have only cruised Carnival and RCCL in the past, and only RC with our son when he was 1. We really like the departure port, itinerary, and stateroom size/layout options on the Summit. But, I want to ask those of you with experience if you feel that we will be openly accepted on X.

 

Our kids are well behaved and we are by no means the "let your kids run, scream, and do whatever they want" type of parents. We prefer to have them with us most of the time so kids clubs aren't a big issue, and we will be traveling with extended family which will help.

 

We have a more laid-back and low-key approach to the cruises we take: eat, lay out by the pool, eat, Bingo or casino, eat, show, bed. We aren't up all night or interested in a lot of constant activity.

 

My main concerns are what the overall climate of the other guests will be toward a family with small kids, as well as the employees. Would we be "welcomed?" Are there kid-friendly food options available in the MDR? Any small splash-type area that I could allow the kids to run through?

 

On our first cruise with kids, Enchantment of the Seas, our son was doted upon. I don't necessarily expect that again, but we would like to feel that we are welcome on the ship.

 

Thanks in advance for your help. I'll post this on the Family board too.

 

Our award-winning cruise experience is designed for kids, too. There's so much for children and teens to do onboard a Celebrity Cruise. All programs are geared to specific age groups and supervised by experienced youth staff members. Celebrity kids are happy, engaged, and entertained.

 

On the first day of the cruise, families can attend the Fun Factory's Open House, where they can get all the information they need about the Fun Factory and how we plan each junior cruiser's fun-filled vacation.

 

Fun Factory for ages 3-11: The fun starts here. It's a place designed exclusively for our junior cruisers. Activities and program are available from 9:00am – 10:00pm every day. The Fun Factory is the entertainment center filled with the latest gaming technology and the hottest titles. Junior cruisers have the opportunity to participate in exciting games, sports, crafts, music, karaoke, treasure hunts, theme parties, movies and lots more. An assortment of LeapFrog® interactive toys are available for use in the Fun Factory and can also be checked out for private use.

 

Toddler Time (for guests under Age 3): Toddler time allows parents and toddlers to interact with other children their age. Fun Factory Staff members will provide toddler appropriate toys and equipment, including LeapFrog® interactive toys, for these junior cruisers to feel like part of the fun.

 

Parents of toddlers will receive information in their stateroom and at embarkation on the amenities that are offered to their toddlers and what restrictions are in place.

 

Colorful menus with special children-friendly choices are served to youthful cruisers at lunch and dinner.

[Fouremco]

Hi all, my family is considering our first cruise on Celebrity in 2017. It would be the Summit to Bermuda. Myself (28), husband (31), and kids (3 and 1).

 

We have only cruised Carnival and RCCL in the past, and only RC with our son when he was 1. We really like the departure port, itinerary, and stateroom size/layout options on the Summit. But, I want to ask those of you with experience if you feel that we will be openly accepted on X.

 

Our kids are well behaved and we are by no means the "let your kids run, scream, and do whatever they want" type of parents. We prefer to have them with us most of the time so kids clubs aren't a big issue, and we will be traveling with extended family which will help.

 

We have a more laid-back and low-key approach to the cruises we take: eat, lay out by the pool, eat, Bingo or casino, eat, show, bed. We aren't up all night or interested in a lot of constant activity.

 

My main concerns are what the overall climate of the other guests will be toward a family with small kids, as well as the employees. Would we be "welcomed?" Are there kid-friendly food options available in the MDR? Any small splash-type area that I could allow the kids to run through?

 

On our first cruise with kids, Enchantment of the Seas, our son was doted upon. I don't necessarily expect that again, but we would like to feel that we are welcome on the ship.

 

Thanks in advance for your help. I'll post this on the Family board too.

As a grandfather of five, I love seeing children on cruises and would definitely welcome you aboard. I suspect that the majority of passengers would openly accept you too, but be forewarned that you are going to see some posts here from a small but vocal group of CC members who don't think that children should taken on cruises, or at least not on their Celebrity cruises! :)

 

We recently booked a family cruise - grandkids, kids and ourselves - and didn't even consider Celebrity. As much as we enjoy Celebrity, and will be back onboard in March, we simply felt that RCI was a better choice for a family grouping with young children. Not only more for them to do, but RCI is so well set up to provide for young ones. I've no idea, for example, whether or not Celebrity provides Play Yard or similar cribs.

 

You'd asked about a splash pad. Here's a photo I posted yesterday for another thread:

 

 

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great family cruise!

[scdreamer]

Personally, I think kids are great - I'm a grandmother of four. If your children are well behaved and you are conscientious parents, then I think you would be welcomed on board by other passengers.

 

If you're planning on meals in the MDR, it would probably be best to have an early seating, and of course the flexibility to take the children out if they become restless.

 

From what I gather, many of the crew enjoy seeing families with small children, as they are missing being around their own kids.

 

With extended family, you will probably have plenty of help with the little ones - I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

[kitty9]

A couple of things that Celebrity cruises failed to mention is that children age three and older must be completely toilet trained to be allowed into the kids club. And with the baby, the open play time is only 45 minutes a day and you must remain with the child.

 

There is not a child friendly splash zone on Summit, only on the S class ships. Child must be diaper free and not even wearing swim diapers.

 

You will be eligible for in cabin sitting as long as the infant is 12 months of age and older. There will be two sitters in your cabin to watch the children, at $19 an hour. That will give you the opportunity to have an evening out without the kids. You must go to Guest Services on the first day to make reservations for the sitters, but services are not always available.

[Boxito70]

We took our son this past April on a 7 day cruise aboard the Celebrity Reflection. He was almost 2 years old and he had a great time. The crew was very accommodating and he was high fiving everyone, from the cabin steward to the MDR maître d'.

The cabin steward would make his bed with his favorite blanket and even place his plush toy in the bed, as if it was sleeping. They were very attentive to all of his and our needs during the cruise.

In the MDR, every night we arrive, the waiter would have his glass of milk ready for him at the table as well as the child menu. He would eat either from the children's menu or some soups from the regular MDR menu.

If you are worried about behavior in MDR, don't. Just take a toy, or like in our case, an I-Pad with his favorite children videos or nursery rhymes pre-loaded. This kept our son entertained and able to stay seated for the entire meal.

Yes they can't enjoy the pool, but there are plenty of other activities on the ship. Some S class ships do have a splash zone. Reflection does not, so just investigate the amenities that are on the ship before you book.

If I remember correctly, 3 days out of the week, they have toddler time in the Daycare area, where children younger than 3, can enjoy and play with toys, supervised by the parent of course.

I say, enjoy your trip and your family time!

[amandajean06]

We took our son this past April on a 7 day cruise aboard the Celebrity Reflection. He was almost 2 years old and he had a great time. The crew was very accommodating and he was high fiving everyone, from the cabin steward to the MDR maître d'.

The cabin steward would make his bed with his favorite blanket and even place his plush toy in the bed, as if it was sleeping. They were very attentive to all of his and our needs during the cruise.

In the MDR, every night we arrive, the waiter would have his glass of milk ready for him at the table as well as the child menu. He would eat either from the children's menu or some soups from the regular MDR menu.

If you are worried about behavior in MDR, don't. Just take a toy, or like in our case, an I-Pad with his favorite children videos or nursery rhymes pre-loaded. This kept our son entertained and able to stay seated for the entire meal.

Yes they can't enjoy the pool, but there are plenty of other activities on the ship. Some S class ships do have a splash zone. Reflection does not, so just investigate the amenities that are on the ship before you book.

If I remember correctly, 3 days out of the week, they have toddler time in the Daycare area, where children younger than 3, can enjoy and play with toys, supervised by the parent of course.

I say, enjoy your trip and your family time!

 

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your response is so helpful. Those are the kind of little gestures that I was hoping we would see. I know that it will vary depending on staff, but I am glad to know that it does exist on X! We used the iPad idea in the MDR on our RCCL cruise when our son was 13 months, and you're right, it's a great idea! We also take it to long dinners out here at home!

[Jennlee.2]

Personally, we like Celebrity in part because there tends to be fewer kids, and we are not kid people. That said, if kids are behaved and not causing a ruckus then I have no problem with them.

 

We hardly saw any kids on our Celebrity cruise in December. So if your kids are social and looking for playmates there may not be as many as on other lines.

 

We were on Princess recently and the number of kids was higher and they had great activity areas for the kids and so it kept them entertained and contained for the most part. My nieces and nephews loved it and we hardly saw them except at mealtimes.

[meggybear17]

A tip i picked up from these boards is to bring a small inflatable pool with you for the diaper wearing kids. We did this with our 16 month old in September on a NCL cruise. Took up very little room in the luggage and my husband would fill it in one of the showers on the pool deck then drag it over to where we were lounging. Then just find a drain to empty it. We also brought it to the beaches in bermuda with some small sand toys and it kept my daughter occupied for quite some time. Oh and we used it for bathing too since our stateroom didnt have a tub :)

[HawaiianShirtDay]

In my opinion, I don't think you should even question yourself. You're entitled to take your children wherever you like as long as you're not going against any laws or cruise line restrictions. If anybody has an issue its THEIR problem, not yours.

[stratixman]

If the cruise itinerary, dates and prices fit your interest then by all means book the cruise. Celebrity has an excellent product, albeit perhaps not as oriented to the younger set. But IMO with the age of your children it really wouldn't matter which line you choose because kids at the age of yours would have perfectly fine time regardless of which cruise line you pick because they have no particular expectations. Personally, we personally prefer a cruise with a broad cross section of the population. We are seniors and young children on our cruises have never been a problem for us; but actually have provided unexpected entertainment and pleasure.

[Fouremco]

If the cruise itinerary, dates and prices fit your interest then by all means book the cruise. Celebrity has an excellent product, albeit perhaps not as oriented to the younger set. But IMO with the age of your children it really wouldn't matter which line you choose because kids at the age of yours would have perfectly fine time regardless of which cruise line you pick because they have no particular expectations. Personally, we personally prefer a cruise with a broad cross section of the population. We are seniors and young children on our cruises have never been a problem for us; but actually have provided unexpected entertainment and pleasure.

Yes, we've had far more issues with unruly, misbehaving adults than we've ever had with the children on board! :)

Edited November 6, 2015 by Fouremco

[drinkspackageexpert]

I am currently on a transatlantic with my 6 yr old daughter..right now. The crew and staff go out of their way to acknowledge my daughter and entertain her. In the dining room they do whatever she wants food wise. and the Fun Factory keeps her busy for up to 9 hrs a day if she attends all her sessions. MOST passengers are happy to see her around. There are only a very small handful that have sticks up their bottoms but they just keep their distance and do not involve themselves with her. We can work with that. Children are very much welcome and you will enjoy it...all 4 of you x x

[johnritt]

At 1 and 3, they will be with you or yours most all the time anyway. So take the cruise you want to take. You'll have to compromise down the road to please both them and you soon enough. But not yet. They'll have fun being with you having fun.

 

You can always teach them to throw Cheerios at the grumpy people so they will leave and book only adults only cruises in the future. 😀

 

Then we all win as kids are way more fun than grumps in my book.

 

 

 

 

(I really didn't mean it about teaching them to throw Cheerios. I figure you know that but grumpy people can be so literal.)

[dkjretired]

As you've been told, ad nauseum, in so many threads, and so many times, Celebrity is not an adult-only line and your idea of how other families should spend their money and their vacation is, well, irrelevant.

 

And as he has been told, Celebrity did all adult cruises and they were a failure. He should refer to the thread about what to do if Celebrity is not around. That is what would happen if Celebrity didn't allow families.

[amandajean06]

Have a fabulous time. We almost always vacationed with our children - missed them when they weren't with us - and now we have the pleasure of vacationing with our grandchildren.

 

Thank you, Canadian Dee! This is exactly the legacy we are hoping to start for our kiddos and our parents alike. And, we too would never be able to relax and enjoy a trip without our children. Call us worry warts, I guess!

[amandajean06]

At 1 and 3, they will be with you or yours most all the time anyway. So take the cruise you want to take. You'll have to compromise down the road to please both them and you soon enough. But not yet. They'll have fun being with you having fun.

 

You can always teach them to throw Cheerios at the grumpy people so they will leave and book only adults only cruises in the future.

 

Then we all win as kids are way more fun than grumps in my book.

 

 

 

 

(I really didn't mean it about teaching them to throw Cheerios. I figure you know that but grumpy people can be so literal.)

 

Love your viewpoint! And yes, I knew you were kidding. However, there are always a few errant Cheerios where toddlers are concerned! =)

Edited November 9, 2015 by amandajean06

[amandajean06]

Thanks to all for your opinions. I did open myself up to those when I posted!

 

I promise not to dump any inflatable pools overboard. He he.

 

That said, it is a family vacation for us, which means kids go too.

 

I hope that the general consensus on X isn't all anti-kids (it doesn't sound that way) because I would be bummed to choose a different itinerary!

[norwegianwood57]

And as he has been told, Celebrity did all adult cruises and they were a failure. He should refer to the thread about what to do if Celebrity is not around. That is what would happen if Celebrity didn't allow families.

 

We have always done cruises as a couple and took the kids on different kinds of holidays. So many options that are so much better for them. There are also cruises that are so much better than celebrity, why chose it , unless it is for you.

 

Those that always cruise as a family, what do you do as a couple? Very important to do something as a couple.

 

All those adult cruises and Celebrity is still here.

[dkjretired]

We have always done cruises as a couple and took the kids on different kinds of holidays. So many options that are so much better for them. There are also cruises that are so much better than celebrity, why chose it , unless it is for you.

 

Those that always cruise as a family, what do you do as a couple? Very important to do something as a couple.

 

All those adult cruises and Celebrity is still here.

 

 

Cruises are just one of many options and yes they are still here largely because they were taken over by Royal. The Adult cruise were stopped because there wasn't the demand

Edited November 9, 2015 by dkjretired

[parallax]

We have always done cruises as a couple and took the kids on different kinds of holidays. So many options that are so much better for them. There are also cruises that are so much better than celebrity, why chose it , unless it is for you.

 

Those that always cruise as a family, what do you do as a couple? Very important to do something as a couple.

 

All those adult cruises and Celebrity is still here.

 

We go to Vegas as a couple.

[villauk]

Have a fabulous time. We almost always vacationed with our children - missed them when they weren't with us - and now we have the pleasure of vacationing with our grandchildren.

 

Thank you, Canadian Dee! This is exactly the legacy we are hoping to start for our kiddos and our parents alike. And, we too would never be able to relax and enjoy a trip without our children. Call us worry warts, I guess!

 

We have always done cruises as a couple and took the kids on different kinds of holidays. So many options that are so much better for them. There are also cruises that are so much better than celebrity, why chose it , unless it is for you.

 

Those that always cruise as a family, what do you do as a couple? Very important to do something as a couple.

 

All those adult cruises and Celebrity is still here.

 

There are many people in this world that would love to cruise as a family and are unable to do so; they have to sail as a couple ;). We feel very lucky and privileged to be able to spend time vacationing with our children.

 

Do you question all the solo travellers too about why they are not cruising as a couple if it's such an important thing to do? And what about the single parent families? So now you are suggesting that X should only be for couples :eek:?

 

I believe X have already clearly stated earlier in this thread what their policy is concerning children on THEIR ships ;).

[amandajean06]

We go to Vegas as a couple.

 

Yes!!! :D

[Queen of Oakville]

Dee, you got this covered. :D

[Br00klyn102]

My extended family and I are all going to Bermuda with Celebrity in August of '16. Granted my son is a bit older than your children (10) he has been on cruises before, I tend to rule with an iron fist and not let him get away with much -- he's generally well behaved and has ALWAYS had fun; whether or not there were other children to play with.

 

And I've always wondered, if you always going on vacations by yourselves, and never take your children to experience these things how are they to know how to behave in said situations? The younger you expose them to these scenarios and as long as you are attentive and know when/if they need to be removed to avoid disturbing those around you -- poof they learn how to conduct themselves. Just my theory.

 

Have SO much fun.