Yacht Club: Family Friendly?

[DipBrat]

For me, when in an Adult Area, kids should behave like they would in the classroom. Respectful and self aware. Pretty sure parents would not allow kids running and screaming in the restaurant.

We are booked in YC for cruise in Europe . Will be interesting to see what the experience will be like. Looking forward to it.

 

Should behave like a classroom? Seriously?

I guess if it is an actual adult area. Like a bar or casino I might agree with you, but Haven and YC are not adult areas. A lot of Baby Boomers seem to confuse expensive with adults only. There are lots of adult only resorts and a few adults only cruise lines but Haven and YC both have rooms that fit 4+ people. All that said kids should never be allowed to run on a pool area or in a restaurant. Someone else said who in the pool first is a good rule of thumb. If I see an adult doing laps I will make my kids swim calmly to the side. A lot of us especially when both parents work have no interest in shoving our kids off to a windowless kids club. Vacation is to spend together with the kids. Granted parents letting their kids run amok as they ignore them as in some of the previous posts should be controlled.

[ljandgb]

These sorts of threads amuse me. I'm pretty sure the vast majority of us here prefer our children, and everyone else's, to not be loud, obnoxious, running around out of control. Beyond that, the mere presence of children is an issue for some. Just check out a not to long ago thread on the Oceania board about a "Kids sail free" promo that had posters running off to change their sailing dates so as not to encounter children on their cruise.

 

We sailed YC last summer, on the Med, when our kids were 11, 14, 17. There were a handful of other kids in the YC with us. It was definitely not over run. At night, my daughter set her Switch up in a corner of the lounge and had some Swiss brothers (ages 9-ish) join them nightly for games. They were quiet, and since practically no one was in the lounge anyways, didn't seem to bother anyone.

 

And honestly, I don't think the issue is kids. I think it's rude people in general - I'm looking at you, sir, playing your youtube videos at full volume in the deck chair next to me. If the adults don't know how to behave properly in public, neither will their kids.

[skt4cruise]

YC is not suitable for families and children, sorry but its for quiet, peace, reading and enjoying the live piano entertainment during high tea. We cruise during school times usually but we just returned, 1 child in YC and it was awkward for parents and preschooler.

[LakeWobegon]

"And honestly, I don't think the issue is kids. I think it's rude people in general - I'm looking at you, sir, playing your youtube videos at full volume in the deck chair next to me. If the adults don't know how to behave properly in public, neither will their kids."

 

This. It usually is people who can't stand kids, regardless of their behavior. Somehow the notion of having a young human being around is disturbing, even though they were once such a little kid! Many of my young and old childless co-workers are this way. I don't fault them for it but frankly they make bigger fools of themselves by sighing and getting all irritated on an airplane if a baby cries for a minute or two (gasp!) That's it. No babies on planes. Adult only airlines. lol.

 

Anyway, I don't see what the issue is if YC or Haven allow kids in and they are respectful. Why not focus on the problem? The few unruly children and the parents who taught them to act that way because they do themselves? If a kid is splashing you in the pool, ask them not to. If they don't stop, talk to the parents. If they do nothing, talk to security. Most often, I'd bet the behavior would stop when you talk to the children. And you wouldn't need to instill a blanket policy of banning children. Some cruisers actually enjoy talking to children because their's are now adults.

 

My son likes to read his books at the dinner table. It makes sitting there 1.5-2 hours palatable to him. I can't tell you the number of servers and passengers that stop by the table to ask him what he's reading or converse with him at length because they're reading the same book - while we say nothing and sip our wine. Ha.

[Toofarfromthesea]

Paying all that extra for YC? Definitely should be "adults only" and that from someone who takes their grandsons on cruises!

 

How about they run their business the way they want, and if it doesn't suit you don't book with them. That will leave more cabins for the rest of us.

 

There are a lot of adult only vacations you can take.

[Toofarfromthesea]

YC is not suitable for families and children, sorry but its for quiet, peace, reading and enjoying the live piano entertainment during high tea. We cruise during school times usually but we just returned, 1 child in YC and it was awkward for parents and preschooler.

 

You don't get to set the parameters for Yacht Club. If you don't like how MSC does it you have lots of other options.

[deliver42]

Boo, Hoo, I can't survive with children on board. Come on and get a life.

[RealNorwegianCruiser]

I love these threads here on CC. They are coming up now and then. So much fun!

 

I look forward to bring my at that time 2 year old son in YC in February! He seemed to enjoy his first cruise, and I will do my best for him to enjoy our upcoming cruises in October and February.

 

I noticed something interesting: Our son was on his first cruise when he was 7 months old. It was with Celebrity last year. We had no issues what to ever! In front we feared a lot of grumpy other passengers based on the negative attitude in a ton of posts and threads here at Cruise CRITIC. Onboard we didnt meet a single negative fellow passenger - just smiles all the way. Maybe Cruise CRITIC forum doesnt represent the average cruise passenger after all :)

[DMH15]

I love these threads here on CC. They are coming up now and then. So much fun!

 

 

 

I look forward to bring my at that time 2 year old son in YC in February! He seemed to enjoy his first cruise, and I will do my best for him to enjoy our upcoming cruises in October and February.

 

 

 

I noticed something interesting: Our son was on his first cruise when he was 7 months old. It was with Celebrity last year. We had no issues what to ever! In front we feared a lot of grumpy other passengers based on the negative attitude in a ton of posts and threads here at Cruise CRITIC. Onboard we didnt meet a single negative fellow passenger - just smiles all the way. Maybe Cruise CRITIC forum doesnt represent the average cruise passenger after all :)

 

 

 

Maybe because your little one was a delight to be around. Maybe because you are attentive and loving parents. And I expect as he grows you will continue the same.

 

 

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[RealNorwegianCruiser]

Maybe because your little one was a delight to be around. .

 

 

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He is a kid. Sometimes happy and charming, other times whiny and acting like someone only a parent can love....

[DMH15]

He is a kid. Sometimes happy and charming, other times whiny and acting like someone only a parent can love....

 

 

 

Sometimes my mom, who I cruised with until I lost her last year, said that about me. And I was 50.

 

 

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[Cruising-Kiwi]

Not all adults that wish to not be disturbed by unruly children have the economic feasibility to afford the luxury or ultra luxury lines that you mention. There are options such as the Vibe area on NCL and the new Havana area on Carnival that would appeal to this group but an even better option would be for parents to not take vacation from parenting and let their little angels run amok. If they're going to be in an area such as the YC or the Haven, then they should know their place and be respectful of the adults in the area. There is always going to be a line in the sand regarding this topic with the parents of little ones on one side and adults wanting a peaceful environment on the other. If the parents of the little ones brought up their children with manners, then the point would be moot. By many parents turn a blind eye and let kids be kids. This attitude even includes those that can afford to stay in the YC or the Haven.

 

If parents are taking a vacation from parenting then I would agree - that is unfortunate. For the large part though I don't think the core issue much to do about bringing up "children with manners" or parents turning a blind eye to their children's behaviour - rather a case of children being children, amplified by the excitement and adventure of a cruising holiday. I will say it again; MSC, NCL and RC are "family" cruise lines so signing up for a cruise on such lines presupposes an understanding you will be sharing the ship (YC, Haven and all) with kids - some of whom may be unruly. Anyone who's been in charge of a kid for more than three minutes knows that even the most perfect parent in the entire world can't prevent or stop every tantrum or misadventure. There are adults out there who despise children, lack empathy and tolerance and wish to live in an "adults only" world. The fact that such adults were once kids themselves seems to have faded from memory. The good news is there's room here for us all. Those wishing to mitigate unpleasant encounters with children (including being splashed at the swimming pool) may wish to cruise on premium cruise lines, adults only cruises or failing this - outside of school holiday periods.

Edited August 27, 2018 by Cruising-Kiwi

[DipBrat]

If parents are taking a vacation from parenting then I would agree - that is unfortunate. For the large part though I don't think the core issue much to do about bringing up "children with manners" or parents turning a blind eye to their children's behaviour - rather a case of children being children, amplified by the excitement and adventure of a cruising holiday. I will say it again; MSC, NCL and RC are "family" cruise lines so signing up for a cruise on such lines presupposes an understanding you will be sharing the ship (YC, Haven and all) with kids - some of whom may be unruly. Anyone who's been in charge of a kid for more than three minutes knows that even the most perfect parent in the entire world can't prevent or stop every tantrum or misadventure. There are adults out there who despise children, lack empathy and tolerance and wish to live in an "adults only" world. The fact that such adults were once kids themselves seems to have faded from memory. The good news is there's room here for us all. Those wishing to mitigate unpleasant encounters with children (including being splashed at the swimming pool) may wish to cruise on premium cruise lines, adults only cruises or failing this - outside of school holiday periods.

 

All good points. Adults only cruises are really few and far between. I understand that even a premium line like Crystal or Oceania can have a lot of kids over Christmas on the right itinerary. You can also get kids at almost anytime of the year. Europe, Canada and US all have different vacation periods so buyer beware.

[strikerSBG]

YC is not suitable for families and children, sorry but its for quiet, peace, reading and enjoying the live piano entertainment during high tea. We cruise during school times usually but we just returned, 1 child in YC and it was awkward for parents and preschooler.

 

It´s funny that you think you could set up the rules for MSC.

 

MSC is an Italian cruise line in a really affordable price segment. Altough we are talking here about Yacht Club it is still in comparison to other cruise lines really a good value - also for families with kids. The Italians are especially kids friendly so they will not change their policy in that for sure! If you want a kids free cruise book a kids free cruise and stay away from MSC.

 

To all the others, who think kids are all just a pain in their ... - come on - put the stick out of your ... ;) You also were kids, and you also wanted to have fun in those days - maybe you now want just to be bored... We have been on 6 cruises with our 3-year-old and two more to come the 8th is within YC on Bellissima. We never had a problem except one time when a old woman was rude to us because she complained that our boy swung his feet while sitting on a babychair. I sould mention that this was during breakfast time in the buffet with a overall sound intensity like on a train station. Such a behaviour of adults is just ridiculous. Most time the other passengers had fun with our boy and kept smiling with him. You have to understand that parents cannot control the mood of their little kids all the time - kids are also independent persons and if they feel pain, injustice or something else they are sometimes screaming because they cannot express theirselves by telling you exactly whats wrong... I would not let run our boy around the pool while it is slippery (for our own interest that he doesn´t harm himself) but we in Europe luckyly have not regulated everything like widely in the US - luckyly there is something like a "common sense" what one should do or not and we do not need rules or regulations for every little thing... Because of this "common sense" we are also not writing in the manual of a microwave oven that you should not put your pet inside...;)

[RealNorwegianCruiser]

Sometimes my mom, who I cruised with until I lost her last year, said that about me. And I was 50.

 

 

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First: Sorry for your loss!

 

Second: I believe that is the sign of a good parent/child relationship.. :)

[LakeWobegon]

Agreed. One more thought from our recent cruise. My 13 year old thought it would be funny to push every button on the elevator when he was on the 3rd floor. He recounted the experience to me, saying a family entered the elevator and the dad yelled at him, calling him stupid. I guess the mom and kids yelled at the dad after this. My son ran out of the elevator and back to our room. I told him it sounded like a case of "dumb and dumber." Then, the next day, we stepped onto an elevator and it was apparent a smiling kid who stepped off had done the same and I noted to my son "what goes around comes around."

[DMH15]

First: Sorry for your loss!

 

 

 

Second: I believe that is the sign of a good parent/child relationship.. :)

 

 

 

Thanks. We literally went all over the world together. Had similar interests. Only funny thing is that she was a night owl and I am the opposite. But we made that work. I would hit the gym early, shower and change and we would meet for breakfast. I would turn in early and she would dance the night away. I remember she made the video of the white-hot Party on NCL and everyone pointed and said, "there's Joy!"

 

I joke about our last trip together to Red Rock in Vegas. It did not go well. She would laugh about it too if she was here.

 

 

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[skt4cruise]

It´s funny that you think you could set up the rules for MSC.

 

MSC is an Italian cruise line in a really affordable price segment. Altough we are talking here about Yacht Club it is still in comparison to other cruise lines really a good value - also for families with kids. The Italians are especially kids friendly so they will not change their policy in that for sure! If you want a kids free cruise book a kids free cruise and stay away from MSC.

 

To all the others, who think kids are all just a pain in their ... - come on - put the stick out of your ... ;) You also were kids, and you also wanted to have fun in those days - maybe you now want just to be bored... We have been on 6 cruises with our 3-year-old and two more to come the 8th is within YC on Bellissima. We never had a problem except one time when a old woman was rude to us because she complained that our boy swung his feet while sitting on a babychair. I sould mention that this was during breakfast time in the buffet with a overall sound intensity like on a train station. Such a behaviour of adults is just ridiculous. Most time the other passengers had fun with our boy and kept smiling with him. You have to understand that parents cannot control the mood of their little kids all the time - kids are also independent persons and if they feel pain, injustice or something else they are sometimes screaming because they cannot express theirselves by telling you exactly whats wrong... I would not let run our boy around the pool while it is slippery (for our own interest that he doesn´t harm himself) but we in Europe luckyly have not regulated everything like widely in the US - luckyly there is something like a "common sense" what one should do or not and we do not need rules or regulations for every little thing... Because of this "common sense" we are also not writing in the manual of a microwave oven that you should not put your pet inside...;)

 

You are extremely hard on people you don't know! I was expressing my opinion of how YC is set up. We live with 22 disabled children ( a foundation for children) for past 27 yrs, once a year we cruise to get away. I am sure there are many like us who need the peace. I will continue to sail with MSC even tho you propose otherwise.

[DipBrat]

You are extremely hard on people you don't know! I was expressing my opinion of how YC is set up. We live with 22 disabled children ( a foundation for children) for past 27 yrs, once a year we cruise to get away. I am sure there are many like us who need the peace. I will continue to sail with MSC even tho you propose otherwise.

 

You make a good point but so did he. We should be more civil and respect divergent opinions but I don't know if it is simply an opinion when you say a whole group of people shouldn't be in the YC. Those of us with kids also want to get away and enjoy the benefits of the product over the options on a premium or luxury line or a suite without the separate section. To me Haven and YC are designed for families who want luxury but big ship shows and entertainment and aren't really suitable for those without kids. YC is more affordable but I really don't understand why a childless couple would spend $5k a person to stay in NCL Haven when you could cruise on Crystal or even Seabourn for that price. That said I don't try to tell others how to spend their money.

 

Bottom line cruise lines make rules, if they wanted it to be an adults only retreat they wouldn't allow kids or at the very least wouldn't build rooms with 4 and 5 person capacity.

[strikerSBG]

You are extremely hard on people you don't know! I was expressing my opinion of how YC is set up. We live with 22 disabled children ( a foundation for children) for past 27 yrs, once a year we cruise to get away. I am sure there are many like us who need the peace. I will continue to sail with MSC even tho you propose otherwise.

 

As DipBrat already wrote - I cannot understand why you are not simply book an adults only cruise if you do not want children... You are not in the position to set the rules for a cruise company as long as you aren’t the CEO. If you book YC on a kids friendly line like MSC You have to acceot the fact that there will be also kids around.

[RealNorwegianCruiser]

As DipBrat already wrote - I cannot understand why you are not simply book an adults only cruise if you do not want children... You are not in the position to set the rules for a cruise company as long as you aren’t the CEO. If you book YC on a kids friendly line like MSC You have to acceot the fact that there will be also kids around.

 

Could not agree more.

 

To those that want a child free sone: An adult only cruise line that is getting good reviews is Viking Cruises.

 

 

(Since I am born basically 5 minutes away from one of the best Viking findings in the world, I should probably point out that the accomendations on Viking Cruises most likely is more comfortable than the Oseberg viking ship.. :) )

 

 

Just a thought: How would people react if a cruise line started with a "old people free cruise" Lets say age limit 75 year, I bet some would scream up "age discrimination!". Or a "ginger free cruise", "skinny people free" etc etc..

[Toofarfromthesea]

You are extremely hard on people you don't know! I was expressing my opinion of how YC is set up. We live with 22 disabled children ( a foundation for children) for past 27 yrs, once a year we cruise to get away. I am sure there are many like us who need the peace. I will continue to sail with MSC even tho you propose otherwise.

 

You certainly have the right to have the vacation you want. But if you want a vacation without kids around you should go somewhere that doesn't allow kids. Not go somewhere that allows kids and then complain about kids being there. There are a lot of adult only vacation options if it is that important to you. Apparently it really isn't that important after all, since you are willing to continue with MSC and kids.

[DipBrat]

Could not agree more.

 

To those that want a child free sone: An adult only cruise line that is getting good reviews is Viking Cruises.

 

 

(Since I am born basically 5 minutes away from one of the best Viking findings in the world, I should probably point out that the accomendations on Viking Cruises most likely is more comfortable than the Oseberg viking ship.. :) )

 

 

Just a thought: How would people react if a cruise line started with a "old people free cruise" Lets say age limit 75 year, I bet some would scream up "age discrimination!". Or a "ginger free cruise", "skinny people free" etc etc..

 

I guess the difference is in the hotel and resort industry kids stay free not because of some kind of age discrimination but because they can share a room with their parents, don't drink and as such really don't take up any room. On a ship it is a bit different due to safety regulations and the extreme constraints on space but MSC has chosen to compete by not charging for kids. I don't think they are more kid friendly than Disney who as far as I know always charges for kids.

 

If you want what YC and MSC offer but don't want kids (and personally I think that is a reasonable expectation) it is a bit difficult. Viking is a totally different product as are the river cruise-lines. I can understand the frustration. I would also like a product which doesn't exist which is a ship as large as Seaside with shows and waterslides but with Crystal quality food, staffing and space ratios. This doesn't exist but Haven/YC are the closest thing at sea (along with Disney but that doesn't interest me). On land you have a resort like Beaches so their is a market for high end family vacations. Sometimes people here confuse the price as an indicator it is not family friendly. The cruise industry mostly seems to try to cater to everyone.

[skt4cruise]

You certainly have the right to have the vacation you want. But if you want a vacation without kids around you should go somewhere that doesn't allow kids. Not go somewhere that allows kids and then complain about kids being there. There are a lot of adult only vacation options if it is that important to you. Apparently it really isn't that important after all, since you are willing to continue with MSC and kids.

 

I never complained about kids...ever. I was reporting what I saw first hand. People are so quick to judge and just have to remark for no good purpose.

So you would all have me cruise an old folks line? Ok count me out...happy?:cool:

[RealNorwegianCruiser]

. Viking is a totally different product as are the river cruise-lines. .

 

Actually, Viking Cruises now also offer "traditional" cruises - Viking Ocean Cruises.