Sailing Azamara with children?

[BBMacLaird]

One of our shoreside staff sailed recently with her husband and baby.

Attached is her blog post about what there is to know about Sailing with Children Onboard Azamara Club Cruises.

 

https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/blog/sailing-children-onboard-azamara-club-cruises

[LOP]

Interesting article and thank you for sharing, but it does not mention anything about adults who ACT like children:confused:

 

;)

[Anthsusa]

I have just returned from Honolulu where in an 8 hour tour which included Pearl Harbor we had a screaming 18 months old who ruined the tour for all of us, since we could barely hear the driver who had great knowledge of the history of the island. I wasted $180 and the driver did not get many tips since we all wanted to flee from mother and baby.

 

I find it disingenuous that the blogger's child never cried or scream and never bother the persons in the next cabin.

 

This is all about the parents being selfish. A young child can learn art at the neighborhood museum, not necessarily in Florence.

 

I am now in NYC and there are screaming children everywhere BUT I can cross the street, move to another museum room, change tables or leave restaurants.

 

The parents want a vacation, but so do we and we want to escape screaming children, and grandchildren. The funny thing is that parents do not enjoy the cruise either because they spend the time appeasing the child and apologizing to the other guests.

 

I have just realized this blogger probably got the trip for free and wrote the blog as payback.

 

Sorry to seem so negative, but I live in reality, not on the blogosphere.

[holomuku]

I am in agreement with Anthsusa. We have chosen to take less cruises but more upscale (which we consider Azamara to be) because we don't want to be around young children. I lived in Hawaii for many years and it's unfortunate you couldn't get the historical and local perspective.

 

My cousin is an international flight attendant for a large airline. Their policy for employees traveling on passes is that children have to be a certain age (8 or 10 I think) before they can travel in premium cabins (Business or First class). I would be very upset if I found myself next to an Azamara employee who probably only paid port taxes for a cruise and their infant disrupted my cabin time or dining experience. I would suggest that Azamara have their employees use their cruising privilege on a sister company such as RCI if they have children with them. Please be considerate of your paying passengers- particularly at your all inclusive price point, many of us are taking less cruises and want to enjoy them. Screaming babies don't tend to help that. I think the airlines have it right and Azamara would be wise to learn from them.

[florisdekort]

I like the fact that there are not a lot of children on Azamara (small ship, no kids program, etc.) but I also like that there are always a few - usually anywhere between 5 and 10 it seems to me.

 

It was great watching these children get Christmas presents from Santa the other day on Journey and it's always great to see how happy some of the staff are when they get the unique opportunity to bring their family on board. Some of them don't see their loved ones (and their kids growing up!) for 8 to 10 months of the year, so 10 extra days together makes a big difference. Chef Fabio's wife and one year old are on board this cruise and seeing how happy they are is the essence of Christmas.

 

I'm sorry, but I think the above two posters should just lighten up a bit. Azamara isn't RCI and never will be RCI. There's nothing to 'worry' about here.

 

Floris

Edited December 27, 2016 by florisdekort

[NC&KY]

I like the fact that there are not a lot of children on Azamara (small ship, no kids program, etc.) but I also like that there are always a few - usually anywhere between 5 and 10 it seems to me.Floris

Ditto. I would be very unhappy if my excursion were ruined by a crying baby, but I would rather run that risk than be on a cruise with only elderly people and no one younger than I (which was to pretty to close to our experience on Oceania). The presence of young people and children makes me feel young!!

Edited December 27, 2016 by NC&KY
grammar

[uktog]

I think the problem is the focus and tone of the article is all wrong and as a result I can understand the reactions of some. It's also a bad fit to the rest of the marketing- destination immersion, long days in port, nights ashore....with a young child????

 

I have been on an Azamara cruise where dining was spoilt because of young children running around, crying etc and waiters spending too long trying to entertain the children which impacted on service around them. We heard excursions were spoilt for others as well though we were not personally impacted. The pool area was a nightmare no go area if you wanted just to sit on the side or float. I know the hotel director did speak with the parents but to no real avail.

 

There are several factors that need to be thought about and the article doesn't spell them out

 

* age of the child - it's very different before walking and after walking, level of reasoning ability etc. My eldest was an angel at 1-2 challenging at 3-4, permanently grounded from 5-8 and a curious sightseer from 9 until the "terrible teenager years"

* tempremant of the child - how do they react to control and "no" do they sleep well, what's the consequences of a bad nights sleep?

* itinerary- near the temperature your child is used to, near the time zone, how many port days what kind of ports etc?

* can you find familiar foods for them or not?

* at home are they easily entertained or do you have to provide lots of support or stimulus?

 

The list goes on....

 

I would far rather have seen an article that said yes, cruising with children is possible on Azamara but you have to realise there is no entertainment for them etc and maybe think about another line because it could be more relaxing for you on it. I would also have preferred more on the etiquette of cruising with young children- e.g. Remove them from the scene when crying, don't take them on land discoveries other than short trips to beaches or transfers to DIY walk around towns, do your homework, realise you have to do a lot to avoid problems..

 

I have seen officers and guest entertainers children behave beautifully onboard from a very young age so these parents have understood what is needed and I am sure there is a lot of hard work on their part. Unfortunately this article glosses over that, it's too marketing focussed and parents will concentrate on the oh it works and not on what they need to do.

[Spursgirl]

As a member of Azamara's Sales team the blogger obviously had an incentive to sail Azamara. If regular guests who are parents of toddlers do their research I cannot imagine why they would choose Azamara when there are so many family friendly lines who market specifically to this demographic.

 

I have never witnessed any bad behaviour when I have encountered young children on board but I would find it weird if I were dining in Aqualina or Prime C to see an infant in a high chair. The ambience of those restaurants are quite wrong for the very young.

[florisdekort]

As a member of Azamara's Sales team the blogger obviously had an incentive to sail Azamara. If regular guests who are parents of toddlers do their research I cannot imagine why they would choose Azamara when there are so many family friendly lines who market specifically to this demographic.

 

 

I totally agree with that. If I was traveling with children I would be on a different line as well.

 

 

 

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[Grandma Cruising]

The only children I have ever seen on Azamara were the children of crew and all were beautifully behaved.

 

 

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[uktog]

I totally agree with that. If I was traveling with children I would be on a different line as well.

 

 

 

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Me too. We have friends who were loyal Azamara cruisers who are desperate to return but are now cruising elsewhere in the RCI portfolio until their young children have reached an age where destination sightseeing is appropriate for them. Until then play clubs and bigger pools win over fine dining.

[florisdekort]

The only children I have ever seen on Azamara were the children of crew and all were beautifully behaved.

 

 

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Same for me. I've never had the misfortune of ill behaved children. Ill behaved adults however [emoji6]

 

 

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[lisiamc]

I think the problem is the focus and tone of the article is all wrong and as a result I can understand the reactions of some. It's also a bad fit to the rest of the marketing- destination immersion, long days in port, nights ashore....with a young child????

 

I have been on an Azamara cruise where dining was spoilt because of young children running around, crying etc and waiters spending too long trying to entertain the children which impacted on service around them. We heard excursions were spoilt for others as well though we were not personally impacted. The pool area was a nightmare no go area if you wanted just to sit on the side or float. I know the hotel director did speak with the parents but to no real avail.

 

There are several factors that need to be thought about and the article doesn't spell them out

 

* age of the child - it's very different before walking and after walking, level of reasoning ability etc. My eldest was an angel at 1-2 challenging at 3-4, permanently grounded from 5-8 and a curious sightseer from 9 until the "terrible teenager years"

* tempremant of the child - how do they react to control and "no" do they sleep well, what's the consequences of a bad nights sleep?

* itinerary- near the temperature your child is used to, near the time zone, how many port days what kind of ports etc?

* can you find familiar foods for them or not?

* at home are they easily entertained or do you have to provide lots of support or stimulus?

 

The list goes on....

 

I would far rather have seen an article that said yes, cruising with children is possible on Azamara but you have to realise there is no entertainment for them etc and maybe think about another line because it could be more relaxing for you on it. I would also have preferred more on the etiquette of cruising with young children- e.g. Remove them from the scene when crying, don't take them on land discoveries other than short trips to beaches or transfers to DIY walk around towns, do your homework, realise you have to do a lot to avoid problems..

 

I have seen officers and guest entertainers children behave beautifully onboard from a very young age so these parents have understood what is needed and I am sure there is a lot of hard work on their part. Unfortunately this article glosses over that, it's too marketing focussed and parents will concentrate on the oh it works and not on what they need to do.

 

I agree with your whole post, and especially the last paragraph!

 

One of the things I like most about Azamara is that there is no encouragement to bring children along. Of course this means that the few passengers who do bring theirs are confident that their children will enjoy a ship primarily aimed at adults, with no play areas or youth clubs, and few if any other children to socialise with. The children may not be quite as adult-compatible as mum and dad think they are, and may, in fact, be bored right down to their toes. And bored children are not fun children.

 

If I'm going to cruise on a ship with kids on it, I'd rather be on one with decent facilities to keep them entertained, preferably far enough away that I can't hear them. :p

 

I'm glad this person had a good time, but sorry that she seems to be encouraging any family with children to cruise Azamara.

[ellbon]

I like the fact that there are not a lot of children on Azamara (small ship, no kids program, etc.) but I also like that there are always a few - usually anywhere between 5 and 10 it seems to me.

 

It was great watching these children get Christmas presents from Santa the other day on Journey and it's always great to see how happy some of the staff are when they get the unique opportunity to bring their family on board. Some of them don't see their loved ones (and their kids growing up!) for 8 to 10 months of the year, so 10 extra days together makes a big difference. Chef Fabio's wife and one year old are on board this cruise and seeing how happy they are is the essence of Christmas.

 

I'm sorry, but I think the above two posters should just lighten up a bit. Azamara isn't RCI and never will be RCI. There's nothing to 'worry' about here.

 

Floris

 

Love what you wrote. I am in Quest and the children are better than a few adults here. Loud adults ..nit sure if drunk or loud. I will take a healthy child over hat adult.

[ellbon]

Hazel

 

We had two babies for Cmas. One tiny , one inHigh Chsir. Baby was better than the two kids about ages ten or so. They were just loud. Babies slept thru dinner.

[steveweese]

I have seen out of control kids everywhere I go. But really have not been effected by then on any Cruise we have been on.

 

Adults yes but we all know that. Here is a story that is hard to believe but true.

 

On one cruise the first port day we stayed on the ship. About 9:30 am we headed to the pool and I am in there all by myself. Yes all by myself in the pool. A while later a women got in with a 6 month old child and it started to get to me. There were signs at every place you got in the pool saying "No children under 3 allowed" Maybe 2 I am not sure.

 

I quietly got out and found a pool attendant and he asked her to get out and she did. She grabbed her cell phone and had a conversation with someone, hung up and got right back in the pool.

 

We ended up leaving the area and as we left the attentent apologized and said he did not want to make scene about it. I agreed and patted him on the back for trying.

 

Saw the lady and child later that evening, shaking hands with passengers with her husband

 

HE WAS THE CAPTAIN

Edited December 28, 2016 by steveweese
I am an idiot

[florisdekort]

Love what you wrote. I am in Quest and the children are better than a few adults here. Loud adults ..nit sure if drunk or loud. I will take a healthy child over hat adult.

 

 

Thank you! Have a wonderful time on Quest and say "hi" to Captain Jose please :)

 

 

 

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[florisdekort]

HE WAS THE CAPTAIN

 

 

Wow! Just to triple check, that wasn't on Azamara right?

 

 

 

 

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[steveweese]

No.........

[upwarduk]

Originally Posted by uktog

I think the problem is the focus and tone of the article is all wrong and as a result I can understand the reactions of some.---

 

I would far rather have seen an article that said yes, cruising with children is possible on Azamara but you have to realise there is no entertainment for them etc and maybe think about another line because it could be more relaxing for you on it.

 

I have seen officers and guest entertainers children behave beautifully onboard from a very young age so these parents have understood what is needed and I am sure there is a lot of hard work on their part. Unfortunately this article glosses over that, it's too marketing focussed and parents will concentrate on the oh it works and not on what they need to do.

 

The original article is now being ( repeatedly) featured by Azamara on Social media. A promotion to sell to families? I think this is unfair, due to the lack of child facilities.

 

The only child we encountered on Quest TA was an officers toddler, who we saw on White Night. Not sure where the mother and child ate at other times, probably in crew quarters, but certainly not in passenger areas.

Edited December 28, 2016 by upwarduk

[Spursgirl]

Hazel

 

We had two babies for Cmas. One tiny , one inHigh Chsir. Baby was better than the two kids about ages ten or so. They were just loud. Babies slept thru dinner.

 

I am not sure that I have ever seen a child of any age in the specialities. I don't think the atmosphere and the menus would appeal to them at all.

 

Hope you're having a good time on Quest. Please say hello to Russ from me. I am looking forward to being back on Quest in July.

[Azamarajunkie]

I am not sure that I have ever seen a child of any age in the specialities. I don't think the atmosphere and the menus would appeal to them at all.

 

Hope you're having a good time on Quest. Please say hello to Russ from me. I am looking forward to being back on Quest in July.

 

On one of our AZ cruises a couple of years ago there were a couple of girls aged 7 and 9 I think who were with their mother and grandmother, they were in a suite and ate most nights in the specialities. They joined us on the Indian Buffet night in the Sunset bar and were the most delightful children. We also saw them in Aqualina when we dined in there.

 

I think one has to be careful not to tar all children with the same brush.

[Spursgirl]

I didn't mean to be disparaging at all and am glad you had such a positive experience.

 

To be honest am not sure I would have enjoyed the specialities when I was a youngster but as you infer all children are different.

 

I would say that whenever I have encountered children on Azamara they have all been polite, friendly and a credit to their parents.

[nordski]

I didn't mean to be disparaging at all and am glad you had such a positive experience.

 

To be honest am not sure I would have enjoyed the specialities when I was a youngster but as you infer all childen are different.

 

I would say that whenever I have encountered children on Azamara they have all been polite, friendly and a credit to their parents.

 

Given my personal experience, I would agree.

 

On a recent cruise the parents of the few children on board arranged a meal in the MDR where the children shared a table with their parents. Their dress and decorum was of a standard higher than mine. And watching them led me to try to see our experience "through young eyes".

 

On the other hand, a friend encountered a rather poorly behaved family on one of her cruises. And posts here prove that that is not necessarily a unique problem.

 

I'm also not certain what market niche the "family friendly" postings on social media addresses. Certainly if we were taking our grandchildren on a cruise, then Azamara would not be top of the list.

 

However perhaps that's because I fear that, based upon my comments above, my own personal example might unnecessarily lower the bar. :)