No more adult only aft pools?

[firemanbobswife]

Someone just posted to JHs page that they are on the Victory and it has been changed back to adults only. Wonder if it's true. We can only hope!

[evandbob]

I was just on the Conquest April 1st cruise, and saw that the signage was changed to allow minors into the pool and aft tubs when they were "accompanied by an adult". Several times unescorted kids tried to enter the hot tubs, and we just asked them where their parent was - when they look perplexed, we asked them to read the sign. They sulked away and didn't return - you might try this and see what happens.

 

Expecting the staff to enforce this new rule is not reasonable. The staff didn't do anything when 2 young couples brought their diapered toddlers into the pool the first two sea days.

[Loudermont]

I Think kids should be allowed in the Serenity area until 8 PM with adult if they behave. At the first sign of shenanigans they should be sent packing for the rest of the day, with their adult. It is amazing how well behaved they can be after that.

 

Children are not bad by nature, they just need a little education to become functioning human beings.

 

 

Why do you think this? Why do they need to be in serenity? Are there not enough family friendly areas.

 

I don't bring my kids in cruises, so I don't know if I am missing something?

 

I do know that when the kids are kept out it is a serene area where you can actually relax, read a book, hot tub with adults only.

 

Kids are kids.. I understand as we have several of our own.. but, we are thinking of bringing them next year and I have scoped out all of the areas and there seem to be plenty of family options on deck.

 

 

Have had the pleasure to enjoy:

Carnival Celebration 07

Carnival Victory 16

Carnival Valor 17

[Crusin5252]

Another reason why the Pride and Miracle are my favourite ships. No desire to go on their larger ships now, for sure.

 

 

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Does Miracle have a pool in the Serenity area. We will be on it for 14 days. We have been on the Pride, but not the Miracle.

[tphitman]

Best part of these ships is the adult-only pool in the back. 44 Carnival cruises and I think they've finally pushed me overboard.

 

 

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[Keys2Heaven]

My guess is that the reason that they're "messing with it" is adults don't swim too often. The Serenity pool as far as I've seen has always been empty or with maybe one or two people, on occasion. My concern is that if kids can access the pool then they'll be taking over the loungers as well and Serenity will be no more.

 

On our Valor cruise a couple of years ago, I don't remember anyone swimming. I do recall a lot of adults in the chairs or just sitting on the edge of the pool. Of course, there was one gym enthusiast who had to flex constantly. Maybe he wouldn't get noticed enough in a family-oriented pool.

 

 

Makes no difference to my wife and I, as we (with exception of swimming with grandkids) don't swim in the pools.

[mom2tcdx2]

I guess it doesn't overly bother us too much, though I just now have kids that are 18 and can use the adults area. We don't tend to use the serenity area as I like the hot tub or pool and many didn't have that. Only adults only pool I recall really using was on Disney (my husband and I sailed without our kids a few years back). True Disney also has an adults only restaurant on all ships as far as I can remember (Palo and Remy(?)).

 

I find overall I don't spend a huge amount of time around the pools anyway. Normally the water is too cold for my liking. Or if we are spending a day on board that we just don't get off the ship we find the pools less crowded when in port.

[KatieCharlotte]

Why do you think this? Why do they need to be in serenity? Are there not enough family friendly areas.

 

I don't bring my kids in cruises, so I don't know if I am missing something?

 

I do know that when the kids are kept out it is a serene area where you can actually relax, read a book, hot tub with adults only.

 

Kids are kids.. I understand as we have several of our own.. but, we are thinking of bringing them next year and I have scoped out all of the areas and there seem to be plenty of family options on deck.

 

 

Have had the pleasure to enjoy:

Carnival Celebration 07

Carnival Victory 16

Carnival Valor 17

 

 

I am fine with Serenity being adults only. I think that a rule that children are allowed if they behave would be hard to enforce. People have very different opinions about what constitutes behaving.

 

However, I do understand why someone would want Serenity to allow "serene" children. I have a preteen daughter who has enjoyed quietly reading a book since she was six years old. She would appreciate being able to enjoy the Serenity deck to read her book away from loud adults and loud children. We have to hunt for places like that on a ship for her.

[Cyber Kat]

Most of our cruises have been with Carnival. Up until recently, I was very happy with the product for the price. We mostly pick by departure port. I really don't want to fly to cruise. If I'm flying - I'm going somewhere to stay. We like cruising from NYC. Carnival used to have 2 ships ported there. Now they have one and it's part time. We've discovered that sailing out of Baltimore is doable and we love the Pride. We're not fond of the Mega Ship floating hotel, theme park & shopping malls. 2500 on the Pride is nice - and for now, it still has a pool in the aft Serenity area. Don't know how long that will last.

 

I'm not yet platinum (not that it really matters) but I am Carnival stock holder - that doesn't carry much weight with them either apparently. But the cruising experience we had back in 2002 when I did my first Carnival cruise, isn't getting any better, that's for sure.

 

Carnival has been dropping straws on this camel's back for some time now. I didn't complain about the switch from decent chocolate to crappy chocolate on the pillow. I didn't complain when the chocolates disappeared all together. I didn't complain much when they switched from live music to DJs, or when they dropped (and then reinstated) the shrimp cocktail from the menu, or when they moved the comedy shows into small venues that you have to stand in line for. I didn't complain at all when they removed the lobster from shorter than 6 day cruises, because we do 7 days or more. But I did note it!

 

I grumbled a LOT when they switched to the (downgraded IMO) American Table & removed the table cloths. No, the food doesn't taste any different, but it makes for a nosier room and stuff slides around. It's just not as nice a dining experience compared to before.

 

I'm still grumbling about the cards you have to fill out concerning the room maintenance. The price isn't any lower - I want twice a day tidy ups, beds made, towels changed, etc. And I KNOW there will come a time when you do not have the option for both. I've heard people complaining about being told they have to choose.

 

I was not happy about them not delivering the liquor the night before, although I've heard they switched back on this bad decision. And all the questions about the 24/7 ice cream - you know that's going because some parents don't want to parent on vacation.

 

Although we haven't experienced this yet, I am not at ALL happy about getting the S&S cards in the mailbox. That's just asking for trouble! And I'm not happy about the cut backs in staff - those people all have to make up for the missing workers and I've noticed it affecting a lot of areas of service.

 

Still I continued with Carnival, and we have a cruise on the Sunshine in Sept to Canada. We will probably book another cruise on the Pride when we're looking for a cheap getaway, but I won't count on the experience being what it used to be.

 

Things change. I get that, but I can adapt by changing as well. This last straw of doing away with adult only pools (Loved the one on the Splendor) may just be the proverbial Last Straw for us. It's not so much the loss of the adult pools, but Carnival sending a message that they don't really care what some portion of their customer base wants. It seems they are saying to adult cruisers with no kids or grown kids - like or or lump it.

 

I can only speak for myself, but we spend money on cruises. Because of the cheap base price we upgrade to premium balconies. We have 2 in a room, so we're not packing it to get the cheaper price. We drink, but don't get the Cheers package because it doesn't work so well for us. We order a bottle of wine with dinner. I like the umbrella drinks. DH drinks Thirsty Frog. We do the specialty restaurants - usually more than once. We get FTTF. We buy photos & a WiFi package. We often do shore excursions and get a cabana at Half Moon Cay. But hey - if Carnival doesn't want us, there are other lines that do!

 

Not really interested in NCL or Royal with their Mega Ships. I might look into Celebrity if they've got some smaller ships around. But the line we are more and more drawn to is Viking. We did a river cruise with them this past August and it was simply phenomenal!

 

Yes their cruises are pricey, and we mostly have to fly to cruise with them. But they frequently offer free or low cost airfare. We have West Indies cruise booked with them and the airfare is $45 pp round trip Newark to San Juan. And they meet you at the airport and take you to the ship, and take you from the ship to the airport at the end of the cruise. Their Ocean ships are all new or fairly new with a passenger limit of 930 people. They are ALL veranda. All passengers must be 16 or older.

 

If they are anything like the staff on the river cruise, they treat you like royalty. Your fare includes: 1 shore excursion in each port, beer & wine with lunch & dinner (champagne for mimosas at breakfast), all specialty restaurants, bottled water when you leave the ship, little snack, fruity drink & towels when you return, spring water in the room, WiFi all over the ship, specialty coffees 24/7, gelato bar, great food with a choice of dining options, aft infinity pool, lovely pool with a retractable roof mid ship, wonderful array of toiletries in the bathroom (replaced as used), in room coffee maker - and I'm sure I'm forgetting some things.

 

There are no points to "earn" as you cruise. ONE cruise - either river or ocean - gets you entry into their Explorer Society. We were able to buy 2 for 1 future cruise certificates on our river cruise - $100 gets you $200. You get $200pp off your next booking if you do it within the year - $100pp off after that. They have a referral program, where you and the person you refer each get $100 off the cruise price if they book. And we will get an invite to the Explorer Society reception on our ocean cruise.

 

When we did the river cruise, we did extra days pre-cruise on our own so they didn't meet us at the airport, but they met us as we got out of our cab, whisked our luggage off to the ship and escorted us down the pier. Check in was like at a hotel. There is no S&S card, just room key. Our cabin wasn't ready yet, but we had lunch on the ship, then went off to do another museum. Except for the special German-themed buffet dinner, there were no lines anywhere, and I've been told their Ocean ships are the same.

 

Sorry for rambling on, but I have a lot going through my mind with this latest Carnival issue, and with an upcoming Carnival cruise and an upcoming Viking Ocean cruise comparing the two is an irresistible force ;p A Viking cruise is not for everyone, that's for sure. Like Carnival, they are targeting a market, and unlike Carnival WE are in their target market.

 

There's no casino. There are no photographers in your face - there are none at all, but crew members are more than happy to take a photo with your camera. There are no assigned dining times, nor assigned tables. You do need to make reservations for the specialty restaurants, but there's no up charge. You are free to bring as much wine, beer, liquor, soda on board as you like. No hassles, no corkage fee if you prefer your own wine and bring it to dinner. All but the lowest price cabins have soft drinks in the fridge that are replenished daily. You can let them know your preference. The upper price levels have alcohol replenished daily also.

 

There are no hairy chest contests or Marriage Game or bingo. There are no announcements encouraging you to by gold by the inch or anything else :cool:. They do have a night club on the Ocean ships with live music. They have shows & movies, a really nice gym and spa (some spa services are included - sauna, steam room, therapy pool). But if you need all of the contests, bingo etc to have fun, well, you're not going to like Viking. We had a blast on our river cruise. Met some great people, saw wonderful sights and had fun.

 

For those looking for an alternative to mass market lines, check them out. We're not abandoning Carnival just yet - though they seem to be telling us to walk the plank - but you get what you pay for, in most cases. And I'd rather get more value - things I deem valuable - than Carnival wants to offer.

 

Ranting ramble over ... I hear the sighs of relief. ;p I'm sure there are many thinking, "Don't let the door hit you!" Don't worry - I won't :D

[Loudermont]

I am fine with Serenity being adults only. I think that a rule that children are allowed if they behave would be hard to enforce. People have very different opinions about what constitutes behaving.

 

 

 

However, I do understand why someone would want Serenity to allow "serene" children. I have a preteen daughter who has enjoyed quietly reading a book since she was six years old. She would appreciate being able to enjoy the Serenity deck to read her book away from loud adults and loud children. We have to hunt for places like that on a ship for her.

 

 

I can understand that reason

 

 

Have had the pleasure to enjoy:

Carnival Celebration 07

Carnival Victory 16

Carnival Valor 17

[mrbill33000]

That's lame Carnival !! Another reason to cruise with Rccl.

[pghsteelerfan]

Most of our cruises have been with Carnival. Up until recently, I was very happy with the product for the price. We mostly pick by departure port. I really don't want to fly to cruise. If I'm flying - I'm going somewhere to stay. We like cruising from NYC. Carnival used to have 2 ships ported there. Now they have one and it's part time. We've discovered that sailing out of Baltimore is doable and we love the Pride. We're not fond of the Mega Ship floating hotel, theme park & shopping malls. 2500 on the Pride is nice - and for now, it still has a pool in the aft Serenity area. Don't know how long that will last.

 

I'm not yet platinum (not that it really matters) but I am Carnival stock holder - that doesn't carry much weight with them either apparently. But the cruising experience we had back in 2002 when I did my first Carnival cruise, isn't getting any better, that's for sure.

 

Carnival has been dropping straws on this camel's back for some time now. I didn't complain about the switch from decent chocolate to crappy chocolate on the pillow. I didn't complain when the chocolates disappeared all together. I didn't complain much when they switched from live music to DJs, or when they dropped (and then reinstated) the shrimp cocktail from the menu, or when they moved the comedy shows into small venues that you have to stand in line for. I didn't complain at all when they removed the lobster from shorter than 6 day cruises, because we do 7 days or more. But I did note it!

 

I grumbled a LOT when they switched to the (downgraded IMO) American Table & removed the table cloths. No, the food doesn't taste any different, but it makes for a nosier room and stuff slides around. It's just not as nice a dining experience compared to before.

 

I'm still grumbling about the cards you have to fill out concerning the room maintenance. The price isn't any lower - I want twice a day tidy ups, beds made, towels changed, etc. And I KNOW there will come a time when you do not have the option for both. I've heard people complaining about being told they have to choose.

 

I was not happy about them not delivering the liquor the night before, although I've heard they switched back on this bad decision. And all the questions about the 24/7 ice cream - you know that's going because some parents don't want to parent on vacation.

 

Although we haven't experienced this yet, I am not at ALL happy about getting the S&S cards in the mailbox. That's just asking for trouble! And I'm not happy about the cut backs in staff - those people all have to make up for the missing workers and I've noticed it affecting a lot of areas of service.

 

Still I continued with Carnival, and we have a cruise on the Sunshine in Sept to Canada. We will probably book another cruise on the Pride when we're looking for a cheap getaway, but I won't count on the experience being what it used to be.

 

Things change. I get that, but I can adapt by changing as well. This last straw of doing away with adult only pools (Loved the one on the Splendor) may just be the proverbial Last Straw for us. It's not so much the loss of the adult pools, but Carnival sending a message that they don't really care what some portion of their customer base wants. It seems they are saying to adult cruisers with no kids or grown kids - like or or lump it.

 

 

 

Ranting ramble over ... I hear the sighs of relief. ;p I'm sure there are many thinking, "Don't let the door hit you!" Don't worry - I won't :D

 

I cut out the rest of what you wrote to emphasize this part....this is exactly my thoughts. Carnival is sending a message that they don't care about adult cruisers with no or grown kids. By Carnival doing all of this, I also feel that I am no longer welcome on their ships.

 

 

You mentioned the ice cream...willing to be that's next on Carnival's chopping block. I actually have a bet with hubby placed on that one (my guess is it will be this year). I've also been seeing letters from angry passengers about the "adult comedy" club being too offensive, so I wouldn't be surprised if they turn Punchliner to only "family friendly" shows. If I wanted a "Disney" experience, we'd have sailed on Disney but that is something that I'd probably never consider.

 

We're looking into some of the other cruise lines as well. The best way adults sailing without kids can send the message to Carnival is to go with another line that would be more than happy to have us. Some of them actually offer some different itineraries with islands that Carnival can't seem to get to.

Edited April 10, 2017 by pghsteelerfan

[jimbo5544]

That's lame Carnival !! Another reason to cruise with Rccl.

 

 

Were you just one short? How many is enough, we all want to know?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

[firemanbobswife]

Update to previous post

[Jamericannn]

I'm all for an adult only pool. Adult only jacuzzis would be great too. I just wish Carnival would have stairs into the pools like NCL does. NCL I believe has a kid pool and adult pool on the Lido Deck. Oddly the kid pool had the stairs:confused:

 

 

Maybe they have the stairs because they do not want the kids jumping in and trying to splash everyone.

[KatieCharlotte]

Did they have signs on Victory stating that the aft pool was adults only? They certainly did not on our spring break cruise a few years ago. I know that Conquest class aft pools and the Splendor aft pool were adults only, but I specifically researched the Victory and read that it was not adults-only, and that was our experience. I searched for signs and found none, except the usual warnings re the hot tubs and not staying in too long. Do they keep changing the rule on the Victory?

[firemanbobswife]

Did they have signs on Victory stating that the aft pool was adults only? They certainly did not on our spring break cruise a few years ago. I know that Conquest class aft pools and the Splendor aft pool were adults only, but I specifically researched the Victory and read that it was not adults-only, and that was our experience. I searched for signs and found none, except the usual warnings re the hot tubs and not staying in too long. Do they keep changing the rule on the Victory?

 

 

I honestly don't know as I've never been. But here is a response to someone on FB when they were asked about which ships this is on (changing to family friendly no official news on changing back yet):

 

"It seems that was some confusion on my part, in regards to the ships included with this change. I saw an email that stated Conquest class so that's what I advised however, rereading that email, it actually listed 7 ships and not 5. Conquest, Valor, Liberty, Glory and Freedom, Splendor and the Victory. I apologize for the oversight on my part.

- Mischelle"

[Computer Nerd]

Our first cruise is upcoming - a delayed honeymoon. While I'm slightly put out to learn of the policy change regarding the adults only pool, I'm moving on with my plans. Since the adult's only pool is out, where's the next best cool spot on the ship for a bit of quiet and crowd avoidance. Can we take drinks into the library?

 

Yes, you can take drinks into the library. On the Vista, they even have a self service wine bar in the library.

[Cyber Kat]

I cut out the rest of what you wrote to emphasize this part....this is exactly my thoughts. Carnival is sending a message that they don't care about adult cruisers with no or grown kids. By Carnival doing all of this, I also feel that I am no longer welcome on their ships.

 

 

You mentioned the ice cream...willing to be that's next on Carnival's chopping block. I actually have a bet with hubby placed on that one (my guess is it will be this year). I've also been seeing letters from angry passengers about the "adult comedy" club being too offensive, so I wouldn't be surprised if they turn Punchliner to only "family friendly" shows. If I wanted a "Disney" experience, we'd have sailed on Disney but that is something that I'd probably never consider.

 

We're looking into some of the other cruise lines as well. The best way adults sailing without kids can send the message to Carnival is to go with another line that would be more than happy to have us. Some of them actually offer some different itineraries with islands that Carnival can't seem to get to.

 

I forgot about all the complaints about the Comedy Clubs. I'm sure changes to the ice cream 24/7 is coming too. And you know they are not going to have an employee watching over it - they are cutting staff, not adding.

 

We weren't really looking for another line to cruise with, but since Carnival doesn't seem to want our money, I'm sure Viking is not the only line willing to accommodate those of us who would like a respite from kids.

 

I like kids, it's their parents, I'm not so fond of. And I do hate being splashed, so the adult only pools were a welcome oasis.

[Computer Nerd]

I was fine with the former rule, because I don't think that all the ships in the fleet need to appeal to the same demographic, but this will mean that more ships meet our needs and the needs of other families.

 

There were only 7 ships to begin with that had adult only pools. That left 18 other ships for the kiddies to run rampant on. Why take away the adult pool on the 7 ships that had them? As you said, very ship in the fleet doesn't need to appeal to the same demographic which is why many people (myself included) did our best to pick a ship that had what we wanted. I have never even sailed a Dream class ship but have 6 cruises on Conquest class ships specifically for the peace and quiet offered.

Edited April 10, 2017 by Computer Nerd

[Computer Nerd]

We have to hunt for places like that on a ship for her.

 

Library has always been easy to find on any ship I've been on.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

I like kids, it's their parents, I'm not so fond of. And I do hate being splashed, so the adult only pools were a welcome oasis.

 

If people actually got in the pool rather than just sitting on the edge dangling their feet they wouldn't get splashed. 99% of the time that is what I see in the adult pools.

[Computer Nerd]

If people actually got in the pool rather than just sitting on the edge dangling their feet they wouldn't get splashed. 99% of the time that is what I see in the adult pools.

 

Unless you are completely underwater (head included) you're going to get splashed by some kid doing a cannonball.

[nealstuber]

Agree. Most changes don't upset me but this definitely does.

 

I wish there was a way they could relocate or partition off the eating places back there and make the whole area Serenity instead of having it all the way forward.

 

 

Agree, moving Serenity away from water works makes all the sense in the world!

 

On the other hand, there have been so many changes where the standard response on this board has been " It doesn't bother me so it shouldn't bother you"

 

I support those who weren't there for those who were not there for others when big screen TVs took over the main pool, the main dining and entertainment experiences were dumbed down, live entertainment vanished from most of the show lounges, and carry your own water went by the wayside.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Cyber Kat]

We haven't sailed on any of the Conquest ships, but we have sailed on the Splendor. They had the Serenity deck up by the slides & the mini-golf - not so serene. They had a great aft pool area, but only the pool was adults only. If they had put up one of those fence type things, like they have on the Pride, to include the bar back there and the pool they could have separated that from the food area.

 

There is a small pool up by the Serenity but not IN the Serenity, but it's at the end of the water slide, so that doesn't work. But if they moved the Serenity area to the aft pool, they could put in some more "family friendly" things. They've already got the slide, a pool, the mini-golf & basketball - it would make perfect sense.

 

Here's the set up on the Pride. I don't know if other Spirit Class have this, but on the Pride it was really nice.

 

 

They have that fencing all around. I thought I had a better photo, but I don't have it on my photo site to link

 

 

It wasn't always this empty - we were in Freeport