Infant Amenities (Nautica)

[Barrheadlass]

The OP did not ask for opinions, she asked what O has for infants...cribs, high chairs, etc.  I have no horse in this race, but am truly sorry about all the rudeness she’s been subjected to.  Over and over!  I hope you have a lovely cruise, OP, and enjoy the memories made with the grandparents!

[Rob the Cruiser]

In reading through our cruise documents I found this:

 

CHILDREN

Although Oceania Cruises accepts Guests of all ages, the unregimented lifestyle and upscale ambiance onboard are designed for adults and do not provide for the care, entertainment, or supervision of children.

 

Seems like a very strong hint to me. 

 

The answers provided here have been courteous but direct. There will be passengers onboard that won't be so courteous.

Edited December 20, 2018 by Rob the Cruiser

[LHT28]

maybe other family members  will babysit   while the parents enjoy  a nice  dinner  for 2

I have seen younger children onboard  but most  were not at  dinner  in the specialties  

Some parents may feed the kiddies  earlier  so they are not too cranky by dinner time

 

 

 

[Damicom]

That’s what people have been trying point out, that’s been misinterpreted as rudeness.

[Mura]

I recall a post about a family dining in Jacques with a very cranky toddler who upset a number of other diners.

 

At the same time, I believe also in Jacques there was a complaint about a very drunken gentleman who kept on drinking ... and who also disturbed a number of other diners.

 

(When I say "at the same time" I mean I believe I saw the posts around the same time.  I'm not trying to say that both of these circumstances happened at the same time.)

 

Mura

 

[Blanq]

6 hours ago, Barrheadlass said:

The OP did not ask for opinions, she asked what O has for infants...cribs, high chairs, etc.  I have no horse in this race, but am truly sorry about all the rudeness she’s been subjected to.  Over and over!  I hope you have a lovely cruise, OP, and enjoy the memories made with the grandparents!

 

x2.

 

I am no “O” expert and in fact have no “O” experience (I will be taking my first Oceania cruise next month), but jeesh people, can we give this mom a break and just give her facts in response to her questions?

 

Seriously,  in my 30 years of cruising I have seen more bad behavior from the they-should-know-better adults than from any one year old. And at least there is no hearing a one year old complain and crab about virtually anything and everything. No listening to them yak on about health problems, crappy food, terrible entertainment, missed port stops, or chair hogs. 

 

 

[SellaVee]

I have never seen a changing table in a public restroom on O, nor a high chair, and since cribs would be in staterooms I can't say if they are available.

 

i have though seen a young child in Jacques, perhaps 4 or 5, all dressed up and sound asleep on her chair.

 

When our 3 boys were little we tended to holiday where there would be other children as it made the holiday better for them, and therefore for me.  I'm surprised at the Grandparents attitude, especially at it's making your life more difficult.  However, you may find that if your little chap has a sunny smiley nature he will be the star of the show.  I have a one year old GD who beams at everyone when we are out for a walk and people keep stopping to say hello to her.  I've seen a toddler on one O cruise who belonged to an officer and lots of people were enchanted by her.

 

Many O cruisers will be grandparents themselves and may find him charming.  My one bit of advice would be if he starts to get cranky, remove him from wherever he is to somewhere where he isn't disturbing anyone.  That will take the pressure off you.  Remember he will be in a strange situation and you will be his 'anchor'.

[Rob the Cruiser]

There is an obnoxious drunken slob onboard so it should be okay to have a screaming infant onboard?

Edited December 21, 2018 by Rob the Cruiser

[pinotlover]

I have often seen children aboard but never in the Specialties and only rarely in the GDR. The parents have often brought nannies along to care for their children while they are dining in those restaurants or doing shore excursions. The children often eat in the Terrace. In some of those situations the nanny was in fact the grandparents. The only place one typically sees the entire brood was in the Terrace. The children I’ve witnessed have always been well behaved in that venue. This is of course facilitated by being a relatively quick in and out venue as compared to the two hour meals in the other restaurants.

[Mura]

1 hour ago, Rob the Cruiser said:

There is an obnoxious drunken slob onboard so it should be okay to have a screaming infant onboard?

I assume your comment is in reaction to mine ... which is not at all what I meant.  And I believe you know that.

[Rob the Cruiser]

Yes, Mura. I've read so many of your comments that I know what you meant. 

[WFHFLOYD]

We were on a Cuba cruise last May (I think Stan and Jim were onboard also) and there were 2 young ones on the ship.  The little girl (about 10) walked around with a notebook the entire week, obviously with some kind of 'learning experience' assignment underway.  Never saw her look upbeat, happy, smiling.  But maybe she just loved the whole thing.  The other little boy was about 18 months old and we saw him frequently in the Terrace cafe.  Always with mom and dad, very well behaved, by adult standards even, and very affable.  Smiled at everyone, and sat in a ship provided high chair.  So it depends on the child and the rest of the folks on the ship will survive, I;m sure.   This is a first world problem folks!  

[Mura]

We haven't encountered many young people on our O cruises.  A few very young ones who were with crew family members.  A few young teens.  We NEVER encountered the horror stories that some have recounted.  (Then again we don't tend to sit around the pool and we don't travel at times when many children might be aboard.)

 

The comment about the 10 year old walking around with her notebook reminded me of a visit to Ellis Island with a Danish friend some years ago.  We happened to encounter a few people at a Danish exhibit and a student was writing into her notebook.  Sisse volunteered to give some information about Danes and Denmark pertinent to the exhibit but the teacher shut her off.  The student had her assignment and didn't need more information ... I was struck how the teacher wasn't able to make this a REAL teachable moment.

 

Which doesn't have much to do with the little girl on this cruise, of course.

 

Mura

 

[Kangakid]

I have only encountered young children on one Oceania cruise and have to say it definitely was a breath of fresh air so to speak to hear a child’s laugh every so often mainly around the pool.  Saw them at the dining room one evening and from what I saw they were perfect diners.

I am pretty sure a few of your fellow cruisers will enjoy seeing your baby/toddler,  not all Oceania cruisers are anti children.  I am also sure the crew will treat him like a little prince.

 

[hehny]

It’s not the children that are a problem, it’s the parenting.  Admittedly, Oceania does not cater to children but the (rare) ones we’ve seen have always been well behaved. I was an old soul as a child and would have loved it. 

 

The only line I have seen that truly caters to infants is Disney.

 

But it is disheartening that so many people slammed the OP for asking simple questions and trying to be prepared.  I would suggest some of these posters book with Viking, which has banned children under 18. Oceania may not be child friendly but it is not child free.  If you are willing to pay, you are able to travel.  

[BenMurphy]

On 12/20/2018 at 5:30 PM, Mura said:

I find it curious that the grandparents are experienced Oceania cruisers but still think it's a good idea to bring a young child on an Oceania cruise!  I'm not sure it will be so much fun for Mom and Dad...

 

or other passengers

 

[BenMurphy]

On 12/20/2018 at 5:30 PM, Mura said:

I find it curious that the grandparents are experienced Oceania cruisers but still think it's a good idea to bring a young child on an Oceania cruise!  I'm not sure it will be so much fun for Mom and Dad...

 

or other passengers

 

[kitty9]

I’m on Riviera now and relatively speaking, there are quite a few kids on board.  There are 4 elementary school age kids, three teens and an infant.  I can say that many are not happy with the kids at the pool, but with kids being kids, they will yell and act loud when in the pool. That’s just the way it is.  At times, the pool area is not the quiet place that the old guard cruisers are used to.  It’s the parents of the infant I feel sorry for.  The dad is out walking the child, in a stroller, every single night, on deck 6.  He walks through the casino, then around the martini bar and back through the casino. I’ve seen him doing this as late as 10pm.  This can’t be fun for the dad. 

[kibutzer]

As a grandmother of two I am not sure what the grandparents are thinking.

 

Although they may enjoy it, you may have alot of work cut out for you and your partner.  Your child should not go in pool, due to health regulations, they may not be equipped to accommodate toddler food, heating etc, and not aware of itinerary but there are few spaces exploring time for toddler. Please ask your TA to notify cruise lines for all of your needs in advance. I know crew will appreciate a well behaved toddler and passengers will to. Unfortunately it is those fussy times that will be most challenging,  as it is on a plane ride. 

 

Having said that I wish you well and hope you can enjoy the journey if you choose to follow through on the offer.

[wripro]

1 hour ago, kitty9 said:

I’m on Riviera now and relatively speaking, there are quite a few kids on board.  There are 4 elementary school age kids, three teens and an infant.  I can say that many are not happy with the kids at the pool, but with kids being kids, they will yell and act loud when in the pool. That’s just the way it is.  At times, the pool area is not the quiet place that the old guard cruisers are used to.  It’s the parents of the infant I feel sorry for.  The dad is out walking the child, in a stroller, every single night, on deck 6.  He walks through the casino, then around the martini bar and back through the casino. I’ve seen him doing this as late as 10pm.  This can’t be fun for the dad. 

That's what he signed up for when he brought an infant on a ship like that.

[Paulchili]

7 minutes ago, wripro said:

That's what he signed up for when he brought an infant on a ship like that.

At a pretty penny at that. Not what I would do in his place.

Generally speaking, one doesn’t take a 90 year old to Disneyland or on a rollercoaster to have fun nor a toddler on a premium/luxury cruise - it’s just common sense. Admittedly, there are exceptions to this rule but not that many.

Edited February 10, 2019 by Paulchili

[LHT28]

Just now, kitty9 said:

I’m on Riviera now and relatively speaking, there are quite a few kids on board.  There are 4 elementary school age kids, three teens and an infant.  I can say that many are not happy with the kids at the pool, but with kids being kids, they will yell and act loud when in the pool. That’s just the way it is.  At times, the pool area is not the quiet place that the old guard cruisers are used to.  It’s the parents of the infant I feel sorry for.  The dad is out walking the child, in a stroller, every single night, on deck 6.  He walks through the casino, then around the martini bar and back through the casino. I’ve seen him doing this as late as 10pm.  This can’t be fun for the dad. 

 eight kids  how bad can it be 🙁

Are  they rowdy at  dinner?

 

Is the baby or the dad making lots of noise during his walk ?

I would  rather have a few kids having fun at the pool than a loud slobbering drunk  wandering the ship   been there  & it was not pleasant

 

 

[pinotlover]

Where are the odds greater on an O ship:

 

1. Encounter an unruly child at the pool or a dining venue; or

 

2. Have a geriatric that’s either to senile or uncaring go on a ship’s tour for which they aren’t physically qualified and drastically slow down the tour?

 

On a personal level,  aboard O I have witnessed more issues arise from older passengers with various stages of dementia than problems created by children.

[Damicom]

10 minutes ago, pinotlover said:

Where are the odds greater on an O ship:

 

1. Encounter an unruly child at the pool or a dining venue; or

 

2. Have a geriatric that’s either to senile or uncaring go on a ship’s tour for which they aren’t physically qualified and drastically slow down the tour?

 

On a personal level,  aboard O I have witnessed more issues arise from older passengers with various stages of dementia than problems created by children.

 

10 minutes ago, pinotlover said:

Where are the odds greater on an O ship:

 

1. Encounter an unruly child at the pool or a dining venue; or

 

2. Have a geriatric that’s either to senile or uncaring go on a ship’s tour for which they aren’t physically qualified and drastically slow down the tour?

 

On a personal level,  aboard O I have witnessed more issues arise from older passengers with various stages of dementia than problems created by children.

This is a false equivalency. Both are annoying.  Most people choose Oceania because they expect a quiet, peaceful, sophisticated environment. If that’s not someone is looking for there are other cruise lines that cater to other experiences.  Why try to force a square peg in to a round hole.

I have noticed, Pinotlover that you seem to have very little patience with older people.

(From earlier in this topic)

“The good thing about loving Mothers is at least they do recognize when their infants diapers need to be changed and do so. Been on O shore tours when grandma or grandpa’s diaper badly needed changing and the spouse was obviously to acclimated to the odors! Should we ban adults in diapers also? What happens when the people around them start crying?

if we expect Mothers to carry diaper bags, shouldn’t we likewise expect grandma too?”

Maybe Oceania is not the right fit for you. 

[pinotlover]

Damicom;

 

A smelly urine filled diaper is a smelly diaper regardless of the age of the wearer.