Is it not acceptable to take my children...

[kiyasmom]

On Royal Caribbean?

 

I have been a member here for a short time. While I mostly lurk, I do have a comment or question from time to time. The question of the day is: Is it ok for me to have a family vacation with my children this Spring?

 

Post after post lists complaints about children onboard the ship. Is it a huge inconvenience to have children aboard? I really wanted to take our children 6 and under as we are planning a family reunion cruise. By the same token, I don't want my children to feel mistreated, or unwanted, and I don't want to ruin other people's vacations. So, a simple poll. Are children generally accepted on a cruise or does it just piss people off when they're on board?

[JanineM]

Of COURSE children are welcome. Royal Caribbean goes out of their way to make sure there are activities for children.

 

If you read the posts with complaints about children you will notice that they all concern children who are unruly or not supervised by their parents.

 

We have sailed during spring break with over 1000 children on Mariner and there were only one or two worth complaining about.

 

There are areas of the ship where children are NOT welcome (such as the Solarium, bars late at night, and the specialty restaurants).

 

I'm sure your well behaved children will enjoy their cruise immensely.

[wraithe]

The problem is with parents, the ones who let the kids run wild and get inot trouble. If you keep up with your kids and keep them from bothering others, then there's no trouble. Spring Break is probably a great time to take your kids since there are many other kids for them to play with, lots of security to help you keep an eye on them, many other parents with kids who are less likely to make a stink about kids being around. Good luck and happy cruising.

[Dockman123]

We have only been on 3 cruises so far. We have never had any problems with children onboard. That said though we usually try and cruise January through March, not generally a large family vacation time. I have no problem with kids onboard as long as they are not running wild and respect the adult only areas.

[mohavemommy]

On Royal Caribbean?

 

I have been a member here for a short time. While I mostly lurk, I do have a comment or question from time to time. The question of the day is: Is it ok for me to have a family vacation with my children this Spring?

 

Post after post lists complaints about children onboard the ship. Is it a huge inconvenience to have children aboard? I really wanted to take our children 6 and under as we are planning a family reunion cruise. By the same token, I don't want my children to feel mistreated, or unwanted, and I don't want to ruin other people's vacations. So, a simple poll. Are children generally accepted on a cruise or does it just piss people off when they're on board?

 

OK... I am confused on how to vote here...

Your question asks, "The question of the day is: Is it ok for me to have a family vacation with my children this Spring?" ... the answer to that is Yes.

 

Then you ask, "Is it a huge inconvenience to have children aboard?" ... the answer is no.

 

Your poll asks "Do you dislike cruising with children?" ... which my answer would be no since I like cruising with children... as long as they are well behaved.

[Captain Jake]

Though I try to cruise at times when there will be less children,RCI prides itself as a family cruise.Do not hesitate to bring your children

[CoronaCpl]

I voted, "doesn't matter"... I personally don't like cruising with our own child(ren), but generally have no problems with others' children. As long as they are well-behaved it doesn't bother either of us. It's those kids that are left to terrorize the ship that really irk me.

 

Bring them along - there are quite a few things for them to do. And they'll enjoy it. Can't imagine having a family reunion without the little ones...

 

And yes, they are accepted onboard!

 

 

H

[Dremac373]

Since you have been a lurker for a while you should know by now that you can not take anything that you read on here to heart...You will get honest feelings on the issue and you will get some replies that will just be down right awful due to the fact that they are anonymous... I for one have not taken my children on a cruise but have one normal family land based vacations cause I felt my youngest was a little to young to fly. Regardless of what you read on here, if you have confidence that you are the best parent that you can be and you are raising your well then by all means and let them enjoy how hard you worked to make the possible for them.

[kiyasmom]

Thank you! I know the questions are phrased wrong. I am asking if children generally are a problem onboard this cruise line. I picked it because reviews say RCL is kid-friendly, but since my last cruises have been on Carnival I wasn't really sure. RCI seems like a much better line, but if the majority of cruisers preferred minimal children on board then I would just book Carnival.

My children are well behaved and mannerable, as a SAHM I have worked hard to teach them well. No child is perfect but they certainly know how to be polite, act properly in public, and use "indoor voices". That said, thank you for all your input thus far.

[Happy ks]

OK... I am confused on how to vote here...

Your question asks, "The question of the day is: Is it ok for me to have a family vacation with my children this Spring?" ... the answer to that is Yes.

 

Then you ask, "Is it a huge inconvenience to have children aboard?" ... the answer is no.

 

Your poll asks "Do you dislike cruising with children?" ... which my answer would be no since I like cruising with children... as long as they are well behaved.

 

 

I was confused by her topic as well. I voted it doesn't matter, mostly because I don't pay much attention to other peoples children. Unless they are screaming in my ear or directly causing me distress I kind of ignore them. My kids are pretty much grown, I've done my job.

 

Take your kids, as long as you tend to them they should be no problem for anyone. RCI is advertised and serves families and if you are cruising during spring break season, you will see hundreds of kids onboard the ship.

 

A cruise is a great place for a family reunion. There is plenty to do for everyone of all ages and you aren't stuck like glue to relatives all week, there are places to spread out. Plus, no one has to do the organizing, no one has to cook or clean the mess, it's all fun time.

 

Every year here on CC I read posts from adults with no kids who cruise spring break season and have major regrets for that choice. So, your topic could be turned around for couples or adults with no children and who don't want to cruise with children to stay away from main stream lines during spring break season :) .

[lovetocruiserccl]

Children onboard are fine. It's some of the parents who believe that since their child is in a self contained environment it's fine to let them run around the ship all hours of the night disturbing other guest. Or being in areas designated for "Adults Only" the solerium, the Quest and the Casino. During my last cruise on the Explorer parents allowed their children to be in the casino playing slots. This is not the environment for children. Adults are not allowed in the areas designated for childern and it is enforced. The same standards should be afforded the adults. Children are wonderful people and should have the opportunity to be with their parents in the proper areas and doing the right thing..

 

Bring them that's what family reunions are for. And have a great time.

[Mocorobabe]

We have been on many, many Royal Caribbean cruises. 99% of the time the children aboard are absolutly no problem. We have cruised the last 4 years on a Christmas and New Year's cruises with lots and lots of children. Never a problem. Loved watching them get their presents from Santa.

 

Royal Caribbean has a great program for children!!!!! I think you will be happy with it and be glad you had your children with you.

 

Mocorobabe

[brigittetom]

My children are well behaved and mannerable, as a SAHM I have worked hard to teach them well. No child is perfect but they certainly know how to be polite, act properly in public, and use "indoor voices". That said, thank you for all your input thus far.

 

That is all that anyone asks to make your kids more than welcome on board. You will find that the crew is especially wonderful with kids.

I've never heard of anyone minding kids on board unless they are truly ill behaved. I think the problem sometimes is that there is strength in numbers and the majority rules. That may be why some don't like to cruise during school break times. :)

[firefly333]

We vastly enjoyed the children on my last RCI cruise and it did have a heavy population of children. I was amazed at how grown up and cruise savy the children were. I vote yes, keep 'em coming.

 

btw I think the way the poll is set up is contradictory. You ask if its ok to bring your children (yes), but then the question is backwards from the subject line, asks if people MIND if you bring your children (no). Those who dont care are probably ok with it, so you are getting a split vote.

 

I did get tired of the children running up and down our hall where our cabins were. Someone mentioned that it was just normal behavorior and I should not expect parents to stop their kids from running up and down, the kids were obviously bored?? I do expect parents to tell kids to quit running in the halls.

[LisaRhea]

We have cruised 3 times, each time with our children. On our first cruise they were 9 and 5, on our last they were 13 and 9. We have only cruised Royal Caribbean and Disney, and both lines are awesome with kids. Our children are well behaved, polite and can converse with most adults. They have been treated wonderfully by the crew and other passengers every time. As long as your children are polite and not running all over the boat being loud and rude or terrorizing people at the buffet, you'll be fine and they will have a great time.

 

If you were considering a line such as Crystal or Cuniard, I would think twice - those lines don't cater to families and children as well as RCI and Disney. Maybe when our children are grown, we will give them a try!

[beach girl66]

I feel children are accepted well on RCCL and was surprised at all the activities available on board for them. What I didn't like was the amount of children roaming around unsupervised, pushing, shoving,cutting in line,ect. I also didn't appreciate parents with strollers pushing into elevators where there was no room and running into my legs or over my toes, or children in the solarium, where it is an adult only area. :mad:

[StormGoddess]

I am not even going to read all the replies, they would probably tend to irk me more than anything.

But instead will tell you this...

My son, now 10 is my ONLY travel companion. Every cruise I have gone on, he has been my roommate. And not once has he ever felt unwelcomed on an RCI cruise. He absolutely loves the activities for the kids, and the time he gets to spend with me as well.

And anyone that made or makes him feel unwelcomed WILL deal with me.

 

As far as I am concerned, RCI is building newer and bigger ships that cater to the younger crowds/family cruisers. People that wish to be away from children really need to find a line that doesn't cater to the family cruisers. Book your kids and enjoy the family vacation!!!

[Rancher Dave]

For DW and me, it is an opportunity for a time away from DD. We will be taking DD with us at Spring Break. However she will be with us or in organized activities with RCI, no running wild with a band of new friends.

 

I wonder of the kids turned loose on ships how many of the parents would let their kids run free on the streets of any city in America? I know there are smaller towns where kids running free is safe and acceptable, but in the bigger cities kids running free is not something most of the parents I know would allow. It's not that t heir kids are bad per se, but it is the danger that lurks out there that parents often protect against. Some if not many of the same dangers exist on ships, as at home and if for no other reason, I wouldn't want my child running loose on the ship.

[karen&roy]

I don't mind children on baord at all and have never been bothered by them, but it would be nice to have at least one ship that would be adults only. Then they can have the riska comedians at the early show:D

[akafurby]

Hi, I'm new, and I know I'm running the risk of 'typing' myself with this being my first post. I'm looking at RCC for my hubby's first-ever cruise. We don't have kids, and I'm looking for cruises during a time where it would be least likely to have a lot of families. My issue isn't with kids per se, but more the parents who appear oblivious when their kids are screaming, kicking chairs, running up and down aisles, and interfering with others' enjoyment. And when you make a comment to said parent, you're made to be bad guy. It's a no-win sometimes.

 

That being said, I think cruises are ideal vacations for families (especially those with older kids) because of the range of activities available. Each member can do their own thing, in a safe environment, and reconnect for family time.

[wvufan]

We are veteran cruisers on Celebrity, and have always timed our cruises to avoid hordes of kids (Easter, etc.). As others have mentioned, what we object to are parents turning them loose with no regard for other passengers. Celebrity has great kids' programs, and they are fine as long as they are involved in those activities and not allowed to run wild. I would much prefer to sail with young kids as opposed to teens. We will be sailing on RCL for the next time next spring, and accept the fact that there will be more kids than usual.

 

Having said all that, might I suggest that while very young kids will find things to amuse them, for the most part they won't retain those memories. We are dying to take our grandkids cruising, but will wait till they are a little older.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE:D :D Bob and Phyl

 

PS, on our first long cruise, there were probably only 10 kids. Two of them (brother and sister) were so well behaved, while still having a blast, that I went up to their parents while the kids were there and complimented the kids. Obviously, the parents had good kids-because the kids had good parents. ;)

[dutchess43]

We just got off of the Enchantment & there were approximately 500 children on this cruise. They were the best kids on a cruise. No running around not even all of the elevator buttons pushed. I thank the parents for taking care of their kids & not letting them run wild on the ship. I also found out that the majority of parents registered their children for the Adventures club. At lunch time in the solarium they even brougth some of the smaller kids in & they had tables set up for lunch, once again extremely well behaved. RCI also has a youth partrol with a set curfew at night. After a certain time if your child is about on the ship they will be escorted back to the cabin with a knock on your door alerting you. RCI has one of the best childrens cruise programs. Last year we brought my 14 month old granddaughter & we took her to the Fisher Price activities it was great. Because of her age we brought a dvd to the dinner table so she would not annoy the surronding tables. It proved to be the best idea yet. I can't wait until she turns 3 so we can take her another cruise.

[SheilaSailAway]

On Royal Caribbean?

 

I have been a member here for a short time. While I mostly lurk, I do have a comment or question from time to time. The question of the day is: Is it ok for me to have a family vacation with my children this Spring?

 

Post after post lists complaints about children onboard the ship. Is it a huge inconvenience to have children aboard? I really wanted to take our children 6 and under as we are planning a family reunion cruise. By the same token, I don't want my children to feel mistreated, or unwanted, and I don't want to ruin other people's vacations. So, a simple poll. Are children generally accepted on a cruise or does it just piss people off when they're on board?

 

Hi there, It is my opinion that kids are wonderfully fine on on a cruise, but it's the parents who "check-out" and let them run amok. Vacation is not a break from good parenting. Flame away.:D

[Lisichka]

I can't believe some people have the nerve to vote 'no' to children. I dare say these are the older people who have no tolerance for those with a lot of life left in them (ok, so that is rude too....but come on....cruises are marketed towards families!).

 

If you don't like children, try a cruise that has a theme. Children have every right to be there.

 

I am bringing all 4 of mine next week. And I won't expect them to behave like little adults either (polite, yes....little robots, no).

[brigittetom]

I am not even going to read all the replies, they would probably tend to irk me more than anything.

But instead will tell you this...

My son, now 10 is my ONLY travel companion. Every cruise I have gone on, he has been my roommate. And not once has he ever felt unwelcomed on an RCI cruise. He absolutely loves the activities for the kids, and the time he gets to spend with me as well.

And anyone that made or makes him feel unwelcomed WILL deal with me.

 

As far as I am concerned, RCI is building newer and bigger ships that cater to the younger crowds/family cruisers. People that wish to be away from children really need to find a line that doesn't cater to the family cruisers. Book your kids and enjoy the family vacation!!!

 

When you don't read the posts you are addressing issues that are only imagined. :)