Is it not acceptable to take my children...

[Bakincakes]

Despite what many think I don't have a problem cruising with kids. It is the parents of some of them I cannot tolerate.

 

If you wish to being your kids do so. But remember that you are the parent and it is your responsibility to take care of them and make sure they stay occupied.By all means utilize all the kid friendly areas of the ship, when they are with you and please refrain from bringing them the the adult only areas, even if you believe they are grown up enough to be there.:)

 

Sometimes I think that some parents go blind and deaf when they hit the ship with their kids. They can't hear them screaming at the dinner table or don't notice them jumping on the beds in the cabin.:rolleyes: I once sat at dinner in the main dining room and watched a kid eat his dinner with his feet planted on the table top. The parents ate and ignored this behavior. So who should I be annoyed with?

 

And as far as making your kids feel "welcome" that is up to the crew. It isn't the job of the rest of the passengers to greet them and make them feel at home.

[Shanafan]

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?

Of course you should take your kids! The main complaint most people have about kids onboard are those that are out of control and the parents couldn't care less. But that happens whether you are on a ship or at home. Go and enjoy yourselves......and make memories.

[Bakincakes]

Of course you should take your kids! The main complaint most people have about kids onboard are those that are out of control and the parents couldn't care less. But that happens whether you are on a ship or at home. Go and enjoy yourselves......and make memories.

 

And isn't that a nice statement about the state of child rearing? If a parent cannot control their child something is wrong with the parent.

[kiyasmom]

I would never flame anyone. ;) Who am I to judge anyone for their actions, thoughts, or opinions. I am not concerned about how my children will behave and I have never "checked out" nor do I see this vacation as a chance to take a break from parenting. If the Lord lets me see my children grow into their upper 60's or beyond, I will still the their mother and I will still take some responsibility for how their lives turned out. That said, I am a very courteous person (rather, I strive to be daily) and I am aware of my surroundings. Just as it will be my family's vacation, it will also be others' vacations, and if the majority of folks said they preferred NOT to travel with children then I would go to a line that does not mind them.

 

My children are 1, 3, 4, and 5 right now. I am ultimately responsible for their wellbeing and development. That is why I stopped nursing and put my education (pursuing my MD) on hold to raise them. I was asking about children on board; I was not asking people to question how well I manage my children. All of whom are exceptionally smart and mannerable because I have never, nor do I ever plan to, "check out."

 

Thank you all again for very honest responses.

[Bakincakes]

I would never flame anyone. ;) Who am I to judge anyone for their actions, thoughts, or opinions. I am not concerned about how my children will behave and I have never "checked out" nor do I see this vacation as a chance to take a break from parenting. If the Lord lets me see my children grow into their upper 60's or beyond, I will still the their mother and I will still take some responsibility for how their lives turned out. That said, I am a very courteous person (rather, I strive to be daily) and I am aware of my surroundings. Just as it will be my family's vacation, it will also be others' vacations, and if the majority of folks said they preferred NOT to travel with children then I would go to a line that does not mind them.

 

My children are 1, 3, 4, and 5 right now. I am ultimately responsible for their wellbeing and development. That is why I stopped nursing and put my education (pursuing my MD) on hold to raise them. I was asking about children on board; I was not asking people to question how well I manage my children. All of whom are exceptionally smart and mannerable because I have never, nor do I ever plan to, "check out."

 

Thank you all again for very honest responses.

 

If you are at all worried about your children being accepted by other passengers you might try Disney. While that line has plenty for adults it is more geared towards families and kids.

 

RCI is also geared for families but not to the extent that Disney is, IMO.

 

And most of the kids of posters on CC seem to be very smart and mannerable.:) Must be all that sea air.:)

[CruiseCrAzieS]

I don't mind the children....I just mind the NO brained parents who let their kids run wild and run a muck!!!! Ususally the unrully children belong to the chair hogs that are too lazy to get off their "plump duffs" to check on their kids. :cool:

 

Many of the well managed children on cruises have way better manners then some of the adults I've seen!! :rolleyes:

[jillyfish]

Way to go Rancher Dave, I agree with you totally!! I'm not even sure I am comfortable with leaving my child off for someone else to watch and be responsible for on a huge huge ship floating out in the middle of the ocean.

 

I do however, feel a cruise is a great family vacation and agree the parents that do not pay attention to their unruly kids are the real problem, not the kids.

[kiyasmom]

Disney is nice; but very expensive. And they don't have casinos. None of the grandparents will go on a cruise with no casinos. LOL!

[WebNanny]

I cruise in the summer when my 13-year-old granddaughter is out of school and can come with me. She enjoys the Adventure Ocean activities for her age group and makes new friends. I enjoy the kids as well.

 

I have never experienced any of the typical things that people complain about, like diapers in the hot tubs, but there is one thing I'd like to tell parents: Teach your kids that when entering an elevator they must wait for any people exiting the elevator to leave first. On my most recent cruise I was amazed at the kids who just shoved their way onto the elevators, pushing through the people exiting, elderly people, people in wheel chairs, people using walkers - and with their parents right there.:eek:

 

The kids on the cruises are fun, some of the parents need a little educating. A cruise can be a great opportunity to refine their kids' social skills, if they know how.

[French_Fry]

Children are people too!

 

Bring them along and enjoy.

 

What other people want or desire should never affect YOUR vacation!

[SelectSys]

I find it surprising that anyone who dislikes cruising with children would ever pick RCCL - especially during a holiday period. We have been on 5 cruises with them precisely because of their family friendly enviroment and attractions - kids clubs, climbing walls, sport courts, mini-golf, skating, etc.

 

Many other options exist for those who want a cruise line that attracts fewer families and kids.

 

Agree with all who suggest that it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure their kids act in a proper manner on board.

[SheilaSailAway]

I would never flame anyone. ;) Who am I to judge anyone for their actions, thoughts, or opinions. I am not concerned about how my children will behave and I have never "checked out" nor do I see this vacation as a chance to take a break from parenting. If the Lord lets me see my children grow into their upper 60's or beyond, I will still the their mother and I will still take some responsibility for how their lives turned out. That said, I am a very courteous person (rather, I strive to be daily) and I am aware of my surroundings. Just as it will be my family's vacation, it will also be others' vacations, and if the majority of folks said they preferred NOT to travel with children then I would go to a line that does not mind them.

 

My children are 1, 3, 4, and 5 right now. I am ultimately responsible for their wellbeing and development. That is why I stopped nursing and put my education (pursuing my MD) on hold to raise them. I was asking about children on board; I was not asking people to question how well I manage my children. All of whom are exceptionally smart and mannerable because I have never, nor do I ever plan to, "check out."

 

Thank you all again for very honest responses.

 

 

I think you took my post slightly personal...not intended. :o I did start out by saying that kids are wonderfully fine onboard...and I love to see kids having fun and being kids. I do not however like to see the few parents that do "check-out", and the kids playing on escalators, etc. In no way am I saying YOU let your kids run amok. I am sorry if I hurt your feelings in any way. It truly was not my intention. BTW, I have not voted in the poll...yet! LOL

 

I feel that this is a great thread/poll because it may make some people aware that the ship is for everyone, not just the kids, the newlyweds, the elderly, etc. Can't we all just get along??? lol

 

Happy Cruising to everyone!!!:)

[tjljsc]

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?

 

Children are certainly welcome. I think most of the posts against kids are speaking of unruly children. Kids who have little or no parental supervision (or are supervised by inconsiderate parents). I liken it to taking kids to a nice restaurant. Nobody cares if kids are there, as long as they're not screaming at the top of their lungs, throwing food, running around, etc.

 

Personally, over 3 cruises (2 with RCCL and 1 with Carnival), I've only had negative kid experiences twice. Once on Carnival with a group of 8-12 year olds that seemed parentless - running through the halls, running into people, throwing ice cubes down the hall, etc. On RCCL, there were 2 young kids in the pool area that obviously needed a nap. Parents were completely ignoring these two poor over-tired kids who just would.not.stop.crying. The parents made no move to comfort/address their screaming and, if it were me, I'd have takent the kids back to my stateroom.

 

All that said... I think RCCL's Adventure Ocean does a great job of entertaining kids and most parents seem to have taught their kids manners. Go on your vacation and enjoy!

[zantedeschia]

....

[PH8]

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.

 

:confused: :confused: :confused:

 

The question in the poll was :

 

 

 

Do you dislike cruising with children

Yes

No

Doesn't matter

 

So those voting no,do NOT mind children......at least thats how Im interpreting it....

 

Voting yes means they dont like them(or prefer not cruising with them)....

[marsda]

I would never flame anyone. ;) Who am I to judge anyone for their actions, thoughts, or opinions. I am not concerned about how my children will behave and I have never "checked out" nor do I see this vacation as a chance to take a break from parenting. If the Lord lets me see my children grow into their upper 60's or beyond, I will still the their mother and I will still take some responsibility for how their lives turned out. That said, I am a very courteous person (rather, I strive to be daily) and I am aware of my surroundings. Just as it will be my family's vacation, it will also be others' vacations, and if the majority of folks said they preferred NOT to travel with children then I would go to a line that does not mind them.

 

My children are 1, 3, 4, and 5 right now. I am ultimately responsible for their wellbeing and development. That is why I stopped nursing and put my education (pursuing my MD) on hold to raise them. I was asking about children on board; I was not asking people to question how well I manage my children. All of whom are exceptionally smart and mannerable because I have never, nor do I ever plan to, "check out."

 

Thank you all again for very honest responses.

All of our cruises have had children on them, and we enjoy seeing them both from afar and upclose! I don't even have any stories of children misbehavin' to tell. RCI seems to do a fantastic job in their programs. We looked into Carnival, RCI and Disney for a family cruise with married kids and grandkids, and we've decided on RCI. Carnival's party reputation scares me, Disney has no casinos and costs more, we've seen RCI in action. Quick decision.

If I were you, I'd jump on RCI and look forward to a great time. You deserve it for parenting 4 children so young and close together in ages!!

[vermonter16]

I don't mind kids on a cruise. Of course they are welcome on a cruise. What people talk about and complain about, including myself, are the kids running wild, using the adult pool, being loud....and the parent's sit back and giggle and think it's cute. It's not cute.

[vermonter16]

All of our cruises have had children on them, and we enjoy seeing them both from afar and upclose! I don't even have any stories of children misbehavin' to tell. RCI seems to do a fantastic job in their programs. We looked into Carnival, RCI and Disney for a family cruise with married kids and grandkids, and we've decided on RCI. Carnival's party reputation scares me, Disney has no casinos and costs more, we've seen RCI in action. Quick decision.

If I were you, I'd jump on RCI and look forward to a great time. You deserve it for parenting 4 children so young and close together in ages!!

 

Don't let Carnival's bad rap scare you. They got that in the 80s and people can't seem to let it go. I've been on Carnival several times and have had nothing but a good experience. Shhh...I liked the food better too. We are going on Serenade of the Seas in January and I hope the food has improved on RCI... But since the post is about kids - I will say that I saw rules enforced regarding children and the adult pool, hot tub, etc., on Carnival and on RCI we had a big problem with it.

[billsgal]

kiyasmom,

 

Take your children and enjoy all the RCI has to offer! The three oldest will be able to take part in Adventure Ocean, and you can take the littlest one to the Fisher Price Family Time...but you have to be with the littlest one, while the others can be left with the AO staff.

 

We took our kids (grown) along with their kids (7, 6, 5, 4) last year on the Freedom, and the kids (all of them) keep asking when we're going to go again!

 

The ages of your kids(and your parental supervision) make it less likely that they'll be running thru the halls by themselves, or pushing all the elevator buttons!

 

I think that some of RCI's bigger ships have established a "baby" pool for the ones in diapers, as diapers are not allowed in any of the other pools (health reasons,, as I'm sure you can understand).

 

You will find loads of kids on RCI during vacation time, less during the school year, but there will be some kids no matter what time of year you sail. You might want to consider cruising during the school year, as prices are less expensive and you will need two cabins or at least the Family cabins, as RCI cabins only allow for 4 in a cabin (except for the family cabins). If the other children who'll be cruising as part of the family reunion can be taken out of school with no problems, then I would go for it. (No flames from the teachers, please, I think travel is educational.)

 

RCI markets itself as a family friendly cruiseline, and constantly emphasize their Adventure Ocean program (which is wonderful). I know we have been on cruises when they've announced the number of children who are on the cruise, and I've been amazed....I've wondered where they've been, as they certainly haven't been visible (except for those few little darlings, whose parents have forgotten that they are parents!).http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[beachdogboarder]

I find most of us teens are respectful of adults.The unruly ones give us all a bad image.

[lkb125]

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?

Bring your children and enjoy yourself. Lorelle

[JLC@SD]

We do not mind kids....if they are on your cruise....and not ours.

 

We book longer itineraries on cruises that families usually are not interested in. I do not like cruising with a pool and jacuzzi full of kids running around and yelling.......;)

[Lisichka]

:confused: :confused: :confused:

 

The question in the poll was :

 

 

 

Do you dislike cruising with children

Yes

No

Doesn't matter

 

So those voting no,do NOT mind children......at least thats how Im interpreting it....

 

Voting yes means they dont like them(or prefer not cruising with them)....

 

Exactly. Those that vote yes are those who do not want children along. It was sentiment that those do not want children (those that voted yes), should just book a different type of vacation.

[amickeyfriend]

Hey, maybe it was a long time ago, but I was once a child. I went everywhere with my parents. I love seeing the little ones. RCL does a fabulous job entertaining the kids. My grandson though Adventure Ocean was the greatest place. So bring the kids, sign them up with Crown and Anchor and soon they will be loyal to this cruise line. RCL has a policy about behavior, but good kids are always welcome.

[amickeyfriend]

Hey, maybe it was a long time ago, but I was once a child. I went everywhere with my parents. I love seeing the little ones. RCL does a fabulous job entertaining the kids. My grandson though Adventure Ocean was the greatest place. So bring the kids, sign them up with Crown and Anchor and soon they will be loyal to this cruise line. RCL has a policy about behavior, but good kids are always welcome.