can i bring my kids in the lounges?

[leeza]

We are set to sail in january with our 3 kids (ages 8,6,4). We bring our kids EVERYWHERE with us, and are consistently complimented on how well-behaved our kids are (probably a result of "training"!) They are accustomed to sitting properly in restaurants, etc.

My question is whether children are permitted to enter the lounges and most other areas of the ship (ie: games room, etc.)? I am respectful of the fact that not all passengers appreciate young children and would immediately remove them from any situation where they were acting out.

I'd appreciate opinions!

 

[sailingrose]

Most of the time it would depend on the ship and it's rules. Sometimes they vary by ship. They will not allow your children at the bar but some will allow them to sit at the tables. There are also shows that are for adults only. If your on a Voyager class ship no one under 18 is allowed in the Viking Crown after a certain hour.

Children under 16 are not allowed in the Solarium pool. (There are some exceptions but only for short periods of time in case of inclement weather or Alaska itineraries.)

Can they enjoy the show with you after dinner. Yes, as long as you deem it appropriate. Be careful however, sometimes (rarely) the comedians are a little off color so judge accordingly.

Hope that helped but we could be more specific if we knew which ship.

 

[Camelia]

I know kids are not allowed in the casino and any adult-rated comedy shows. I remember on the Glory we walked into a disco, and were told by a guard that kids are not allowed. But on the Sensation I let my son play on one of the slot machines (it was right at the entrance), he immediatly won $16, we walked to the cashier to turn the nickels into dollars, and not until we were leaving somebody said something to us about kids not allowed in the casino. My son is still proud that he won that money, and remembers that experience, so in my mind it was worth "bending the rules."

 

[Mbandy]

Good for you leeza! Sounds like your kids can handle responsibility. I have been amazed on 13 voyages at some of the wonderfully well behaved kids I have had the pleasure to meet and equally appalled by some of the little brats and their parents who don't seem to care. Kids are allowed in most of the lounges. The fact that you and your kids are respectful of others will be appreciated.

I'll never forget the three little girls on Infinity last summer. The OLDEST was probably 6. The mom had the little girls performing for us at keroke ad-nausium. The mom would crouch down at the front of the stage and "direct" the little ones as they "performed" over and over and over again until 1:30 AM. I do not mind kids...but there is a time and place, ya know?

Happy Cruising,

Michael

 

[cantw82cruz2]

I was on the Legend. I have a 2 yr old and she was allowed in the lounges, as were the other children we had with us. They do alot of games like Name that Tune and Trivia (etc) in some of the lounges. They also didn't care who entered the 'adult theme show.'

 

[icantw8t]

When are you cruising? My boys are going with us and they are just as excited as we are....I think. They go everywhere with us and are happy to be sitting at a restaurant as they are at the pool. I've seen more adults acting up on our last cruise than any of the kids...We are sailing on the Radiance January 2, 2005. Only 4 months now!!

 

[Trish1c]

Leeza --

I haven't seen too many kids in lounges but I don't see why they couldn't sit at a table & listen to the music or perhaps if they are controlled & there aren't too many other people, dance a little. I wouldn't attempt to have them sit on the bar stools. As the bar, b/c again that's what it is, starts to fill up, you may want to consider removing your kids. Many patrons may not alter their adult behavior just b/c your kids are there. Given all the activities to do on a ship your whole family may be tuckered out so even the grown ups won't be missing anything. Again, pre-screen or at least inquire about the contents of the shows before bringing your kids. Most of the kids I saw were awed by the costumes & really loved the "action".

Enjoy.

 

[defritz]

One more thing to keep in mind: People can smoke in the lounges. Being from California (we have a ban on smoking in public buildings), I was surprised to see people smoking in the lounges. I don't know how you feel about having smokers around your kids, but it's something to keep in mind.

 

[johnfasc]

Kids are great!!!!! Especially those that are well behaved. Certainly take them to the shows. Lounges as you say would generally be adult orientated. I would think not to bring kids into these situations. Although how late would a six year old want to stay up anyway???

 

[Deb Mumaw]

I am not sure if you are asking about times when bingo and games etc are being played or just sitting in the bar area. I would think there would be more of a problem if they are in the piano bar or something of that sort where people are just smoking and drinking, would kind of be like taking them to a bar at home. But, we saw lots of kids at bingo. Would not recommend taking them to the Quest or the late night comedy shows as we saw several comedians who were definitely adults only but it WILL specify that in the compass.

 

[VaCruzers]

Having just returned from a cruise where kids were everywhere, PLEASE leave your kids in the kids programs or stay in areas intended for families so that those passengers who are looking for an adult experience can enjoy those areas of the ship and those events intended for adults. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

[sailboat]

I love my two very well behaved and sophisticated nieces (ages 4 and 8) but I would not bring them into lounges or other obviously "adult" places for the same reason that I, as an adult would not haunt the "kid's only" venues. It's just not appropriate and I don't imagine they'd find it very interesting. Their parents would agree. They are too young to be in a spot where smoking, drinking, and flirting are going on. The good news is that most ships today have very well structured children's programs designed so that both kids and adults can have fun. Children in an adult venue change the tone and atmosphere simply by being there, no matter how well behaved. Enjoy your children's company at mealtimes, at the pool, and on age appropriate excursions by all means but steer them clear of lounges, casinos, exercise rooms, and other adult-oriented spots.

 

[4cruisers]

Oh PLEASE!!! Our oldest is now 24 and has been on every cruise with us since he was 18 months old (QEII 24 days). He has been to every piano bar and lounge on the QEII, Crown Odyssey, Rotterdam and NCL Star and I have the greatest memories of any MOM out there! We met great people who never complained (why would they, he was/is a pleasure). I hope he'll raise his kids the same way! I loved dancing with him in our arms on formal night on the QEII in his little tux...he was the most popular "photo opportunity" for all the Japanese cruisers on board! He is now in public relations and doing VERY WELL! It's all in the training, believe me! Oh, and he NEVER went to the children's program (I'm VERY proud to say!!!!).

To you who think the kids SHOULD be left in the kid's clubs, try an adults only cruise....I'm sure you'd be much happier.

 

[Trish1c]

If you want it from the kid's perspective, it depends on the kid.

As a child I was often brought to lounges by my parents. I was usually bored stupid. I wasn't being good. I was almost catatonic -- nobody really wanted to talk to me; they were looking for adult conversation. I'd try to read but it was usually too dark. There were some adults who were happy to have me there. I actually met my math tutor in a bar & would often return there for lessons. We'd sit in a corner & work through problems. It was often late & I was usually tired. Sometimes I'd fall alseep in my chair or *gasp* on the floor under the table. Try that today & child protective services will take your kids away in a heart beat.

Like I said before, I'm not offended by kids in the lounges. I don't mind their presence. Keep their interests & energy levels in mind. If there's a kids' program, by all means encourgae them to go. You'll have lots of togetherness & family time during the day. There is no need to drag your kids to a bar under the guise of "quality time."

 

[Lisa]

4cruisers...while I appreciate your perspective, lounges and bars are ADULT venues. I would not expect any adult to change their behavior when someone brings a child into that area.....they are the ones who should not be there. I agree that early in the evening, that children might be ok in these type of venues(especially before first seating dinner), but they really are adult areas. Please leave SOME areas on a ship that are focused on adults and not on everyone else's little darlings...they are cute and precious, but they do not belong in these places. How would Mommy and Daddy feel if adults invaded the kids only areas? The stink that they would raise would be horrendous.

My parents loved to bowl and go out to dinner and other stuff when they (and we) were younger....but they NEVER took us to bars or adult places....we were at home with the sitter or were occupied elsewhere when they wanted to enjoy some adult time alone.

Cruises work best when all involved take into consideration what others expect and need.

 

[leeza]

WOW! Never thought my question would initiate such debate!!! When I asked whether our kids were permitted to enter the lounges and shows, I was really not considering hanging out in a bar all night - smoking and getting drunk--with the kids bored stiff. I wanted to know whether there are shows at night that the kids are allowed to attend and whether my husband and I can have a drink (while talking TO our kids), somewhere on the ship! We take at least one vacation each year (from the time our kids were aged 6 months) and we have tried to participate in activities and shows (daytime and/or evening), when appropriate. At the same time, I believe I am responsible enough as a parent to know when a venue or show is inappropriate. Certainly, the rules that apply at home still hold when vacationing. At the same time, given that our children have a great number of experiences (including flying on planes, being in restaurants, visiting other people's homes, etc), our children have learned acceptable behaviours for these environments. And, finally, when they are tired or bored, they don't throw tantrums....they simply just tell us they're tired or bored and then we know it's time to go.
So, to all future fellow passengers, please don't fret! We respect others' desires for peace/quiet/fun! Although I have 3 children of my own, I too have also been in social situations where I had no patience for other children's behaviours. And I have found that almost ALL of these situations could have been avoided.
So, thank you all for your advice. These differences in opinions is what makes our world go round!

Lisa )

 

[capecodrealtor]

We just returned from the Hurrican Frances Navigator cruise and we were amazed how many parents had their very young children (one particular couple were bringing their infant no older than 4-6 months and 2 year old) everywhere at all hours. We saw them numerous times at midnight, 1 AM all over the ship with these poor kids. My wife categorized it as "child abuse".

Twice we were hoping to enjoy the quiet jazz in the Cosmopolitan Lounge overlooking the pool area at midnight or later and there were young toddlers there whose parents were not as tuned in to those around them. The kids were obviously overtired, whining, and the parents were oblivious to it. The daily compass specifically stated that this venue was reserved for adults over 18 after 10:00 PM at night. It definately detracts from your own quiet enjoyement when this occurs.

While the crew did an admirable job during the day keeping the young ones from the adult solarium pool, they did less than stellar job in the lounges and the theater. Two of the striclty adult shows, which were publicized as adult shows, there were many kids in attendance, and when a performer used some adult language, one actually apologized because kids were in the front row.

There is a time an place for us all, and as a parent of two children, I love them dearly, as we all do, however, parents need to use common sense. A six month old or two year old has no place in an adult club after midnight, no matter how good they may be.

My humble opinion.

 

[sailboat]

Well let's see if I can answer your questions without setting off another debate

Are there places on the ship where you can have a drink while talking to your kids? Sure! There is at least one outdoor bar open in the evening--so cigarette smoke is not as much of an issue (OK guys, for people who are allergic, it is, but the sea breezes tend to waft it away). And it is always interesting to be on deck in the late afternoon or evening. Most ships also have small bars scattered around inside. These smaller venues feature tiny cocktail tables or side chairs where you and your kids can enjoy one another's company while Mom and Dad have an adult drink. Soft drinks are available for kids.


What about the shows? Most ships feature variety in their shows. You'll often find a magic show and I think most kids would be fascinated by the music and costumes featured in the musical reviews. You might want to steer clear of some comedians but that's not because they tell off color or inappropriate jokes. I think the humor might be a bit out of kid's reach so they might be bored. The good news is that you'll get a pretty good idea of what the shows include from your ship's newsletter, from any onboard television previews, and if all else fails, by asking one of the entertainment staff or the cruise director. If a live show is not an option, there are always movies in the ship's theatre.

Yup we've all got our "stories" to tell. But well behaved children (like well behaved adults!) are welcome everywhere!

 

[MrsPete]

Two comments:

Why do you feel it's necessary to bring the kids EVERYWHERE with you? Are you afraid for their safety? The kids' program is well staffed and filled with fun activities. I'm sure they'd have more fun playing with new friends than sitting in a bar.

I had an alcoholic father, and his idea of "quality time" with me was taking me to a bar on Saturday afternoons. I loved having french fries and Coke -- things that were not allowed in our house on a regular basis. Like your kids, I was always well behaved and never caused anyone any trouble, but I did see things that I shouldn't have seen at a young age.

In conclusion, I'm against taking children into "adult" areas. The ship provides child-friendly alternatives, and I'd let the kids enjoy those.

 

[mish]

I also just came back from the Navigator on the Aug 28th cruise. My children spent most of the
nights in the kids program, I had Two 7 year olds. My 2 year old came every where with me. He was not
allowed in the kids program he was too young. Yes there were a few adult only shows, most of the time
my little one was sleeping through it, Child abuse is that person kidding me. We were in one bar that
said tht there were no children allowed after 11 oclock so we left. Take your kids with you its a family
vacation.