Cruise Talk: children on cruise ships

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Topic: children on cruise ships

donney
Just Boarded
Member # 861

posted 10-22-1999 06:21 PM

I have just returned from a one week cruise to Bermuda with RCI. Service on board was great as usual but trip was spoiled by large number of infants and teenagers on the ship.
Pool was unusable to adults and believe it or not they have posted a sign, "no daipers" allowed in pool. Teenagers roamed ship in lower decks till early morning hours. and blocked stairways. Has anyboby else experienced this. My trip was ruined

Posts: 5 | From: burlington, ontario, canada | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Deb M
Just Boarded
Member # 865

posted 10-23-1999 02:26 PM

Boy, I thought I was the only one that felt this way!!! Me & my husband were on the Destiny last December and we experienced the same thing. You couldn't use the hot tubs or the pool because they were so full of children all the time. Not to mention the danger they posed to themselves and others from RUNNING all over the ship. It didn't ruin our trip, but it definatly put a damper on it. Most people take a cruise to get away from everything including their own children so it is a big disappointment to have to put up with inconsiderate people who use the ship as a built in babysitter. I know that we were not the only ones that expressed concern, I heard several people getting upset with the security guards and the cruise director. I'm disappointed to hear that RLC is the same way.

Me and My monther-in-law (one cool chic) will be sailing this december on the Inspiration and if it is the same as last year it will be my LAST carnival cruise.

Posts: 1 | From: Carbondale, IL USA | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 10-23-1999 04:12 PM

Sorry to here that Kids spoilt your Cruise. Different lines cater for different 'segments' of the market. Carnival's 'fun ships' cater for the lively family crowd.

Try Celebrity or maybe HAL next time?

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 10-23-1999 04:20 PM

Surprising that an October cruise would have many teenagers on board. Most Canadian and U.S schools are back in session.

The "no diapers" sign does not surprise me - we had the same problem in our condominium pool! We have a minimum number of children resident in the building - doting Grandparents are the problem! Their visiting 'angels' can do no harm! Bet they were not as lenient with their own kids.

We don't cruise when schools are on vacation - many of today's parents have little or no consideration for the comfort or enjoyment of others. Having said that, we've done several Christmas and New Year cruises (very much family reunions etc.) and have enjoyed well brought up children. At that season cruise lines perhaps have extra staff on board.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Swanny
First Class Passenger
Member # 830

posted 10-24-1999 02:20 AM

Took 5 teenage girls (16-17yrs) on Carnival summer 1998 with another mom. We had a great time. I will say they had better table manners at dinner than our tablemates (2 couples, late 40s).

Please do not blame kids for spoiling your cruises, blame parents / chaperones!

Posts: 25 | From: Mission Viejo, Ca USA | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

MagnmPI
First Class Passenger
Member # 299

posted 10-24-1999 04:11 AM

Too bad that was an RCL trip that was ruined for you. I too think that it's up to the parents, and how close an eye is kept on them. I've been on cruises with alot of teens, usually in the summer months. They have always been polite. But, I can see how they can be annoying if I caught them at the wrong time. As for infants, I don't have a problem with that. If parents have the patience to care for an infant on vacation, more power to them. But they should know diapers in a pool is a no no.

I bring my seven year old every other cruise. Sometimes he sits and relaxes in the spa with me. He doesn't splash around and we just sit, relax, share a soft drink and talk as if I'm sitting there with a miniature adult. Then other times he's in the children's center being a kid.

Posts: 545 | From: San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

Mary
First Class Passenger
Member # 316

posted 10-25-1999 08:48 AM

Try Renaissance -- they have absolutely wonderful cruises and allow no one on board under 18. (They are also smoke free!!) (However, they don't sail the Caribbean)

Posts: 35 | Registered: Jan 99 | IP: Logged

Lisette
First Class Passenger
Member # 282

posted 10-25-1999 10:21 AM

I agree with Swanny the blame is definitely with the parents. My husband and I have been on 5 cruises with RCCL and we have never had any problems with children or teenagers. I don't believe that you can blame a cruise line for the lack of control some parents have on their children, we travel with our son he is always with us or with the kids program.

Posts: 32 | From: Mississauga | Registered: Nov 98 | IP: Logged

mrblanche
First Class Passenger
Member # 714

posted 10-25-1999 11:47 AM

I would also suggest a more "upscale" line, such as Celebrity, HAL, or even Princess. They all have children's programs, but none are as "youth oriented" as Carnival, who aims precisely at the segment of the population that would tend to have young, uncontrolled children.

Posts: 308 | From: Cedar Hill, TX | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

Natalie
First Class Passenger
Member # 347

posted 10-26-1999 04:38 PM

I am so glad I am not the only one that is anti-kids!!! That is the last thing I need on a holiday. Is there a cruise ship which is "adults only"

I have been on some hols where the "grown up pool" is littered with kids - YAK!!!

Posts: 61 | From: Yateley, Hampshire, England | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 10-26-1999 04:53 PM

Try Crystal or Seabourne Cruises. Also the ship Song of Flower. They are very, very expensive and doubt that there are children on them. Seabourne and Crystal or all-inclusive. Also HAL has some long cruises, 19 days and longer and there rarely are children on them.
Just saw your other post where you will be on the Carousel and staying at a 5* in Cancun. Bet the ship and hotel will be over-run with children at it is the Holidays!!!

[This message has been edited by sympatico (edited 10-26-1999).]

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

rene
Just Boarded
Member # 872

posted 10-26-1999 06:47 PM

Was I glad to see this topic. Replies concerning parental responibility are of course right, but it doesnt change what is happening. I"ve seen the string vest set accompanied by the reverse baseball cap style of kids entering the dining room, second sitting at the Gala dinner. The cost of cruising is such that you can"t run the risk of getting into this type of mob scene.
Maybe my cruising days are over, but hopefully not!

Posts: 3 | From: Milton, Ont, Canada | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Swanny
First Class Passenger
Member # 830

posted 10-27-1999 02:11 AM

"String vest set"? Please interpret

Posts: 25 | From: Mission Viejo, Ca USA | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

rene
Just Boarded
Member # 872

posted 10-27-1999 12:13 PM

Swanny: Sorry I was not more specific. A string vest is an open weave mesh undershirt. I"m typifying this dress as the type worn at functions where more formal attire has been requested and complied with by most other people.

Posts: 3 | From: Milton, Ont, Canada | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 10-29-1999 11:09 AM

Rene & Natalie, I think that we are all agreed that the type of Cruise Line, ship, destination and price are all proportional to the type of passengers that are attracted.

Many Cruise lines are still popular with the over 50-60's, with few kids aboard. All you need do is a little research before you book!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

MagnmPI
First Class Passenger
Member # 299

posted 10-29-1999 01:17 PM

Ditto.

Posts: 545 | From: San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

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