Oasis, The Chef's Table with a 3 and 6 year old.

[land lover]

I'm not judging anyone when I say I don't want to have an expensive dinner with children. I just don't, well-behaved or not.

 

Judge was probaly not the best choice of words.

But, I didn't want to have dinner with people who gobbled their food and chugged their wine, but I had that experience on Princess' Chef's table.

Edited January 22, 2011 by land lover

[land lover]

...yes? What is the question?

 

Did you call C&A to verify what they are doing with children?

[marci22]

Did you call C&A to verify what they are doing with children?

 

No, 'same status' is listed in the Youth Program Benefits on the benefits page. They will give your children the same status, but not the same points. So when they turn 18, they will have to get to the next level on their own.

[DawnCt]

Lol. Frankly, I cannot understand why anyone would want to pay $75 a person to sit with 14ish strangers. Children or not...it reminds me of teppanyaki.. I'm going on a cruise to relax and get away, not to make idle chit chat with people I will never see again. That's what message boards are for!:)

 

That's why we booked central park. Nice quiet table for two! But actually I would be annoyed if kids were at my expensive dinner...and I have a 5 year old I love very much.

 

Actually it was eleven strangers. ;) but that's besides the point. We were not looking simply for an excellent meal but the thought behind the meal. How a dish was created, why and the wine choices. I found it interesting to listen to the chef explain each dish, and go into some detail about how it was prepared. We ate at Central Park as well but we were simply served an excellent meal without the dialog.

[land lover]

No, 'same status' is listed in the Youth Program Benefits on the benefits page. They will give your children the same status, but not the same points. So when they turn 18, they will have to get to the next level on their own.

 

 

Thanks..

L:)ri

[NittanyLioness]

Are we all missing the obvious???

 

As a parent of 17 and 14 year olds, it seems to me that it should be easy for RCCL to enforce the "No one under 21 Rule". I have found them to do so with most other "underage" activities. For example:

 

1. RCCL's website recognizes age requirements in booking Shore Excursions. In our case, for the "River Tubing" in Belize, our 14 yo does not satisfy the age requirement...despite him being 5'11", 180 lbs, an athlete, and in better shape than both me and my DH! Nonetheless, the website does not allow the option to book him. (No problem for us, as rules are rules! There's always next year!)

 

2. RCCL identifies (flags) children's Seapass cards as "Under 18", so they can neither obtain alcohol nor gamble at the Casino. (Not that our kids would try, but I am glad RCCL does this, mostly for those teens who might be tempted to try!)

 

3. RCCL website knows to charge my DH the Adult pricing for the "Soft Drink" package, while charging my 14 yo the Child rate.

 

While my DH and I have enjoyed many gourmet dining experiences with our teens on "land", neither we nor our teens would want to break the rules for the Chef's Table or a Specialty Restaurant! Besides, our teens are usually having too much fun with the other teens onboard!

 

To sum, my point is that RCCL's website easily monitors age (and disallows registration) for most online reservations..Why wouldn't RCCL do the same regarding the Chef's Table????

 

Best regards and happy cruising!:)

NitneyLioness

[Cuizer2]

I have come to the conclusion that some folks just don't get it. This thread is simply about two young children seated at The Chef's Table for dinner in a venue which RCCL specifically states the guests are to be at least 21 years of age. Folks who paid for an adults only experience did not receive the experience they paid for. It is a very simple concept to grasp.

 

If it is as simple as you say, then how come a big organization like Royal Caribbean can not grasp it?

[Cuizer2]

I'm not judging anyone when I say I don't want to have an expensive dinner with children. I just don't, well-behaved or not.

 

Okay, now we need a definition of expensive. Some people might think anything over $20 is expensive and others might think anything under $100 is cheap.

[Cuizer2]

Are we all missing the obvious???

 

As a parent of 17 and 14 year olds, it seems to me that it should be easy for RCCL to enforce the "No one under 21 Rule". I have found them to do so with most other "underage" activities. For example:

 

1. RCCL's website recognizes age requirements in booking Shore Excursions. In our case, for the "River Tubing" in Belize, our 14 yo does not satisfy the age requirement...despite him being 5'11", 180 lbs, an athlete, and in better shape than both me and my DH! Nonetheless, the website does not allow the option to book him. (No problem for us, as rules are rules! There's always next year!)

 

2. RCCL identifies (flags) children's Seapass cards as "Under 18", so they can neither obtain alcohol nor gamble at the Casino. (Not that our kids would try, but I am glad RCCL does this, mostly for those teens who might be tempted to try!)

 

3. RCCL website knows to charge my DH the Adult pricing for the "Soft Drink" package, while charging my 14 yo the Child rate.

 

While my DH and I have enjoyed many gourmet dining experiences with our teens on "land", neither we nor our teens would want to break the rules for the Chef's Table or a Specialty Restaurant! Besides, our teens are usually having too much fun with the other teens onboard!

 

To sum, my point is that RCCL's website easily monitors age (and disallows registration) for most online reservations..Why wouldn't RCCL do the same regarding the Chef's Table????

 

Best regards and happy cruising!:)

NitneyLioness

 

Perhaps because there really isn't an age restriction - except to drink. It is possible that someone misunderstood the reason for the mention of 21 and has passed that misunderstanding onto everyone else.

 

If all they wanted to do was restrict children, the age limit would be 18, not 21.

[NittanyLioness]

We've never booked the Chef's Table, so cannot comment upon the validity of Chef's Table e-mail confirmations, as posted by others on this thread. (Although I have no reason to doubt them!)

 

The intent of my post was to point out that RCCL has the necessary demographic information on all passengers. Further, RCCL already does take age into account for numerous activities.

 

The real question to be answered by RCCL is: What is RCCL's "official age requirement" for the Chef's Table? :)

[J Alex's Mom]

I'm not judging anyone when I say I don't want to have an expensive dinner with children. I just don't, well-behaved or not.

 

So much for this about being only about Chefs Table. Some of you need to find a new cruise line.

[Oscar1410]

You have all scared the Ba-Jeezus out of me!...we are booked for a March Chef's Table and I would not want a chance in heck for our 13 and 11 yrs old kids to be even ABLE to participate in such an adult enrichment!....they are staying put in their stateroom and that is final!!!....says the mom who has worked so hard to get us all on this trip.

 

Yes, looking forward to NO KIDS and mature appreciation of the food artestry before us :)

:D

[marci22]

So much for this about being only about Chefs Table. Some of you need to find a new cruise line.

 

But I'm only talking about Chef's Table here. What are you talking about?

[marci22]

These types of threads tend to go south when people start saying getting mad at those who want adult venues to remain adult. I don't think any reasonable person would expect young children at a $75 or even $50pp dinner when it is stated over and over that at Chops and Portofino ($20 and $25pp) kids under 13 are only allowed before 7pm.

 

I'm sure everyone's little darling are perfection, but I still don't want to be seated across from one, or next to one, or even near one, at an adult dinner that I have paid extra for.

 

I just looked up Palo (adult dining venue on Disney cruiselines). It's $20pp, no one under 18 allowed.

Edited January 22, 2011 by marci22

[coffeebean]

If it is as simple as you say, then how come a big organization like Royal Caribbean can not grasp it?

Unfortunately, I have also come to the conclusion that RCCL values the all mighty dollar more than enforcing their own rules. That is too bad for those of us who seek out an adult only experience such as a fine dinner at The Chef's Table. As I said earlier...DH and I would have left the venue before dinner had begun and requested our money back.

[coffeebean]

You have all scared the Ba-Jeezus out of me!...we are booked for a March Chef's Table and I would not want a chance in heck for our 13 and 11 yrs old kids to be even ABLE to participate in such an adult enrichment!....they are staying put in their stateroom and that is final!!!....says the mom who has worked so hard to get us all on this trip.

 

Yes, looking forward to NO KIDS and mature appreciation of the food artestry before us :)

:D

Let's not forget the OP stated the children seated at the table were 3 and 6 years old. Sorry folks...that is just not acceptable.

[DawnCt]

Let's not forget the OP stated the children seated at the table were 3 and 6 years old. Sorry folks...that is just not acceptable.

 

And while we tolerated it, and FORTUNATELY were pleasantly surprised, I do agree with you.

I did learn however in the process of discussion, that many in Brazil do not feel that the Olympics will be good for Brazil, and in fact, feel that it will leave them in debt for the next decade. That was interesting, although not necessarily worth $225. ;)

Edited January 23, 2011 by DawnCt

[roxannex]

Actually it was eleven strangers. but that's besides the point. We were not looking simply for an excellent meal but the thought behind the meal. How a dish was created, why and the wine choices. I found it interesting to listen to the chef explain each dish, and go into some detail about how it was prepared. We ate at Central Park as well but we were simply served an excellent meal without the dialog.

 

I know. :) Just being silly! I do actually like dinners like this, but I do actually hate making chit chat with strangers IRL. We always request a table for two at dinner.

[DawnCt]

I know. :) Just being silly! I do actually like dinners like this, but I do actually hate making chit chat with strangers IRL. We always request a table for two at dinner.

 

I enjoy meeting new people so this was fun for me. Did I mention that the wine was served in Riedel crystal? A funny story. On one of the previous dinners, a "guest" took a cabernet glass with him. The chef talked about having to knock on the cabin door requesting their glass back. Apparently it was valued at $90. They should have looked on Amazon. I found them cheaper. ;)

[Cuizer2]

Unfortunately, I have also come to the conclusion that RCCL values the all mighty dollar more than enforcing their own rules.

 

Okay, back to this "rule". Where is it written that there is an age limit. So far all I have seen is a reference to having to be over 21 to drink. But there has been no such limit on joining the Chef's Table.

[Tamerella]

Okay, back to this "rule". Where is it written that there is an age limit. So far all I have seen is a reference to having to be over 21 to drink. But there has been no such limit on joining the Chef's Table.

 

I just checked my confirmation from RCCL....the email they sent me to confirm my Chef's Table reservation on the Oasis. I didn't recall if it had an age restriction...but it sure does. I highlighted it in pink. Here is part of the email confirmation:

 

Reservations are for 7:30 PM and dinner is approximately 2 ½ hours long. Dress is smart casual except on formal nights where formal attire is also appropriate. Charges will be made to your Seapass Account once you are onboard. Cost is $75.00 per person and includes gratuities, guests must be 21, and penalty for cancellations within 24 hours is $25.00 per person.

[Merion_Mom]

Here is a copy of the email that I received confirming our reservation;

Good Day Mr. and Mrs. XXXX,

 

I apologize for the delay.

We have made reservations for a party of 3 at the Chef's Table for January

9, 2011, for booking number XXX, XX, XXX, and XXX YYY, per

your request. I have used the spellings within the reservations.

Reservations are for 7:30 PM and dinner is approximately 2 ½ hours long.

Dress is smart casual except on formal nights where formal attire is also

appropriate. Charges will be made to your Seapass Account once you are

onboard. Cost is $75.00 per person and includes gratuities, guests must be

21, and penalty for cancellations within 24 hours is $25.00 per person.

 

The Chef’s Table is located on the upper level of the Concierge lounge. Due

to the size of the venue all requests and confirmations are handled

manually. Please let this act as your only confirmation. I hope you enjoy a

fabulous evening hosted by an Oasis of the Seas Chef.

 

Regards,

Rob McGregor

Specialty Dining – Chef’s Table

Royal Caribbean International

 

I just checked my confirmation from RCCL....the email they sent me to confirm my Chef's Table reservation on the Oasis. I didn't recall if it had an age restriction...but it sure does. I highlighted it in pink. Here is part of the email confirmation:

 

Reservations are for 7:30 PM and dinner is approximately 2 ½ hours long. Dress is smart casual except on formal nights where formal attire is also appropriate. Charges will be made to your Seapass Account once you are onboard. Cost is $75.00 per person and includes gratuities, guests must be 21, and penalty for cancellations within 24 hours is $25.00 per person.

 

Tamerella, the OP posted that 3 pages back. People like Cuizer2 just don't want to believe it. :rolleyes:

 

Maybe the second time's the charm. :p

[bplazo]

Well, I like it when RCCL had the rule that it 13 or older to go to Chops or Portifinos. Even Disney has an adult only restraunt.

[newbiecruiser09]

Then it would be up to you to remove your children, not up to me to change my plans.

 

No, it would be up to me to not bring them in the first place if it was an adults only venue/experience. I agree you should not have to change your plans.

 

Just the type of coversations that should not be discussed at a dinning table with strangers (IMHO). I don't even discuss politics with some of my cloesest friends as it would get heated.

 

Neither would I but that does not mean my table mates might. I have been places where strangers brought up the most inappropriate topics or have made comments that I felt were not good for my kids to hear. In the MDR, I realize that I would need to remove my kids (and would if needed) but in an adult only venue, adults may feel more likely to steer toward more adult topics (and I wouldn't want to take the chance with my kids, hence wouldn't bring them to an adult only place)

 

As another poster said, to each his own.......but, I am happy that we have not encountered some of these posters on any of our cruises.....maybe they need to have their own 'exclusive' (i.e., snob) cruises!

 

It's not a question of "exclusive" or snob cruise it is a question of parents who feel that they have the right to bring their kids anywhere, even when a place/event is stated to be adults only.

[Cruising Greek]

I cannot understand why anyone would take small kids on any cruise.It is no holiday for the little ones or Mum and Dad, and as this post shows folks will be unhappy with children in certain venues.

Take the little darlings to Disneyland or let Granma and Grampa spoil them for a week.Thats what my family does.

 

Cruisebunnies,

 

Really? In my experience, it is the perfect family vacation. Our daughter loves cruising. Our next cruise vacation will be her 4th, and she's only 5 years old. She loves eating in the main dining room as well as the specialty restaurants. She can't wait for the production shows as well as the ice shows.

 

Besides your opinion there are others on these boards that seem to loathe even seeing children onboard. I cannot fathom these attitudes. Were we not all children at one point in our lives? Did we not look forward to vacations and quality time spent with our parents and family?

 

I too have seen some fussy children on cruises, but did it really ruin our vacation? The state of the world these days puts a premium on time. It is the ability to take vacations such as cruising that makes all of our hard work seem worth it.

 

We have no desire to dump our children on the Granparents for a week. We treasure each and every moment that we can spend with them. Life is precious and short, and we will not be deterred by negativity as you and others have shown on these boards towards the "little darlings".