My Experience in CL with Kids

[GoldenRose]

So, I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I'm going to say it anyway. I am really glad to hear about the policy change. We're a family who likes to get suites, and we travel with our two young children. Our now six year old has been traveling with us since he was 8 months old. He has eaten almost every dinner on a cruise ship with us in the MDR of whatever ship we were on, and we take him with us to nice restaurants when we're at home, too. We walk him out when he misbehaves, but those occasions are few and far between.

 

We thought it was really ridiculous that our son couldn't walk with us into the CL to sit with us while we had a glass of wine before dinner. He doesn't drink soda, and the baby certainly doesn't, but not being able to bring them with us means that my husband and I simply couldn't use the lounge together to relax a little before the meal.

 

Now, if there were a free bottle of wine nightly in our room, you'd never see us in the concierge lounge in the evening... We'd be just as happy sitting on our balcony with our drinks as we would be in the lounge.

 

Some people cringe whenever they see a child in a nice or expensive place. I've had people actually tell me that children don't belong anywhere but Denny's or McDonald's. Wow, I don't eat at Denny's or McDonald's; why I should I expect my children to? (My 6 year old's favorite restaurant is a very nice local South American restaurant, but I admit that he doesn't mind McDonald's. He just thinks McD's is only on the drive between our house and WDW.) I think it is up to the parents to teach their children how to behave in all situations, including nicer venues, while assuring that their children don't disturb other patrons. But since some patrons are going to be disturbed by the child's mere presence, there is no way we can make everyone happy.

[stones902]

So, I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I'm going to say it anyway. I am really glad to hear about the policy change. We're a family who likes to get suites, and we travel with our two young children. Our now six year old has been traveling with us since he was 8 months old. He has eaten almost every dinner on a cruise ship with us in the MDR of whatever ship we were on, and we take him with us to nice restaurants when we're at home, too. We walk him out when he misbehaves, but those occasions are few and far between.

 

We thought it was really ridiculous that our son couldn't walk with us into the CL to sit with us while we had a glass of wine before dinner. He doesn't drink soda, and the baby certainly doesn't, but not being able to bring them with us means that my husband and I simply couldn't use the lounge together to relax a little before the meal.

 

Now, if there were a free bottle of wine nightly in our room, you'd never see us in the concierge lounge in the evening... We'd be just as happy sitting on our balcony with our drinks as we would be in the lounge.

 

Some people cringe whenever they see a child in a nice or expensive place. I've had people actually tell me that children don't belong anywhere but Denny's or McDonald's. Wow, I don't eat at Denny's or McDonald's; why I should I expect my children to? (My 6 year old's favorite restaurant is a very nice local South American restaurant, but I admit that he doesn't mind McDonald's. He just thinks McD's is only on the drive between our house and WDW.) I think it is up to the parents to teach their children how to behave in all situations, including nicer venues, while assuring that their children don't disturb other patrons. But since some patrons are going to be disturbed by the child's mere presence, there is no way we can make everyone happy.

 

Goldenrose, I appreciate you sharing your opinion even though I respectfully disagree.

 

My beef with the policy is twofold. First, I think there needs to be a place where adults can get away. Secondly, the CL's well documented overcrowding problems are made worse by giving access to other passengers.

 

We have a daughter who has cruised with us several times over the years. She is 23 now but when she was a child I would not have even thought of bringing her into the CL nor would she have preferred that venue to one of the other hangouts on the ship.

 

That being said, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the thread.

[Raptor2010]

. . .

My beef with the policy is twofold. First, I think there needs to be a place where adults can get away. . .

 

I agree with this. :D

[Retired LEO]

 

My beef with the policy is twofold. First, I think there needs to be a place where adults can get away.

 

I agree with this. :D

 

I also agree but obviously AG doesn't.

[island lady]

Many people do not realize they can pick up a bottle of wine from most of the bars on

the ship and hand carry it to your cabin. They will even open it for you if you do

not have an opener, and give you a couple of glasses.

 

Why go into the CL (a closed in small and already crowded area) when you can enjoy a glass of wine in your nice spacious suite and sit on your balcony with family room to roam? :rolleyes:

[Wayah]

I think Island Lady's answer of gifting a complementary bottle of wine to any suite guests with small disruptive children is an elegant and generous solution.

[tallcva3344]

So, I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I'm going to say it anyway. I am really glad to hear about the policy change. We're a family who likes to get suites, and we travel with our two young children. Our now six year old has been traveling with us since he was 8 months old. He has eaten almost every dinner on a cruise ship with us in the MDR of whatever ship we were on, and we take him with us to nice restaurants when we're at home, too. We walk him out when he misbehaves, but those occasions are few and far between.

 

We thought it was really ridiculous that our son couldn't walk with us into the CL to sit with us while we had a glass of wine before dinner. He doesn't drink soda, and the baby certainly doesn't, but not being able to bring them with us means that my husband and I simply couldn't use the lounge together to relax a little before the meal.

 

Now, if there were a free bottle of wine nightly in our room, you'd never see us in the concierge lounge in the evening... We'd be just as happy sitting on our balcony with our drinks as we would be in the lounge.

 

Some people cringe whenever they see a child in a nice or expensive place. I've had people actually tell me that children don't belong anywhere but Denny's or McDonald's. Wow, I don't eat at Denny's or McDonald's; why I should I expect my children to? (My 6 year old's favorite restaurant is a very nice local South American restaurant, but I admit that he doesn't mind McDonald's. He just thinks McD's is only on the drive between our house and WDW.) I think it is up to the parents to teach their children how to behave in all situations, including nicer venues, while assuring that their children don't disturb other patrons. But since some patrons are going to be disturbed by the child's mere presence, there is no way we can make everyone happy.

 

This issue is mostly about the free drinks by both sides. Then there is the issue of what people expected the CL cruise experience would be.

 

Some have expectations that they want their children by their side and they are the most wonderful children in the world by their judgement. I will acknowledge that some children are very good.

 

Most have expectations of going to a CL and having an adult enviornment where they can drink, meet new folks, socialize with adult talk, and feel good about going back several nights.

 

I can see a night I go to the CL and enter a room with 5 infants, 6 youngsters, and 7 teenagers (half playing hand held video games, and half using walky talky's), and 10 other adults, and no seating. I would have several options, go to the DL and hope they did not change the adult only policy, go to a lounge bar, buy a bottle of wine and drink it on the balcony, or go to the casino (no kids).

 

I love children, but I do not take them to adult enviornments, adult movies, adult bars, etc. The CL is an adult bar enviornment.

 

RCI's new policy of allowing children to mingle with alcohol drinking adults, and adult language, in an enclosed bar enviornment, is wrong.

[critterchick]

Look at the history, they divided and conquered the Loyalty program. When they needed to kick out the Diamonds from the CL they set out a plan to make sure the D+ ( for the most part, not all) supported the Company on this and did not support the Diamond members. Now when they most predictably are going to do the same to the D+ there is really no one to stand up for them.

 

I disagree with you on this point. There was no "plan" to make sure that the D+ wouldn't support the D members when they were evicted. I haven't gone back and counted posts (and don't intend to), but I don't recall that D+ were generally unsupportive of D.

 

Now, I think everybody would have to admit that the DLs could be crazy busy, and I confess that I've been on several cruises where it's been the quiet, peaceful oasis that others have said that they'll miss once kids are allowed in. But for the most part, they're still pretty crowded, and I can see a time when D+ are evicted as well. As PC member, I'll voice my sympathy, but I don't know what else you would expect from me.

 

Many people do not realize they can pick up a bottle of wine from most of the bars on

the ship and hand carry it to your cabin. They will even open it for you if you do

not have an opener, and give you a couple of glasses.

 

Why go into the CL (a closed in small and already crowded area) when you can enjoy a glass of wine in your nice spacious suite and sit on your balcony with family room to roam? :rolleyes:

 

Because it's freeeeeeeee!

[pinkrosesdeb]

I couldn't agree more! There is a time & a place for children and cocktail hour in a very confined space wouldn't be one of them.

[pinkrosesdeb]

grandislejoe, I just meant i'm not sure what use you thought your post had for me. We always enjoy our cruises...you do the same.

[setsail]

Coming here daily to read the latest post on this thread, I keep hoping to read a real time report from a recent cruiser in a CL lounge, instead of a bunch of speculation.

[Puffinater]

Coming here daily to read the latest post on this thread, I keep hoping to read a real time report from a recent cruiser in a CL lounge, instead of a bunch of speculation.

 

As you know these boards thrive on speculation. Sooner or later there will be enough reports to provide a somewhat accurate account of what is going on until then it is pure speculation.

[pinkrosesdeb]

set sail, right there with you. I keep waiting to hear from someone who got a response to their email or phone call besides the "canned" response already given. It would be nice if someone actually received a more personal answer. I do hope there will be more posts from those returning to say exactly how it worked for them.

[critterchick]

I disagree with you on this point. There was no "plan" to make sure that the D+ wouldn't support the D members when they were evicted. I haven't gone back and counted posts (and don't intend to), but I don't recall that D+ were generally unsupportive of D.

 

Now, I think everybody would have to admit that the DLs could be crazy busy, and I confess that I've been on several cruises where it's been the quiet, peaceful oasis that others have said that they'll miss once kids are allowed in. But for the most part, they're still pretty crowded, and I can see a time when D+ are evicted as well. As PC member, I'll voice my sympathy, but I don't know what else you would expect from me.

 

 

 

Because it's freeeeeeeee!

 

I meant CL's....:o

[pinkrosesdeb]

We'll forgive you the mistake! LOL

[Trainman-2]

I will be posting "LIVE" from the Oasis starting tomorrow and you can be assured I will comment and post photos from the CL during the cocktail hours.

 

Neither of us drink on a regular basis but I do enjoy a Rum Punch every day in the CL.

 

But we really go there for two reasons:

 

- The Hors Devours

 

- A chance to talk and socialize with other "seasoned" RCI Cruisers. There is no better way to learn about other ships and itineraries.

 

 

I believe that kids shouldn't be allowed in the CL during the cocktail hours.

[grand isle joe]

I will be posting "LIVE" from the Oasis starting tomorrow and you can be assured I will comment and post photos from the CL during the cocktail hours.

 

Neither of us drink on a regular basis but I do enjoy a Rum Punch every day in the CL.

 

But we really go there for two reasons:

 

- The Hors Devours

 

- A chance to talk and socialize with other "seasoned" RCI Cruisers. There is no better way to learn about other ships and itineraries.

 

 

I believe that kids shouldn't be allowed in the CL during the cocktail hours.

 

 

....and how having "kids" in the CL interfere with your objectives?...:confused:

[Trainman-2]

....and how having "kids" in the CL interfere with your objectives?...:confused:

 

I don't know...

 

- Will they eat all of the food?

- Will they be so noisy that normal adult conversations are impossible?

- Will they take up all of he seats and leave elderly people standing?

- Will they be running around knocking over little old ladies?

- Will they take up the server's time getting soda refills?

 

I will report back over the next few days...

[grand isle joe]

I don't know...

 

- Will they eat all of the food?

- Will they be so noisy that normal adult conversations are impossible?

- Will they take up all of he seats and leave elderly people standing?

- Will they be running around knocking over little old ladies?

- Will they take up the server's time getting soda refills?

 

I will report back over the next few days...

 

 

We all would love to report back on the facts. It will either confirm or deny all the speculation on this issue. Look foward to your report and have a wonderful cruise.:)

[Merion_Mom]

...............

We all would love to report back on the facts. It will either confirm or deny all the speculation on this issue. Look foward to your report and have a wonderful cruise.:)

 

 

Here is another "real" "actual" experience.

 

I just disembarked from the Allure.

 

The first week, the old rules were in effect.

 

Suddenly, the second week, children were allowed in.

 

Throughout BOTH weeks, there were always some adults in the CL who were completely inappropriately dressed. The Concierges did nothing. What could they do? You should see what I saw walking into the dining room!

 

Dining room examples:

 

It's formal night. Many people have dressed up. Most are at least "decent".

 

Spotted entering the dining room:

 

Button down shirt, shorts, sneakers.

 

Child in BATHING SUIT.

 

Capris, t-shirt, sneakers.

 

Just a few examples.

 

Back to the Concierge Lounge.

 

Adults in bathing suits with coverups, some that cover........some not so much.

 

A LOT of shorts.

 

The children issue: Fernando and Marina tried to keep them out the first week, but many parents were obviously giving them a hard time. There were some limits - they weren't staying there forever, but they were there.

 

Second week, all restraints came off. LOTS of kids in the CL. They were like LOCUSTS at the food displays.

 

One family sitting at a big table: four children, Dad wearing a wifebeater. (a term that I abhor, but I wanted to communicate the mental picture to you all)

 

The servers hated it, too. They balance full trays of very full glasses, such as martinis and cosmopolitans in those iconic slanted glasses. One little sideswipe or need to avoid a speeding small body, and SHAZAM: wipeout!

 

Royal Caribbean looks at the situation and reacts stupidly (like the San Juan fiasco): a few suite guests have complained about their LITTLE CHILDREN not being allowed into the Concierge Lounge between 5 & 8:30. So their stupid reaction: Make those few whiners happy.

 

Real situation: They are making a HELL of a lot more passengers unhappy by allowing children in.

 

It's a true DUH moment for most of us. But never underestimate the power of the decision-makers at Royal Caribbean International to screw things up.

 

If you feel that my description is incomplete, feel free to ask questions.

 

FABULOUS cruise, by the way.

 

:)

[grand isle joe]

...............

 

...The last sentence says it all....fabulous cruise...I guess the "wife beater" had no effect....

[psupa]

I will be posting "LIVE" from the Oasis starting tomorrow and you can be assured I will comment and post photos from the CL during the cocktail hours.

 

Neither of us drink on a regular basis but I do enjoy a Rum Punch every day in the CL.

 

But we really go there for two reasons:

 

- The Hors Devours

 

- A chance to talk and socialize with other "seasoned" RCI Cruisers. There is no better way to learn about other ships and itineraries.

 

I believe that kids shouldn't be allowed in the CL during the cocktail hours.

 

 

As always, looking forward to your daily live posts and observations on the CL. Enjoy your cruise.

[island lady]

I disagree with you on this point. There was no "plan" to make sure that the D+ wouldn't support the D members when they were evicted. I haven't gone back and counted posts (and don't intend to), but I don't recall that D+ were generally unsupportive of D.

 

Now, I think everybody would have to admit that the DLs could be crazy busy, and I confess that I've been on several cruises where it's been the quiet, peaceful oasis that others have said that they'll miss once kids are allowed in. But for the most part, they're still pretty crowded, and I can see a time when D+ are evicted as well. As PC member, I'll voice my sympathy, but I don't know what else you would expect from me.

 

 

 

Because it's freeeeeeeee!

 

Amazing, eh? :rolleyes:

Me, I could save a grand or more by booking a regular balcony cabin. I would order some great munchies

from room service after I come back with my bottle of wine, and enjoy my own "little piece of paradise" on my own balcony while watching the sunset.

Ohhh...wait...I already do that!! ;)

[BND]

Amazing, eh? :rolleyes:

Me, I could save a grand or more by booking a regular balcony cabin. I would order some great munchies

from room service after I come back with my bottle of wine, and enjoy my own "little piece of paradise" on my own balcony while watching the sunset.

Ohhh...wait...I already do that!! ;)

 

So, those of us that stay in suites and pay a LOT more to do so, which includes the CL and those freebies, should just suck it up and BUY drinks because there's not place to sit in the CL?

 

Really?

 

Some of you are entirely missing the point in your zeal to bring children in to sit and watch adults looking for a quiet peaceful place to chat and have a before dinner drink in. That DOESN'T exist anywhere else onboard. The point is, they never had to change the rules just because a FEW whiny parents complained.

 

BTW, we've done a balcony cabin and don't like how small they are, so, even if you enjoy the cramped space, it doesn't mean others do.

 

 

We're in a GS on Freedom in 4 weeks and you better believe they will hear about it if we can't even sit down for a drink because there are too may children sitting in them. When we were kids our parents would have made us move and sit or stand nearby. DH and I would have done the same things with our kids.

[grand isle joe]

So, those of us that stay in suites and pay a LOT more to do so, which includes the CL and those freebies, should just suck it up and BUY drinks because there's not place to sit in the CL?

 

Really?

 

Some of you are entirely missing the point in your zeal to bring children in to sit and watch adults looking for a quiet peaceful place to chat and have a before dinner drink in. That DOESN'T exist anywhere else onboard. The point is, they never had to change the rules just because a FEW whiny parents complained.

 

BTW, we've done a balcony cabin and don't like how small they are, so, even if you enjoy the cramped space, it doesn't mean others do.

 

 

We're in a GS on Freedom in 4 weeks and you better believe they will hear about it if we can't even sit down for a drink because there are too may children sitting in them. When we were kids our parents would have made us move and sit or stand nearby. DH and I would have done the same things with our kids.

 

 

...why does the conversation have to be reduced to "whiny parents". Nobody knows the facts behind the change and it could be part of a bigger plan. If the D+ get the boot out of the CL watch out. :eek: