My Experience in CL with Kids

[spookwife]

Problem solved.... Let those of us who pay for suites take our drinks back to our suites. Last time I checked the CL requests that drinks be consumed in the lounge. I do not want to drink around a room full of children, well behaved or not. This should be an adult venue only.

 

yeah but what about those of us who wish to socialize? the ones without Kids.. in a suite who also don't wanna deal with the little heathens.

 

if you are a suite guest with kids, by all means take your free booze back to the suite. but don't make it a blanket thing that all suite guests not otherwise eligible( D+. etc) be forced to drink alone if they wish to take advantage of a perk that is offered to them by virtue of being in a suite.

 

Okay so the consensus is the free booze ain't all that great. that's beside the point. nor should you be considered a cheapskate if you don't jump at the chance to spend mucho dinero on packages or glasses when there is an alternative. will I buy extra drinks? oh hell yes. but if I am told that one of the amenities if a suite is a lounge during cocktail hour that offers a selection of hors d'oeuvres and a selection of alcoholic beverages, I should be allowed to enjoy them in the manner to which they are supposed to be enjoyed, in a quiet adult atmosphere.

 

key point: COCKTAIL HOUR. the every term conjures up NON family friendly visions. that have precisely squat to do with the presence of alcohol.

 

nobody is having kittens over the kids being allowed the other 20 hours a day if otherwise entitled.

 

Like I said I am reserving judgement until I experience this for my self in May. But again, as I said, one of the reasons WHY I chose a GS vice a verandah or JS was BECAUSE of the little extras that are extended to GS and higher category cabins. Regardless of my status as repeat customer on RCI..as I am not one.. and this cruise will determine whether or not we ever do become one.

[breeze123]

I will be in a Grand Suite and using the CL in two weeks. I will gladly report back our experience!

[jst]

I to voiced my opinion to Miami and received the usual phone call plus read AG's blog and the comment that they see nothing wrong with their decision. I do see things wrong, just my opinion as I am one of the adults that enjoy conversation with friends for a drink before dinner. I have sailed on RCL and have attained D+ status, and also often sail in a GS, other times a JS.

As I pointed out to Corporate "Happy Hour" is one of the few perks D+ receive for their loyalty to the company as RCL unlike other cruise lines does not allow you to use Bon Voyage service.

We are scheduled to cruise in November and like others will wait and see what happens, luckily we are not cruising at Thanksgiving (although we have in the past). We have already booked a cruise on another line for next June as RCL in their infinite wisdom will no longer have ships doing the Southern Caribbean route at that time. Will we like the other line, we don't know that till we try it.

I guess it will be a wait and see as to what they might do, and if they do to D+ what they did to D (which I thought was unfair) we will make a decision then.

[Scotty G]

yeah but what about those of us who wish to socialize? the ones without Kids.. in a suite who also don't wanna deal with the little heathens.

 

------ if you are a suite guest with kids, by all means take your free booze back to the suite. but don't make it a blanket thing that all suite guests not otherwise eligible( D+. etc) be forced to drink alone if they wish to take advantage of a perk that is offered to them by virtue of being in a suite.

 

if I am told that one of the amenities if a suite is a lounge during cocktail hour that offers a selection of hors d'oeuvres and a selection of alcoholic beverages, I should be allowed to enjoy them in the manner to which they are supposed to be enjoyed, in a quiet adult atmosphere.

 

Like I said I am reserving judgement until I experience this for my self in May. But again, as I said, one of the reasons WHY I chose a GS vice a verandah or JS was BECAUSE of the little extras that are extended to GS and higher category cabins. Regardless of my status as repeat customer on RCI..as I am not one.. and this cruise will determine whether or not we ever do become one.

It appears that RCL is risking losing customers that have yet to decide on continued cruising with the line. It is time to go with the consensus of the poll and reverse the decision.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1477008

This issue will not otherwise go away.

[Stags14]

When I was growing up it was my parents who wouldn't allow me to go to happy hour. Personally - I don't really care all that much but I do feel it is irresponsible on the parents part to bring their kids into happy hour - it's not an activity for kids. And everyone in this lounge with kids can afford to buy a couple cocktails on their own dime.

 

If your child is 18 (not yet 21) and he is the only one of the group, it's up to you to figure out how to deal with those logistics. Maybe going to the schooner bar would be more appropriate, where that kid can hang out also. RCI has to change rules for those who choose to have children?

 

I dont' think happy hour is really a place for children. 20 years ago there wasn't many parents who would actually allow their kids to these venues - it's interesting that parents today are fighting to have them permitted.

[klove613]

When I was growing up it was my parents who wouldn't allow me to go to happy hour. Personally - I don't really care all that much but I do feel it is irresponsible on the parents part to bring their kids into happy hour - it's not an activity for kids. And everyone in this lounge with kids can afford to buy a couple cocktails on their own dime.

 

If your child is 18 (not yet 21) and he is the only one of the group, it's up to you to figure out how to deal with those logistics. Maybe going to the schooner bar would be more appropriate, where that kid can hang out also. RCI has to change rules for those who choose to have children?

 

I dont' think happy hour is really a place for children. 20 years ago there wasn't many parents who would actually allow their kids to these venues - it's interesting that parents today are fighting to have them permitted.

 

How is the Schooner BAR any different then the CL? Please explain this to me. It is irresponsible to take a child to the CL, but perfectly fine to take them to the Schooner bar. When I went to the CL, there was no bar-like atmosphere, it was a room with couches and chairs and nice servers. It seemed perfectly appropriate for children unlike a dark BAR. People who keep saying that the CL is inappropriate and parents are terrible for even wanting their children are really stretching quite a bit.

 

And as far as how much money someone has or doesn't have...that is none of your concern. The fact is suites guest pay for amenities that they are denied use of when they board because of children. Again people, if you want to be mad at RCCL okay, but calling parents names and their children names and questioning parenting skills makes you look like the child here. I say this as someone who would be okay if they changed the rules back. However, if the rules say my children can come if I book a suite and they want to come, you best believe I will take advantage regardless of what someone on a website might think.

[grand isle joe]

How is the Schooner BAR any different then the CL? Please explain this to me. It is irresponsible to take a child to the CL, but perfectly fine to take them to the Schooner bar. When I went to the CL, there was no bar-like atmosphere, it was a room with couches and chairs and nice servers. It seemed perfectly appropriate for children unlike a dark BAR. People who keep saying that the CL is inappropriate and parents are terrible for even wanting their children are really stretching quite a bit.

 

And as far as how much money someone has or doesn't have...that is none of your concern. The fact is suites guest pay for amenities that they are denied use of when they board because of children. Again people, if you want to be mad at RCCL okay, but calling parents names and their children names and questioning parenting skills makes you look like the child here. I say this as someone who would be okay if they changed the rules back. However, if the rules say my children can come if I book a suite and they want to come, you best believe I will take advantage regardless of what someone on a website might think.

 

 

BRAVO!!!!.....It is unfortunate that when you travel the world you see most don't have the hang up about segregation on age when it comes to alchohol. I agree with you that if you can't argue the facts then take the discussion down to a gutter level and call names. How pathetic. But RCCL's loss will be HALS gain. Move over gramps....RCCL refugees are coming....;)

[Stags14]

How is the Schooner BAR any different then the CL? Please explain this to me. It is irresponsible to take a child to the CL, but perfectly fine to take them to the Schooner bar. When I went to the CL, there was no bar-like atmosphere, it was a room with couches and chairs and nice servers. It seemed perfectly appropriate for children unlike a dark BAR. People who keep saying that the CL is inappropriate and parents are terrible for even wanting their children are really stretching quite a bit.

 

And as far as how much money someone has or doesn't have...that is none of your concern. The fact is suites guest pay for amenities that they are denied use of when they board because of children. Again people, if you want to be mad at RCCL okay, but calling parents names and their children names and questioning parenting skills makes you look like the child here. I say this as someone who would be okay if they changed the rules back. However, if the rules say my children can come if I book a suite and they want to come, you best believe I will take advantage regardless of what someone on a website might think.

 

Wow. Strike a cord? It's only an opinion. I do not think happy hour is an activity suitable for children, nor do I believe a child would enjoy their time there. I believe that's why there are other activities on the ship. If you take offense, I apologize. What you do with your children is certainly your business and I by no means meant to offend you or anyone. It's just my opinion and my experience.

 

I consider an 18 year old a little more than a child - a young adult. So if he/she was the only underage passenger with a group I do think the schooner bar is appropriate. I didn't say anything about how much money anyone "has." But others said people go for the free drinks - and those in this elite lounge are fortunate enough to be either Diamond members or Suite passengers.

[klove613]

Wow. Strike a cord? It's only an opinion. I do not think happy hour is an activity suitable for children, nor do I believe a child would enjoy their time there. I believe that's why there are other activities on the ship. If you take offense, I apologize. What you do with your children is certainly your business and I by no means meant to offend you or anyone. It's just my opinion and my experience.

 

I consider an 18 year old a little more than a child - a young adult. So if he/she was the only underage passenger with a group I do think the schooner bar is appropriate. I didn't say anything about how much money anyone "has." But others said people go for the free drinks - and those in this elite lounge are fortunate enough to be either Diamond members or Suite passengers.

 

I didn't take offense at all. I just find the arguments that I am seeing on here to have no merit. When someone says the CL is inappropriate but the Schooner bar is okay....I want to know what you are basing this opinion on. They both have seating and drinks are served. The only difference that comes to mind is people have to pay in the Schooner bar, but drinks are included in the CL.

 

When someone says they only want 3 1/2 hours child free, I have to wonder why they don't go to the Solarium, Casino, or the Schooner bar (I have rarely seen kids in there). Could it be because they are not serving free drinks in those areas?

 

When someone says we don't go barging into AO, so why are people forcing their "brats", "rugrats", etc on us. I think it so ridiculous, there is not even a need for rebuttal. I do take offense to words like "breeder," "little things," "rugrats," "brats," etc. because they are meant to be offensive and show that when there is no merit to their argument, people tend to name-call.

 

It makes me really sad because we are supposed to a Cruising Community but instead of being able to agree to disagree, we are continuing to snip and snap at each other. I have to say again that I didn't have a problem with the policy before. Although I think that RCCL misled many Suites passengers by not having the policy clearly stated.

 

And for the record you stated that "And everyone in this lounge with kids can afford to buy a cocktail on their own dime." I could say the same about anyone who has the money to go on 20+ cruises, but I wouldn't because that is not my business.

[skandls]

Little ones picking up food and putting it back - maybe after a bite or two (yuk). Teens emptying the appies of strawberries and cheese. Are the parents going to impose 'politeness' on their kids? I know it would not be all the youngsters but it only takes one or two.

[DrLookGood]

It appears that RCL is risking losing customers that have yet to decide on continued cruising with the line. It is time to go with the consensus of the poll and reverse the decision.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1477008

This issue will not otherwise go away.

 

It will go away if you decide to cruise with another line ;). (Sorry, I could not resist.)

[cruznbelle]

Interesting thread... I did post my thoughts on AG's blog - I am very much against this policy change given the venue and limited space. We have always booked suites and would definitely prefer to order liquor to the room rather than using the CL as we like to enjoy our vacations by spending our limited time together enjoying the suite and balcony. Others may enjoy meeting new folks - it's just not us. The fact that RCL finds it necessary to police their suite passengers, by not allowing liquor into the suites is hard to understand when other lines have no issue in this area. I'm glad others find the whole policy absurd.

 

I am surprised about the 2 things though... I've always taken my last drink out of the CL with me - I may even take a small plate as well - but since we get appies to the room- that would be rare. I've never been stopped. The other thing is I've never noticed nor can remember anything specific on was dress... since we dine late, I can't say that I was always appropriately dressed in the CL at 5pm if I just got back on the ship for cocktail hr... again, I would not have stayed long because we dine at 8pm and I always dress for that... I simply cannot remember if I was a 'rule breaker' or not :o

 

Personally the only reason I'm in the CL is for concierge help or because of the restrictive alcohol policy. That last drink usually goes in the refrig for later. Other lines, we always stay in the suites and enjoy music and our own quiet time before dinner and then always enjoy a drink prior to retiring - we love to simply watch the sea go by. It's never about saving money - it's all about how we chose to enjoy our limited time off.

 

I truely like RCI - I like the vibe, the larger suites, and the choices. I will be on the Allure in 1.5 weeks - and it will definitely influence me between RCI, NCL and HAL. We've eliminated Princess now because my DH is an evil balcony smoker (never the room) and until he quits or we have no other choice, non-balcony smoking lines have all been eliminated.

 

In fact our 1 trip on NCL wins the best suite life without question - from the personalized lounge with champagne on embarkation, meeting with each of the managers to make ANY reservation we needed ala iPADs, to the butler who was perfect without being intrusive, to the 'free' bottles of liquor in the room and the hottub on the balcony - it was perfection. We only continue to book RCI because we like the line and are okay adjusting our expectations - choosing to use the CL rather than having the freedom to pour a cocktail in the suite. With kids in the CL - I'm not so sure - time will tell. Almost sorry I read all this because I'd never even thought twice about taking a drink out of the CL... :eek:

[LBcruzman]

yeah but what about those of us who wish to socialize? the ones without Kids.. in a suite who also don't wanna deal with the little heathens.

.............. Like I said I am reserving judgement until I experience this for my self in May. But again, as I said, one of the reasons WHY I chose a GS vice a verandah or JS was BECAUSE of the little extras that are extended to GS and higher category cabins. Regardless of my status as repeat customer on RCI..as I am not one.. and this cruise will determine whether or not we ever do become one.

 

"Little Heathens?". Really? And yet you go on to say......"I am reserving judgement". Unbelievable.

 

Please......give me a CL half full of young people of all ages instead of some of these posters!

[LBcruzman]

Little ones picking up food and putting it back - maybe after a bite or two (yuk). Teens emptying the appies of strawberries and cheese. Are the parents going to impose 'politeness' on their kids? I know it would not be all the youngsters but it only takes one or two.

 

 

Are you kidding? I have seen adults act like this and worse. What is with all the young people bashing? What do you think they think of you?

[Stags14]

I didn't take offense at all. I just find the arguments that I am seeing on here to have no merit. When someone says the CL is inappropriate but the Schooner bar is okay....I want to know what you are basing this opinion on. They both have seating and drinks are served. The only difference that comes to mind is people have to pay in the Schooner bar, but drinks are included in the CL.

 

When someone says they only want 3 1/2 hours child free, I have to wonder why they don't go to the Solarium, Casino, or the Schooner bar (I have rarely seen kids in there). Could it be because they are not serving free drinks in those areas?

 

When someone says we don't go barging into AO, so why are people forcing their "brats", "rugrats", etc on us. I think it so ridiculous, there is not even a need for rebuttal. I do take offense to words like "breeder," "little things," "rugrats," "brats," etc. because they are meant to be offensive and show that when there is no merit to their argument, people tend to name-call.

 

It makes me really sad because we are supposed to a Cruising Community but instead of being able to agree to disagree, we are continuing to snip and snap at each other. I have to say again that I didn't have a problem with the policy before. Although I think that RCCL misled many Suites passengers by not having the policy clearly stated.

 

And for the record you stated that "And everyone in this lounge with kids can afford to buy a cocktail on their own dime." I could say the same about anyone who has the money to go on 20+ cruises, but I wouldn't because that is not my business.

 

Well I think I explained what I was saying in regards to the schooner bar. If people are just going to the lounge with their kids for free drinks - then that's silly. That a better way to put it?

 

Again, I do not care if someone brings their kids. To me happy hour for a young teenager or child is inappropriate - but they're not my kids.

[grand isle joe]

Little ones picking up food and putting it back - maybe after a bite or two (yuk). Teens emptying the appies of strawberries and cheese. Are the parents going to impose 'politeness' on their kids? I know it would not be all the youngsters but it only takes one or two.

 

 

 

 

......not many "little ones" on HAL.....maybe that line is a better fit.....Like I said before be nice to the "little ones" for someday one might be changing your (editorial) diaper.....;)

[trolleydolly]

I'm sure it's written, somewhere, but can anyone tell me when this change about letting kids in cl during happy hour comes into effect?? Thanks.

[BND]

I'm sure it's written, somewhere, but can anyone tell me when this change about letting kids in cl during happy hour comes into effect?? Thanks.

 

It already has, very quietly, as in no big announcement, but that's because they knew how it would be taken, like the majority here feel.

 

As for the ones who always, on every thread about kids say, they see adults behaving badly. Well, that said, kids are MUCH more likely to pick up something and put it back after tasting, smelling or just handling it than adults are, especially kids under 10. Quit dragging out the "I've seen adult behavior that's worse than kids". The only place I've seen adults do that is in the Windjammer. Our experience in the CL is that the adults were polite, QUIET, and careful to only take a couple of hor d'oevres. I have never been anywhere where open food is out that I haven't seen children grabbing handfuls, etc.

 

But, as I've always said, my real issue with this whole thing is crowding. I just think this is RCI's way to get more people in a suite, as in families as opposed to couples which brings in more overall revenue. That is not necessarily the way to go. I, personally think it will backfire, if that is their goal. Couples/singles without minor children have more discretionary money to spend than those with them.

 

What I also find offensive is AG's condescending attitude and the "we don't care what the majority want" attitude. That doesn't usually work well for businesses in the long run.

[traveling1969]

I posted this kind of tongue-in-cheek on the other board bus it just might have some merit. What do you think?

 

 

How about this idea? We'll call it:

 

 

HAPPY (meal) HOUR

 

Drinks will be served in the Concierge Lounge from 3-5 PM daily. All adults MUST be accompanied by a child to attend.

 

Bon Voyage to all!

 

Just a thought.

[cruisegirl1]

So much discussion over a free drink! In my experience, there are VERY FEW children in the lounge during the day. If it is the lounge relaxation you want, go in during the day. If it is evening drink, just go to another bar and buy one. If you are so against children - have a drink in the Viking Lounge- as that area is generally very quite.

 

I would not be surprised if RCCL simply discontinued complimentary cocktails in the CL. Why should they offer such a generous perk and have so many complain. How many complained about too many hats or blue plastic frames as welcome back gift – and hey – they discontinued them and guess what- no more complaining.

M

[BND]

So much discussion over a free drink! In my experience, there are VERY FEW children in the lounge during the day. If it is the lounge relaxation you want, go in during the day. If it is evening drink, just go to another bar and buy one. If you are so against children - have a drink in the Viking Lounge- as that area is generally very quite.

 

I would not be surprised if RCCL simply discontinued complimentary cocktails in the CL. Why should they offer such a generous perk and have so many complain. How many complained about too many hats or blue plastic frames as welcome back gift – and hey – they discontinued them and guess what- no more complaining.

M

 

A "generous perk". Are you kidding me? Well, if they do what you "think" then they better lower the cost of a suite, because the cost of that "free" alcohol is included in the fare. They are not complementary and telling someone to go "buy a drink" when they have already paid for the perk in the CL is, how do I put this nicely, not helpful to the conversation.

 

The reason there are very few children in the lounge during the day is that there are activities and port visits, etc during the day. The ENTIRE point of the CL adults only time for 1/8th of the day, btw, was for a quiet drink before dinner and a chance to meet and talk to other suite cruisers.

 

I also always thought the cocktail hour restrictions were for the reason that it was ADULT time and unlike what some with children seem to think, overall, there are less and less places where adults can go and even have a quiet dinner without children. Some of these parents are going to be in for a rude awakening when their children grow up and leave and they only have each other to talk to. Will they even remember how to?:rolleyes:

[truffles2]

 

Our experience in the CL is that the adults were polite, QUIET, and careful to only take a couple of hor d'oevres.

 

And then there was the "lady" in the lounge who proceeded to empty the choc. strawberries plate, take them back to her table, wrap them in a napkin, and put them in her purse. :rolleyes:

[BND]

And then there was the "lady" in the lounge who proceeded to empty the choc. strawberries plate, take them back to her table, wrap them in a napkin, and put them in her purse. :rolleyes:

 

Then, the concierge should have said something to her. I doubt her parents would have been there to "defend" her. :D

[ggo85]

Hadn't heard about this new development until now. Disappointing to me as I prefer to have quiet time w/o kids. My spouse doesn't go to the CL very much b/c he doesn't like the occasional obnoxious adults -- and we've seen our fair share of those. :)

 

To me, there are a couple of downsides to kids in the CL -- one is crowding. RCCL keeps limiting access (e.g., to D members) b/c of overcrowding, yet now are allowing in more people, which seems counterintuitive. Second, kids will be kids, expecially younger ones. It's hard for them to sit quietly before dinner, during dinner, after dinner, during the shows, etc. And the environment of a CL doesn't seem particularly suited to any but older teenagers.

 

We're suite passengers (not D+) but I don't see any difference in how we and D+ should be treated. Both have "earned" the right to the CL, but in different ways.

 

I would be OK with a stocked mini-bar in the suite. However, not sure what they would do for the D+ customers, who might be in a cabin w/o a fridge. Maybe the card would work.

 

I wonder if the purpose of the change isn't to reduce the number of alcohol drinkers" who are in the CL -- or the amount of alcohol that is served in that some people won't come b/c of the kids and the kids don't drink alcohol. Maybe that's why RCCL doesn't care -- they actually understand EXACTLY what they're doing. :(

 

Or, maybe they'll simply do away w/the free alcohol in the CL . . . that would reduce attendance in the CL considerably.:rolleyes:

[breeze123]

Again, I do not care if someone brings their kids. To me happy hour for a young teenager or child is inappropriate - but they're not my kids.

 

So if you go to a restaurant and they have happy hour is it wrong to bring a child to eat your meal there? If you go to a wedding and they have a cocktail hour is it wrong to have your child there too? On a cruise ship there are bars and people drinking EVERYWHERE. By these standards you should even bring your child on board!

 

This is a lounge on a family oriented cruise ship. Of course RCCL is going to cater to the families. There are hundreds of thousands of people that cruise every year. They are going to look at that demographic and do what the majority of their paying customers want. It's not only about the current higher status members but also about encouraging those without status to keep sailing with them.