Kids meals at Chops?

[brillohead]

Honestly, if it's a "special dinner" for the kids (celebrating a birthday or something), I'd want to do it somewhere that the kids would enjoy -- the MDR where the waiters will spoil them rotten and make it special for them with foods that they enjoy, or Johnny Rockets where they can have burgers/fries/milkshakes, etc.

 

If it's a "special dinner" for the adults (celebrating a birthday or anniversary or graduation or other milestone), I'd do the specialty dinner WITHOUT the kids -- make it an adults-only event where you can just relax and appreciate the specialness of the surroundings and the menu.

 

When my son was younger, he wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese for his birthday parties. <<shudder>> It's not my cup of tea, but it was HIS birthday, so we made it all about him -- I just swallowed a bunch of ibuprofen before we got there to ward off the headache that was sure to follow. Now that he's older, he enjoys going to Carrabba's and eating off the main menu.

 

 

 

As for areas of the ship where kids aren't welcome, I think that there are restrictions on the gym/spa as well, including the hot tub and steam rooms there.

[SecretSK]

Don't pass on Chops because of any comments made here. It's the best place on the ship to celebrate special events. You'll have a lovely time :)

 

I completely agree with this! Some people are stuffy about small children all over the ship, honestly, but we had dinner in Chops with my 17 month old and no one even noticed she was there until dinner was almost over (she started playing peek a boo with her napkin).

 

They do not have a kids menu, but my daughter was fine eating the side dishes like broccolini, mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes and lots of bread. I'm not sure what ages your kids are, but I would ask once you're on the ship.

 

Btw, the cruise compass on our cruise said something like "guests over 13 years of age are welcome". I thought that meant she couldn't eat there at all, but I called and they confirmed it was fine - and they brought in a high chair from MDR.

 

I hope you have a great meal!

[Bakincakes]

Since Chops is a steakhouse one may expect that "pieces of meat" would be prominent on the menu.

 

If children will eat the sides then perhaps that is what might be ordered for them to eat.

 

Children who eat generally are charged the same as any other pax that eats at Chops.

 

Portofino may be a wiser choice for the children as pastas are served and may be more "kid friendly" than steakhouse offerings.

 

Children might also eat an alternate dinner and go to Adventure Ocean while the adults eat at Chops or Portofino. Some kids may not enjoy the time it takes to enjoy a nice meal at either of those venues.

[twinkle1980]

Hiya everyone thanks again.

 

I will certainly consider portofinos, now that I have seen the menu... however on closer inspection of the chops menu and with a little fiddling I think there would be some great "dd friendly" options. She is a big fish eater, so scallops, halibut, smoked salmon crab cakes (without the vodka dressing thanks - she is 8 after all) would all sit well with her... she would just avoid the slabs of meat. My son (6) on the other hand detests fish, but loves a juicy medium rare steak or barnsley chop!

 

 

Perhaps we can celebrate twice! Once at portofino's and perhaps at chops - dependant on the reception we get when we enquire.

 

As for the celebration, its a family celebration not adult or child specific, but something that we want to celebrate as a family.

[twinkle1980]

Since Chops is a steakhouse one may expect that "pieces of meat" would be prominent on the menu.

 

If children will eat the sides then perhaps that is what might be ordered for them to eat.

 

Children who eat generally are charged the same as any other pax that eats at Chops.

 

Portofino may be a wiser choice for the children as pastas are served and may be more "kid friendly" than steakhouse offerings.

 

Children might also eat an alternate dinner and go to Adventure Ocean while the adults eat at Chops or Portofino. Some kids may not enjoy the time it takes to enjoy a nice meal at either of those venues.

 

Here I go again

 

I am fully aware that the children would be charged the full price - that has NEVER been an issue. I am also aware that we must book a table for before 7.

 

Perhaps portofino may be a wiser choice, and thanks to the poster who attached the menu, its now under consideration... however surely as its another speciality restaurant the children will still be "unwelcome"?

 

Some kids may not enjoy the time it takes to enjoy fine dining, however as I thought I had made it perfectly clear... mine DO enjoy fine dining and have behaved perfectly through many such meals.

 

Of course children may eat an alternative dinner and go to the adventure ocean... but not for a family celebration.

 

I'm wondering now if it may just be easier to order blimmin room service and enjoy some champagne in our rooms than risk upsetting so many staff and other guests.

[sandy toes]

OP: Oh Pooh Bear!!! (What the 3 yr old says when she is ticked off!!) Book your dining choice early evening and you will have staff that is wonderful and a fantastic celebration. Both venues are great and both have received the little ones without any issues in the past. If you can have the family all together for one and the adults for the other that would give you a special celebration 2 ways. IF you are like our family the children are a central part and we actually do very little without them in tow. We are having an adult only night out while they dine with AO one evening during this upcoming cruise. Some people don't like to dine with children, the main reason for the time cut off...those people can book later and won't even see a child. Plan your celebration YOUR way. It is your holiday, enjoy!!!!

[Jenjer]

Do not let a few grumpy people make you change your plans. Its your special night enjoy it. If you children are accustom to fine dinning then I would not think twice about taking them to Chops.

 

The $30 a head keeps mine out but they did enjoy almost every pay restaurant on the Epic.

 

The staff will do everything they can to make it a special night for your whole party, kids included.

 

Some kids enjoy fine food and can sit threw a long dinner carrying on conversations and being a joy. If kids are never allowed to use their manners they will never learn them. I have taught and reinforce manners with my kids and expect nothing less than their best behavior at every meal.

Edited March 19, 2013 by Jenjer

[Rala]

To the OP regarding your comment about ordering room service so as not to upset "so many staff and guests". You are reading waaaaay too much into this. Neither your children nor you will be made to feel unwelcome or like "pariahs". Just go and enjoy your celebration. The staff is there to give give you good service and unless your party is dancing on the table, most guests will pay you little or no attention at all since they are all busy enjoying their own special dinners. Have a wonderful time!:)

[AprilRoses]

We are on the Oasis in February and ate at Chops. My youngest is a very picky eater. We had NO problem getting some mac and cheese from the kids menu for him. Shubert was our waiter and he was awesome! Yes, we still paid $30.00 for him but no one batted an eye when DS asked for mac and cheese.

 

Have fun!!!

[A&L_Ont]

Go and have a great time. We just took our son who is almost 6 and he enjoyed his meal. We booked for 5:30pm and were done by 7pm. We did take an Ipod to entertain him, which was handy.

 

We were on Oasis and the quiet, intamite meal is not what you get on Allure or Oasis. It is almost at full capacity, not like I remember on the smaller class ships. By the end of the meal the whole restaurant seemed to be at a dull roar, and there were only a couple of children there.

 

Oh yah, we love Chops, all classes of ships, and children. We also love well behaved adaults;).

 

Andrew

[brillohead]

Oh yah, we love Chops, all classes of ships, and children. We also love well behaved adaults;).

 

Sadly, they are few and far between these days! :(

[tneah]

I wasnt aware it was discouraged, again this is our first cruise. As it seems that we wont be welcome I will look elsewhere, I will not be handing over ANY money to a venue that makes us feel like pariahs.

 

I have not once mntioned anything about the price, its a set fee and just assumed it was the same for children or adults. Again I reiterate I have NO problem with the price!

 

I have well behaved children, however they are under 10, and yet they have eaten in several michelin starred restaurants and been complimented on their manners. I cannot imagine chops is a michelin restaurant so I have no qualms about my childrens behaviour in a fine dining venue. Unfortunatly it seems that the children were much more welcome and accomodated for in a fine restaurant such as the Park in Bath than they will be in Royals Chops Grille.

If someone could suggest an alternative venue (italian is out due to my diabetes, pasta doesnt allow me such tight control and means a much larger insulin dose, something I am trying to avoid) I would really appeciate it.

 

 

 

Please do not change your plans. It is the group here that you hear the most out cry about children.

 

We have taken our well behaved kids to eat at Chops. No problem at all! There was a group of about 10 plus officers in Chops the night we ate. Not one single person there seemed annoyed.

 

Your can come at 6:59pm and still dine at chops. It does not mean they must be out by 7:00pm.

[cclarke12]

Go to Chops and enjoy it :) We are on the same sailing and can't wait.

 

As a first time cruiser I would just give you one piece of advice. Be open minded about all the comments you might get on these boards as posters' views are not necessarily representative and there is a lot of personal opinion expressed rather than fact. I was so excited about my first cruise and the more and more I read the various criticism of food, children's behaviour, cut backs etc the more I worried about the holiday (human nature can tend to draw us to focusing on negative feedback). I needn't have worried, and we had a fab time despite being 'advised' by some posters that my children were too young to go on a cruise and similar comments!

[Bakincakes]

Here I go again

 

I am fully aware that the children would be charged the full price - that has NEVER been an issue. I am also aware that we must book a table for before 7.

 

Perhaps portofino may be a wiser choice, and thanks to the poster who attached the menu, its now under consideration... however surely as its another speciality restaurant the children will still be "unwelcome"?

 

Some kids may not enjoy the time it takes to enjoy fine dining, however as I thought I had made it perfectly clear... mine DO enjoy fine dining and have behaved perfectly through many such meals.

 

Of course children may eat an alternative dinner and go to the adventure ocean... but not for a family celebration.

 

I'm wondering now if it may just be easier to order blimmin room service and enjoy some champagne in our rooms than risk upsetting so many staff and other guests.

 

You did make it clear that your children enjoy "find dining"..however you also made it clear that the menu in Chops was not the kind of food one child might enjoy. I am assuming that is why you asked about an alternate menu.

 

I didn't really see any posts that insinuated that your kids would be treated horribly while in that venue. I'm not sure why you are assuming that or have adopted that attitude.:confused:

 

Posters included the time it takes to dine because you indicated it was your first cruise and I thought perhaps were not aware of the length of time for a meal in one of the specialties. My post was not meant to insinuate that your child/ren were not experts in the nuances of fine dining.:)

[BeachChik]

In what way not encouraged? I don't want to be going where we won't be welcome!

 

I'm more than happy to pay the full price, this was never an issue and i don't understand where i gave the impression that i wanted a discount service. This is our first cruise so i have to say i haven't memorized the deck plans to know the kitchen locations, nor am i expecting the chefs to cook off menu.

 

Thanks to those who took their time to reply. It seems the simple answer is no. No kids menu, and although allowed kids aren't wanted in chops. I will look elsewhere for our special meal. Are there any other locations (aside from casino) that kids aren't really welcome?

 

I wouldn't look elsewhere. If that is where you want to dine then go for it. Unfortunately people here try to push their opinion on others and state it as fact. The fact is they allow children before 7pm so don't let anyone here tell you otherwise.

[bgut1]

I wouldn't be discouraged in taking your children to any specialty restaurant. I've taken my kids to Chops and even 150 Central Park. It all comes down to how you think they will enjoy the food and experience. Do you take them out to restaurants at home? Are they adventurous eaters? Either way I recommend you go for it and enjoy your vacation.

[setsail]

Children are not discourged from eating at the SR's. If you can swing the price by all means go as a family. You only have to book by 7, for example, if you book 630 then you would not be expected to be out until 830, including your children. Don't let CC people wearing this bother you.:D

[amybear912]

Don't rule out Chops OR Portofino with the kids and actually, Portofino is probably the better option...

 

Check the menus for both venues... I'm positive that you will find plenty that works for the kids... Starters and soups, sides served family style etc; without large portions meat...

 

We ate in Portofino twice and neither of us ever touched any pasta...

 

On our last cruise we did both restaurants twice... Saw plenty of kids enjoying dinners with family...

 

I will say this relating to the cover charge as it pertains to discouraging children... I think it's meant to cause parents to evaluate if their children on an individual basis if the venue is right for them... You know your children and what they will enjoy/appreciate... You also know if your children will be able to handle the venue... I prefer to trust parents to make the best decisions for their own families...

[Deebs2]

We ate there in November with my 9 and 12 year old. They loved it, but they are also steak lovers. We sat down at 8:30 with the kids without a problem

[katiel53]

I have taken my granddaughter, who will be 12 on our next cruise, to the specialty restaurants many times. She has eaten in some of the best restaurants in FL and NY.

 

From the time she was 2, she was taken to fine restaurants and definitely knows how to behave. When she was 2, if she acted up, she and her father went out and had a bit of a chat and she was fine when she returned.

 

I don't see any problem taking children to a nice restaurant as long as they are behaved, and if young and have a meltdown, a parent takes the child out of the restaurant until the meltdown is over. That, to me, is how young people learn to behave in fine restaurants.

 

By the way, she isn't a chicken finger eater, a piece of filet with a baked potato, along with onion soup works for her.

[fsuhockette]

We are traveling next week on Allure. We will be taking our kids to SR as much as possible. They are 3, 8, 9 and are well behaved and love good food.

 

However, I noticed on cruise planner it says, on the Chops page:

Kids 5 and under eat for free.

Kids 6-12 years old eat for less. Ask about our kids specialty dining prices onboard

 

It says nothing about kids not being welcomed or only prior to 7p.

 

And further digging shows:

Food & Beverage

 

 

Q: Are children allowed to dine in our Specialty Restaurants?

 

A: Children younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Plus, kids ages 6-12 now dine at our specialty restaurants for only $8, and kids 5 and under eat free! Little sailors get their very own menu – a round-up of kid-friendly favorites from the "grownups" menu. Reservations can be made online or onboard at the restaurant based on availability.

Edited January 29, 2017 by fsuhockette

[Ourusualbeach]

We are traveling next week on Allure. We will be taking our kids to SR as much as possible. They are 3, 8, 9 and are well behaved and love good food.

 

However, I noticed on cruise planner it says, on the Chops page:

Kids 5 and under eat for free.

Kids 6-12 years old eat for less. Ask about our kids specialty dining prices onboard

 

It says nothing about kids not being welcomed or only prior to 7p.

 

And further digging shows:

Food & Beverage

 

 

Q: Are children allowed to dine in our Specialty Restaurants?

 

A: Children younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Plus, kids ages 6-12 now dine at our specialty restaurants for only $8, and kids 5 and under eat free! Little sailors get their very own menu – a round-up of kid-friendly favorites from the "grownups" menu. Reservations can be made online or onboard at the restaurant based on availability.

 

 

If you've been reading this thread you have been reading outdated and incorrect information as the this thread was from 2013.

 

Kids are welcome any time.

[fsuhockette]

If you've been reading this thread you have been reading outdated and incorrect information as the this thread was from 2013.

 

Kids are welcome any time.

 

Doh...my bad

[Ourusualbeach]

Doh...my bad

 

No, someone before your post resurrected an old thread...easy to miss the dates.