Kids allowed at Elite breakfast and cocktail hour?

[scbwino]

Our Elite Events invitation letter on our April 12th Reflection cruise clearly indicated that the evening events were for adults. On the other hand, and very amusing to us, our invitation letter to use Michaels Club was addressed not only to my wife and I but also to our 13 and 16 year old girls. We only saw other kids in Michaels Club a couple of times when we were there. But overall, Michaels Club staff went out of their way to engage our two girls. In fact, the Captain half-jokingly told my wife and I he was more interested in talking to the two of them since they were potential future Celebrity clients. Hopefully, it didn’t go to their heads.

[CruisingChick]

Not sure on that one - as you have to be 18yrs or older to enrol in the Captains Club with Celebrity.

 

Think I read somewhere that although children are awarded points for their cruises, they don't 'kick in' until then?

 

I'm sure someone will know first hand.

 

Lou

 

Correct, my son was not able to enroll in the Captain's Club until he turned 18. When he did turn 18 I enrolled him and he was a select member.

[Quo Vadis?]

When we travel with our grandchildren, we recommend traveling where there is a strong child centred program such as Royal's.

It's not so much the children we mind sailing with as much as the parents who do nothing to control them.

 

“There are two kinds of travel: first class and with children.”

― Robert Benchley

[Cruising89143]

Well here is one then. Just after the policy changed we were in a suite and every evening this. Family came in with a pair of toddlers fed them crackers and cheese which promptly got ground into the carpeting and smudged over two tables so badly that the minute they left the concierge had to bring in housekeeping. How would you like your quiet pre dinner cocktail and conversation disturbed by a vacuum cleaner? Or have to listen to the pre teen whine every single night about something...the appetizer choices or the soda options or the fact that they were bored and wanted to leave(so they could run up and down the hallways and nearly knock me over.

 

Your idea of well behaved is not mine. Dressing your child in a cute outfit to snag a family portrait does not suddenly turn him into someone mature enough to behave appropriately

 

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Yes and I have witnessed so called adults intoxicated in the CL. Goes both ways. Just for the record I have zero kids but money talks. Adam Goldstein did not back down when the rules were changed and the D+ and Pinnacle got their knickers in a knot. If it comes down to kids or top tier cruisers in the CL then the top tier cruisers will be the ones on the outside looking in.

Edited May 5, 2014 by cruisingator2

[Honeybearhollow]

I also love kids - taught them for 35 years, loved my own and especially my grandson. However, there should be areas on cruises where adults can go without children. Parents should not expect to be able to take them to areas where adults enjoy a quiet drink. On every cruise there are areas where children are welcome WE KNOW BECAUSE WE TAKE OUR GRANDSON. We would never consider taking him to Elite functions as it would certainly not be appropriate for him nor would it be fair on the cruisers enjoying a pre-dinner drink.

Parents should consider what is appropriate for their child not what is best for them or what they think they should be entitled to. I know lots will disagree with this but having children has responsibilities and sitting in a bar with adults enjoying what they consider an adults area is not one of them. Take them to areas where children are playing/dancing, etc - much more appropriate to their age.

 

 

 

 

This is so reasonable. I, too am a former teacher and I love kids. I have grandkids whom I love. But if I take them on a cruise, it would be Disney or RCL. Those ships are designed to entertain them. I would never consider taking them to the lounges or the Elite happy hour, so I could sit and drink. It is inappropriate for them and they would hate it. If you are going to take kids, then make it for the kids. Make it about them. Some parents are so self-centered. Think about the kids. And think about others who left their kids at home so they could have a relaxing holiday.

[dkjretired]

This is so reasonable. I, too am a former teacher and I love kids. I have grandkids whom I love. But if I take them on a cruise, it would be Disney or RCL. Those ships are designed to entertain them. I would never consider taking them to the lounges or the Elite happy hour, so I could sit and drink. It is inappropriate for them and they would hate it. If you are going to take kids, then make it for the kids. Make it about them. Some parents are so self-centered. Think about the kids. And think about others who left their kids at home so they could have a relaxing holiday.

 

Putting aside the issue of taking kids to CC parties, your kids are missing a lot by not going on a Celebrity ship. They have excellent programs which are highly underrated. There have been many people come on this board and state their kids liked the Celebrity programs better than Disney because of the more personal treatment.

[villauk]

Would there be so many adults in the lounge if the drinks were not free and it was just an 'adults bar'? In fact, would we still be having this conversation? I take it Disney's adult bars are open to every paying adult? Just a thought :rolleyes:.

 

Honeybearhollow,

 

Some people have kids and actually enjoy spending time with them on vacation - not to leave them behind to be someone else's responsibility! It's the cruiseline which decides who cruises on their ships - despite what some people think.

 

Here we go again!

 

dkretired,

 

You are correct: less kids results in a more personal touch for those onboard ;).

[6502programmer]

Putting aside the issue of taking kids to CC parties, your kids are missing a lot by not going on a Celebrity ship. They have excellent programs which are highly underrated. There have been many people come on this board and state their kids liked the Celebrity programs better than Disney because of the more personal treatment.

 

My son's favorite cruise was when we went the sailing before the Christmas sailing. He actually stayed on the ship most days because he was having so much fun because they had staffed for the holiday rush of 300+ kids, but was one of perhaps 60 kids on the ship for that cruise. Although our kids have only been on Cunard and Celebrity, they both prefer Celebrity hands down.

 

For anyone to discuss the merits of Celebrity's kids program without having had kids in them is "interesting" to say the least. I don't pretend to discuss which obstetrician is the best for a woman and why, because I don't have experience with them.

 

You are indeed correct in saying that the program is underrated. They don't push for families, but they excel in keeping the kids busy. Even on the b2b we did they changed it up enough that our son was more than happy to spend pretty much every waking moment in the kids club.

[tuggers]

I submit this for information only. Please don't flame me!

 

On Summit there was a couple who brought in 3 boys to Elite Lounge every night. The two older (9 to 10ish) ran all over the dance floor every night. The night they climbed on the stage around the musical instruments and people complained the CCH asked them to take the boys out.

 

They were back the very next night and the CCH said she could not deny them entrance.

 

That listing of Elite events in our cabins also said no one under 21.

[villauk]

My son's favorite cruise was when we went the sailing before the Christmas sailing. He actually stayed on the ship most days because he was having so much fun because they had staffed for the holiday rush of 300+ kids, but was one of perhaps 60 kids on the ship for that cruise. Although our kids have only been on Cunard and Celebrity, they both prefer Celebrity hands down.

 

For anyone to discuss the merits of Celebrity's kids program without having had kids in them is "interesting" to say the least. I don't pretend to discuss which obstetrician is the best for a woman and why, because I don't have experience with them.

 

You are indeed correct in saying that the program is underrated. They don't push for families, but they excel in keeping the kids busy. Even on the b2b we did they changed it up enough that our son was more than happy to spend pretty much every waking moment in the kids club.

 

When I stated that less kids resulted in more of a personal touch for those onboard, I was referring to those children onboard ;). Ours also enjoy the organised activities provided by the staff. As dkretired pointed out, some children were actually issued with CC numbers ;).

[benjoon]

Correct, my son was not able to enroll in the Captain's Club until he turned 18. When he did turn 18 I enrolled him and he was a select member.

 

 

My daughter is 14 & when I booked one of our recent cruises I quoted our captains club number. They then said they would add our daughters number. I commented that she was too young to have one. They said that she did have a number & added it to the reservation. I never registered her after our first cruise. It must have been done automatically when we did ours.

 

When we were on RCI we had a suite. We went to the concierge lounge with our daughter every evening. The other guests loved talking to her as she is very grown up for her age. I wouldn't hesitate taking her to the elite breakfast if we ever got to be one. She probably wouldn't want to go with is now as she can go off & do her own thing.

 

 

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[bplazo]

There should be several areas on the ship that adults can get away from the children on a cruise.

[Hapytocruise]

This is great advice!

 

 

The host or hostess shouldn't be put into a position to have to decide whether to offend you by saying no or break the rules for your "well behaved children". I'm sure your children are well behaved but does that merit an exception? How are the people deciding whether to break the rules for well behaved children supposed to decide if the children are well behaved. And worse yet, what do they tell me when I bring my bratty kids to the door and ask why they can't come in if yours are already there? after all kids will be kids.

 

Agree 100%

[6502programmer]

There should be several areas on the ship that adults can get away from the children on a cruise.

 

 

There are.

 

* your cabin

* the Persian Garden

* the gym

* the Solarium (kids aren't supposed to be in pool, according to conspicuous signs)

* the Casino

* Blu (de facto, as AQ cabins are for only one or two)

* the DJ-driven club after 11p

 

 

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[bplazo]

There are.

 

* your cabin

* the Persian Garden

* the gym

* the Solarium (kids aren't supposed to be in pool, according to conspicuous signs)

* the Casino

* Blu (de facto, as AQ cabins are for only one or two)

* the DJ-driven club after 11p

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Like I said, we need more areas.

[4cats4me]

Like I said, we need more areas.

 

 

 

Agreed!

[HappyTvlr]

On a Century cruise I complained about an 8 year old being allowed in the Crystal lounge for the newlywed game in which her parents were participants. Anyone who has attended this game knows that it is not a child friendly game. The activities person had to seriously control the questions and responses due to the child's presence, and it was just horrible to watch. The response to the complaint was that the game was not altered (not true), and that all areas are open to all ages until 11PM. The child was a disruption in a late comedy show as well. On a Solstice cruise last year, the opposite happened. The brilliant CD, Ian, cleared the room of kids before a show because he knew the content. Why should a show be altered for hundreds of adults due to the presence of 2 children? As for elite events, if it says 21 and older that is what it should be. Rules are rules. That is what children are taught, correct? Or is it rules are rules except for me?

[Jenna109]

Rules are rules except for me. - I think you have it in one!

 

The Elite evening is for over 18 or adults only but even though members on this forum know this some still take children younger!

 

Somehow we have also started a comparison between kids clubs. Not used them on Celebrity but I am sure they are excellent - they have to have trained staff. So why take kids to adult events when there is plenty of age related activities where they can be safely engaged with others of their own age. Leaving adults to enjoy their evening as well.:rolleyes:

[upwarduk]

My letter was arranged a bit differently. And the age requirement was 18 years, not 21 years. Was this due to sailing from Australia? Probably.

 

Or maybe from UK , as 18 is the legal age to buy/ drink alcohol.

Edited May 6, 2014 by upwarduk

[villauk]

Rules are rules except for me. - I think you have it in one!

 

The Elite evening is for over 18 or adults only but even though members on this forum know this some still take children younger!

 

Somehow we have also started a comparison between kids clubs. Not used them on Celebrity but I am sure they are excellent - they have to have trained staff. So why take kids to adult events when there is plenty of age related activities where they can be safely engaged with others of their own age. Leaving adults to enjoy their evening as well.:rolleyes:

 

I think the majority of us DO abide by the rules, otherwise you would have considerably more posts in this thread highlighting instances where kids have been present at Elite functions (rather than the odd few and they appear to be at shows not specifically Elite functions). For example, could you personally recall a time when a child has been present at an Elite (adults only) event that you have actually attended and has not been asked to leave by the host/hostess? Are most posts moaning about something that isn't actually a problem? The OP was only asking if their children were allowed, not that they were going to take them.

 

As for suite guests, money definitely talks - they are paying for the whole family to use those facilities. A business will be adamant to keep those pax rather than the odd repeater who spend less (don't want anymore photos, jewellery, book private excursions etc.), expect free perks and complains about falling standards (generalising here).

 

I return to the point about Disney's adult only bars, are they for adult paying guests? As I recall, isn't Michael's being turned into the private room for suite guests because it is being under utilised as a paying bar (not been many kids in there then :rolleyes:) - please do correct me if I've got this wrong?

[Jenna109]

I return to the point about Disney's adult only bars, are they for adult paying guests? As I recall, isn't Michael's being turned into the private room for suite guests because it is being under utilised as a paying bar (not been many kids in there then ) - please do correct me if I've got this wrong?

 

You are correct about Disney adult bars - just like all bars on Celebrity you pay for drinks. However, the Elite get together drinks are provided free of charge as a perk for doing lots of cruises. This, I feel, is the problem which I can understand. ie Elite passengers with children want to take advantage of the free drinks and I certainly do not blame them for that as we all pay enough for our cruises and becoming Elite is getting harder. However, during the meeting it is an adults only venue - Celebrity rule. Yet some feel that this does not apply to them and do put the host in a very difficult position. Back to what I said in a previous post - take them to a more appropriate venue for their age - kids club covers quite an age range.

[ghstudio]

 

As for suite guests, money definitely talks - they are paying for the whole family to use those facilities. A business will be adamant to keep those pax rather than the odd repeater who spend less (don't want anymore photos, jewellery, book private excursions etc.), expect free perks and complains about falling standards (generalising here).

 

 

The elite only event is not attended by "the odd repeater" :)

[Jenna109]

The elite only event is not attended by "the odd repeater" :)

 

Totally agree

 

Celebrity would not have this event if attended by the odd repeater. It is held to ensure the guests do return and they do! Celebrity have a good product but so have other cruise lines - I am sure returning guests have looked and compared but then factor in the perks for being Elite before making final decision.

[villauk]

The elite only event is not attended by "the odd repeater" :)

 

You took my quote out of context (see below), however, you highlight the exact point I was making: would the elite event be so full if it was an adult only function (as most here seem to be pointing out), but one had to pay for the drinks (take my Michael's club example) :)?

 

What I actually said in my quote referred to the suite guests and their perks. They (suite guests) are generating high income for the cruise lines and so they would want to maintain their high yield as opposed to the 'odd repeater - low income' (not most repeaters), that complain, yet still return to the fold because of their status (as Jenna109 stated above). Basically, it's a win win situation for them.

[Ma Bell]

You took my quote out of context (see below), however, you highlight the exact point I was making: would the elite event be so full if it was an adult only function (as most here seem to be pointing out), but one had to pay for the drinks (take my Michael's club example) :)?

 

What I actually said in my quote referred to the suite guests and their perks. They (suite guests) are generating high income for the cruise lines and so they would want to maintain their high yield as opposed to the 'odd repeater - low income' (not most repeaters), that complain, yet still return to the fold because of their status (as Jenna109 stated above). Basically, it's a win win situation for them.

 

Would there be anything called an Elite function if you had to pay for the drinks? By definition these are "perks" and it wouldn't be likely that they would charge for a party that is supposed to be a loyalty reward.