Kids allowed at Elite breakfast and cocktail hour?

[ghstudio]

[quote name='parallax']If the cruise line enforced all of their rules/policies to a T, then it would be a different cruise experience for all. Examples abound, including:

4. If you left you pool lounger for 20 minutes to run to your room or grab a drink, the chair should be up for grabs and all articles removed.

The great majority of people on a Celebrity cruise act in a kind a courteous manner and are not the me, me, me type of people that sometimes we witness on a ship. [/QUOTE]

Thank you for this post. You have clearly demonstrated that you are part of the me, me, me group, although I doubt that was your intention.

The time limit by the way is 30 minutes for pool loungers...and yes, at that point, the pool stewards are authorized to remove your belongings so that others who would like to get a chair can share the pool with others.

[Ma Bell]

[quote name='parallax']If the cruise line enforced all of their rules/policies to a T, then it would be a different cruise experience for all. Examples abound, including:

1. The ship does not have an obligation to give an OBC if they miss a port due to weather or ship performance issues, but often do.

2. If the policy was strictly enforced, I couldn't go to bar and get my wife a glass of wine under her card while I got a beer on my card.

3. I couldn't order multiple drinks at one time (beer and water).

4. If you left you pool lounger for 20 minutes to run to your room or grab a drink, the chair should be up for grabs and all articles removed.

The great majority of people on a Celebrity cruise act in a kind a courteous manner and are not the me, me, me type of people that sometimes we witness on a ship. However, we all benefit from deviations from the rules and policies on a ship. Let's not delude ourselves.

As we prepare to take our 6 year old on a 11 day cruise of Italy, we, as parents, are well aware that she will not be a perfect little princess during the whole course of the trip. However, we have the expectation for her to say please and thank you and be mindful of her surroundings. The voice she uses in the MDR is not the same one she can use at the Kids' Club. She needs to adjust to her environment. We see this as an excellent way to strengthen skills.

Finally, in the 9 cruises I have been on, I have might have seen one case of kids acting in an unruly behavior. However, I have, on each cruise, seen on multiple occasions horrible conduct by adults.[/QUOTE]

I hope when your 6 year old does something you don't like and she uses the excuse that everyone else does it, you'll be able to explain to her why that's no excuse. I doubt that you will.

[Classynfun1]

[quote name='parallax']If the cruise line enforced all of their rules/policies to a T, then it would be a different cruise experience for all. Examples abound, including:

1. The ship does not have an obligation to give an OBC if they miss a port due to weather or ship performance issues, but often do.

2. If the policy was strictly enforced, I couldn't go to bar and get my wife a glass of wine under her card while I got a beer on my card.

3. I couldn't order multiple drinks at one time (beer and water).

4. If you left you pool lounger for 20 minutes to run to your room or grab a drink, the chair should be up for grabs and all articles removed.

The great majority of people on a Celebrity cruise act in a kind a courteous manner and are not the me, me, me type of people that sometimes we witness on a ship. However, we all benefit from deviations from the rules and policies on a ship. Let's not delude ourselves.

As we prepare to take our 6 year old on a 11 day cruise of Italy, we, as parents, are well aware that she will not be a perfect little princess during the whole course of the trip. However, we have the expectation for her to say please and thank you and be mindful of her surroundings. The voice she uses in the MDR is not the same one she can use at the Kids' Club. She needs to adjust to her environment. We see this as an excellent way to strengthen skills.

Finally, in the 9 cruises I have been on, I have might have seen one case of kids acting in an unruly behavior. However, I have, on each cruise, seen on multiple occasions horrible conduct by adults.[/quote]


Oh I get it now! You are someone that does not cruise very often who happens to a) have a little darling that you believe it entitled to be and go everywhere with you and b) you have only seen 1 negative thing relating to children so you know better that the rest of us. Got it!

For the record, many of us here are quite experienced cruisers (me - 400+ days on various cruise lines) who have seen many, many instances of poor and negative behavior. We also have seen the rules posted time and time again and are simply asking that they be followed, as stated/written. No asking for special accomadation and not putting staff in the bad position of demanding the rules not apply. That is the point you are missing in all of this.

[SixOneTwo]

I totally understand the list of rules and how there are times they can and should be broken. This isnt the Internal Revenue Service or the Marines. It's vacation and it involves consumers who must be satisfied so that the business is sustained.

HOWEVER...

It's uncomfortable for me, as an adult, to be present among parents who are trying to strengthen their children's skills. That is why I choose to spend time in areas where I won't have to endure it. It would be wonderful if the skill-strengthening could occur where children are generally allowed, rather than exposing the youngsters to situations where those skills are tested and others are unwittingly part of the lesson.

[barbels]

I want to make it clear that I put absolutely no pressure on the Captain's Club hostess when I asked if my granddaughter could attend te Elegant tea. Nor would I have been upset or put any pressure on the CC hostess if she had said no. no other attendees were inconvenienced in any way by her presence unless the sight of a four year old makes them ill. Some of the posters here have majorly over reacted.

[TWG_ag]

As an Elite and Diamond who usually travels in the higher suites, here are my thoughts on the OP and evolving sub topics for your consideration.

I do not take my grandkids to Elite/Diamond events, private tours or lounges, because they are not invited. I do take them to Consignor Lounges because they are encouraged, accepted and invited. I also do not try to sneak in traveling companions or friends into these events and private tours, as they are also not invited.

Elite privileges and perks are earned through loyalty and should be considered supplemental to what you paid. Suite perks are purchased and not "free". The two do not conflict and sometimes complement. On my recent cruise I enjoyed the service and hospitality of the Michaels Club VIP lounge. I got included "free" drinks and we enjoyed a great social setting with several couples (and singles) having a great social hour every evening. I did not us any of the Elite drink coupons but did go to one Elite function. I also used laundry coupons and Internet coupons, which were supplemental and "free".

One point I would make is that taking a child to a cruise bar is not like hauling them into a tavern. The bars on Cruise ships are generally public areas, many with great views of the ship or sea. No one should be denied access to these areas, unless a specific event such as a CC event or late night adult show makes it inappropriate.

As for more places being kid free, I think most ships have plenty of space, and the best way to get more is to go on lines or itineraries that discourage families. Spring break on a RCI ship means kids. Holiday cruises on Celebrity means kids. So it is more your responsibility to pick the cruise that has the demographics that make you happy. This just completed late April, 13-day trans Atlantic had less than a dozen kids. There was plenty of Adult only area.

Finally, regarding the Michaels Club and RCI Consignor lounges. I do not think the repeaters are losing anything here, the Suite guests are buying more. I do not understand why the Elite care. I can tell you I have never gotten much value from being a Captains Club member. Most the time I was building up credit, I was in suites where the suite people got the same or more perks. Upgrades do not apply to suites so I have received little economic incentive to stay with one line. However with the new VIP Suite package, I feel better appreciated. I actually had an Elite complain to me that we were being treated too well to the detriment of repeaters. I asked how he was flying home and he responded Business Class on United. I asked him if he was going to get more room and better food on the flight home. He said he better, he paid for it, and I reminded him that I felt the same way about the Suite Lounge.

In the end, loyalty programs are great and the lines can do use them as a tool. Just remember that they are not set in stone. There is hardly an airline program that is better now than it was five years ago, you should expect them to change as the world changes. Loyalty only goes so far, so enjoy what they give you and don't worry about what the other guy paid for.

[scifimonkey]

On the other hand, maybe as a father I wouldn't want to expose my daughter to this toxic environment that I now envision after reading all these comments.[/QUOTE]
I tend to feel the same way except for the fact that I suspect that that is just the image that these sad people would wish you to have. So as you do not even consider intruding upon their Elysium. In the same way that I have seen similar people( actually maybe the same people!!! But I cannot be bothered to spend the time checking) tell other posters on other threads that they should not bring children on X because it is not a child friendly line, directing them to Disney 'where children belong' .....apparently.........
Frankly that is (insert your chosen expletive).......
Sorry to tell all the child detractors that unless they can persuade X to change the rules for their hosts and remove their discretionary powers they will continue to have to live with kids at elite events whatever they say here and whilst at the outset of this dialogue I would almost certainly have read the invite and not bothered attending with my boy because, like most people, I would accept the rules, I now feel almost compelled to test the system just to be bloody minded and thumb my nose at these people.:D thank goodness the vast majority of cruisers that we have come into contact with on celebrity have had nothing in common with this group of posters. Please can they all avoid the school holidays and then perhaps we can all get what we desire from our cruises.

[ghstudio]

ah...the thread is now heading downhill. Perhaps we need three threads

1) the rules must be followed exactly and those that don't follow the rules should be put off the ship at the next port (transatlantic passengers should be put in lifeboats)

2) If the rules are "broken" with permission, then the "broken" rule should apply to all passengers

3) It doesn't matter what the rules are since I paid to be on the cruise and anyone should be allowed to go to any public space at any time. Personally, I call this the "me" group"

Let me give everyone a hint....if you happen to fall into any of the above groups, you are not going to persuade anyone in the other 2 groups that your position is correct. Fortunately, Cruise Critic has a great deal of storage space, so you can continue to post your own positions, perhaps speaking louder (that always works, right...just type in CAPS), or you can accept that you have your position and others have theirs. Irrespective of what you feel or choose, there will be the three groups on every cruise.

Oh yes...just for the record, this thread really has little to do with children....it has to do with attitudes towards policies and rules.

Just thought I'd insert this little, hopefully logical, interlude...now carry on with the posts in this thread :) Edited May 7, 2014 by ghstudio

[parallax]

Yes, I guess I'm one of those crass 40 something individuals that has quite a bit of disposable income the Celebrity desires. Yes, to the dismay of some, I bring my 6 year old on a Celebrity cruise. No, I'm not going to keep my child away from the MDR, the Martini Bar or some other venues that are perceived as adult venues. However, when warranted (ie, worn out, eating at a speciality restaurant, attending comedy event or going to the casino), she will be at the Kids' Club or with a relative. Yes, I'm going to expect my child to behave appropriately and not be disruptive. No, she isn't always going to be perfect. Yes, she will be removed from a public place if disruptive. Yes, she will be practicing her etiquette, working on her manners and learning to be patient (not sure how this impacts others). Yes, we will bring a book or word search to the MDR or other events that are time consuming.

Yes, I will continue to laugh at all those who think Celebrity is luxury cruise line and should be some sort of adults only mecca. Yes, I will continued to be annoyed by those who think Celebrity is their own little fiefdom and try to exert their will on other contributors to the board. Yes, I will continue to support the changes made by Celebrity. Yes, I will continue to call out the jerks who treat the staff so disrespectfully. Yes, I will continue to defend people who want to bring their kids on a trip.

Yes, I'm open to criticism as I'm not infallible. Peace out. :eek:

[cruiser77]

Wow, what did I start!:eek:
I already posted a comment earlier in a not so eloquent way so my post was removed...:cool:
Well, I have have no problem with the no kids rule as long as it applies to all the kids.
And those who compare the ship lounges to bars on land.. Not quite the same is it?:rolleyes:
I do not hesitate dancing with my girl few minutes before dinner on ship, but I would take them to a bar on land.;)
And to the poster who wondered why I did not know this, well we just became Elite after our last cruise.:)

[Classynfun1]

[quote name='parallax']Yes, I guess I'm one of those crass 40 something individuals that has quite a bit of disposable income the Celebrity desires. Yes, to the dismay of some, I bring my 6 year old on a Celebrity cruise. No, I'm not going to keep my child away from the MDR, the Martini Bar or some other venues that are perceived as adult venues. However, when warranted (ie, worn out, eating at a speciality restaurant, attending comedy event or going to the casino), she will be at the Kids' Club or with a relative. Yes, I'm going to expect my child to behave appropriately and not be disruptive. No, she isn't always going to be perfect. Yes, she will be removed from a public place if disruptive. Yes, she will be practicing her etiquette, working on her manners and learning to be patient (not sure how this impacts others). Yes, we will bring a book or word search to the MDR or other events that are time consuming.

Yes, I will continue to laugh at all those who think Celebrity is luxury cruise line and should be some sort of adults only mecca. Yes, I will continued to be annoyed by those who think Celebrity is their own little fiefdom and try to exert their will on other contributors to the board. Yes, I will continue to support the changes made by Celebrity. Yes, I will continue to call out the jerks who treat the staff so disrespectfully. Yes, I will continue to defend people who want to bring their kids on a trip.

Yes, I'm open to criticism as I'm not infallible. Peace out. :eek:[/quote]


You have absolutely, and completely, missed the point. No one has mentioned any venue OTHER than the lounges (both Elite and Suite) and, more specifically, the posted rules at said lounges and how they apply to children. But hey, if making up things not said by others (esp.about 'adult venues') makes you feel better, KOKO!

[parallax]

[quote name='Classynfun1']Oh I get it now! You are someone that does not cruise very often who happens to a) have a little darling that you believe it entitled to be and go everywhere with you and b) you have only seen 1 negative thing relating to children so you know better that the rest of us. Got it!

For the record, many of us here are quite experienced cruisers (me - 400+ days on various cruise lines) who have seen many, many instances of poor and negative behavior. We also have seen the rules posted time and time again and are simply asking that they be followed, as stated/written. No asking for special accomadation and not putting staff in the bad position of demanding the rules not apply. That is the point you are missing in all of this.[/QUOTE]

I think the conversation has evolved. However, it is easier for argument sake to go back to the original question and ignore the last six pages of comments. I'm the uncouth traveler so I provided my mindset.

[ghstudio]

[quote name='parallax']Yes, I guess I'm one of those crass 40 something individuals that has quite a bit of disposable income the Celebrity desires. Yes, to the dismay of some, I bring my 6 year old on a Celebrity cruise. No, I'm not going to keep my child away from the MDR, the Martini Bar or some other venues that are perceived as adult venues. However, when warranted (ie, worn out, eating at a speciality restaurant, attending comedy event or going to the casino), she will be at the Kids' Club or with a relative. Yes, I'm going to expect my child to behave appropriately and not be disruptive. No, she isn't always going to be perfect. Yes, she will be removed from a public place if disruptive. Yes, she will be practicing her etiquette, working on her manners and learning to be patient (not sure how this impacts others). Yes, we will bring a book or word search to the MDR or other events that are time consuming.

Yes, I will continue to laugh at all those who think Celebrity is luxury cruise line and should be some sort of adults only mecca. Yes, I will continued to be annoyed by those who think Celebrity is their own little fiefdom and try to exert their will on other contributors to the board. Yes, I will continue to support the changes made by Celebrity. Yes, I will continue to call out the jerks who treat the staff so disrespectfully. Yes, I will continue to defend people who want to bring their kids on a trip. Finally, I haven't seen a single post suggesting you not bring your son on your cruise....only that you not bring him to an adults only event.

Yes, I'm open to criticism as I'm not infallible. Peace out. :eek:[/QUOTE]

Okay, I'll continue to play....this discussion is only about not following the rules. As far as I know, children are more than welcome in the MDR, most open bar areas, most theater productions. However the rules say that they are not permitted in the elite cocktail party....so let's keep comments to that particular 2 hour period...with the occasional reference to adult only comedy shows with the same, no children rule. Many of us don't agree with some of the rules and procedures that are in place on Celebrity ships...but for the most part, we follow them. We don't smoke anywhere we want, we don't bring extra wine/liquor on the ship at ports and so on. Most policies are there for a reason...which you may or may not agree with, but it's a rule/policy. You can speed on a road in a 30 mph zone because there is no one else on the road except for the policeman who just stopped you...no, you can't just do what you want because you've decided it's OK.

Many of us are likely more wealthy than you..and many are far less wealthy...that was a cheap, irrelevant shot. Only celebrity thinks celebrity is a luxury cruise line....that's another cheap, irrelevant shot. The posts here are from people who believe that the rules should be followed...they aren't trying to impose their own rules...they are trying to impose celebrity's rules since sometimes celebrity doesn't. You certainly are welcome to call out the jerks who treat the staff disrespectfully which is something we all deplore.

Okay....over to you now :) Edited May 7, 2014 by ghstudio

[scifimonkey]

If we are getting back to the point then I think that the 'breaking the rules when allowed to do so by celebrity representatives is ok ' group were never suggesting wholesale rebellion against rules. Most of us only waded in and got upset when children started to be stereotyped negatively. There was not even any suggestion of pressuring host/ hostesses to say yes to children in the elite events! That was an extrapolation of an early 'rules is rules' poster who along with others insisted in bringing the 'children spoil my cruise' argument into play.post 10
It has been interesting if a bit disheartening to read some of the subsequent posts but I think the OP has had a good breadth of views and thankfully my actual experience of celebrity on board for families counteracts the negativity evidenced here so I think I will sheath my sword for now and leave you all to it (it's getting late here). No doubt that by the time of my morning commute tomorrow there will be pages more to scan through( one of the joys of a US centric board).
Be assured though that I will be back if there is any hint of anyone trying to promote Celebrity to OP's as an adults only line at any financial or status level.
To those that have that agenda, I am sure we will meet again!

[villauk]

[quote name='ghstudio'] Many of us don't agree with some of the rules and procedures that are in place on Celebrity ships...but for the most part, we follow them. The posts here are from people who believe that the rules should be followed...they aren't trying to impose their own rules...they are trying to impose celebrity's rules since sometimes celebrity doesn't. [/QUOTE]

Any here is where the problem lies: they are Celebrity's rules and their employees are the ones that can impose them (whichever way they see fit), not others that think they are the elite police! I can't go and arrest or fine that speeding driver because I don't have the authority to, only that police officer.

It's the OP I feel sorry for; they only asked what the protocol was for the elite breakfast/event concerning children and within a few posts they were made to feel like the worst parents ever: 'why would you want to bring your kids to a bar?', horror stories of unruly kids, 'want more adult areas on the ship away from the kids' etc. Basically, if you ever dare bring the kids near the elite door, the stares will be enough to give you nightmares for the rest of the cruise :eek:.

They only asked a perfectly reasonable question as they were newly elite (they were even questioned why they didn't already know the answer if they were elite)!! Boy, thank goodness they didn't ask about the rumoured new promo for families that's combinable with the 123go and 2 others :rolleyes: (this is a joke before anyone starts a new thread :rolleyes::D).

[ghstudio]

[quote name='villauk']Any here is where the problem lies: they are Celebrity's rules and their employees are the ones that can impose them (whichever way they see fit), not others that think they are the elite police! I can't go and arrest or fine that speeding driver because I don't have the authority to, only that police officer.

.[/QUOTE]

I think Its reasonable to assume that the rules will be enforced....I would be quite upset if the crew said it's ok to smoke in the mdr...or bathing suits were allowed in the mdr...or the blu dress code is formal. This is no different except it involves children.

[melsdt]

Can someone clarify what the exact rules are? Is it no children for all elite related events including breakfast? Someone else mentioned if you are in a suite then you are allowed to bring children to Michael's etc? I am both Elite and traveling in a suite with a toddler. I would just like to know ahead of time. I have been on 12 cruises but this is our first with a child, so prior never really looked at what the rules were regarding children. I should also note I never once noticed poorly behaved children or had my cruise "ruined" as a result! I also totally understand and can appreciate from my pre-mom days the desire to enjoy child free spaces, however I never viewed mass market cruise ships as one of those venues.

I am traveling with 6 other family members so it really won't matter either way. To be honest I probably would be disappointed if we were traveling by ourselves in a suite and couldn't utilize many of the benefits. I would respect any rules and restrictions of course.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Forums mobile app

[ghstudio]

[quote name='melsdt']Can someone clarify what the exact rules are? Is it no children for all elite related events including breakfast? Someone else mentioned if you are in a suite then you are allowed to bring children to Michael's etc? I am both Elite and traveling in a suite with a toddler. I would just like to know ahead of time. I have been on 12 cruises but this is our first with a child, so prior never really looked at what the rules were regarding children. I should also note I never once noticed poorly behaved children or had my cruise "ruined" as a result! I also totally understand and can appreciate from my pre-mom days the desire to enjoy child free spaces, however I never viewed mass market cruise ships as one of those venues.

I am traveling with 6 other family members so it really won't matter either way. To be honest I probably would be disappointed if we were traveling by ourselves in a suite and couldn't utilize many of the benefits. I would respect any rules and restrictions of course.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Forums mobile app[/QUOTE]

Excellent question...and I can give you some of the rules (there aren't all that many)

1) Children are not invited to the elite cocktail hour
2) Children are not invited to the "adult" comedy show (held late and not on every cruise.
3) Guests dining in the following Specialty Restaurants must be at least 12 years old: Murano, SS United States, The Olympic, Ocean Liners, The Normandie. Also, children of any age that are booked in AquaClass® staterooms are welcome to dine in Blu with an adult.

4) there is an age restriction in the workout area/gym
5) there may be an age restriction in some of the pools.

other than that, I think children are welcome everywhere...at least as watchers and perhaps with accompanying adults (eg. I don't think a 5 year old can attend a show in the theater alone but that's conjecture on my part. Yes, they are invited to dine in blu if their parents are with them..and they are, based on comments here, allowed in the suite lounge (michael's club).

[melsdt]

Thank you for the information!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Forums mobile app

[Texed]

[B][COLOR="DarkRed"]What if we are Elite, we are of age, but we ACT like a kid? :p [/COLOR][/B]

[dkjretired]

Excellent question...and I can give you some of the rules (there aren't all that many)

 

1) Children are not invited to the elite cocktail hour

2) Children are not invited to the "adult" comedy show (held late and not on every cruise.

3) Guests dining in the following Specialty Restaurants must be at least 12 years old: Murano, SS United States, The Olympic, Ocean Liners, The Normandie. Also, children of any age that are booked in AquaClass® staterooms are welcome to dine in Blu with an adult.

 

4) there is an age restriction in the workout area/gym

5) there may be an age restriction in some of the pools.

 

other than that, I think children are welcome everywhere...at least as watchers and perhaps with accompanying adults (eg. I don't think a 5 year old can attend a show in the theater alone but that's conjecture on my part. Yes, they are invited to dine in blu if their parents are with them..and they are, based on comments here, allowed in the suite lounge (michael's club).

 

Also an age restriction in the Solarium and age restriction on Children eating in Blu if they are not staying in an AQ cabin.

Edited May 8, 2014 by dkjretired

[redjetz]

What if we are Elite, we are of age, but we ACT like a kid? :p

 

Not sure - are waffles involved? :-)

[Crazy Cruzer]

Also an age restriction in the Solarium and age restriction on Children eating in Blu if they are not staying in an AQ cabin.

As long as we're getting picky: I think she covered the Solarium pool in #5 above and I don't think there is any other rules about kids in the Solarium since that is where Aqua Spa cafe is and also one has to pass through it to get to the forward elevators on that deck.

 

I also think that the kids of any passenger who has access to Blu can eat in Blu regardless of age. So kids staying in a suite or in an AQ cabin can eat there with the only restriction on the suite kids (get it! "suite kids" ha ha ha) being the same "space available" limitation that applies to adults.

Edited May 8, 2014 by Crazy Cruzer

[ghstudio]

As long as we're getting picky: I think she covered the Solarium pool in #5 above and I don't think there is any other rules about kids in the Solarium since that is where Aqua Spa cafe is and also one has to pass through it to get to the forward elevators on that deck.

 

I also think that the kids of any passenger who has access to Blu can eat in Blu regardless of age. So kids staying in a suite or in an AQ cabin can eat there with the only restriction on the suite kids (get it! "suite kids" ha ha ha) being the same "space available" limitation that applies to adults.

 

From the celebrity web site:

 

Additionally, onboard our Solstice® Class ships, children that are booked in suites that are at least 12 years old will be accommodated in Blu when dining with an adult, based on availability only. Please note a $5 per guest gratuity is recommended for any suite guests dining in Blu.

 

 

I didn't make that up...but it appears that if you are in a suite on an m-class ship, children in suites are not welcome. Makes no sense to me but that's the written policy.

[villauk]

What if we are Elite, we are of age, but we ACT like a kid? :p

 

Can't wait to cruise with you :D :p.