Cirque with a toddler?

[autrucheplume]

Wow. Well, I'm the original poster, and I had no intention of starting a debate like this. However, I would like to add a few quick things:

 

1) To those of you, who answered my actual question or provided actual useful feedback on the question, THANK YOU!!

 

2) To those of you (who have never met me OR my child) who offered all that wonderful parenting advice, I appreciate it, but plan to disregard it. I took my child to an NHL hockey game (2nd row ice!) last weekend, and she was quiet and happy the entire time. She pointed at the lights and smiled when she saw something exciting. She did not cry, fuss, squirm, scream, or whine. If she can keep her cool during a Bruins game, I think she can handle Cirque Dreams without ruining anyone's dinner.

 

I'm not saying that EVERY child of EVERY age should be brought to a restaurant. I'm just saying that my daughter would be less likely to make a scene at a restaurant than several of the people I see posting on these message boards. No offense meant to any of you :)

[OzCanuck]

Wow. Well, I'm the original poster, and I had no intention of starting a debate like this. However, I would like to add a few quick things:

 

1) To those of you, who answered my actual question or provided actual useful feedback on the question, THANK YOU!!

 

2) To those of you (who have never met me OR my child) who offered all that wonderful parenting advice, I appreciate it, but plan to disregard it. I took my child to an NHL hockey game (2nd row ice!) last weekend, and she was quiet and happy the entire time. She pointed at the lights and smiled when she saw something exciting. She did not cry, fuss, squirm, scream, or whine. If she can keep her cool during a Bruins game, I think she can handle Cirque Dreams without ruining anyone's dinner.

 

I'm not saying that EVERY child of EVERY age should be brought to a restaurant. I'm just saying that my daughter would be less likely to make a scene at a restaurant than several of the people I see posting on these message boards. No offense meant to any of you :)

 

You know your own daughter, so you do exactly as you see fit. I am sure she will be fine.

 

Now if only someone could get Rask to focus through a Bruins' game...

[cruiseseal]

Wow. Well, I'm the original poster, and I had no intention of starting a debate like this. However, I would like to add a few quick things:

 

1) To those of you, who answered my actual question or provided actual useful feedback on the question, THANK YOU!!

 

2) To those of you (who have never met me OR my child) who offered all that wonderful parenting advice, I appreciate it, but plan to disregard it. I took my child to an NHL hockey game (2nd row ice!) last weekend, and she was quiet and happy the entire time. She pointed at the lights and smiled when she saw something exciting. She did not cry, fuss, squirm, scream, or whine. If she can keep her cool during a Bruins game, I think she can handle Cirque Dreams without ruining anyone's dinner.

 

I'm not saying that EVERY child of EVERY age should be brought to a restaurant. I'm just saying that my daughter would be less likely to make a scene at a restaurant than several of the people I see posting on these message boards. No offense meant to any of you :)

I mostly agree with you, however, you can't compare a sports event, where no one cares if child cries or throws a fit, because adults are just as obnoxious, and a theater or restaurant, where people generally don't like frequent distractions. Personally, I don't like taking my kids to hockey or basketball, because sports fans generally don't censor their language or behavior in any way. That's a personal choice, though, I am not judging anyone who does.

Edited January 9, 2015 by cruiseseal

[cadien]

Really?

 

Because I found it right here, under Cirque Dreams... :confused:

 

http://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/onboard/entertainment#tab_detail

 

Aha. That's the Breakaway. The OP said Epic so that's the one I pulled up. Weird that every ship's performance has a different blurb. I wonder how different the shows themselves are.

[Barb Nahoumi]

Our toddler is more untested than fussy, but the specialty restaurants and the shows are not where we're going to practice his manners when we cruise in April. We don't do that on land either. You practice manners in low-cost family places and get a sitter for the nicer ones. Simple respect for everyone around you. Plus frankly I want to be able to enjoy my nice meal/show without wondering when something will go wrong.

 

That was exactly what we did. Our kids' restaurant training grounds were casual places which catered to young families.

 

We had a babysitter when we went to shows or upscale restaurants.

 

Our kids are grown now, and we are blessed with grandkids whom we are proud to take anywhere.

[happy cruzin]

Aha. That's the Breakaway. The OP said Epic so that's the one I pulled up. Weird that every ship's performance has a different blurb. I wonder how different the shows themselves are.

 

 

The shows are VERY different.

 

 

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[thatjoeguy]

Aha. That's the Breakaway. The OP said Epic so that's the one I pulled up. Weird that every ship's performance has a different blurb. I wonder how different the shows themselves are.

 

The Epic show was a bit risqué; I don't think the Breakaway show is.

[happy cruzin]

The Epic show was a bit risqué; I don't think the Breakaway show is.

 

 

I would agree with that. In the Epic show there is plenty of "adult humor" - which is not at all part of the Jungle Fantasy on the Breakaway.

 

 

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[LMaxwell]

Take your kid. NCL encourages it.

 

There was a similar post on RCI board today about a guy wanting to bring his kid into a FREE restaurant during the DAY TIME and he got all the same parenting advice you got here about how there is a kids club and adults should have their space etc. Jeez. These are family cruise lines people. Even if you spend 10 grand for a suite it's still a ship filled w families doing family activities. OP not sure about the charge but if you want to take your kid go right ahead and enjoy!

[naturalbeauty2011]

People are not saying they hate kids and don't want to be around them. They know NCL is a family line. Having said that parents should realize that there is places for families and venues for adults. It's pretty simple really. Not sure why some of you don't understand what people are saying. It's simply a matter of consideration for other guests. Like someone else said by the time you remove your child who is acting up you have already intruded on everyone else's experience.

 

I didn't say you people hated kid, but that's going to happen when you go on a family cruise line. Like I said in a earlier post if you don't want to be interrupted by a child cries go on a cruise line that caters to adults. If not then deal with it. These lines practically roll out the red carpet for families.

[DMH15]

I didn't say you people hated kid, but that's going to happen when you go on a family cruise line. Like I said in a earlier post if you don't want to be interrupted by a child cries go on a cruise line that caters to adults. If not then deal with it. These lines practically roll out the red carpet for families.

They roll out the red carpet for me too. I have no kids. As I posted earlier, I enjoy kids. But NCL is a mix of families, couples, singles, etc. consideration for others is the key.

[doggfan7]

They roll out the red carpet for me too. I have no kids. As I posted earlier, I enjoy kids. But NCL is a mix of families, couples, singles, etc. consideration for others is the key.

 

Which poster/parent in this thread demonstrated a lack of consideration for other passengers that necessitated the amount of anti-family comments made? Surely you don't mean to suggest that bringing a child to a show that is for families (Cirque) is inconsiderate?

 

There is no question that there is a large contingent of cruise-goers who are so hyper-sensitive to children that the mere sight of them, even when well-behaved, tends to set them off into a tirade about the a parent's lack of consideration.

 

I am certainly not excusing parents who refuse to take action when their childrens are being disruptive. That is unacceptable. But if anybody thinks it is inconsiderate of parents to bring children to specialty restaurants on a cruise line like NCL because they have this mistaken belief that the specialty restaurants are "adults-only", they are surely setting themselves up for disappointment.

 

I will be taking my daughter to one each night under the UDP.

[DMH15]

Which poster/parent in this thread demonstrated a lack of consideration for other passengers that necessitated the amount of anti-family comments made? Surely you don't mean to suggest that bringing a child to a show that is for families (Cirque) is inconsiderate?

 

 

 

There is no question that there is a large contingent of cruise-goers who are so hyper-sensitive to children that the mere sight of them, even when well-behaved, tends to set them off into a tirade about the a parent's lack of consideration.

 

 

 

I am certainly not excusing parents who refuse to take action when their childrens are being disruptive. That is unacceptable. But if anybody thinks it is inconsiderate of parents to bring children to specialty restaurants on a cruise line like NCL because they have this mistaken belief that the specialty restaurants are "adults-only", they are surely setting themselves up for disappointment.

 

 

 

I will be taking my daughter to one each night under the UDP.

 

 

No, I do not think bringing a toddler ir child is inconsiderate. Did you not read the entire thread and my earlier post where I said children were welcome by NCL, and that is goid enough for me.

 

Also, I mention in this post I enjoy children. My general comment about consideration by no means speaks to not including children. It meant in general. All people should be considerate to others.

 

That's all. I think you misread me.

 

 

 

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[rvsullivan]

I didn't say you people hated kid, but that's going to happen when you go on a family cruise line. Like I said in a earlier post if you don't want to be interrupted by a child cries go on a cruise line that caters to adults. If not then deal with it. These lines practically roll out the red carpet for families.

 

Of course you know that's not exactly true. The do allow kids on all of the NCL cruises, however, that does not mean that everything on the ship is kid friendly.

On our last 5 or 6 cruises kids have been a very tiny minority (60 out of 2300). Kids club, kids pool, dining rooms are all very kid friendly. Adult entertainment, late shows and parties, not so much. Actually the red carpet is rolled out for everybody. And I do sail on a cruise that caters to adults, it's NCL. We all have a right to expect appropriate behavior, and that is from both adults and kids. Adults that do not behave appropriately should be removed as quickly as loud, noisy misbehaving kids. The right of a family to be disruptive ends at the point it is disturbing to the 98% of passengers that are trying to enjoy the show/dinner.

There are places on the ship that are designed to have kids be rowdy (acting like kids) and specialty dining and shows are not the venue for that.

[rvsullivan]

Which poster/parent in this thread demonstrated a lack of consideration for other passengers that necessitated the amount of anti-family comments made? Surely you don't mean to suggest that bringing a child to a show that is for families (Cirque) is inconsiderate?

 

There is no question that there is a large contingent of cruise-goers who are so hyper-sensitive to children that the mere sight of them, even when well-behaved, tends to set them off into a tirade about the a parent's lack of consideration.

 

I am certainly not excusing parents who refuse to take action when their childrens are being disruptive. That is unacceptable. But if anybody thinks it is inconsiderate of parents to bring children to specialty restaurants on a cruise line like NCL because they have this mistaken belief that the specialty restaurants are "adults-only", they are surely setting themselves up for disappointment.

 

I will be taking my daughter to one each night under the UDP.

 

And I agree you should take you daughter, and as long as she acts in a manner that is appropriate to the venue why would there be a problem. Two cruises back, a couple with a disruptive child could not control her. After several folks walkied out without dinner, the wait staff intervened. The response, "we paid the same as everyone and can do as we wish". The concierge and security quickly escorted them out! That's how it should be handled. I'm sure this would not be the case with your daughter.

[JuneauWhatIMean]

This thread is hilarious. :eek::D

 

I have a husband who feels there is no need for him to wait for the staff to take appropriate action when his peace and tranquility of his very expensive and well deserved vacation has been ruined by an ill-behaved child in a typically quiet environment. (I.e., a specialty restaurant or any fee-based venue). He'll definitely let you know.

 

As others have said, NCL is great at providing venues and activities for both children and adults. Apparently only responsible parents know the difference, and I truly commend those of you who have posted here.

 

SissasMomE- I'm fresh out of popcorn and considering sailing on graffiti-free Oceania (someday)..............pass the caviar Dahhhhling!:p:D

[SissasMomE]

This thread is hilarious. :eek::D

 

I have a husband who feels there is no need for him to wait for the staff to take appropriate action when his peace and tranquility of his very expensive and well deserved vacation has been ruined by an ill-behaved child in a typically quiet environment. (I.e., a specialty restaurant or any fee-based venue). He'll definitely let you know.

 

As others have said, NCL is great at providing venues and activities for both children and adults. Apparently only responsible parents know the difference, and I truly commend those of you who have posted here.

 

SissasMomE- I'm fresh out of popcorn and considering sailing on graffiti-free Oceania (someday)..............pass the caviar Dahhhhling!:p:D

 

Perfect!!! :D

[Trinnah]

Wow.

 

I took my 2 year old toddler to Cirque. Sat in the very front. She loved it. She never disturbed anybody. The adults were actually the ones yelling and being annoying. She had to step out during one of the "setting up" to use the bathroom, and my husband waited outside with her as to not interrupt, and the dancers played with her while waiting to go on for their performance.

 

We also took her to Burn The Floor, and she did great! A whole lot better than all the adults who kept talking to each other the entire performance. She went to Legends also. She loves music.

 

We also took her to the Epic Club for lunch and dinner, and the other people never even knew there was a toddler in the room. They told me when they saw us walking out. One couple even said that she was a pleasure to eat dinner with because she was so well behaved.

 

She caught up with us during our 10 hr excursions, and when she was tired, we picked her up and kept up with the group.

 

I really think it just depends on the child and on the parents. If you think your child can handle it and not disturb anybody, then go for it.

 

There are adults out there who behave far worse. [emoji6]

[Trinnah]

Oops, I didn't answer the question. Got sidetracked. Yes, she paid full price. ;)

[mobu2015]

Oops didn't realize this was a zombie thread. Please delete this.

Edited May 20, 2015 by mobu2015

[Bozygals]

I was also going to ask the same question about if we had to pay for the dinner which my 9 and 6 year old grandsons will not eat which I think the first person was just expecting a yes or no answer. We have just returned from Getaway where there were a number of children on board and we had commented how well behaved these kis were in specialty dining and all the shows. So to the first question.... I just called NCL and they will let you know if you call them a few weeks before you cruise. Ours was to early to be told so if yours is before October and you call could you please post your answer. Cirque Dreams and Steam is not just an adult show. Kids will love it. It was amazing and we managed to see it twice in one week where there were many children in the audience.

[rbt001]

I waited to post until I read all four pages of this emotional thread.

 

First thought was to wonder how many of those who posted "Don't bring them!" actually attended the show. Had they attended and had the performance ruined because of disruptive children?

 

Or is it more accurate to say that the posters here that are against bringing children, are simply projecting a past experience somewhere public which was ruined by disruptive kids? Sadly, I think most of us can remember a time.

 

Chili's is certainly a restaurant frequented by families with children. It's a loud environment with or without children. So at an early dinner with my retired parents, someone in the booth behind me was kicking and kicking. I turned halfway around and without focusing on who it was said firmly: "Will you please stop kicking the booth?!" In my glimpse when making the statement, I could see that mommy & daddy were facing me and across from them, back to back with we was "little Johnny," as I will refer to him.

 

There were no apologies from mom and dad, and I gather that "little Johnny" was embarrassed or humiliated. That's only supposition supported by what I heard mommy and daddy cooing to "little Johnny" to soothe him: "That's okay. You can do whatever you want."

 

Hearing that, I sat seething, and thankfully my parents were across the table from me. I didn't want to embarrass them. However, what I really wanted was to get up and address "little Johnny" with: "When you grow up, I hope you remember today and what you did because I certainly hope at some point you realize that being disruptive in a restaurant is not good behavior. And if you do, I think you will then realize what absolutely BAD PARENTS you have and how horribly they raised you!"

 

Oh, I know mommy and daddy wouldn't have soothing words for me! I'm sure the first thing they'd say is "Don't talk to my child." And here's where I think those of us sick and tired of "Entitlement Parents" --who think they've paid for it so they're entitled to it perhaps at everyone else's detriment-- I think it's time for us to turn the tables.

 

Remember arguments earlier about "written rules"? Well there are NOT any written rules about adults speaking to minor children in public. It's fair game. And as the uneasy parents of disruptive children cry "inappropriateness," yell back "Exactly," as you point at their disruptive child.

 

Maybe it's time to be a bit extreme with these "Entitlement Parents" by pressing one of their buttons to make them feel just uncomfortable as others feel when their children are left to misbehave.

 

Sadly, it seems, that society has almost come to the point where something so extreme is necessary to open mommy and daddy's eyes. Why? Mostly because today's mommy and daddy where the children who grew up with the inconsequential "time out" and "harsh look" as their only form of discipline. They were the kids who struck out all season at T-ball but still got an award because "everyone is special and everyone DESERVES to get an award."

 

Kids will be kids. And it takes good parenting to nurture children to become good citizens. Sometimes mommy and daddy need to think as adults and parents rather that allowing their inner child's own personal wants and desires to always rule. Grasp for the common sense your own parents failed to instill within you. Understand that while most cruise lines do not bar children and welcome families, they certainly don't encourage children to attend certain venues where they may be disruptive.

 

And I am on may way here to circling back to the OP's comments... but I will also share an NCL Escape experience on a quite port day on the ship. I had my book to read over lunch in O'Sheehan's in a booth away from the few others in the restaurant. Ten minutes in... the single file line of small children from the ships Child Camp sat at the large booth right next to me. "There goes any chance of a quiet lunch," I thought. After someone blurted something out loud, the crew member with them whispered SOMETHING to them and there wasn't one PEEP for the rest of the meal. Praise to the NCL staff! And yes, children CAN behave.

 

As for Cirque... my initial thoughts as I read were "Right! Don't bring them; leave them in camp. This isn't Chuck E Cheese!" But upon further reflection, as the show is billed, this isn't the symphony either. Won't there be "Wow's," "Oh's," and "Ah's" with applause and cheers?

 

La Vie en Rose played in the background as I read the many posts from parents of only "well behaved children who never do wrong." But I'd be willing to take the OP at her word.

 

I hope she takes her toddler to the show and that everyone has a good time.

[ColeThornton]

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

 

I hope she takes her toddler to the show and that everyone has a good time.

 

 

This thread is three years old.

[rbt001]

This thread is three years old.

 

LOL! I didn't even see that! How funny. Her toddler is applying to college-- or in juvenile detention.... I jest.

 

But you have to agree... it does seem to be a timeless topic.

 

I'm booked for the early show on Getaway in a week or so, that's why it caught my interest.

[PTC DAWG]

I have yet to read a post by a parent that said that their toddler was fussy, loud and threw a lot of food. They are all incredibly well behaved, and the parents promise to immediately take them away if they have an "off night."

 

Spot on...