Poll..... Should kids be allowed in the Haven at all?

[chloemonkey]

What are other areas in the Haven like? The restaurant, hallways, suites (at night)? Is there also this problem with unruly, unsupervised children?

 

The restaurant over our past 6 weeks in the Haven were "hit and miss'.....but one dinner with a large group that included small children misbehaving was much easier than the Haven pool area.

 

Also, we did have the running in the halls for our past two weeks in the Haven.....ringing doorbells, etc....lot of laughing and yelling.....and these were NOT teenage children! and it was NOT early either as we usually do not return from the casino until 2:00 am or later! Not sure WHERE the parents were then???

 

And we also noticed a group of the "older" teens congregated outside of the Haven entrance on our last B2B......well after 3:00 am! Not sure where security was then? and no....I did NOT call as this group was not causing any harm...

 

I just think that the first time there IS a serious incident involving these unsupervised kids.....that the parents of these same kids are going to be irate and blame NCL......and as I have stated on another post, it is hard for the same people that are only paid gratuities to be the ones forced to police these unsupervised kids!

 

Believe me....we are fortunate enough to cruise 3-4 times a year BUT the Haven is quickly loosing its alure for us........maybe that we have to change to a smaller ship or another cruise line....but this makes me sad as NCL has been our favorite for years now....

[nyfltraveler]

Many families in the Haven this past week. If one does not like kids, then they can get Vibe passes or go on a cruise line which is less "family friendly"

 

I can open the door to a variety of other topics such as adults who act like kids getting drunk and being rowdy on the ship before 9am... But that's for another time and place......

[richstowe]

chloemonkey not doubting your experience but there have been many comments here on CC about how Norwegian has committed ( no I'm not trying to make a joke) to reducing or eliminating upsells to The Haven . Wondering what's the story .

 

I also believe full price or upsell , everyone in Haven should be exalted and above the hoi polloi . :D

[AdoraBelle]

Many families in the Haven this past week. If one does not like kids, then they can get Vibe passes or go on a cruise line which is less "family friendly"

 

 

 

I can open the door to a variety of other topics such as adults who act like kids getting drunk and being rowdy on the ship before 9am... But that's for another time and place......

 

 

I don't really understand this recurring theme. "Thing B is also bad so Thing A doesn't matter"?

 

 

(I don't think this should be a "classist" issue, by the way. Having been at a wide range of income levels, I know rudeness and lack of social skills are well represented at every level.)

Edited August 29, 2016 by AdoraBelle

[Two Wheels Only]

What someone pays to get into the Haven is irrelevant. I've never taken an upsell of any kind. I book what I want at the time. However, I couldn't care less what someone else pays to get Haven access.

 

If a family of 4 upsells from an inside to a DOS for $50 per person, I wouldn't be angry at all. I'd say "Great for them!". All that matters is their behavior once they are there.

 

If a family of 4 books a DOS at full price with no KSF, I'd say "Great for them!" All that matters is their behavior once they are there.

[tgirl25]

I don't really understand this recurring theme. "Thing B is also bad so Thing A doesn't matter"?

 

 

(I don't think this should be a "classist" issue, by the way. Having been at a wide range of income levels, I know rudeness and lack of social skills are well represented at every level.)

It's called deflection and is usually used in an attempt to distract people from the original subject matter. I think in this case the original subject is never going to go away.

 

I agree with another poster. The Havens should be exempt from the free 3/4th peoples. Not in an attempt to get rid of kids, but to make it more fair for everyone in the Haven being at the same cost per suite. Pretty surprised it is offered

 

It would also be awesome if they could redo the 2nd bedroom and put in either a queen fold down bed(you know where the couch goes up and forward and the back lays down) maybe nabbing just a little space from the living space so it is not pegged. Would be a nice space to allow couples to travel together as well. Or parents with grown/married kids to share a nice space. Right now that 2 bedroom really does cater to families because that 2nd room is virtually unusable for anything but children.... They should make it more usable for all people is my thought so it can market to added groups.

[Two Wheels Only]

I agree with another poster. The Havens should be exempt from the free 3/4th peoples. Not in an attempt to get rid of kids, but to make it more fair for everyone in the Haven being at the same cost per suite. Pretty surprised it is offered

Strongly disagree.

 

If couple friends are sharing a suite, they can do the math on their own to make it more fair. One couple would get the better part of the stateroom and would pay more. 3rd and 4th free doesn't make much of a difference.

 

...Would be a nice space to allow couples to travel together as well. Or parents with grown/married kids to share a nice space. Right now that 2 bedroom really does cater to families because that 2nd room is virtually unusable for anything but children.... They should make it more usable for all people is my thought so it can market to added groups.

 

They'd rather each couple get their own stateroom, not share. It makes more sense financially for NCL.

[bear3412]

What someone pays to get into the Haven is irrelevant....

 

.... All that matters is their behavior once they are there.

 

....All that matters is their behavior once they are there.

 

^^ this

 

May all enjoy their eventual placement amongst the others, regardless of cabin assignment.

 

 

:)

Edited August 29, 2016 by bear3412

[legaljen1969]

But there are restrictions.

 

 

I think you missed my point. IF the rules (written rules by the cruise line, not arbitrary thoughts on what the rules "should"be), it is irrelevant whether children "should" be allowed. If they are, they are. Yes, some children and some adults behave like uncivilized idiots.

 

I have seen horrid behavior out of older cruisers far more than children.

[Diane123boys]

We were in the haven last week on the Breakaway to Bermuda (8/21-8/28) There were many families there BUT what was disappointing to me most was the hot tubs being closed for 2 days while in Bermuda because some lovely parent let their young UNDIAPERED CHILD in the hotub and oops they forgot that tubs werent for excrement. and yes this could have happened at any of the hot tubs ... it just stunk that it happened - I believe any person should have the chance to "live the suite life" We have 3 boys - 21, 19 and 16 the 19 and 15 year olds slept in the 2nd bedroom and while the room was tight for dressing they just took turns or came into our room to shower etc. The 21 yo stayed on the couch . Plenty of room for us all

[Casino Comp Chick]

We were in the haven last week on the Breakaway to Bermuda (8/21-8/28) There were many families there BUT what was disappointing to me most was the hot tubs being closed for 2 days while in Bermuda because some lovely parent let their young UNDIAPERED CHILD in the hotub and oops they forgot that tubs werent for excrement. and yes this could have happened at any of the hot tubs ... it just stunk that it happened - I believe any person should have the chance to "live the suite life" We have 3 boys - 21, 19 and 16 the 19 and 15 year olds slept in the 2nd bedroom and while the room was tight for dressing they just took turns or came into our room to shower etc. The 21 yo stayed on the couch . Plenty of room for us all

 

So let me get this straight.

1 kid...

2 hot tubs...

closed for 2 days?

Something stinks in Denmark. Did the kid stop mid-poop and run from 1 hot tub to the other to finish his business? Also it does not take 2 days to disinfect a tub.

I call BS on this one.

Edited August 30, 2016 by Casino Comp Chick

[AdoraBelle]

So let me get this straight.

1 kid...

2 hot tubs...

closed for 2 days?

Something stinks in Denmark. Did the kid stop mid-poop and run from 1 hot tub to the other to finish his business? Also it does not take 2 days to disinfect a tub.

I call BS on this one.

 

 

Poster's screen name and cruise line history (mostly DCL) would seem to prove they're not a "kid hater". What do you think their motive is for lying?

[Casino Comp Chick]

Poster's screen name and cruise line history (mostly DCL) would seem to prove they're not a "kid hater". What do you think their motive is for lying?

 

Attention.

[Ticatraveler]

We traveled on the Escape in a Haven Suite this passed July. We didn't have issues with kids on this trip. I think the problem is that too many people forget to respect other people's rights to common spaces. We have traveled many countries and 10 different cruises with our kids since they were toddlers. They are now 15 and 17. It's a matter of common cortesy and not an age thing.

On our July cruise the ship had a curfew for all under 18. My kids stayed out until the last possible minute, but I can guarantee that if they were up to no good, they would have been sitting back in the room!

The Haven should not be an adult only space. Because even then you can not guarantee adult behavior either.

[old nutter]

Attention.

 

... And your reason for diissing what was said.

 

For example - are you sure that the hot tubs do not share any common equipment or pipes? And maybe it takes that long to do a thorough clean of everything, get rid of the cleaning chemicals and stabilise the new chemicals. After all it took the Brazilians a long time to get the diving pool back blue at the Olympics and they only had to get rid of a bit of green something!

[suesings]

....on our last cruise - one of our friends was walking from the spa thru the Haven poll area and one "child" about 11 years old.....threw an entire cup of water on her head as she was walking past the jacuzzi! Truly out of line and not what we should have to deal with on vacation.

 

Seriously?? I cannot imagine my kid doing that? Or the amount of trouble they would be in for doing that. That comes from not be taught at a very young age to "respect your elders" Parents should be ashamed. But of course they aren't because it is "adorable" and "all kids throw cups of water at adults" Which of course we know isn't true.

 

I will pass on the Haven. I can't justify the money and take the chance that bratty kids would be in there my week. It is such a small space and you are forced into being a captive audience. I would be way too annoyed or stressed (if kids were doing dangerous things) to relax.

[Diane123boys]

So let me get this straight.

1 kid...

2 hot tubs...

closed for 2 days?

Something stinks in Denmark. Did the kid stop mid-poop and run from 1 hot tub to the other to finish his business? Also it does not take 2 days to disinfect a tub.

I call BS on this one.

 

Umm really? are you saying I am lying????? EXCUSE ME Have you ever been to Bermuda ? IF so you would KNOW that ships ARE NOT allowed to discharge anything including hot tubs water .. so YES they were closed untill we were out of Bermuda water, then cleaned and disinfected.

Edited August 30, 2016 by Diane123boys

[takeadip]

OKAY EVERYONE ON THIS POST LISTEN UP!!!

 

ALLOW ME TO BE THE LAST WORD ON THIS POST AND WE CAN SHUT IT DOWN AFTER YOU ALL READ WHAT I HAVE TO SAY:

 

We were on the BA this past March (2 Bedroom Family Haven Villa) with our 6 yr old son. The only time he was in the small haven pool and Jacuzzi was the first day because NYC was still chilly. All the other days he wanted to be at the "fun" pools outside of the secluded haven...where there was water slides..baby pools..music...and most importantly to him...OTHER KIDS...the haven is purposely designed with adults in mind...subdued colors..quiet and relaxing atmosphere...etc..these are characteristics of things kids do not enjoy...

 

SO..HERE IS THE RUB...the "real" reason the kids are in the haven pool area is simply because the parents dont feel like venturing out into the common areas because they want to get their "Moneys Worth" out of the haven...so they tell the kids to just play in the haven pool...but for those of you who have kids or even grand kids...question: what do kids do when they are forced to be in an area that they think is boring and not fun??? they make their own fun...by jumping and splashing and being loud...and cannonballs and throwing /splashing water...basically acting like kids...but the focus should be on the PARENTS of these children...message for said parents: Its okay to pay for the Haven and during daytime hours use a pool OTHER then the haven...it alright..you will not be harassed outside of the velvet rope of the plush opulence of the haven courtyard. its okay..baby steps....give it a try...dont force your children to play in a small haven pool where they will be bored in 10 minutes... go out in the "common" area and give it a shot...you can leave an old book on your lounger in the Haven saving your poolside seat...i wont squeal on you.

 

Best,

Mark

[DMH15]

I was tempted to be after the "last word".

 

I can get even for bad behavior from anyone of any age. I will sing. It's not pretty.

 

Just kidding of course.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Starflyr3]

OKAY EVERYONE ON THIS POST LISTEN UP!!!

 

ALLOW ME TO BE THE LAST WORD ON THIS POST AND WE CAN SHUT IT DOWN AFTER YOU ALL READ WHAT I HAVE TO SAY:

 

We were on the BA this past March (2 Bedroom Family Haven Villa) with our 6 yr old son. The only time he was in the small haven pool and Jacuzzi was the first day because NYC was still chilly. All the other days he wanted to be at the "fun" pools outside of the secluded haven...where there was water slides..baby pools..music...and most importantly to him...OTHER KIDS...the haven is purposely designed with adults in mind...subdued colors..quiet and relaxing atmosphere...etc..these are characteristics of things kids do not enjoy...

 

SO..HERE IS THE RUB...the "real" reason the kids are in the haven pool area is simply because the parents dont feel like venturing out into the common areas because they want to get their "Moneys Worth" out of the haven...so they tell the kids to just play in the haven pool...but for those of you who have kids or even grand kids...question: what do kids do when they are forced to be in an area that they think is boring and not fun??? they make their own fun...by jumping and splashing and being loud...and cannonballs and throwing /splashing water...basically acting like kids...but the focus should be on the PARENTS of these children...message for said parents: Its okay to pay for the Haven and during daytime hours use a pool OTHER then the haven...it alright..you will not be harassed outside of the velvet rope of the plush opulence of the haven courtyard. its okay..baby steps....give it a try...dont force your children to play in a small haven pool where they will be bored in 10 minutes... go out in the "common" area and give it a shot...you can leave an old book on your lounger in the Haven saving your poolside seat...i wont squeal on you.

 

Best,

Mark

 

Seriously? No. Im not taking my small children to the main pool unless someone holds a gun to my head. They are too old for the toddler pool, but they can't touch the bottom of the main family pool, one of them can't swim (is in lessons), and there tend to be large, inattentive teenagers jumping in the kids pool on the pool deck - on top of other smaller kids (happened to my then 3 yo in 2015 on the Jewel, and was the #1 reason I booked Haven in the Jade.)

 

Additionally, there is no place to stand or sit to supervise more than 1 kid at at time, and I cannot get a drink or snacks without leaving the pool area (having to fish them out of the pool, then return to the cabin to put on dry clothes, etc so that we can get those things).

 

That is WHY I book the Haven, so they can swim safely, and I don't have to haul them all over the ship if someone gets hungry.

 

That being said, if they yell/scream or splash water out of the pool in the Haven, they will be reprimanded and removed (as needed). Once they are older, taller, able to stand in a 5 foot deep pool, and are good swimmers, I will be way more open to going to the main pool deck.

 

So no, not an ok suggestion, and the condescension is not appreciated.

 

Eta: we have not been on the mega ships, and have no intention to do so until the kids are more trustworthy and independent.

 

Eta(2): i notice you seem to only have 1 kid. Do you also advise other parents of multiple children on how they handle their kids? If so, stop, since supervising more than 1 is very different from supervising 2+

Edited August 30, 2016 by Starflyr3

[richstowe]

OKAY EVERYONE ON THIS POST LISTEN UP!!!

 

ALLOW ME TO BE THE LAST WORD ON THIS POST AND WE CAN SHUT IT DOWN AFTER YOU ALL READ WHAT I HAVE TO SAY:

 

We were on the BA this past March (2 Bedroom Family Haven Villa) with our 6 yr old son. The only time he was in the small haven pool and Jacuzzi was the first day because NYC was still chilly. All the other days he wanted to be at the "fun" pools outside of the secluded haven...where there was water slides..baby pools..music...and most importantly to him...OTHER KIDS...the haven is purposely designed with adults in mind...subdued colors..quiet and relaxing atmosphere...etc..these are characteristics of things kids do not enjoy...

 

SO..HERE IS THE RUB...the "real" reason the kids are in the haven pool area is simply because the parents dont feel like venturing out into the common areas because they want to get their "Moneys Worth" out of the haven...so they tell the kids to just play in the haven pool...but for those of you who have kids or even grand kids...question: what do kids do when they are forced to be in an area that they think is boring and not fun??? they make their own fun...by jumping and splashing and being loud...and cannonballs and throwing /splashing water...basically acting like kids...but the focus should be on the PARENTS of these children...message for said parents: Its okay to pay for the Haven and during daytime hours use a pool OTHER then the haven...it alright..you will not be harassed outside of the velvet rope of the plush opulence of the haven courtyard. its okay..baby steps....give it a try...dont force your children to play in a small haven pool where they will be bored in 10 minutes... go out in the "common" area and give it a shot...you can leave an old book on your lounger in the Haven saving your poolside seat...i wont squeal on you.

 

Best,

Mark

Gee thanks Mark for ending this thread . :D

 

Good point . Food for thought .

[legaljen1969]

I think the problem is that too many people forget to respect other people's rights to common spaces. .

 

You are so right. It's not so much "not respecting other people's rights" as "not respecting other people." People are so self centered that they don't bother to consider that anyone else is impacted by their behavior. The old "golden rule" should be put into place. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I.E. Treat others in the way you would like to be treated. If you don't want others being rude to you, then don't be rude to them. If you don't want the early birds screaming as they walk by your window after a night of partying hard, then don't go screaming down the halls as you walk past their doors returning from your never ending party.

[tmilak]

Why can't we just tell parents our kids that they are behaving badly and need to stop. If they refuse to do so take it up with security or the hotel director to rectify the matter. I have no issue confronting those that have unruly behavior. But that's just me.

[NLH Arizona]

If you don't want the early birds screaming as they walk by your window after a night of partying hard, then don't go screaming down the halls as you walk past their doors returning from your never ending party.

Amen! Or stand in front of your cabin talking with your outside voice when you know others are sleeping.

[NLH Arizona]

Why can't we just tell parents our kids that they are behaving badly and need to stop. If they refuse to do so take it up with security or the hotel director to rectify the matter. I have no issue confronting those that have unruly behavior. But that's just me.

I keep saying the same thing. Instead of letting it ruin your cruise, tell a crew member and if the crew member doesn't do anything, make an appointment with the Hotel Director. If the Hotel Director thinks that the behavior is above and beyond what is expected, he will stop it. But keep in mind, he is not going to stop children from being children and just playing, which I think is an issue for some of those that have an issue with children being in the Haven.