No Children in Adult Areas!!!

[Kteacher]

This is one of my pet peeves. We were on the AOS trying to get in one of the hot tubs in the Solarium, and there was a woman in the hot tub with a little girl about the age of 7 or 8 with a snorkel mask on-snorkeling in the hot tub =0.

[Soxfan05]

I think that this problem is beyond the staff and possibly a management mandate. RCCL wants to be a "family friendly" cruiseline and based on the number of "kids in adult only area complaints" it sounds like they are pandering to them.

[SunnieD]

I agree that the adults only areas should be enforced. The cruiseline has done so much to ensure entertainment on board for kids that they should be busy most of the time. My kids are not to wander aimlessly around the ship at any time. But on the other hand, if I were not traveling with my own children, I would cruise at times when young children are in school, or I would choose a line that does not cater to children as to insure the vacation I am wanting to spend my money on, is the one I get. If the children are such a bother on RCI, cruise Holland America. Some friends made the mistake of going on that cruise with their kids! We had over 400 on our last RCI cruise and they had 42, mostly infants. So you decide what is right for you and your vacation dollar when making your plans! Just like if I want peace and quiet, I would not go on Carnival. But when I want to cut loose, I will! RCI is a great coice for my family!

[caviargal]

I agree that the adults only areas should be enforced. The cruiseline has done so much to ensure entertainment on board for kids that they should be busy most of the time. My kids are not to wander aimlessly around the ship at any time. But on the other hand, if I were not traveling with my own children, I would cruise at times when young children are in school, or I would choose a line that does not cater to children as to insure the vacation I am wanting to spend my money on, is the one I get. If the children are such a bother on RCI, cruise Holland America. Some friends made the mistake of going on that cruise with their kids! We had over 400 on our last RCI cruise and they had 42, mostly infants. So you decide what is right for you and your vacation dollar when making your plans! Just like if I want peace and quiet, I would not go on Carnival. But when I want to cut loose, I will! RCI is a great coice for my family!

 

 

I am quite sure thatn RCI has no intention to limit their clientele to families; they are not Disney. They market to honeymooners, seniors, etc., not just to people travelling with kids.

 

My vacation dollar no longer goes to RCI for a few reasons, this situation with kids running rampant being one of them. Adults only areas should be enforced, period. If RCI does not intend to do that, then do not have adult only areas at all and we adults who prefer an area where we can go and NOT be bothered by children will seek other options.

 

I was recently on HAL and it was a very nice experience. Club HAL was a popular place for the kids and the parents with kids in my group of over 200 people were quite happy with the program.

 

There are things I do prefer about RCI but they cannot compensate for this problem.

[superjerryw]

I would have demanded some of my money back! #

 

I agree completely. If I had paid for something that is supposed to be for adults only I would have asked for my money back if I was seated next to small children that should not have been there in the first place.

[TEXASMUNK]

Quit your complaining! It is their cruise, they can do anything they #*#*^# want!

 

Opps, that gripe is about formal night. sorry!

 

Oh yeah, I paid for this cruise and it never said my kids were going to be discriminated against, I'll get a lawyer....

 

Opps, that one has already been used!

 

Advise? Put a note on your comment card. Go see the Maitre D' ..one on one and express your dissatisfaction. Spend your money on another cruise line if you have no other option.

[superjerryw]

I think that this problem is beyond the staff and possibly a management mandate. RCCL wants to be a "family friendly" cruiseline and based on the number of "kids in adult only area complaints" it sounds like they are pandering to them.

 

It's all about the bottom line. They pander to anyone that brings in revenue and turn a blind eye to rule breakers. If you discipline a rule breaker they will not cruise again and all that potential future revenue is lost. Most people like us that complain about these things continue to cruise so they continue to ignore us since we keep giving them our money.

[superjerryw]

Is there a link to a list of all the age-restricted place and times on the ships?(example: teen disco times, pool times, hot tub, etc?)

 

This is the first time taking a kid with (15 year old boy) and I never paid attention (except when annoyed) to the rules. I want to let him know ahead of time what is what. He's a well-behaved straight A honor student, but tends to be a little clueless with "I didn't know excuses" lately..LOL Thanks!

 

No one under 16 in the gym either.

[dunmowin]

I just wanted to ad that these children mentioned (in the original post) were in my 8yr. old daughters AO age group. I noticed the wrist band. My husband and I did speak with the manager of Portofino after the family left and her response was that the parents "asked" to bring them and what could she say?...We told her she should have said NO!!! She sent over a glass of wine (complimentary of coarse) On our way out we noticed another young girl dining with her family. Maybe this should be a family dining option. We also went to guest services and spoke to the manager there to register a complaint and spoke to Recardo in the Concierge Lounge and let him know of our dissatisfaction since he had to re arrange our reservations on the 1st night since we had our 8 yr. old and the kids club was closed until 7PM. (it took us a couple of days to get with the program as far as the schedules go) We also noticed very young guests in the casino. There should be some way to keep adult areas free of children:confused:

[SunnieD]

I am quite sure thatn RCI has no intention to limit their clientele to families; they are not Disney. They market to honeymooners, seniors, etc., not just to people travelling with kids.

 

There are things I do prefer about RCI but they cannot compensate for this problem.

 

Of course they market to all, why would they not? There are also honeymooners and seniors on Disney, Carnival, etc. But the point is if the kids are the problem, go where there are less of them. NO, they do not belong in the adults only areas! But they are on their cruise vacation too and should not be shunned. Parents should just be responsible for their children, no matter what age! In days gone by, cruising was more of an older persons vacation, but as you see, the times they are a changin'.:D

[pinkrosesdeb]

We were so looking forward to Chops and Portofino's on our cruise next yr. This is NOT good news. One of the main reasons we chose to try them was BECAUSE they are adults only. We love kids very much but it never fails that the 1 crying baby in the place will be right next to me! I feel sorry for the parents but it ruins my meal! When our girls were little, if they were misbehaving in the restaurant, I took them out.

[OPSoccermom]

the SeaPass isn't swiped when going into the disco.

 

They use their Punch system....

 

0 Punch = 21+

1 Punch = 18-20

2 Punch = -18

 

I'm not sure how they punch it when the waiver has been signed.

Our seapasses WERE swiped when entering the Vortex on Mariner last year

[zantedeschia]

My vacation dollar no longer goes to RCI for a few reasons, this situation with kids running rampant being one of them.

This is such a subjective area. On one of my cruises, I went to get on an elevator and there were 2 or 3 early teenish girls in it; a couple were on hands and knees looking down the crack into the elevator shaft. I cautioned that people might get pissed if they were playing on the elevator but apparently they were just riding it up and down. What they were doing didn't bother or hinder me in the least. It may have mildly or moderately bugged someone else, and enraged yet someone else. And people so tend to exaggerate when they complain.

 

On the one Carnival cruise I went on, one thing that bugged me were kids frequently (no exaggeration) stampeding up and down the hallway past our stateroom. I wanted to put up a sign: "There will be NO RUNNING in the hallways ...."

[zantedeschia]

Yes, the well behaved ones do get by with stuff.

Absolutely. My daughter is rather laid back, the type to sit out on deck and listen to her IPOD. On our first cruise she was 15, I told her WRT areas like the gym, the solarium, the spa, if anyone asked to say she was 16. No one asked.

[Disneycruisers]

Ironically, the cruise line who caters to families and children the most is one who strictly enforces 'no children' areas..Disney.

 

In four sailings, I've yet to see any children in the 'adult only' pool (I've seen the employees kindly tell parents to remove their children from adult areas) and their Palo restaurant is 18 and older. (Yes, they've also been turned away for inappropriate dress.)

 

There have probably been a few violations, I'm sure. But one would think otherwise. (Then again, their prices are somewhat higher, so who knows?)

[crusinmama06]

Ironically, the cruise line who caters to families and children the most is one who strictly enforces 'no children' areas..Disney.

 

In four sailings, I've yet to see any children in the 'adult only' pool (I've seen the employees kindly tell parents to remove their children from adult areas) and their Palo restaurant is 18 and older. (Yes, they've also been turned away for inappropriate dress.)

 

There have probably been a few violations, I'm sure. But one would think otherwise. (Then again, their prices are somewhat higher, so who knows?)

 

I agree, there were no kids in the adult areas when we were on the Disney Magic, including the pool and Palo's. Wonder why RCCL is unable to enforce the rules as well as Disney?

 

And yes, I have 2 small children who have never seen the adult pool or adult dining areas. ;)

[Mamacruisediva]

As a mother of 3, on DCL I missed quite a few adult activities because I needed to be with my children when they were done in the kids clubs. It is important to teach our children to follow rules and respect others! It is unfortunate when parents teach their children to disregard authority. :eek:

 

We are sailing on MOS in June. I will make reservations at both Chops and Portofino WITHOUT my children for 2 reasons: first - they are not allowed and second - I need adult time with my DH! Parents have the right to say NO to kids. RCL has the right to say NO to kids. They will come up to many "NO's" in their life and will have to learn how to accept it! Boy I wish my parents had even taken me on their cruises when I was young. I remember waving goodbye at the dock or airport and off to grandma's I went! ;)

[spammie]

This is exactly why I won't waste my money at Chops or Portofinos and why we are cruising in September when hopefully most of the kids will be in school. On our last cruise, Voyager - August 2003, my husband and I (children at home) were seated at a table with a mom, dad and 2 kids around 14 and 6. We decided to have dinner at Portofinos one night just so we could have an "adult" dinner for 2. There was a table that was seated after we started eating that had about 6 adults and 6 kids. None of the kids were over the age of 10 and ran around the restaurant until we hurried up and ate and got out of there. I wish now that I would have complained to someone, not that it would have made a difference. This time we have requested a table for 2. I really do love kids but why have rules if Management doesn't enforce them?

[beach08]

I agree I love children and have 2 grown. but why are children continously allowed in adult only shows or areas. If the itinerary states ADULTS only thats the way it should be. I just returned on 04/08/06 from Voyager of the Sea and I'd say the only true thing to complain about is when attending activities that were adult only or adult recommended it was very disappointing that PARENTS ignored the guidelines... I completed my departure survey and was sure to include this information in my suggestions...ENFORCE adults only.... should not be handled any different than bar criteria...NO ONE UNDER 18 !!!! :mad:

[Mamacruisediva]

I agree I love children and have 2 grown. but why are children continuously allowed in adult only shows or areas. If the itinerary states ADULTS only that's the way it should be. I just returned on 04/08/06 from Voyager of the Sea and I'd say the only true thing to complain about is when attending activities that were adult only or adult recommended it was very disappointing that PARENTS ignored the guidelines... I completed my departure survey and was sure to include this information in my suggestions...ENFORCE adults only.... should not be handled any different than bar criteria...NO ONE UNDER 18 !!!! :mad:

 

The scary thing is that if the comedian/show content, which is for adults only, could come back to bite RCL in the butt! The child could have something mental/physical happen and the parents will try to bring a lawsuit stating the content made them the way they are, that it is unsuitable for children and the parent will claim innocence regarding the rules. This is where RCL has to cover their assets! :rolleyes:

[gwennw]

That's weird...we were on the same cruise. When my husband and I made our reservations at Portofinos in person, we happened to be with our 2 kids (11 and 13). We were only making a reservation for the 2 of us. We said we would like a reservation for Thursday at 8:00. The man taking the reservation looked at the kids and said, "How many in your party are under 13?". We said none, just the 2 of us. Later, I thought to myself..how odd to ask that question! I thought there were no kids even allowed, and he asked how many kids under 13 would be dining WITH us! What's up with that?

[Captain Crunch]

We got off the Navigator 2 weeks ago and the no children rule was observed in and around the Solarium pool. The ship was sold out and there were hundreds of kids, yet I didn't spot any around the adult pool. I didn't see anyone shooo any kids or teenagers away. it was nice to see the passengers observing the rule anyway.

 

We ate in Portafino's next to a nice couple who brought their 11 or 12 year old daughter and she was wonderfully well behaved. However, the adult woman across the room should have toned down her perfume a few notches, either that or the chef was Chanel #5 instead of garlic.

 

Around the main pool, sometimes I was asked for my cabin number for towells and but most of the time, not.

 

Cruise ships are not designed so every passenger will have a lounge chair anywhere near the pool. On that 1st sea day, it's a nightmare, and is the primary reason I would rather be somewhere other than a cruise ship.

[dosp]

No KelJ, I think that most people would agree that it is DISRUPTIVE AND UNRULY BEHAVIOR that is the biggest problem. My son's 2, and if he goes nuts while in the main dining room, we leave. I have NO problem with a well behaved 10 year old sitting at the table next to me in Chops. Adults (?) can act pretty badly as well.

 

Casino and bar notwithstanding (inappropriate settings for minors), eating near children should never be a problem for anyone.

 

Or, book the QM2

[KelJ]

No KelJ, I think that most people would agree that it is DISRUPTIVE AND UNRULY BEHAVIOR that is the biggest problem. My son's 2, and if he goes nuts while in the main dining room, we leave. I have NO problem with a well behaved 10 year old sitting at the table next to me in Chops. Adults (?) can act pretty badly as well.

 

Casino and bar notwithstanding (inappropriate settings for minors), eating near children should never be a problem for anyone.

 

Or, book the QM2

 

Whether YOU have an issue with a 10 year old sitting next to you is NOT the real issue. The issue is following rules -- all rules, not just the ones which you choose to have apply to you and your daughter. I can't imagine telling my children to lie.

[caviargal]

Whether YOU have an issue with a 10 year old sitting next to you is NOT the real issue. The issue is following rules -- all rules, not just the ones which you choose to have apply to you and your daughter. I can't imagine telling my children to lie.

 

 

I agree with your post.

 

Behavior is subjective and that is why the rules are there in the first place. I dine in the alternative restaurants for several reasons; a very important one is that there are no children there. I pay for this privilege and it should be respected, period.

 

If the parents choose not to obey the rules, RCI owes it to the adults who are paying to dine there to provide the stated experience. I find it quite unbelievable that parents argue with the few rules there are in place aboard ships that affect their children, or ignore the rules totally. Not only are they teaching their children poor behavior, but they show a total disregard for other passengers when they bring their children into areas where they do not belong.

 

RCI has a significant problem here and they need to deal with it. If not, they will lose a lucrative segment of their business.