Why Cruise With Kids

[Smartcookie]

There's a big difference between Vegas and a cruise. Sadly (from my perspective) I doubt very much cruise lines will ditch the "family thing" ... in fact, I predict they will expand on it.

 

That is a FACT. Dh is a marketing executive and has had meetings with the VP's of several cruiselines...they agree that families on cruises are where it's at, that is the market they're going after and that is the market that is their future.

 

Just look at the commercials and brochures, HAL's newest features a young girl sitting on her young father's lap in the dining room as their largest photo. Trust me, many hours and much thought went into choosing those 2 YOUNG family members for that prominent photo...there's a good reason they didn't show an elderly couple.

[betonic]

I will continue to bring my son on whatever cruise I want to because I can. Honestly, I don't care if the older people like it or not.

 

In my personal case I travel in a cabin alone with my son, thus I pay full fare for him. Since I normally take a suite, he pays more than most of the adults on board!!

[Odd Ball]

I will continue to bring my son on whatever cruise I want to because I can. Honestly, I don't care if the older people like it or not.

 

In my personal case I travel in a cabin alone with my son, thus I pay full fare for him. Since I normally take a suite, he pays more than most of the adults on board!!

I fail to understand what you paid for your son, has to do with this thread. Because you paid full fare for a suite is that supposed to make a difference ?

[fllady61]

As for the Older Adults, while on Glory, we ran into quite a few of them. Most did not seem disturbed by the "KIDS" running around. They sat there quietly on the PR deck playing cards. Most adults/older people did not pay attention to the kids. That is unless they were overly roudy, which was seldom because of the kids clubs, and teen groups. Most adults were doing their thing while the kids did their thing.

 

If kids bother some of you so bad, Sorry. But I will continue to cruise and take my child.

[2boyzmom]

Smokin:

 

I'm not sure why Tweety is actually posting here on the HAL board, as she is scheduled to cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) on April 8th, and to the best of my knowledge, has never been on HAL, and has no intention of ever cruising on HAL. I wouldn't take her comments to heart.

 

 

Funny thing- that is a spring break cruise with tons of kids on board :)

[Guest LoveMyBoxer]

Original question: "Why cruise with kids".

BECAUSE I CAN. Because the cruise lines do not prohibit it. Lastly, because I am a responsible parent and make sure that my DS is well behaved. People, give it up already, this discussion about kids is really getting OLD.

[betonic]

The point is my child is a paying guest and has as much a right as any adult does.

 

On our transatlantic people stopped me often and said how refreshing it was to see a child.

 

It's sad that this topic comes up so often.

[Guienevere_Arianette]

Um, well most are indeed free. RCL tried to charge for the rock climbing wall when it was a fresh gimick and pax refused to pay. Now the wall, ice and in line skating, including the use of skates, are all included in the cost of the cruise as is the surfing thing on Princess. I am aware that NCL has a nomial $5 charge for bowling and again, pax are pushing back on it.

 

I think Brian is saying that these extras aren't free in that they come out in the highly exorbitant cruise price overall; it costs millions to make an ice skating rink on a cruise ship; someone has to pay for it, and you can bet its the pax paying for in with their "inclusive" cruise fare :)

[hammybee]

I think Brian is saying that these extras aren't free in that they come out in the highly exorbitant cruise price overall; it costs millions to make an ice skating rink on a cruise ship; someone has to pay for it, and you can bet its the pax paying for in with their "inclusive" cruise fare :)

 

The mega RCL ships usually carry a premium price tag until it becomes necessary to fill the ship when anything becomes possible. That some parents may not be able to afford or choose to not pay the premium associated with gimicks, is a factor of family cruising.

 

Nothing is free on a cruise ship. Kid sail free programs are offered because it is likely the family will buy shore excursions, tee shirts, caps and what not, while onboard. If children are tucked into camp for a few hours, the parents might enjoy a few cocktails, use spa services or hit the casino. The cruise lines know what they are doing in terms of increasing revenue. Their shareholders are counting on it.

[fllady61]

that is true. If you can't take your kidies, what is the use. If they want to stay on board and play basket ball as I have seen on RCL, Or just bumb around the ship go to the pool, eat, watch tv, whatever, that is what those services are there for. Not all adults get off at the ports. This will be my 3rd time in Nassau. If it were not for my cruise critic friends, I might stay on board. But we are planning on meeting at Senor Frogs. Plus I want to go to Diamonds International, and Del Sol. Oh, yes, must remember Tanzanite international also.

 

TODAYS YOUNG CRUISERS, ARE TOMORROWS CRUISE CREW.

 

Look at it that way. If they like cruising, then they may decide to go into a field where they could be on a ship all the time. My daughter is considering it after one cruise.

[kryos]

TODAYS YOUNG CRUISERS, ARE TOMORROWS CRUISE CREW.

 

Look at it that way. If they like cruising, then they may decide to go into a field where they could be on a ship all the time. My daughter is considering it after one cruise.

Believe me, I only wish I had discovered cruising about 30 years ago. You'd better believe I'd have built myself a fun career working onboard ships.

 

But sadly, my parents simply didn't have the money for those types of vacations, and I didn't discover cruising until I was 48 years old ... too well established in my career and home life to even consider picking everything up in order to sail off into the sunset.

 

Hope your daughter follows her dream, if that ... in fact ... is where life takes her.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[kryos]

Original question: "Why cruise with kids".

BECAUSE I CAN. Because the cruise lines do not prohibit it. Lastly, because I am a responsible parent and make sure that my DS is well behaved. People, give it up already, this discussion about kids is really getting OLD.

As as long as you are a responsible parent, then you are right ... there is no reason why you shouldn't bring your kids along on your cruises. I think the problem here is just that some people have considered HAL to be an all-adult cruise line for so long that now that they are beginning to market heavily to families ... these folks feel that the kids are "invading" their adults-only space. Nothing could be farther from the truth. HAL welcomes families, and we all have to just learn to deal with it ... or move along to other cruise lines who perhaps have a different philosophy.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[ministocking]

I see these posts from these people whose 9 year olds can't wait to wear a tux, love the escargot (my 15 year old hates ketchup on her fries , and only eats spaghetti with butter and cheese . YEA she'll go for the snails *LOL*).

 

I see these posts and say "WOW, how do you do it ?" Not just mine , but I don't know any kids like this.

 

When I said my son still loves to talk about his first taste of caviar and escargot, I didn't say he ejoyed it or begged for more! It was a new experience, just like ordering room service (we usually travel on a tight budget). My point was to say that kids can have a great time on a HAL ship too.

[babyher]

When I said my son still loves to talk about his first taste of caviar and escargot, I didn't say he ejoyed it or begged for more! It was a new experience, just like ordering room service (we usually travel on a tight budget). My point was to say that kids can have a great time on a HAL ship too.

 

 

But at least he tried it :) Mine would just walk away *LOL*

 

They are getting a little better and a little more adventurous , but its a long slow process. *LOL*

[LazzyLizzard]

Kari- I hope your kids are smarter then you are. Vegas has been pushing the Family thing for a long time.

[fatcat04]

Kari- I hope your kids are smarter then you are. Vegas has been pushing the Family thing for a long time.

 

Actually he is...

 

Sorry to burst your bubble BUT... we were in Vegas with our kid 3 years ago thinking just what you think. We were very wrong!!

 

Hubby has made numerous trips to Vegas for conventions since then and just got back from there LAST NIGHT. I am also a member of a Vegas for families group and the news isn't good... so I think I got this topic covered!! :rolleyes:

 

There has been lot of talk about how Vegas is giving up on the kid friendly thing because it doesn't fit, doesn't draw the crowd they thought it would.

 

Sure they have a few roller coasters, there is always Circus Circus and Excalibur and Steve Wynn has made a few attempts with pirate ships (although the show on the ship is now much much more adult) and fireworks but Vegas at the core is naked women shows and casinos.

 

HOOTERS Casino anyone?? It's one of the newest on the strip, took the place of the old San Remo. What might "hooters" be referring to? Can't believe that is aimed at the breastfeeding crowd.

 

There is also a rumor Playboy is planning a casino too.

 

I reiterate, Vegas is no place for kids!!

[LazzyLizzard]

Wow, took a vacation w/the kids there a few years ago did cha? I lived there for many years not to long ago.

Though Vegas is now tooting the “What stays in Vegas, remain in Vegas” slogan, they are still trying to maintain a family friendly atmosphere. Just like most cruise lines, Vegas casinos/attractions offer kid friendly options. Just look at the Wet N Wild rides, Lake Mead, MGM casino, Miniature golf locations, underground mall at Caesars w/rides and attractions just for kids, Frontier Street w/the lazer light display and the very large Mega Plex Theater at the end it and all of the stores on the strip for kids like the M&M Factory.

Vegas does this for the same reasons the cruise lines do, to get the parents to partake of their attractions. So there are lots of places to dump your kids while you go to the adult functions, which you seem quite aware of what they are (Vegas at the core is naked women shows and casinos, HOOTERS Casino and a Playboy casino too).

I have nothing against children taking vacations. I do have a problem with parents dumping their kids at the children attractions, so they, the parents can do the adult things without their children. Then these same parents have the nerve to say they’re on a “family” vacation.

I don’t get it!

[fatcat04]

Wow, took a vacation w/the kids there a few years ago did cha? I lived there for many years not to long ago.

 

Though Vegas is now tooting the “What stays in Vegas, remain in Vegas” slogan, they are still trying to maintain a family friendly atmosphere. Just like most cruise lines, Vegas casinos/attractions offer kid friendly options. Just look at the Wet N Wild rides, Lake Mead, MGM casino, Miniature golf locations, underground mall at Caesars w/rides and attractions just for kids, Frontier Street w/the lazer light display and the very large Mega Plex Theater at the end it and all of the stores on the strip for kids like the M&M Factory.

 

Vegas does this for the same reasons the cruise lines do, to get the parents to partake of their attractions. So there are lots of places to dump your kids while you go to the adult functions, which you seem quite aware of what they are (Vegas at the core is naked women shows and casinos, HOOTERS Casino and a Playboy casino too).

 

I have nothing against children taking vacations. I do have a problem with parents dumping their kids at the children attractions, so they, the parents can do the adult things without their children. Then these same parents have the nerve to say they’re on a “family” vacation.

 

I don’t get it!

 

Once was enough for me... hubby has had to go many many times and his opinion is the same as mine. The strip is not a family friendly place. Just walked down the strip and had some hack hand us a topless girlie show coupons in front of our kid.. it was fun explaning that one away. Or how about the ads on top/backs of the cabs showing almost completely bare butts and breasts for the topless show at Bally's. I am sure it is a "tasteful" show in the old Las Vegas style but not for a 3 year old kid and there were thousands of young children being subjected to that kind of stuff!! And those are just the things outside you can't avoid. Sorry, Vegas is what it is. It has it's place and lots of people love it to pieces.But IMO Vegas is not a family resort town. It is certainly no place I will ever take my kid again. You want to take kids there, fine. Not me.

 

You are right.. Vegas is a "dump your kid" vacation spot. We don't do "dump your kid. " The trips we take and the cruise we sailed on don't require you to "dump your kid." We spent so much time with our son on our cruise it was a real "family" vacation. We ate with him almost every single meal. Only time we didn't was the first gala night when he wanted to go to the pizza party with some kids he met. The second gala night he wanted to dress up and eat with us. He spent maybe 12 hours total in the kids club out of a total of 162 hours we were on the boat. He got some time to make buddies and play with other kids his age and we got some alone time. It was a great vacation for everyone. No dumping of the kid. Our son was an integral part of our vacation. Heck, I rode double horseback with him on the beaches of Roatan for 3 hours... in the rain... uphill both way (just kidding abt the last bit). Point is, we made some great family memories and we don't do the dump your kid thing. Almost every cruiseline offers that now. Heck you can just dump your kids in the kids club during your shore excursions. I can't imagine that!! :eek:

 

I will say some of the hotels in Vegas are in and of themselves amazing. The Venetian, Paris, Belagio... amazingly beautiful and I am glad I got to see them BUT Vegas is a great place for adults to romp and play and conference and do what people do in Vegas. But it is not a great place to take the kiddies. If you want lights and magic with the kids, go to Disney. The kids will like it more and it is a good safe place where everyone can have fun if they try. :)

[kryos]

I reiterate, Vegas is no place for kids!!

I'm not a parent, but I will 100% agree with you on this.

 

There are certain time when adults should take vacations without the kids ... to do adult things, enjoy adult diversions. Then there are kid-friendly vacations. Vegas, at least to me, definitely falls into the first category.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[Epicurean]

I got on this message board this afternoon because my family decided they wanted to take another cruise in a few weeks. I find it interesting about comments about families traveling with children. It almost appears that people assume families should be interested in cruise lines that support children activities, but fall short on style and class. I have two children (5 and 10 years old) and my 5 year old has been on 9 cruises and my 10 year old has been on 21 cruises. I can say that up until this time they have never traveled on a Carnival ship and I sincerly doubt they ever will. Most of our cruises have been on Crystal, Seabourn, The QM2 (Queens Grill accomodations) and a few other ships.

 

Yes, we have taken them on the Disney ship a couple of times and have enjoyed that ship. While we like the Disney ship we find it difficult to book our favorite cabin (Roy Disney) unless we make plans far in advance. But, I am sure we will find ourselves on one of their ships again in the future.

 

On almost all occasions we have also taken our nanny (or a close friend) with us so we can have two adjoining cabins (when possible) so the children end up paying full fare or very close to full fare. On some ships we have been forced to take a suite and then an inside cabin because no connecting adjoining suites are offered.

 

I came across this post today because we are currently holding the Penthouse Suite on a 7 day cruise on Maasdam and we have been concerned about the quality of the ship. Having traveled on other ships such as those listed above I wonder if we will find the ship less appealing.

 

When it comes to children having "inappropriate behavior" and acting like "wild animals" the blame needs to be focused on parents that do not care. I have also come across so many adults who have "inappropriate behavior" and act like "wild animals" in public. Bad behavior is not reserved strickly to children. Bad behavior crosses all ages.

 

One thing is certain, you will never find my children showing up for formal night "inappropriately dressed" as I have seen some adults. When we cruised with my son when he was a year old he came prepared with black evening wear and an off white evening wear. To this day, we make sure my daughter and son are dressed appropriately for dinner. Earlier this weekend we were at our country club where jeans are not permitted and two women (both who appeared to be over 50) were dressed in designer jeans. No one at the club was rude and disrupted their evening, but they showed their lack of style, class and ablility to follow the rules. I am sure you all have been on a cruise when someone shows up to dinner dressed like they were going to a golf outing and not to a nice dinner event.

 

My point is that there are just as many adults who are rude, nasty, disruptive and have bad manners as children. And, if parents are willing to pay for their fare on a cruise and the cruise line accepts their payment, the have every right to be on the ship. That said, if the children are disruptive and out of control the captain of the ship should intervene with the parents and make them aware of the rules of good behavior.

 

Now, back to gathering information for my buying decision.

[fllady61]

I got on this message board this afternoon because my family decided they wanted to take another cruise in a few weeks. I find it interesting about comments about families traveling with children. It almost appears that people assume families should be interested in cruise lines that support children activities, but fall short on style and class. I have two children (5 and 10 years old) and my 5 year old has been on 9 cruises and my 10 year old has been on 21 cruises. I can say that up until this time they have never traveled on a Carnival ship and I sincerly doubt they ever will. Most of our cruises have been on Crystal, Seabourn, The QM2 (Queens Grill accomodations) and a few other ships.

 

Yes, we have taken them on the Disney ship a couple of times and have enjoyed that ship. While we like the Disney ship we find it difficult to book our favorite cabin (Roy Disney) unless we make plans far in advance. But, I am sure we will find ourselves on one of their ships again in the future.

 

On almost all occasions we have also taken our nanny (or a close friend) with us so we can have two adjoining cabins (when possible) so the children end up paying full fare or very close to full fare. On some ships we have been forced to take a suite and then an inside cabin because no connecting adjoining suites are offered.

 

I came across this post today because we are currently holding the Penthouse Suite on a 7 day cruise on Maasdam and we have been concerned about the quality of the ship. Having traveled on other ships such as those listed above I wonder if we will find the ship less appealing.

 

When it comes to children having "inappropriate behavior" and acting like "wild animals" the blame needs to be focused on parents that do not care. I have also come across so many adults who have "inappropriate behavior" and act like "wild animals" in public. Bad behavior is not reserved strickly to children. Bad behavior crosses all ages.

 

One thing is certain, you will never find my children showing up for formal night "inappropriately dressed" as I have seen some adults. When we cruised with my son when he was a year old he came prepared with black evening wear and an off white evening wear. To this day, we make sure my daughter and son are dressed appropriately for dinner. Earlier this weekend we were at our country club where jeans are not permitted and two women (both who appeared to be over 50) were dressed in designer jeans. No one at the club was rude and disrupted their evening, but they showed their lack of style, class and ablility to follow the rules. I am sure you all have been on a cruise when someone shows up to dinner dressed like they were going to a golf outing and not to a nice dinner event.

 

My point is that there are just as many adults who are rude, nasty, disruptive and have bad manners as children. And, if parents are willing to pay for their fare on a cruise and the cruise line accepts their payment, the have every right to be on the ship. That said, if the children are disruptive and out of control the captain of the ship should intervene with the parents and make them aware of the rules of good behavior.

 

Now, back to gathering information for my buying decision.

 

 

 

I wish I could afford the Penthouse Suite on a HIGH PRICE CRUISE LINE. However, I can not. So we go on Carnival because of price. Yes, I checked into HAL. I can not afford nearly 2000 a person to cruise. Especially when there is no more to do on the ship than there is on CCL. Even the normal size ocean view room was nearly 1000 a person. I wish I had the money to hire a Nanny and pay for her fare. I wish I had money to belong to a country club.

 

Everyone is not in the Doctor, Lawyer, or CEO positions to afford these high price cruises.

 

Most families I know choose CCL because they are more low income friendly.

 

People who work hard at manuel labor unless making 30 an hour can not afford a nanny, country club, and high price cruise line. Plus the extra cost to get to that cruise line.

 

So Don't rag on CCL. THEY ARE NOT IN YOUR CLASS apparently.

[NoNoNanette]

Good one, Penny....

 

The post that you were referring to seemed rather common/vulgar to me. One has to smile when reading such an ego-inflated spiel.

 

Happy Sunday, kiddo. :)

[NoNoNanette]

I get it!

 

APRIL FOOLS, right?:rolleyes:

 

*she sez hopefully*

 

I got on this message board this afternoon because my family decided they wanted to take another cruise in a few weeks. I find it interesting about comments about families traveling with children. It almost appears that people assume families should be interested in cruise lines that support children activities, but fall short on style and class. I have two children (5 and 10 years old) and my 5 year old has been on 9 cruises and my 10 year old has been on 21 cruises. I can say that up until this time they have never traveled on a Carnival ship and I sincerly doubt they ever will. Most of our cruises have been on Crystal, Seabourn, The QM2 (Queens Grill accomodations) and a few other ships.

 

Yes, we have taken them on the Disney ship a couple of times and have enjoyed that ship. While we like the Disney ship we find it difficult to book our favorite cabin (Roy Disney) unless we make plans far in advance. But, I am sure we will find ourselves on one of their ships again in the future.

 

On almost all occasions we have also taken our nanny (or a close friend) with us so we can have two adjoining cabins (when possible) so the children end up paying full fare or very close to full fare. On some ships we have been forced to take a suite and then an inside cabin because no connecting adjoining suites are offered.

 

I came across this post today because we are currently holding the Penthouse Suite on a 7 day cruise on Maasdam and we have been concerned about the quality of the ship. Having traveled on other ships such as those listed above I wonder if we will find the ship less appealing.

 

When it comes to children having "inappropriate behavior" and acting like "wild animals" the blame needs to be focused on parents that do not care. I have also come across so many adults who have "inappropriate behavior" and act like "wild animals" in public. Bad behavior is not reserved strickly to children. Bad behavior crosses all ages.

 

One thing is certain, you will never find my children showing up for formal night "inappropriately dressed" as I have seen some adults. When we cruised with my son when he was a year old he came prepared with black evening wear and an off white evening wear. To this day, we make sure my daughter and son are dressed appropriately for dinner. Earlier this weekend we were at our country club where jeans are not permitted and two women (both who appeared to be over 50) were dressed in designer jeans. No one at the club was rude and disrupted their evening, but they showed their lack of style, class and ablility to follow the rules. I am sure you all have been on a cruise when someone shows up to dinner dressed like they were going to a golf outing and not to a nice dinner event.

 

My point is that there are just as many adults who are rude, nasty, disruptive and have bad manners as children. And, if parents are willing to pay for their fare on a cruise and the cruise line accepts their payment, the have every right to be on the ship. That said, if the children are disruptive and out of control the captain of the ship should intervene with the parents and make them aware of the rules of good behavior.

 

Now, back to gathering information for my buying decision.

[Epicurean]

My posted comment was regarding the original posting which insinuated that if you have children you should not take them on a "quality" ship like HAL. The purpose of my posting was not to insult anyone who enjoys Carnival (they are of the same family as Seabourn and HAL and a few others), but to state that just because a person has children doesnt mean that they have to be forced to take Carnival or any other ship. The arguement put forward was in response to the post that children would be bored on a ship like HAL and that they are better served by being on another ship.

 

One person on this post said it so much more eloquently than me.....and more succintly as well when she posted the following....and I quote....This is such a strange question to me.It insinuates that the only vacation a family should take MUST involve water rides and men in mouse costumes...We show our 6 year old the world..there is nothing off limits to him...boredom is never even a factor...how can he be bored looking at ancient Roman ruins...London Bridge...a rain forest..swimming with sea turtles...the world is his oyster and he will be all the better for it...

 

I find that my children are happy and not bored on a variety of ships and visiting exciting exotic ports around the world. Again, just because someone has children it doesnt mean that they have to stay at a Holiday Inn or take a Carnival cruise as a previous posting insinuated. I have found my children to be happy and excited on ships that many would think child unfriendly such as Seabourn or Crystal.

 

Kryos said it so well when she said....this assumes (the comment posted) that all kids need to be entertained by gimicks to be happy and this is just not the case. The greater the gimick, the greater the liklihood the kid will be bored. Many, many children prefer arts/crafts, board games, creative activities, dressing up and making a few freinds to the gimicks offered on some cruise lines.

 

My original purpose of being on this sight today was to investigate the quality of the Maasdam and I became intrigued by the comment made by C&K 2007 that With so many other lines sailing and geared to familys (no need to list them) I question why a family would decide on this line. Now, after reading all the reviews about the Maasdam I am greatly concerned that it doesnt meet my needs and desires for travel. But, that is not important in this post concerning children and cruise travel.

 

I would only encourage anyone who has children to consider cruising because it can be so much easier traveling with children than land tours via automobile (and I do these as well). I have taken my children to the Mediterranean, Alasaka, Indiana Ocean and other places that allowed me to travel with my children and show them places without having to pack and unpack. How wonderful for kids to get to sample different culcures and environments without my having to be stressed out on packing, loading a car, driving, looking for restaurants etc. Now, if you decide to travel by ship with your children you dont have to be forced into traveling on ships that position themselves as family vacation experiences. Traveling to new locations and visiting new ports should be exciting enough for children when encouraged by their parents.

 

The post by a HAL (just learned this term by reading all the posts) made me smile and realize the benefit of taking my children on luxury cruises....DixieCaribe said....we were young and they assumed we would have more fun in a Big Ship environment - the rock walls, kid oriented pools, casual dinners - but my sister and I loved Holland America because it is relaxed and a bit more refined.

 

By the way, I am not a Doctor, Lawyer or CEO which someone steriotypically concluded. My online profile clearly states that I am a stay at home dad (a job I absolutely love!)

 

Pack your kids and travel as you please.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[fllady61]

I am sorry, but a stay at home dad can not afford these luxeries unless you were born rich. the average person has a hard time paying for child care let alone have a nanny in the house. someone has to be bringing money in. what does your wife do? I don't think that you being a single parent and raising kids could afford these luxeries.

 

I am a stay at home mom, and we can not afford these things but once a year for a cruise. That comes out of tax money. And we don't get a penthouse although we would love to, it is too much money. I mean how often are you in your cabin?

 

All I am saying is it is impossible for the average joe to afford a country club, nanny, and cruising and traveling overseas since air fare for a family is almost more than we would make in a 3 month period.

 

How do you do it????? Share you financial secrets so we can afford these things to.