RCCL now charging kids to eat at camp?

[letsgocruz1]

I received this in an email ad from a TA. Since when did they start charging for kids to eat lunch at camp? Or has lunch not been an option to start with?

 

Attracting More Families with Kids: Royal Caribbean International to expand its children's services/activities:

 

Royal Caribbean International announced it will become more family-friendly by enhancing its Adventure Ocean Youth Program, expanding kids' dining options and creating areas where parents can exercise with their children.

 

"My Family Time Dining", to be introduced in July, will expedite service for kids during the first seating in the main dining room, allowing parents to enjoy a longer meal. Caretakers will meet the kids after a 45-minute meal and escort them to the Adventure Ocean spaces for evening activities.

 

Available immediately, Royal Caribbean has also launched a "Lunch and Play" option for days at sea. The program provides children ages 3 to 11 a meal with other kids in the middle of the day, for a service charge of $7.95 per child.

 

On March 23, Royal Caribbean will start a "Babies 2 Go" program that will enable parents to have organic baby food, diapers, wipes and creams delivered to their cabins upon their arrival.

 

The cruise line also will offer "Stroll & Roll" time for active parents who want to push a stroller on the jogging track.

 

In the evenings, the entire family can listen to Royal Bedtime Stories in the Adventure Family Library. Kids are encouraged to dress in pajamas and enjoy a cookie or two with milk while an Adventure Ocean counselor reads a storybook.

[powelweb]

Adventure Ocean is open 9-12, 2-5 and 7-10 on sea days, so no, lunch was not part of the program (although they had several nights where AO did dinner for the kids, usually formal nights).

 

AO also would take the kids to lunch on port days if they were still signed in, thus enabling the parents to participate in longer excursions.

[crusinmama06]

No, they were closed during lunch time on Sea Days. So this is a new option that I have never seen before.

 

So instead of picking the kids up for lunch on a sea day, you would just pay the $7.95 and they would take the kids to lunch.

 

Frankly, if I am onboard, then I am picking up my own kids. No need to pay them $7.95 to feed them.

 

And Johnny Rockets dinner is still free, I hope...lol.

[crusinmama06]

I just went and grabbed the new releases for the kids Program. I might as well just post them all here....

 

Teens have endless energy and are always looking for ways to release

it.

 

This is what makes our Teen Kayak and Swim Adventure such a great fit. This liberating shore excursion educates them with hands-on

sea life instruction, provides them the opportunity to interact with other teens and gives them a great day of sporty fun in the sun.

 

Kayak & Swim Adventure

• Shore excursion offered exclusively for teens ages 12-17

• Offered on Majesty of the Seas® (CocoCay®) and Monarch of the Seas® (Labadee®) – private destinations

• Teens will learn how to use a safe, stable 2-person kayak

• See and touch a variety of amazing marine life – starfish, conch, stingrays etc…

• Afterwards, teens can swim & snorkel

• Teen barbecue lunch available prior to shore excursion (meet fellow teens & teen staff)

• 1 hour 30 minutes long

• $25 USD per person

[setsail]

"option"

[crusinmama06]

ART PROGRAMS FOR TEENS

At Royal Caribbean International® we take the “whatever” out of your teen’s

vocabulary and replace it with “Why Not.”

We are the Nation of Why NotSM and we think teenagers deserve a

cruise vacation tailored to them too. Why should adults have all the fun?

ARTS & CRAFTS

Most teens yearn for ways to express themselves. On a Royal Caribbean cruise, not only can they express themselves artistically, but

they’ll create one-of-a-kind souvenir of their voyage! Our art programs are tailored by age-group and feature crafts that would make

any parent proud.

Teens 12–14 & Teens 15–17

All materials are supplied complimentary

Activities are hosted by teen staff

Crayola® Projects

For teens and families

Model Magic Frames

Adventure Memory Keepers

Teen Scrapbooking – Create It

2 sessions offered throughout our ships

Personalize It – Notebook with Customized Paper & Stickers

Message in a Bottle

Create your own unique Message in a Bottle souvenir

Mail it to your family or friends back home

LIVING ROOM LIBRARY

This trendy library is located within the teens area and features a selection of popular

books targeted to their age group. This is a great place for teens to meet, make

friends, learn and relax.

[crusinmama06]

Royal Bedtime Stories

In the evenings, the whole family is invited to the Adventure Family Library to

enjoy bedtime stories and lullabies where a youth staff from Adventure Ocean

will read from one among a variety of popular storybooks.

Dress code is comfy and children are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Complete

with milk and cookies, this is a great way to finish a day of fun.

[tgjr]

I dont understand what is so strange about this. Is it somthing wrong in paying for services rendered to you and your kids. If you dont what to pay - take them with you yourself.....:eek:

[crusinmama06]

And the last one....

 

 

NintendoWiiTM

Now available fleetwide.

NintendoWii (pronounced “We”), the ground-breaking

interactive gaming system, has captured the interest

of serious gamers and gaming newcomers alike.

And now guests can experience the NintendoWii

and NintendoWii Fit phenomenon onboard all

Royal Caribbean International® ships. Imagine playing

a match of doubles tennis with the entire family.

Or a round of golf with friends. Even an

exhilarating ski jump down an alpine terrain.

It’s all possible with Nintendo Wii. Guests can

play interactive Wii Sport games such as

Bowling, Tennis, Boxing, Baseball and Golf as

well as Wii Fit games, including Wii Fit- Hula

Hoop®, Ski Slalom, Ski Jump and more cool

balance games – Nintendo Wii was created

specifically for families, teens, and adults to

challenge each other. And to make things

even more fun, each ship will offer Nintendo

Wii prize winning tournaments created specifically

for families, teens and adults. There’s even a place

to play Nintendo Wii games in the ship’s teen area.

On longer cruises, elimination-style tournaments

will be held with finalists competing for lots of

fun prizes. Nintendo Wii gaming venues differ

onboard each ship as well the times offered.

Guests should check their onboard Cruise

Compass for complete details.

[crusinmama06]

I dont understand what is so strange about this. Is it somthing wrong in paying for services rendered to you and your kids. If you dont what to pay - take them with you yourself.....:eek:

 

I don't think the OP said anything was strange about it. They were just asking if it was new.

And frankly, it's IS odd that they would charge $7.95 to feed the kids the food we have already paid for.

But it's a new option and they are trying to generate revenue any way they know how.

[letsgocruz1]

I dont understand what is so strange about this. Is it somthing wrong in paying for services rendered to you and your kids. If you dont what to pay - take them with you yourself.....:eek:

 

No one said it was "strange"...where did you see the word "strange?" :eek:

 

And no one said they didn't want to pay it...:rolleyes:

 

I just asked if this was a new charge or something that has never offered to start with. Geesh... you know what they say about people who ASS-U-ME things.

 

I wouldn't have a problem paying it if it is something my child really wanted to do.

[letsgocruz1]

I don't think the OP said anything was strange about it. They were just asking if it was new.

 

And frankly, it's IS odd that they would charge $7.95 to feed the kids the food we have already paid for.

 

But it's a new option and they are trying to generate revenue any way they know how.

 

Thank you Michele...someone evidently got up on the wrong side of the bed this a.m. :p

[letsgocruz1]

And the last one....

 

 

NintendoWii

TM

Now available fleetwide.

NintendoWii (pronounced “We”), the ground-breaking

interactive gaming system, has captured the interest

of serious gamers and gaming newcomers alike.

And now guests can experience the NintendoWii

and NintendoWii Fit phenomenon onboard all

Royal Caribbean International® ships. Imagine playing

a match of doubles tennis with the entire family.

Or a round of golf with friends. Even an

exhilarating ski jump down an alpine terrain.

It’s all possible with Nintendo Wii. Guests can

play interactive Wii Sport games such as

Bowling, Tennis, Boxing, Baseball and Golf as

well as Wii Fit games, including Wii Fit- Hula

Hoop®, Ski Slalom, Ski Jump and more cool

balance games – Nintendo Wii was created

specifically for families, teens, and adults to

challenge each other. And to make things

even more fun, each ship will offer Nintendo

Wii prize winning tournaments created specifically

for families, teens and adults. There’s even a place

to play Nintendo Wii games in the ship’s teen area.

On longer cruises, elimination-style tournaments

will be held with finalists competing for lots of

fun prizes. Nintendo Wii gaming venues differ

onboard each ship as well the times offered.

Guests should check their onboard Cruise

Compass for complete details.

 

My son would LOVE this! Thank you for posting all of this info. I am thinking I will pretend to be a teen so that I can do the kayak excursion! :p And I love the bedtime story idea. My dd would be all over that!!

[G'ma]

I received this in an email ad from a TA. Since when did they start charging for kids to eat lunch at camp? Or has lunch not been an option to start with?

 

Attracting More Families with Kids: Royal Caribbean International to expand its children's services/activities:

 

Royal Caribbean International announced it will become more family-friendly by enhancing its Adventure Ocean Youth Program, expanding kids' dining options and creating areas where parents can exercise with their children.

 

"My Family Time Dining", to be introduced in July, will expedite service for kids during the first seating in the main dining room, allowing parents to enjoy a longer meal. Caretakers will meet the kids after a 45-minute meal and escort them to the Adventure Ocean spaces for evening activities.

 

Available immediately, Royal Caribbean has also launched a "Lunch and Play" option for days at sea. The program provides children ages 3 to 11 a meal with other kids in the middle of the day, for a service charge of $7.95 per child.

 

On March 23, Royal Caribbean will start a "Babies 2 Go" program that will enable parents to have organic baby food, diapers, wipes and creams delivered to their cabins upon their arrival.

 

The cruise line also will offer "Stroll & Roll" time for active parents who want to push a stroller on the jogging track.

 

In the evenings, the entire family can listen to Royal Bedtime Stories in the Adventure Family Library. Kids are encouraged to dress in pajamas and enjoy a cookie or two with milk while an Adventure Ocean counselor reads a storybook.

 

and

 

Go, RCCL. How many people can you turn away in a year????

[setsail]

They have not turned to many away as they are all still posting here.

 

Its like taking your child whining to someplace they don't want to go and in the end they like it but won't admit it.

 

I think there are some here like that, whining all the way, but they go anyway, but they don't want anybody to think they had a good time.

[toots13]

They aren't charging you for the food; they are charging for the babysitting time for the 2 hr. period that Adventure Ocean is closed. It's similar to the after hours charges for late night. I have no problem with it.

[Cabin_boy]

My son would LOVE this! Thank you for posting all of this info. I am thinking I will pretend to be a teen so that I can do the kayak excursion! :p And I love the bedtime story idea. My dd would be all over that!!

 

My son will be all over this. The problem is he should just stay home if he going play the Wii.

[tneah]

And frankly, it's IS odd that they would charge $7.95 to feed the kids the food we have already paid for.

 

 

 

Exactly.

[kooljamming]

I don't think the OP said anything was strange about it. They were just asking if it was new.

 

And frankly, it's IS odd that they would charge $7.95 to feed the kids the food we have already paid for.

 

But it's a new option and they are trying to generate revenue any way they know how.

 

Kids who are paying an adult fare as 3rd and 4th passengers. I know it's an option but it's odd to be paying almost $8. They could offer lunchtime baby sitting in the dining room which should be less than $7.95. It's clear that RCCL knows that some passengers will be onboard no matter what, so why not find another way to $crew them. They don't care, they don't mind, they are better because they sail RCCL:eek:

[lakerz5]

We haven't even cruised rcl yet, but all this info is wonderful. My teens will love it:)

 

thanks!!!

[Happy ks]

They aren't charging you for the food; they are charging for the babysitting time for the 2 hr. period that Adventure Ocean is closed. It's similar to the after hours charges for late night. I have no problem with it.

 

 

After reading the anncouncement, this is what I was thinking as well.

 

Perhaps they should re-write the announcement to that end. I do love kids, I have 2 (although almost adults now), I work at a school so I see kids all the time. I can very well understand how some parents would pay to have their kids watched the full day by others.

 

Another thought is maybe this would get a few of the little darlings out of the stairwells and elevators :) I'm sure there are a few of us who might even consider making a donation to parents of these kids, if we can find them ;). How would you word that to the parent so as not to offend?

[kooljamming]

After reading the anncouncement, this is what I was thinking as well.

 

Perhaps they should re-write the announcement to that end. I do love kids, I have 2 (although almost adults now), I work at a school so I see kids all the time. I can very well understand how some parents would pay to have their kids watched the full day by others.

 

Another thought is maybe this would get a few of the little darlings out of the stairwells and elevators :) I'm sure there are a few of us who might even consider making a donation to parents of these kids, if we can find them ;). How would you word that to the parent so as not to offend?

 

They need a much better marketing department. I am volunteering so new ad:

We at RCCL offer a special program for parent who are sick and tired of dealing with or seeing their kids during lunch. For a mere $4 per hour with a minimum of 2, we will relieve you of this burden. They will accompany other kids with parents just like you. In our outreach program and for a fee we can arrange for you not to take them at all. See detail at embarkment port.

[danp]

Michele,You are great,can I hire you to keep me updated on all things RCCL.LOL

[crusinmama06]

Michele,You are great,can I hire you to keep me updated on all things RCCL.LOL

 

Well you could ;) lol

 

I'm pretty cheap...lol. :p

[SCUBADOO414]

I just went and grabbed the new releases for the kids Program. I might as well just post them all here....

 

Teens have endless energy and are always looking for ways to release

it.

 

This is what makes our Teen Kayak and Swim Adventure such a great fit. This liberating shore excursion educates them with hands-on

sea life instruction, provides them the opportunity to interact with other teens and gives them a great day of sporty fun in the sun.

 

Kayak & Swim Adventure

• Shore excursion offered exclusively for teens ages 12-17

• Offered on Majesty of the Seas® (CocoCay®) and Monarch of the Seas® (Labadee®) – private destinations

• Teens will learn how to use a safe, stable 2-person kayak

• See and touch a variety of amazing marine life – starfish, conch, stingrays etc…

• Afterwards, teens can swim & snorkel

• Teen barbecue lunch available prior to shore excursion (meet fellow teens & teen staff)

• 1 hour 30 minutes long

• $25 USD per person

 

I wonder if they are just using the Monarch and Majesty on a trial basis and maybe will roll this out to some of the other ships??? Is that something RC does? We'll be on FOS in February and stopping in Labadee, so my daughter would love this option! :D