Why Cruise With Kids

[C&K 2007]

I wonder why a family would want to cruise on Holland America line with kids, young ones under 3-5 I can understand as they are to small to know or remember anything anyways. 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. Its no wonder kids are running wild on board Ive looked over the ships and to be honest if I was a kid I think I would be bored after the first day. A family vacation is just that a family, meaning everyone not just mom and dad, I have sailed with my two daughters and the cruise line we picked had more then enough activities to keep all of us busy with out being a problem to other passengers. I would love to hear from some familys as to their reason for sailing on HAL.

[SmokinActuary]

I think I am experiencing Deja Vu.

We chose HAL because we are going on a cruise with my FIL and MIL (in their 70s), my BIL and SIL and my wife and I (mid 40s and up) plus my 9 yr old daughter.

Because of limited choices of itineraries we could only chose between Carnival, RCCI and HAL.

We all wanted something a little more upscale and we wanted to avoid floating malls and the craziness that can ensue given the peak time we are going.

There are going to be 400 kids on this cruise and I am sure my daughter will have what to do on board. We are also going on shore excursions on 3 of the 4 ports and we will do just sun and sand at HMC.

[hammybee]

My daughter grew up sailing on HAL and other cruise lines. The novelty of the gimicks on the other cruise lines quickly wears off . Despite what some of the other cruise lines want potential cruisers to believe, family cruising is about being together as a family, not ditching the kids and letting them wander by themselves, because they got bored with the gimicks and parents want a vacation from parenting.

[Smartcookie]

Because kids love cruises (mine have been on 7, and they prefer Celebrity), and their parents love cruiselines that are not loud, glitzy, floating amusement parks. My kids don't really use the kids clubs other than to make new friends, they spend sea days playing ping-pong, shuffleboard, cards, chess, listening to music, reading, going to the shows, eating, swimming or just hanging out with new friends. HAL has all of that. We haven't tried them yet, but are planning to cruise with them in 2008. Our good friends are taking their second family cruise with HAL and they loved it. They would have hated the cruiselines that I'm guessing you're referring to.

Cruiselines like Celebrity and HAL offer a happy medium. They're upscale enough to pacify the adults yet cater to kids so that there will be lots of them onboard to keep each other company. Truth be told, I'd love to cruise with my family on Seabourn or WindStar, but I think the kids would be awfully lonely.

And a family vacation is any vacation where the family is all together, be it a cruise, a rented beach house or a trip to the Grand Canyon or Europe.

[Smartcookie]

for C&K, what do you suggest for families who like to cruise, that they go on cruiselines that the parents cannot abide simply because they are more geared to families?

My kids had just as much fun on Celebrity as they did on Disney and RCL, I however, preferred Celebrity much more, and the parents are the ones who are paying, so we might as well go where we want!

[doone]

My nieces and nephews have cruised twice now with HAL, they cannot say enough good about Club HAL. With fewer kids onboard as some of the other cruise lines, they enjoyed the smaller groups and the more individualized attention they received from the counsellors on board, who were spectacular.


They are growing up now and will some day make their own decisions as to which cruise line to sail, but at least we'll know they did start with a fine cruise line to base their future comparisons on.

[jackkip]

My family and I are booked on our first HAL cruise this summer. My 14 yr. old is really looking forward to it. My DH and I are not big "Party" people. so I am hoping that HAL is just the line for us. I truly hope that we don't find people who wish that we hadn't brought our daughter along.

Jackie

[dmlee1990]

My DH and I cruise with our children too. We love HAL because of the excellence in the service and the upscale luxury of the ships. Our daughters don't really like the kids club too much because they can't be in the same age group.......they are a little shy. But they do enjoy the swimming pool, the elegant food (not kids meals), shows and enjoying the scenery while reading a good book. Perhaps our children are not like most children, but they do appreciate the excellence that HAL provides in a cruise.

We sailed to Alaska on HAL in 2005, and the girls asked to go back to Alaska on HAL again this year. We're not into the so called "party boats", but we enjoy a great cruise vacation. We also don't mind having the kids hang out with us either. My DH works long hours every day, so we cherish the time we spend together as a family.

[ReneeWI]

We prefer cruising on HAL with our young children as the guests tend to be more "refined". I really don't need my son observing the smoking, excessing drinking, puking, and jumping half-clothed into the pool that is more apt to happen on other cruiselines. (And I don't want to see it either.)

We keep our kids in control, so we don't want to be on the ships where there are hundreds of out of control kids. We like the service. We like the food. Heck, my son loves the escargot onboard. And, you can't beat the wonderful attention from the crew on HAL. They love kids since they don't see so many of them.

Just because we have kids, doesn't mean we don't have taste.

[kryos]

I wonder why a family would want to cruise on Holland America line with kids, young ones under 3-5 I can understand as they are to small to know or remember anything anyways. 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. Its no wonder kids are running wild on board Ive looked over the ships and to be honest if I was a kid I think I would be bored after the first day. A family vacation is just that a family, meaning everyone not just mom and dad, I have sailed with my two daughters and the cruise line we picked had more then enough activities to keep all of us busy with out being a problem to other passengers. I would love to hear from some familys as to their reason for sailing on HAL.
Cost in some cases. HAL can't compete with some of those other lines in terms of ammenities, so I have a feeling they really undercut them in price ... lots of special deals ... kids sail free in parents' cabin, etc. Sometimes money has to be the governing factor. It's either cruise a HAL ship, or the kids don't cruise. Frequently, the appeal of the beach type ports will make up for the lack of kid-friendly ammenities onboard. And, let's face it ... on a seven-day cruise with maybe four ports, does it really matter that much that the kids don't have a rock climbing wall?

Just as a sidenote, I have a friend who is taking an 11-day RCI cruise over the Thanksgiving break. She is bringing her entire brood. If I am not mistaken, she told me that the cabins are costing her close to ten grand. I guess they must be premium priced because of school being out. Well, that's a lot of cash and some families just can't afford it. I don't think RCI is cheap and with all they have onboard for the kids, they really don't have to be.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

My kids had just as much fun on Celebrity as they did on Disney and RCL, I however, preferred Celebrity much more, and the parents are the ones who are paying, so we might as well go where we want!
Good point, and that's probably how a lot of families feel. If grandma and grandpa are taking the grandkids on a cruise, you'd better believe the line of choice will be what they prefer ... not necessarily what the kids prefer.

The only problem with that, though, is if the kids are gonna be miserable, then why not just leave them at home and just have the parents' sail? If you're gonna bring the kids, don't you think sometimes it's a good idea to gear the vacation toward their desires?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[magictam]

I am truely blissed, I have not one but 2 princesses! Who are now 19 and 16. During the last 19 years all vacations have been geared around them and for them. Disneyland, Disneyworld, Yellowstone National Park, Seaworld, MGM & Universal studios, beaches, camping, etc. Now that they don't really want to hung out w/Mom & Dad, it's time for us again. YAHOO!

When I decided on a cruise it was done without any knowledge to what I was doing. I saw a cruise advertized on line, called my sis up said I wanted to do a cruise on August 26 to Alaska (cuz that's were my DH wants to go) she said sure. Next day, I called her, said I got some cruise travel books so we can decide. She informed there was no deciding. She had gone into work and requested those days off so we're sticking with the one I called her about.

Lucky for us, it's HAL's Noordam. I felt that someone must have been looking out for me to randomily pick a cruise that wasn't greared towards children. Everything I had read about HAL after we booked the cruise, said it was for the older crowd. I thought how much luckier can I get. I get my first vacation (and honeymoon cuz we couldn't afford it when we got married) away from the my princesses and with other adults. Then I read more and found out that HAL's trying to gear themselves towards families now.

When I chose vacations w/our girls I made sure it was doing kids stuff w/other family and kids. I didn't foster my kids off at clubs and activities while we went elsewhere. So when I hear on other threads that "kids are running amook (sp?)" on the Noordam (over President's Day) I get nervouse. I only hope that "adult only" area's are respected just like I will respect the kid's only areas.

I really wanted the Titanic experience with out the sinking. If I wanted the family/kids cruise I would have booked Disney.

[mommybunny21]

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...

[seasideny]

But most kids will find things to do when given a chance to use their imaginations. We don't overstimulate our kids so they enjoy quiet time - reading, and simply talking to me about everything under the sun. When we were kids we could spend hours playing with a box - we didn't need to live in an amusement park.

[hammybee]

I

If I wanted the family/kids cruise I would have booked Disney.

With very few exceptions, most cruise lines are positioning themselves to appeal to family cruisers. In fact, Regent cruises is currently offering a kids sail free promotion. They are going to do whatever it takes to fill the ships, so many ships.

HAL has been doing this for years. I always laugh when I hear reference to HAL being a variation of a floating nursing home and can only assume that the speaker has never sailed HAL during school breaks or perhaps has never sailed HAL.

Those who prefer to reduce the liklihood of sailing with school-aged children might consider booking during the school year and/or sailing those cruise lines that are not actively promoting themselves to family cruising, Oceania, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar. That these cruises tend to cost substantially more than mass marketed cruise lines is the cost of luxury and appealing to adults rather than multi-generational families.

[jackkip]

Just a thought to add to this discussion. In the last few months how many Children (Under 18) have fallen over board? Just something to ponder!

[hammybee]

The only problem with that, though, is if the kids are gonna be miserable, then why not just leave them at home and just have the parents' sail? If you're gonna bring the kids, don't you think sometimes it's a good idea to gear the vacation toward their desires?

Blue skies ...--rita

Rita, this assumes 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.

In this way, they are a lot like adults.

[hammybee]

Just a thought to add to this discussion. In the last few months how many Children (Under 18) have fallen over board? Just something to ponder!

Children, like adults, do not "fall" overboard. I am not aware of any children, anywhere, that have gone overboard. Was this your point or do you have information unavailable to the general public?

[jackkip]

None. Was that your point?

Just that sometimes it is not that kids that can ruin a cruise. My last cruise I had to stand next to a disgusting drunk during the muster drill. He had not idea of all what he was doing. Bumping into everyone, cussing and just being rude. I would much better be around a few kids than adults who think that once the boat pulls away from the dock that anything goes. Seems that when they have that attitude, they end up floating in the water.

As for taking my child with me. Since I am paying a fare for her, and HAL will gladly take my money, then the decision is all mine.

[bepsf]

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.

In this way, they are a lot like adults.

Those gimmicks cost extra too.
(the Video Games, Rock Climbing Walls, Bungee Trampoline, Ice Skating, Roller Blading & Onboard Surfing are anything but Free...)

[Smartcookie]

The only problem with that, though, is if the kids are gonna be miserable, then why not just leave them at home and just have the parents' sail? If you're gonna bring the kids, don't you think sometimes it's a good idea to gear the vacation toward their desires?

--rita
Cruises ARE their desire. I don't understand...who says kids are miserable on cruises? It's my kids FAVORITE vacation. Given the choice of Disney, a national park, a beach cottage, Europe or a caribbean cruise, my kids always have and always will choose the cruise.

In fact, they like cruises better than we do. We'd probably just do land vacations to Europe, but the kids just love cruising.

P.S. Just "Leaving kids at home" is not an option for most people. Who are we supposed to be leaving them home with? Are you volunteering? ;)

[ministocking]

Our first cruise in 1999 was HAL Westerdam RT Alaska with FIL, MIL, SIL, 16 year old nephew, DH and my 3 kids (ages 13, 10 and 7 at the time). This was a trip my in laws wanted to take and as a family trip it couldn't have been more perfect! There was something for everyone. My 7 year old daughter was the only one who was into club HAL (and still has her Club HAL tie died tee shirt and lots of wonderful memories). My boys and their cousin LOVED all the food and spent lots of time in the pool, on the tennis court or in the movie theater (in addition to doing a few of the Club HAL scavenger hunts and games). They met other kids and were able to order room service (something they had never done before). My 10 year old still talks about his first taste of caviar and escargot(with a hot dog as his entre!!).

The grandparents got to spend time with their grandkids (we live 2000 miles apart), their 2 children and their favorite DIL:D. Yet it was a sophisticated atmosphere that they (and we 40 somethings) could appreciate too. MY FIL died in 2005 and I look back on that trip with all of us together and am grateful.

[hammybee]

The grandparents got to spend time with their grandkids (we live 2000 miles apart), their 2 children and their favorite DIL:D. Yet it was a sophisticated atmosphere that they (and we 40 somethings) could appreciate too. MY FIL died in 2005 and I look back on that trip with all of us together and am grateful.

It does not get much better than this, now does it. Family cruising is about making memories, not the gimicks.

[Cruise Arizona]

I started cruising in the 70's when I was 10. There were no gimmicks, no kids programs, no kids activities, nothing on a cruise ship was "geared" towards kids. These were the best family vacations and the best memories I have of my childhood.

My sister and I would spend a lot of time with our parents and each other. There might be a handful of other kids on the cruise, but generally it was our special family time.

Now that I am grown up I value our family time together and don't look for gimmicks.... I can rock climb, roller blade, mini golf, and Ice Skate any time I want with my kids with-out leaving town. Sometimes, the kids choose to participate in the kids activities when they want to. They love some of the activities, but we always eat together,and usually spend our evenings together enjoying the entertainment, or playing family games together. Most of all, the kids love being able to spend relaxing time with Mom and Dad with-out Dad having to cook dinner, or Mom do the dishes afterwards, or Mom having to spend time cleaning the house or them having to clean their room.... we just get to relax and ejoy our quality time together.

We all have such busy schedules with our work schedules, school, dance lessons, cheerleading, football, baseball and other activities, it is so nice to get away from our crazy schedule and just have quality time together, no gimmicks required.

[Atomica]

Why not take them on HAL? What's so wrong with that?

BTW, the families I have seen on HAL look like they're having a fantastic time. I saw teenagers enjoying themselves as much as the rest of the passengers. Just because people cruise with kids they shouldn't feel they have to be relegated to other cruise lines.

If I had kids, I'd take them on HAL. Why? Because I want them to have that experience. The more experiences you can give people, the more well-rounded they become. I think there's MORE than enough to do on a HAL ship, and to say you've looked at pictures or deckplans and come up with the assessment that kids will get bored is jumping the gun a little bit.

[DixieCaribe]

Traveling as a family growing up extended to everything, whether we were backpacking, cruising the Caribbean, or driving all along the Pan-American Highway. The big reason I can see people bringing kids along on Holland America has to do with the same reason my sister and I gave people who asked up why we wanted to go on HAL - 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. We enjoyed the idea that we could sit poolside all day while at sea, go to dinner in a tuxedo and cocktail dress, enjoy a show, or walk the promenade without being accosted by so many screaming urchins.
I guess the reason familes go on HAL is because without a lot of kids on board, families spend more time together - and that's what a family vacation really is all about.

[betonic]

I take my son because I love him and want him to experience everything!! To me it's not about the cruise line or the place, it's just being together.

Just wanted to add that I took my son on a 16 day transatlatic last year where he was one of 4 children on board. He had a great time and just yesterday was talking about places that we went and people that we met. To me that's priceless.....

[nurseblissful]

i think people with kids go for the same reason as everyone else. hal is a great line with great food, service, beds, etc, etc. and if you have kids they come too. you can't park the little boogers with others for a long cruise. at least i can't imagine doing that. we are 40ish adults that are not taking our kids. they are grown and can get their own cruise! lol. but i am sure the kids will be fine. and our cruise is in 3 days with 391 kids posted on board. i will let you know how it goes. as one post put it, there are plenty of obnoxious adults, so it doesn't have to be kids being bad. we will all have a great time. noordam, here we come!:D lauri

[CruiseQueen13]

Our daughter also has grown up on cruising. We've been taking her since she is 4 and she's now 13. She's been on several cruises and Celebrity & Princess are her favorites. Her least favorite - NCL Dawn. Kids program was horrible - requried parental supervision for my 11 y/o to make pizza, water balloon toss, etc. NCL not for us overall. We chose HAL to keep the upscale experience and still have fun things for her to do. No matter which cruise we've been on we have never gotten off for a tour and left my dghtr onboard. Just not our style. She loves the beach, tours, watersports, etc.

My dghtr is never left unsupervised or free to roam the ship w/ other kids. We do not get a "false sense of security" being on a ship at sea as some others do. What applies at home - applies at sea.

We've never had a problem.

[the2ofus]

In all my HAL cruises, I have never seen any kids running amok. I have seen a small child have a meltdown when kept up too late. A situation quickly rectified by the parents who took her off to bed. I have seen small groups of 8-13 year olds following their counsellors on various activities, looking like they all were enjoying themselves. I have never seen packs of children of any age roaming the ships unsupervised. I have never seen children playing in the elevators.

Yes, these horror stories reported occasionally on the HAL board may be isolated events on some HAL ships sometime, but they are not the norm.

If families truly want a family vacation filled with opportunities to spend time together in life-enhancing activities, they could not go wrong with HAL. In fact, I hope to do just that in the next year or so with two pre-teen grandkids.

[hammybee]

Those gimmicks cost extra too.
(the Video Games, Rock Climbing Walls, Bungee Trampoline, Ice Skating, Roller Blading & Onboard Surfing are anything but Free...)

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.

[2boyzmom]

My husband and son were almost killed in a horrrific car crash 10/05. My 5 year old was not breathing at the scene. After recovering miraculously from multiple injuries, we beleive in living life for now! The boys, now 5 and 7 adore cruising and meeting new friends and learning about new cultures. Would I ever leave them home ? NEVER!!!! Would I cruise on a line for a stupid surfing set up? Never! We cruise for us and for our special quality time together as a family. We don't need waterslides and rock walls. That is set aside for Disney every year!

[nurseblissful]

good for you. i would never have thought of leaving our child at home for a vacation. though we did not cruise (no money), we did take a couple of vacations. does everyone have memories of riding in a large car with pillows and coloring books (are we there yet????). these are family vacations. the things that make good memories. even the little mishaps, (did sisters pillow just get hit by a 16 wheeler? did dad really put that monkey in the bathroom at disney world, where it pooped everywhere?) kids belong on vacations with there parents. have a great cruise. lauri:)

[nurseblissful]

did i say "there" parents? oops. their parents. hooked on phonix. i need it. lol. lauri

[TonitheTiger]

I have no problems with families vacationing together. When the parents are in control of the children. I hate to see parents screaming or hitting there kids.:mad: I lived and worked in Las Vegas for many years. I have seen parents bring the kids on vacation and then let someone else watch them. Even let the teens run around unsupervised.

Yes I do have children and no I did not hit them. I could take them on vacation with us and never have a promble.:)

[fatcat04]

I take my son because I love him and want him to experience everything!! To me it's not about the cruise line or the place, it's just being together.

Just wanted to add that I took my son on a 16 day transatlatic last year where he was one of 4 children on board. He had a great time and just yesterday was talking about places that we went and people that we met. To me that's priceless.....

There ya go... for us, that is what it is all about. Spending time together. Priceless memories for everyone, including the kid!!

Our child has driven across the desert southwest with us, visted the Grand Canyon twice, and gone to Mexico with us. He has driven the entire Blue Ridge Parkway with us and we have taken many other land trips. He is only 5 years old and a better traveller than most adults. And you better believe he remembers every trip we have taken. He talks about our travels all the time. Why not cruise with him too?

We love him, he loves us, we love spending time together. If there is a kid's club, great. He can have some time with other kids but if not, we will do just fine. He is a great kid.

And like someone else said.. it is between HAL and the person paying. If they offer "kid cruise free" and they have offered an awful lot of that lately, then THEY must not object to kids even though apparently some of their passengers do.

[fllady61]

Children deserve a vacation too. I could not leave mine at home. did that once, and worried about her the whole cruise. called from every port, and emailed daily. so she goes with us now.

[kryos]

Rita, this assumes 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.

In this way, they are a lot like adults.
No, they don't necessarily have to be entertained 24/7 and there are certainly some kids who don't need the "gimmicks" either. All I'm saying is that the choice of a cruise line or an itinerary should take into account at least to some extent what the kids like. For example, if the parents really want to sail HAL, then perhaps they should try for an itinerary that has mostly "fun" ports ... with things the kids can do in port. They should stay away from any sailing that involves more than a couple of days at sea. But to take a couple of active kids on a cruise where there are gonna be a bunch of sea days, with little to do on the ship ... well, at least to me, that's asking for trouble. If the kids are bored and underfoot whining all day, then mom and dad ain't gonna have a very good vacation either.

Just my opinion ...

Blue skies ...

--rita

[babyher]

No, they don't necessarily have to be entertained 24/7 and there are certainly some kids who don't need the "gimmicks" either. All I'm saying is that the choice of a cruise line or an itinerary should take into account at least to some extent what the kids like. For example, if the parents really want to sail HAL, then perhaps they should try for an itinerary that has mostly "fun" ports ... with things the kids can do in port. They should stay away from any sailing that involves more than a couple of days at sea. But to take a couple of active kids on a cruise where there are gonna be a bunch of sea days, with little to do on the ship ... well, at least to me, that's asking for trouble. If the kids are bored and underfoot whining all day, then mom and dad ain't gonna have a very good vacation either.

Just my opinion ...

Blue skies ...

--rita

Exactly Rita,

A family vacation should have something for every member of the family.

I can only speak for my three. 14, 15, and 18. Good kids , good students, well behaved . But they are kids.

They have yet to be on a cruise , but we are looking into one this year or early 2008 with them.

Give them 24 hour pizza, burgers and and hot dogs, a pool, a few kids their own age to hang with, plenty of beaches , a video arcade, an occasonal movie and you have three happy campers. I think their first time on a ship will be "cool" for them , just for the wow factor of being on a ship at sea.

They could care less about tramping through 14th century ruins, and palaces and cathedrals. They will be more happy hanging on a beach or at least something active, like snorkleing or jet skiing, swimming with sting rays.

Like I said they are good kids and especially in public ,wouldn't give another pax a second of trouble. They ar respectful and know when its fun time and when its be serious and behave time. Maybe with a small reminder, but they do pretty good.

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.

Again make a family vacation a good mix and you will all have a great time. Not the kids being forced to sit through boring adult stuff, or the adults having to sit through mindless kid stuff all vacation long.

People always try to "make memories " with their kids. Memories aren't made in my opinion , they just happen, something happens and if it was great enough and wonderful enough , you will remember it all your life.

You can take your son on an around the world cruise , show him the palaces of Europe, the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa , the Vatican etc etc etc. And the one thing he will remenber the most is the cute girl from Ohio in the red bathing suit that he shared pizza with and still e mails long after you come home.

[Scrumpy]

The BEST reason I've read for not taking very YOUNG children (infants and toddlers) on a cruise is the possibility of a health issue. While there are good health care facilities onboard, a baby can go downhill fast and you may find yourself in a situation where needed SERIOUS medical care is not available in a timely manner - and/or not up to US standards. I'd never considered that before I read it on another board. So sure, bring your children, but also think about any possible health concerns. Now that this has been brought to my attention, I'd think twice about bringing an extremely young child on board or bringing one with any potential health issues.

[jerseymax]

We prefer cruising on HAL with our young children as the guests tend to be more "refined". I really don't need my son observing the smoking, excessing drinking, puking, and jumping half-clothed into the pool that is more apt to happen on other cruiselines. (And I don't want to see it either.)

We keep our kids in control, so we don't want to be on the ships where there are hundreds of out of control kids. We like the service. We like the food. Heck, my son loves the escargot onboard. And, you can't beat the wonderful attention from the crew on HAL. They love kids since they don't see so many of them.

Just because we have kids, doesn't mean we don't have taste.

Could not have said it better! Just returned from Zuiderdam cruise with two children 14 and 10. We all had a good vacation. We always choose HAL when sailing with our children. We expect them to conduct themselves appropriately or they will not be afforded another opportunity to cruise with us - simple.

[fatcat04]

We are looking at HAL for a cruise next year. Thank goodness I read this post.

So those of us with well behaved children who thrive on educational experiences, those of us who crave a more refined atmosphere that will not only nuture our souls but those of our children as well... we are just out of luck. I will remember that.

[CruiseJude]

We are looking at HAL for a cruise next year. Thank goodness I read this post.

So those of us with well behaved children who thrive on educational experiences, those of us who crave a more refined atmosphere that will not only nuture our souls but those of our children as well... we are just out of luck. I will remember that.


FatKat:

By all means - go with HAL next year. Speaking from experience, you and your children will enjoy every bit of it and you will definitely not regret it! You and your children will have a wonderful cruise.

[fllady61]

but look at it this way. If you are going to be worrying about your child the whole time you are on vacation is that a vacation for you? I now it would not be for me. My daughter is 14. Well behaved, and went on her first cruise last fall. Loves it. We do not do excurshions because there is so much to do on board, and they are too expensive. Even the cheapest would cost a family of 3 who is on a limited budget nearly 100 or more. My daughter is content with playing in the arcade, or just watching people. She does not need rock walls, basket ball, to keep her occupied. Give her the pool/hot tub, Pizza, and the arcade, and she is set. Now that I have got her started working out, it will be off to the gym every morning. or stairs. Give her a good piano player, and she will listen to him/her all day.

As for the little one's they are susceptiable to germs and disease the same as they are on a ship in a daycare, or school. I am not saying if I had a 3 mo old baby I would take it on a cruise, but i would not restrict my 4 yr old from going. That is what the kids clubs are for. As for dressing up, my child loves to dress up. (NOT till last cruise) She loves making up to have her picture taken.

She eats normal food with us, as we as a family do not go for exotic foods. For child to eat exotic food, they have to be rich enough to afford that kind of food. If you live on a moderate income and can only afford one family vacation a year, are you going to leave your children at home and go on a cruise? i don't think so. If i had kids I did not want to get sick, i would forgo cruise till they got old enough to enjoy it, and do things.
Which is what we did. we did not cruise till she was old enough to know how to say no to a stranger. She knows what to do if someone is bothering her, and knows not to go to the cabin if she feels someone is following her unless she can loose them by zig zagging the floors and throwing them of guard.

[fllady61]

I will stick with carnival.

[nurseblissful]

kari, you and your kids will love hal. i am leaving in 2 days on a cruise with 391 kids on board. i admit, i am a little daunted. but, we have cruised before with kids on board and there was never a problem they were charming and polite. just a couple of bad apples make others make sweeping judgements. take a chance on hal. you will love it. lauri noordam, here we come in two more days:D

[kryos]

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.

You'd be surprised ... some kids take a liking to those things.

It's funny ... but when I look back from my youth ... I would have cringed at the thought of being on a HAL ship based on what I know today. I was very active, and liked wild things. My ideal vacation was the bungee tower on the Wildwood boardwalk ... the Skycoaster on Steel Pier in Atlantic City ... well, you get the idea.

Now, my nieces ... they are the opposite. When they would come with our family down the shore, I would try to get them on the amusement piers and they wanted no parts of them. Rather, they were very happy playing mineature golf with their dad, or playing some of the ring toss type games of chance. But they wanted no part of going on rides ... especially the kinds of rides their Aunt Rita would want to take them on. I can well imagine my nieces having loved a HAL cruise when they were young, whereas I would have hated it. The only ship for me would have been an RCI one ... complete with rock wall and all that other good stuff.

But that's what I mean ... the vacation has to be planned with the child at least partially in mind. If your kids go for the HAL-like environment, then you'll all probably have a great vacation on a HAL ship. But if they are very, very active ... and like the wild stuff ... they will probably be miserable and a parent has to be prepared for that.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Smartcookie]

. For example, if the parents really want to sail HAL, then perhaps they should try for an itinerary that has mostly "fun" ports ... with things the kids can do in port. They should stay away from any sailing that involves more than a couple of days at sea.
--rita

Believe it or not, my kids LOVE sea days. Much more than me, I like a port intensive cruise, but they just love sea days. I have to drag them off at ports, and most of the time they keep asking when they can go back!

[AlohaPride]

I've gone from being very active on this board, to lurking for the past few months, to finding myself very irritated with this entire thread. Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones, but I doubt it.

I say to each his or her own. The OP mentioned the fact of why take your young kid on a cruise when they will be too young to even remember it. I ask, why sacrifice the service we love so dearly on HAL to go on a ship with the rock wall and ice rinks when the kid wont remember THAT either.

Further, for those who suggested leaving the kids at home, a child that age (remember, OP mentioned specifically 3-5 year olds) will most definitely NOT understand that mommy and daddy are coming back. This can be psychologically damaging.

Honestly, I don't even get the point of this thread. Those who choose NOT to take their kids (and those who chose not to have kids) aren't spending THEIR money on kids cruising. It's the families who make these decisions. The whole tone of this thread is anti-kid anti-family.

Honestly, I guess I just don't get it. Keaka and I had 2 amazing kids at our table over Christmas. I believe that dinners would not have been NEARLY as fun without them.

[middle-aged mom]

Hi ALoha (Mary):

Thrilled to "see" you here!!! How are you and Keaka doing? How is your little future HAL cruiser doing in there?

So nice to hear from you,

Aloha nui loa,:)

Karin
middle-aged mom

[AlohaPride]

Hi ALoha (Mary):

Thrilled to "see" you here!!! How are you and Keaka doing? How is your little future HAL cruiser doing in there?

So nice to hear from you,

Aloha nui loa,:)

Karin
middle-aged mom

HI MAM (Karin)!!! I've actually been thinking about you and all the support you've given me over the past year. How are you doing??

Our little one is really growing. I can't seem to ever get full! :D The first trimester was really hard (thus the reason for the lack of posts). The second trimester is proving to be a challenge but not NEARLY as bad as the first. We will find out the gender or our little HAL cruiser next wednesday :D But I can tell you our little bean is a MAJOR mover!!

[middle-aged mom]

HI MAM (Karin)!!! I've actually been thinking about you and all the support you've given me over the past year. How are you doing??

Our little one is really growing. I can't seem to ever get full! :D The first trimester was really hard (thus the reason for the lack of posts). The second trimester is proving to be a challenge but not NEARLY as bad as the first. We will find out the gender or our little HAL cruiser next wednesday :D But I can tell you our little bean is a MAJOR mover!!

Wonderful to hear that you're feeling better, Mary; please keep us posted about the baby! I'm doing great; I'm actually going to take a 7-day cruise this summer to Alaska by myself, if you can believe that! MAM goes solo:eek: ! I am so looking forward to it!!! I feel so guilty because I'm so looking forward to it!! I haven't done anything alone for centuries, literally centuries:D ! I will take my husband and any kids who want to come along for the ride on the next cruise after that, promise! (Maybe).

Looking forward to seeing you, Keaka, and your own little cruiser on a HAL ship in the future......although I have this feeling you and Keaka are going to end up with a whole bunch of little HAL cruisers.....:)

Karin

[AlohaPride]

although I have this feeling you and Keaka are going to end up with a whole bunch of little HAL cruisers.....:)

Karin

LOL!! OMG! I can't imagine. I'm having enough trouble growing number 1 much less little ones to follow. Keaka and I were just recently talking about cruising again. It's going to be a long while before we can (so little one isn't quite so little anymore). But when we do, you can bet it will be on HAL!

Wow, Alaska alone...You'll have to let me know how it goes! I don't remember the last time I did anything alone :-)

[fllady61]

What is so fascinating about HAL? From what i saw on line, it looks too overcrowded, cramped in public areas. Too dark. The rooms look nice, but prices were way more than I pay. Plus, I would have to travel to south florida, and from what I have heard about MIAMI port, it is a mess, and my anxiety disorder would make me want to walk away. I have a hard enough time getting thru muster station drill on Glory. If you like rock climbing, golf, basketball, and some of those other things like that, then HAL is the right choice. But we don't do sports, so why waste our time on a ship that offers so much we don't do, when we get just as good of service on a ship that has what we do.

[nurseblissful]

did i spell that right? hal has alot of different things to offer. not just the sports stuff. cooking classes, bartending class (which is hilarious) there are art auctions (no, i cannot afford them, but they are fun to watch). the different dinners, the boat building contest. all kinds of things. but, if you want, there is plenty of fun to be found. sandwiches or ice cream in the afternoon with folks you meet. all kinds of things. you will enjoy. it is all in what you are looking for. again, fun, fun, fun. have a blast. lauri:)

[middle-aged mom]

What is so fascinating about HAL? From what i saw on line, it looks too overcrowded, cramped in public areas. Too dark. The rooms look nice, but prices were way more than I pay. Plus, I would have to travel to south florida, and from what I have heard about MIAMI port, it is a mess, and my anxiety disorder would make me want to walk away. I have a hard enough time getting thru muster station drill on Glory. If you like rock climbing, golf, basketball, and some of those other things like that, then HAL is the right choice. But we don't do sports, so why waste our time on a ship that offers so much we don't do, when we get just as good of service on a ship that has what we do.

1. HAL departs from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale.

2. HAL doesn't offer rock climbing or golf (A golf simulator is available only on the Prinsendam)

3. HAL offers wine tasting, art tours of the beautiful art collections on each ship, cooking classes, a great library with more than 2,000 books, guest speakers on topics such as history, science, wildlife, and culture, and an organized children's and teen program.

4.. Feel free to continue to enjoy cruising on the line of your choice, which is apparently Carnival. Bon Voyage! I just happen to prefer Holland America, which has always taken very good care of me and my family.:)

[jcrandle]

I wonder why a family would want to cruise on Holland America line with kids, young ones under 3-5 I can understand as they are to small to know or remember anything anyways. 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. Its no wonder kids are running wild on board Ive looked over the ships and to be honest if I was a kid I think I would be bored after the first day. A family vacation is just that a family, meaning everyone not just mom and dad, I have sailed with my two daughters and the cruise line we picked had more then enough activities to keep all of us busy with out being a problem to other passengers. I would love to hear from some familys as to their reason for sailing on HAL.
Cause when I tried to leave them at the Fire Station, they said, "Actually the safe haven law applys to infants." "You cant leave 16 and 18 year olds here!":D

[tweetyb]

THis is a topic on which I feel strongly about, and I feel sure that there are some here that are going to get hot under the collar on the reply, but here goes. Cruises not so long ago were known as vacations for "newlyweds and nearly deads". Interpretation: young adults,old adults,no children and there is a reason for that.

My husband and I along with millions of other 40ish 50ish 60ish age group have worked hard most of out life, raised out children, many out there have raised grandchildren, and damn it-now that we can afford a quiet vacation and enjoy our new found intimacy all over again, every where we turn there is a child running down the hallways, screaming, crying, knocking on doors, running aroung the pool decks and dining areas whilst the governing adults are sitting and chit chatting and not having a clue where their children are or what they are doing.

I think most people take their kiddos because THEY want the cruise and don't have a babysitter. And history and culture lessons? Shore excursions are nothing more than a "taste" of geography, and are too rushed for enjoyment. No place for kids. If you want them to learn about Rome, take them to Rome.

Ultimately, I think cruise lines will ditch the "family thing" as fast as they have initiated it just as Vegas did. In the meantime, please do all of us retirees seeking peace, and newlyweds seeking romance a favor and go with Disney cruise.

[fllady61]

1. HAL departs from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale.

2. HAL doesn't offer rock climbing or golf (A golf simulator is available only on the Prinsendam)

3. HAL offers wine tasting, art tours of the beautiful art collections on each ship, cooking classes, a great library with more than 2,000 books, guest speakers on topics such as history, science, wildlife, and culture, and an organized children's and teen program.

4.. Feel free to continue to enjoy cruising on the line of your choice, which is apparently Carnival. Bon Voyage! I just happen to prefer Holland America, which has always taken very good care of me and my family.:)


So not only am i spending nearly 2000 on the cruise, but i have to travel to ft lauderdale a mear 5 hours away spend the night get on the ship, come back spend the night and drive another 5 hours. I think not. Oh and by the way, HAL is owned by Carnival, so Carnival offers a lot also. NO cooking classes, but Carnival is more Family cruising. They also have kids clubs, teen clubs, karokee, watermelon eating contest, boat bulding, treasure hunts, bingo, game show shows ie... american idol type thing, who wants to be a millionaire, the newly wed game, tv trivia, there is so much that i can not even name it all.

As for disney cruising with kids, WHAT DO THE PARENTS DO? there is no casino, only one bar, no karokee, and all activities is baised on children. Plus i see disney daily, i don't want to see the mouse while i am on vacation. Plus the same day cruise on disney even with the discount for cast members is more than I would pay on Carnival.

[RuthC]

HAL is owned by Carnival,
To be accurate that's not quite it. HAL and Carnival Cruise Line---as well as several other lines---are owned by Carnival Corporation.

[SmokinActuary]

In the meantime, please do all of us retirees seeking peace, and newlyweds seeking romance a favor and go with Disney cruise.

I have a better idea - just post which cruises you will be going on and I will make sure my family is not on it.

[middle-aged mom]

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.

[fatcat04]

THis is a topic on which I feel strongly about, and I feel sure that there are some here that are going to get hot under the collar on the reply, but here goes. Cruises not so long ago were known as vacations for "newlyweds and nearly deads". Interpretation: young adults,old adults,no children and there is a reason for that.

My husband and I along with millions of other 40ish 50ish 60ish age group have worked hard most of out life, raised out children, many out there have raised grandchildren, and damn it-now that we can afford a quiet vacation and enjoy our new found intimacy all over again, every where we turn there is a child running down the hallways, screaming, crying, knocking on doors, running aroung the pool decks and dining areas whilst the governing adults are sitting and chit chatting and not having a clue where their children are or what they are doing.

I think most people take their kiddos because THEY want the cruise and don't have a babysitter. And history and culture lessons? Shore excursions are nothing more than a "taste" of geography, and are too rushed for enjoyment. No place for kids. If you want them to learn about Rome, take them to Rome.

Ultimately, I think cruise lines will ditch the "family thing" as fast as they have initiated it just as Vegas did. In the meantime, please do all of us retirees seeking peace, and newlyweds seeking romance a favor and go with Disney cruise.

Hey, you are brutally honest. I will be bruatlly honest too.

At least the kids have some excuse for acting up. They are little and immature. Most old folks just do it because the are nasty old penny pinching geezers.

I, for one, hate scowling old geezers who complain and whine constantly about kids or the amount of liquor in their drinks or the fact that the sun came up today. If a cruise line banned them, me and my kid would be the first to sign up for the next boat out!!

Us 70's, 80's, and 90's kid's actually enjoy spending time with our kids on vacations, multiple vacations every year too. Not just the occassional obligatory slog to Florida every 5 years. And our $$ is as green as yours and will be around longer too. I don't think the cruise industry wants to alienate a huge swath of it's customer base that will possibly be cruising for the next 40-50 years just to suit a few old fogies that have a couple decades left on their ticket. Not good business!!

And cruise ships ain't Vegas. Not by a long shot. I've done Vegas.. no place for a kid because all it is is nudie shows and casinos. No kid's clubs in Vegas.

[tweetyb]

As for disney cruising with kids, WHAT DO THE PARENTS DO? there is no casino, only one bar, no karokee, and all activities is baised on children. Plus i see disney daily, i don't want to see the mouse while i am on vacation. Plus the same day cruise on disney even with the discount for cast members is more than I would pay on Carnival.

I think you just made my point! In my time, parents didn't go to casinos and bars, parents raised their children. Also for those that think in a box, the Disney thing was meant merely as an example of a "family experience".
For aged-mom; you judge my past and future cruise and vacation experiences from a few posts on 1 message board on the internet?

[fatcat04]

As for disney cruising with kids, WHAT DO THE PARENTS DO? there is no casino, only one bar, no karokee, and all activities is baised on children. Plus i see disney daily, i don't want to see the mouse while i am on vacation. Plus the same day cruise on disney even with the discount for cast members is more than I would pay on Carnival.

Yeah, Disney is pretty pricey for what ya get in my book too and I am a confessed mouseaholic.. spent 32 days on property at WDW last year. Heck, you can stay at the CONT TOWER MK view and eat well every night and pay less than a cruise. Doesn't make much sense to me. But I will say they are supposed to have wonderful shows, superior food, and lots of activities parents can do WITH their kids. But I doubt we will do one since the value to $$ doesn't sem to be there. Heck, they go to Nassau and their private island, that's it!!

Personally, we spent most of our time on our first cruise as a family... not as individuals doing their own thing. Kiddo had some kid's club time, I had some spa time, hubbie had some casino time. Me and hubbie had a little couple time. But all in all, we were a family together as was intended by all... and yes, glory be and saints preserve us, me and hubbie managed tp parent the whole time. ;) Funny thing about that parenting stuff, doesn't end just because you have the gall to go on vacation, have a drink with an umbrella in it, throw a quarter in a slot machine, and enjoy yourself. Didn't when my parents managed to take us kids on yearly vacations all over the place.. still doesn't today. :D

[hammybee]

Cruises not so long ago were known as vacations for "newlyweds and nearly deads". Interpretation: young adults,old adults,no children and there is a reason for that.

Ultimately, I think cruise lines will ditch the "family thing" as fast as they have initiated it just as Vegas did. In the meantime, please do all of us retirees seeking peace, and newlyweds seeking romance a favor and go with Disney cruise.

I am not sure which planet you have been sailing on, but all the mass marketed cruise lines have been actively courting and obtaining family business for at least 25 years. Remember ole Kathy Lee what's her name on the fun ships, with her kids in the early 80's?

I think your prediction is wishful thinking. I am hard-pressed to think of a mass marketed cruise line that could survive without the highly lucrative family business, during school breaks.

[hammybee]

They should stay away from any sailing that involves more than a couple of days at sea. But to take a couple of active kids on a cruise where there are gonna be a bunch of sea days, with little to do on the ship ... well, at least to me, that's asking for trouble. If the kids are bored and underfoot whining all day, then mom and dad ain't gonna have a very good vacation either.

Just my opinion ...Blue skies ...--rita

The overwhelming majority of cruises with children are 7-10 day sails with limited sea days and lots of ports. I do not think the kind of cruise you most enjoy is at risk of being innundated with children.

[hammybee]

But that's what I mean ... the vacation has to be planned with the child at least partially in mind. If your kids go for the HAL-like environment, then you'll all probably have a great vacation on a HAL ship. But if they are very, very active ... and like the wild stuff ... they will probably be miserable and a parent has to be prepared for that.

Blue skies ...--rita

How long before a kid gets bored climbing a rock wall?

[hammybee]

I think you just made my point! In my time, parents didn't go to casinos and bars, parents raised their children. Also for those that think in a box, the Disney thing was meant merely as an example of a "family experience".
For aged-mom; you judge my past and future cruise and vacation experiences from a few posts on 1 message board on the internet?

How interesting. You and middle-aged mom are the same age, (if your profile is accurate) and both of you are younger than I am. I also noticed that your first cruise was just last year and the intinerary sounds wonderful. So I am going to conclude that it's your perception of cruising that this thread challenges, as opposed to the reality of the business.

If you prefer not to sail with children, stick to the longer intineraries and/or sail when school is in session. It really is this simple.

[kryos]

How long before a kid gets bored climbing a rock wall?
Depends on the kid.

Of course, I would imagine a family with active kids would want to sail on a line that had far more than just a rock wall going for it. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Ultimately, I think cruise lines will ditch the "family thing" as fast as they have initiated it just as Vegas did. In the meantime, please do all of us retirees seeking peace, and newlyweds seeking romance a favor and go with Disney cruise.
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.

Families are big business. A travel agent can book a block of staterooms for a family cruise ... HAL even offers special group ammenities for family bookings.

Remember, while HAL may be a more elegant line than most, they are a mass market line. As a mass market line, they need to attract the family market in order to keep their profits up. So ... if anything, I predict HAL will become even more "family friendly" in the coming years, adding more ammenties such as expanded kids' club hours, kids' only shore excursions, etc. ... anything to encourage families to get on the boat and bring their little ones.

So, we had best change our attitudes now ... because frankly, no one cares what we think. If HAL can get the little ones on the ship, they will make sure the ship is a fun and happy place for them, and if the rest of us don't like kids running all over, well ... that's just too bad.

Like I said before ... just follow my strategy. Stay away from seven to ten-day cruises during school vacation periods. You'll generally have far fewer children onboard if you do.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[fllady61]

How do you figure that Disney is cheaper than a cruise? You have to take into account air flight, rental car, hotel, park admission, and food for the week. Trust me, it is cheaper to cruise. Especially if you want to spend your time on Disney property.

For Mouse Addicts, it is ok to go on a Mouse related cruise. But I am not a mouse addict.

In case you have not noticed the disney commercials, a family of 4 for 1600$ That does not include their food, or travel expense.. It mearly includes Hotel and Park Admission. Just to get a 7 day ticket for 4 people is nearly 800$. So don't try to tell me that staying with the mouse is cheaper than a cruise. I tried to figure it out because i play around on the web alot. My calculations came to about 2500 just for the hotel, tickets, and food. Since I do not need transportation to get there. With transportation, add about another 2000$ to that. If you are paying more that 4500$ for a cruise, More power to you.

I go for value, quality, and what my family likes.

[gizmo]

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.

Families are big business. A travel agent can book a block of staterooms for a family cruise ... HAL even offers special group ammenities for family bookings.

Remember, while HAL may be a more elegant line than most, they are a mass market line. As a mass market line, they need to attract the family market in order to keep their profits up. So ... if anything, I predict HAL will become even more "family friendly" in the coming years, adding more ammenties such as expanded kids' club hours, kids' only shore excursions, etc. ... anything to encourage families to get on the boat and bring their little ones.

So, we had best change our attitudes now ... because frankly, no one cares what we think. If HAL can get the little ones on the ship, they will make sure the ship is a fun and happy place for them, and if the rest of us don't like kids running all over, well ... that's just too bad.

Like I said before ... just follow my strategy. Stay away from seven to ten-day cruises during school vacation periods. You'll generally have far fewer children onboard if you do.

Blue skies ...

--rita
I can't agree. Vegas went wacko with the family thing, then found it was a big mistake. They are still trying to get rid of the kids. :rolleyes:

Carnival's latest "Adult only deck" tells me the cruise lines are listening.

"Family Bookings" does not always mean kids.

[babyher]

How do you figure that Disney is cheaper than a cruise? You have to take into account air flight, rental car, hotel, park admission, and food for the week. Trust me, it is cheaper to cruise. Especially if you want to spend your time on Disney property.

For Mouse Addicts, it is ok to go on a Mouse related cruise. But I am not a mouse addict.

In case you have not noticed the disney commercials, a family of 4 for 1600$ That does not include their food, or travel expense.. It mearly includes Hotel and Park Admission. Just to get a 7 day ticket for 4 people is nearly 800$. So don't try to tell me that staying with the mouse is cheaper than a cruise. I tried to figure it out because i play around on the web alot. My calculations came to about 2500 just for the hotel, tickets, and food. Since I do not need transportation to get there. With transportation, add about another 2000$ to that. If you are paying more that 4500$ for a cruise, More power to you.

I go for value, quality, and what my family likes.


Glad you pointed that out, we saw the exact same thing.

Our cruise gang got together to plan our upcoming Oct. cruise. We were batting around a few different ones and one of them left out of Orlando. We always arrive a few days pre cruise, so my wifes GF (A BIG DISNEY ADDICT) thought that would be great because we could spend a few days at Disney before we sail.

Long story short those three days in Disney would have been just as much if not more than the whole 7 day cruise.

Plus the fact that all of us in the group are couples sailing without our kids so no one feels like spending vacation with a million kids in Disney, plus we have all been there too many times to count.

[Smartcookie]

Ultimately, I think cruise lines will ditch the "family thing" as fast as they have initiated it just as Vegas did. In the meantime, please do all of us retirees seeking peace, and newlyweds seeking romance a favor and go with Disney cruise.

BTDT, and while the Disney cruise was great, will you be chipping in the extra $3,000 it will cost to cruise them vs. HAL? Seriously, families on cruises is a huge and growing market, if you don't believe me, ask the cruiselines. If they want to stay competitive they have to cater to kids, that's the trend.

The kids aren't going anywhere with regards to cruises, in fact, more and more families are seeing that cruising is the perfect family vacation, so may I very respectfully suggest that retirees seeking peace and honeymooners seeking romance either A) Cruise while school is in session (it's cheaper too!), B)cruise on the upscale lines that don't cater to kids, or C) Vacation at an adults only venue.

Remember, cruises are GREAT family vacations, and the cruiselines know who their revenue is coming from......the families! :D

[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 :)

[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.

[hammybee]

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.

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.



It was I , not Kyros, who made reference that "kids do not need to be entertained by gimicks"....... but Kyros is coming around on this topic.

Despite what my profile says, I too live now in the greater Chicago area. I have not however, seen the ocean off Indiana:)

And if I had to guess, you are on the North Shore.

[fatcat04]

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.



Well good for you!! A "stay at home" dad, a father who cares about his kids and loves to travel with them. You are giving your kids experiences that will benefit and bless them their whole lives. I personally think that is admirable.

Happy travels!! :)

[fllady61]

Well good for you!! A "stay at home" dad, a father who cares about his kids and loves to travel with them. You are giving your kids experiences that will benefit and bless them their whole lives. I personally think that is admirable.


Kari, I admire the fact that the children are learning new experiences and seeing countries also, but a STAY AT HOME DAD that hs NO income can not afford these things. That is my point. We went 2 almost 3 years without a vacation because I became injured and could not work. Then there were expenses. My Husbands check did not even begin to pay the bills. so unless you make 30 dollars an hour, and have 2 incomes, you can not in any shape or form afford cruises and traveling that often, nor fancy country clubs, and Nannys unless a silver spoon was in your mouth when you were born.

I know for a fact it is not easy raising children alone. Or on a small income. So there has to be MAJOR funds coming in to fund these trips and especially to fund a NANNY and a country club. So pass some of that silver spoon my way.

I personally think Children should go on cruises. they deserve a chance to get away too. If people don't want to be around kids on a cruise, stay in the bars or the casino where there are no kids allowed. If kids are being troublesome, point it out to a crew member. They will find who they belong to and report to the parent.

I get aggervated with people who write on reviews how mean the kids were, or how a crew member did this or did that, or something else, then wait till they get home to say something about it. Things need to be reported right away. If kids are acting out in the pool, then a crew member needs to know act on it.

It is like the lady that did not report the Military School kids till after they returned to port. Why did she not say something about it while on board. AFTER THE FACT DOES NOT DO ANY GOOD. IT MUST BE REPORTED AT THAT TIME. That is unless you are enjoying what is going on then end up hurt on day 7 and find it repulsive then decide to report it.

So in response to Kids acting out, ADULTS DO IT TOO. Otherwise, they would not jump off of the balconies. If you can't control your liquor, then get an interior room where you don't have the opportunity to jump the railing. Adults who get drunk are 10 times worse than the child who had too much sugar and caffeine and is running around being what some call mean, but others call being a child.

[fatcat04]

Kari, I admire the fact that the children are learning new experiences and seeing countries also, but a STAY AT HOME DAD that hs NO income can not afford these things. That is my point.

Number 1, I was not addressing you but I have to say your obsession over this guys income is strange. It is NONE of your business how much $$ he has or how many vacations he takes. It is especially none of your business how he got his $$ or what his wife (for the love of Mergatroid) does for a living. I am sorry if it offends you but I find you questions and comments to this gentleman intrusive and rude.

[fllady61]

I am sorry. I did not mean to offend anyone.

I understand that most of the people on this post would prefer for the cruise lines to go back to the way they were in acient days when kids were not allowed.

The reason we chose CCl is because it is family friendly. And we enjoy meeting new people. Plus it gives the kids a chance to meet new people from different areas of the country and world.

So as for me, this is my last post. since I seem to be a different class of people than all of you.