NCL now charging for infants

[halos]

You are so correct....it isn't the children it is the parents. And it is so funny that everyone says their children are well behaved; they sits quietly in the theatre and dinning room, never disrupts anything and would never do anything wrong, so were do all of the rowdy children come from. I think the problem is that the parents don't pay attention to their children, thus they yell, run around, throw food, etc., and that is why everyone thinks their children are well behaved, because they don't notice what they are doing. Maybe if the parents were more attentive to the children, it would make everyone's vacation (including the children who just want attention) better.

 

I have yet to sail on a ship where the majority of kids were rowdy. The vast majority of kids are very good because they have parents who take their job seriously.

Yeah, thee are a few doozies out there (parents I mean) but seriously, has anyone here truly sailed on a ship full of the 'Children of The Corn'???

:confused:

 

Maybe I'm just lucky. And if any of you out there have lots of experience sailing ships full of little monsters, please make your cruise calendars visible, because obviously you must be very UNlucky and I'd rather not be on the same ship as you with that track record ;)

[phantomII]

In what universe is a cruise - a relatively inexpensive form of vacation with a wide variety of activities geared to children of all ages - NOT a family venue? I'm sorry if you don't like children' date=' that it your problem. And yes, the majority of the time when kids are acting badly it is the parents fault, but sometimes even the most well-behaved children will have bad moments. Good parents do their best to deal with those moments, but sometimes there is nothing you can do to quiet an upset child, they are not always rational beings. I think most parents do their best, and a few bad ones ruin our reputation with curmudgeons who take issue with all children before giving the kids a chance to prove them wrong.[/quote']

 

Curmudgeon? Wow!

[NLH Arizona]

I have yet to sail on a ship where the majority of kids were rowdy. The vast majority of kids are very good because they have parents who take their job seriously.

Yeah, thee are a few doozies out there (parents I mean) but seriously, has anyone here truly sailed on a ship full of the 'Children of The Corn'???

:confused:

 

Maybe I'm just lucky. And if any of you out there have lots of experience sailing ships full of little monsters, please make your cruise calendars visible, because obviously you must be very UNlucky and I'd rather not be on the same ship as you with that track record ;)

Never said that the majority of kids were rowdy. I said that parents all say there children are well behaved and asked where do all the rowdy kids come from, if everyone has a well behaved child.

[NLH Arizona]

In what universe is a cruise - a relatively inexpensive form of vacation with a wide variety of activities geared to children of all ages - NOT a family venue? I'm sorry if you don't like children' date=' that it your problem. And yes, the majority of the time when kids are acting badly it is the parents fault, but sometimes even the most well-behaved children will have bad moments. Good parents do their best to deal with those moments, but sometimes there is nothing you can do to quiet an upset child, they are not always rational beings. I think most parents do their best, and a few bad ones ruin our reputation with curmudgeons who take issue with all children before giving the kids a chance to prove them wrong.

 

I think very few on here are saying they don't want children on the cruises or are curmudgeons, they are just saying that they want to be able to enjoy their vacation as well, without having to deal with children that have no supervision and are allowed to scream at the top of their lungs, run around, etc. during dinner, shows, etc.

 

There is something every parent can do and that is to remove the child from the situation. Think about it, you are at dinner and no one is paying attention to you (they are all talking to each other, you try to get attention by saying over and over mommy, mommy, mommy, but no one is listening to you...you try throwing food and nothing, you try banging your spoon and still no one will pay attention to you), what would you do to get attention - scream, yell, act up, yes probably. So if you take the child out of the situation and give them some one on one attention, it usually solves the problem unless the child is overly tired. If it is the case that they are overly tired, then it is the parent's responsibility to put the child down for their nap or bedtime.

[halos]

Never said that the majority of kids were rowdy. I said that parents all say there children are well behaved and asked where do all the rowdy kids come from, if everyone has a well behaved child.

 

Sorry I misunderstood :):o

[LadyShiva]

Never said that the majority of kids were rowdy. I said that parents all say their children are well behaved and asked where do all the rowdy kids come from, if everyone has a well behaved child.

 

Yeah, you don't get that response from me. I don't even believe you got that response from me on this thread! *laughing* DD knows there's consequences for her for misbehaving!

 

And that's just me talking about MY kid. I'm not even ratting out all the kids (and parents) I'm not cruising with!

[Need-a-vacation]

I think very few on here are saying they don't want children on the cruises or are curmudgeons, they are just saying that they want to be able to enjoy their vacation as well, without having to deal with children that have no supervision and are allowed to scream at the top of their lungs, run around, etc. during dinner, shows, etc.

 

There is something every parent can do and that is to remove the child from the situation. Think about it, you are at dinner and no one is paying attention to you (they are all talking to each other, you try to get attention by saying over and over mommy, mommy, mommy, but no one is listening to you...you try throwing food and nothing, you try banging your spoon and still no one will pay attention to you), what would you do to get attention - scream, yell, act up, yes probably. So if you take the child out of the situation and give them some one on one attention, it usually solves the problem unless the child is overly tired. If it is the case that they are overly tired, then it is the parent's responsibility to put the child down for their nap or bedtime.

 

THIS!!! The very nature of many activities on a cruise can be difficult for even the best-behaved child and the key is parents being aware of their child's needs and limits and honoring those needs and limits and having a plan to address it when things go wrong. Too many kids on vacation (cruise or anywhere) are off their normal routine and schedule, missing naps, eating irregularly, being overstimulated. The vast majority of toddlers have no business at the late dinner seating or late entertainment show. Some may be okay or their nap schedule can be adapted to make it work, but most are just going to be DONE by then. A 3-year-old that has been going full blast since 8am is high risk to be seriously obnoxious at a 9pm sit-down dinner. Good parents recognize that and maybe choose the buffet or room service or another alternative to the MDR, or at least have an escape planned if needed. Considerate parents will make sure they sit somewhere in the entertainment venue where they can make an easy exit with minimal disturbance to other guests, not in the middle of a 30-seat row. But there are plenty of parents that are just dragging their kid around on the grown-up agenda and have no intention of altering their agenda simply because the kid can't handle it. They wouldn't consider choosing less-desirable seating just because they might need to take their kid out during the show. Some just seem oblivious to the possibility that their child might need to leave an activity and don't plan for it.

 

Also, as a parent, we have to be aware that we have learned to tune out some stuff that would be really distracting to others. Even if they're not fussing or being bad, other people may not appreciate the 9-month-old that's chanting "ba ba ba ba ba ba" in a loud voice for 5 minutes, even though it might just be normal background noise to you. I really don't enjoy having someone else's toddler standing in the booth behind me trying to take my barrette or hair clip because it's "BOO BOO BOO". That is a kid doing something totally reasonable for a kid their age, but it's not acceptable and the parents shouldn't allow it.

 

The bottom line is cruising is a close quarters vacation and everyone needs to be considerate and have a bit of patience.

[bplazo]

with all due respect, there are a lot of things about that generation that are well forgotten... babies are part of our society and the mentality that kids should be seen and not heard is well put behind us. I understand there is a limit to how much a child could be allowed to act up before removing him/her from a public venue, however I also think that some people's tolerance levels are at zero which is ridiculously inconsiderate.

 

Babies and kids are part of our society - even if you don't have kids or plan them in the future, you yourself were once a child and ALL parents have gone through this. If anything, I think parents should be given extra consideration for the very difficult job they have of raising our future generation and leaving kids at home with a sitter is awful in my opinion - parents and babies/kids have the right to enjoy a family vacation without being looked at cross eyed all the time.

 

Just like we give consideration to older folks we get stuck behind because their pace is too slow etc - we don't tell senior citizens to stay home because it's a pain getting stuck behind them. this age group should be given consideration as well.

 

Let me edit by saying that on all my cruises, I really have not seen any misbehaving children or adults.

 

 

 

well I'm finished with my rant - it is directed to all the posters in this thread btw... happy vacations to all!

 

Sorry, but I like the adage "seen but not heard" and I do not care about the difficulty of raising children. I do not want to hear children yelling, throwing tantrums or whatever they do. If they cannot behave then they need to stay home until they are old enough to control themselves Done with my rant. :).

[seasidemama]

As someone whose tolerance level for kids acting up is zero (depending on the time and place), .... There's no reason to take an unruly child to a nice restaurant, on a cruise, or any other non-family venue except for selfishness and the attitude that the world owes you special consideration because you chose to have children.

 

 

You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! that's why I keep my child at home when I visit the opera or ballet. A cruise ship however or any other venue that hosts a children's pool, children's club, children's menu & nickelodeon characters is not a place for SELFISH PEOPLE LIKE YOU who have zero tolerance for kids to vacation!

 

I suggest you try an adult only venue - there are plenty of resorts available.

 

 

You are an incredibly selfish person and your unruly children will probably be the same.

 

 

Thanks for that - I will not comment as I already get what KIND of person you are..

[seasidemama]

I have traveled the world in my 30+ years Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Middle East - and this year is the first for me with baby. I never had any problem or annoyance with babies/kids on vacation before I had my DS- on the contrary, IMHO they add fun and life and smiles and YES I always gave them special consideration even when they were cranky- but that just shows the kind of person I am.

 

MY DS has been with us on a Transatlantic flight in business class no less & I got compliments from passengers on how well behaved he was. He has also been with us to four different 5 star resorts on long weekend trips - we had great time - his fun and smiles were priceless to us.

 

We also visit restaurants with him on a weekly basis - mind you not white glove service but not mcdonalds either and again because all this is not new to him he is usually very well behaved and has a great time.

 

I say usually because babies can turn in a second for whatever reason no matter how good of a parent you are or how sweet of a child. At that point if DS can't be appeased in a couple of minutes, it's "check please" time for us.

 

Anyone having a problem with the potential disturbance - it's their own - not mine

 

- maybe they should stay home in their quiet disturbance free bubble instead of venturing out into scary human society where they have to deal with other people of ALL age groups.

[Babygirl08]

A moment of inspiration has occurred as I was reflecting on the blue dot.

 

Let's put a dot-sticker on people who don't like children and think they don't have a place on cruises. That way, everyone will know who they are and parents can keep their kids away from them so we don't ruin their vacations.

 

Hold the applause. I've always been a problem solver.

[NLH Arizona]

A moment of inspiration has occurred as I was reflecting on the blue dot.

 

Let's put a dot-sticker on people who don't like children and think they don't have a place on cruises. That way, everyone will know who they are and parents can keep their kids away from them so we don't ruin their vacations.

 

Hold the applause. I've always been a problem solver.

I think we have to take this one step further. Let's put dot-stickers on those that don't like seniors, scooter drivers, walker users, those that use the stairs for 1 floor, those from other countries, drunks, smelly guests, smokers, loud guests, swearing guests, etc. so they will keep away from them so they don't ruin their vacations.....I'd bet you would see more of these dot-stickers than you would those that don't like children.

[Babygirl08]

I think we have to take this one step further. Let's put dot-stickers on those that don't like seniors, scooter drivers, walker users, those that use the stairs for 1 floor, those from other countries, drunks, smelly guests, smokers, loud guests, swearing guests, etc. so they will keep away from them so they don't ruin their vacations.....I'd bet you would see more of these dot-stickers than you would those that don't like children.

 

Cool. I have no trouble with that. I'll proudly wear one for smokers, loud guests, and swearing guests.

[tonyrocks922]

I have traveled the world in my 30+ years Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Middle East - and this year is the first for me with baby. I never had any problem or annoyance with babies/kids on vacation before I had my DS- on the contrary, IMHO they add fun and life and smiles and YES I always gave them special consideration even when they were cranky- but that just shows the kind of person I am.

 

It shows you think everyone should feel the same way you do about kids. Your extreme selfishness is evident in your lack of comprehension that people might not agree with you that kids "add fun and life and smiles" to things.

[rvsullivan]

I think it is safe to say that a significant number of us have kids either with us now or grown and gone. With that said, I don't think it makes anyone a child hater that does not think the theater, specialty dining venue or casino is the proper place for a noisy, upset or unruly child. The buffet, main dining room and children's area is surely an appropriate place. I think a well behaved child can go anywhere his/her parents want. Just like most things in life however, your child's "rights" end when they begin to impinge on mine. The two or three minutes it takes to get your child out of the facility after they start acting up is fine with most, I think. But waiting it out, hoping it will get better, while you enjoy your meal or show, is not fair to anyone. Most of us posting what are perceived to be negative or attacks have been on the receiving end of out of control kids while out. I posted a couple of years back about a family being asked to leave Cagney's because of unruly kids. They were indignant that there little "precious" wasn't welcome. The maitre d' got a round of applause after. I think it is a mutual respect thing.

[DMH15]

I think it is safe to say that a significant number of us have kids either with us now or grown and gone. With that said, I don't think it makes anyone a child hater that does not think the theater, specialty dining venue or casino is the proper place for a noisy, upset or unruly child. The buffet, main dining room and children's area is surely an appropriate place. I think a well behaved child can go anywhere his/her parents want. Just like most things in life however, your child's "rights" end when they begin to impinge on mine. The two or three minutes it takes to get your child out of the facility after they start acting up is fine with most, I think. But waiting it out, hoping it will get better, while you enjoy your meal or show, is not fair to anyone. Most of us posting what are perceived to be negative or attacks have been on the receiving end of out of control kids while out. I posted a couple of years back about a family being asked to leave Cagney's because of unruly kids. They were indignant that there little "precious" wasn't welcome. The maitre d' got a round of applause after. I think it is a mutual respect thing.

 

Perfect! You nailed it.

[xcolie616]

I believe this post has gotten way off topic. Its about charging for kids under two. Not about rowdy 3 and 4 year olds or if kids should be on cruises. I know that with the price change I most likely will not be going on another cruise this year. And definately would not have booked the two cruises that I am going on. I agree you should remove your child if they are being inconsiderate, but normal babbling is just the same as an adult talking.

[Arzeena]

you are absolutely right! That's why i keep my child at home when i visit the opera or ballet. A cruise ship however or any other venue that hosts a children's pool, children's club, children's menu & nickelodeon characters is not a place for selfish people like you who have zero tolerance for kids to vacation!

 

I suggest you try an adult only venue - there are plenty of resorts available.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for that - i will not comment as i already get what kind of person you are..

 

like!:d

[Arzeena]

A moment of inspiration has occurred as I was reflecting on the blue dot.

 

Let's put a dot-sticker on people who don't like children and think they don't have a place on cruises. That way, everyone will know who they are and parents can keep their kids away from them so we don't ruin their vacations.

 

Hold the applause. I've always been a problem solver.

 

Clap clap! Too good to hold the applause! :D

[keystoneboarder]

All of you people posting nasty little comments about kids were children once, too. You misbehaved, or cried when you needed something and didn't get your way.

 

You had your turn, now it's their turn.

 

What bothers me more than a child crying or misbehaving (because they don't know any better) are the adults who whine and cry when they SHOULD know better.

 

Grow up, people! End this tread!:mad:

[CPT Trips]

Never said that the majority of kids were rowdy. I said that parents all say there children are well behaved and asked where do all the rowdy kids come from, if everyone has a well behaved child.

 

It's the majority of the people who cruise with kids, those that don't visit this board that raise those rowdy little rascals.

[sdmike]

It's the nature of the beast, folks. Any time you have 2500 people on a ship there are bound to be inconsiderate parents that don't monitor their teens, keep their crying youngsters from bothering people in Cagneys, etc. While the vast majority (I have no idea of the breakdown) may be wonderful, considerate parents and kids, all it takes is a couple to really mess up a good time and poison the reputation for all. That's just how it is.

 

You're not going to avoid them unless you find a ship or place on the ship where they can't get. Same applies to ever other thing that bothers you, whether it be loud talkers, smokers, old guys named Mike...whatever :)

[NLH Arizona]

It's the majority of the people who cruise with kids, those that don't visit this board that raise those rowdy little rascals.

If anyone believe this, I've got some ocean front property right here in Arizona that I'll sell cheap.

[DMH15]

It's the nature of the beast, folks. Any time you have 2500 people on a ship there are bound to be inconsiderate parents that don't monitor their teens, keep their crying youngsters from bothering people in Cagneys, etc. While the vast majority (I have no idea of the breakdown) may be wonderful, considerate parents and kids, all it takes is a couple to really mess up a good time and poison the reputation for all. That's just how it is.

 

You're not going to avoid them unless you find a ship or place on the ship where they can't get. Same applies to ever other thing that bothers you, whether it be loud talkers, smokers, old guys named Mike...whatever :)

 

Too funny!

[tc2903]

every cruise lines have been charging 2 and under. So it has been generous of NCL to offer free to those infants. We've already booked a 10 days NCL cruise, and we saved $300 before the latest change. It's a shame though NCL won't be our preferred cruise line anymore :(