Parents please follow the guidelines!!!

[Cruisin' Chick]

"This truly is not a major life-changing injustice, but IMHO, children need to learn that unfairness can be changed if done so in a respectful, fair way. And they need to learn this from their parents. "

I agree with cruisefairy. She's not advocating having the kids storm the pool when it's marked "adults only." In this case, when weather prevents utilizing the outdoor pools in comfort and the one indoor pool is restricted to one segment of the passengers, it would seem Princess would allow for exceptions -- based maybe on hours of use and have a minimum age (say five and above). Also parents of minors would be required to be on hand and be required to remove any kids splashing, cannonballing, etc. But any one (which means adults too) who are causing problems would be required to leave the area.

If you're about to cruise with your kids, it may be a good idea to look into the pool situation on board and see ahead of time if there's some possible problems. Call Princess or your TA with questions or ask here. If there's just one indoor pool and it's adult only and if there's questionable weather, write to Princess and request they consider contigencies. This is what I plan to do for my next cruise.

[Smiles3usa]

Cruisin Chick, I so agree with you....swimming is NOT a major life-changing injustice. I didn't appreciate it in the early 60's when my dad got fired from his job for fighting for me to go to a "good" school. In hindsight, I might not have thought it was a major life-changing injustice then either; but then again, I might not be a lawyer today. Parents, I think, are in the best position to decide what is a worthy fight, and that which is not. It is fool-hardy I think, nevertheless, to fight for something one is not willing to pay the consequences for. Too many today are willing to put up a stink without thinking of the consequences. Fair is all that matters. I wish I could have grown up with that message. Too bad, some of us learned early on, that life wasn't fair. Things could be changed; but not without some sacrifice.

 

It does upset me, a bit, that some today think that "fair" is all that matters. Yea, change the rules--sometimes they NEED to be changed. But work within the rules, unless you are willing to pay the consequences.

[spongerob]

So Spongerob, you don't seem to get my point. ;)

 

Yes, I get your point. Adult-only areas are for adults only, unless someone decides otherwise out of some convoluted definition of "fairness". Get this - some people cruise to get an adult vacation. We share plenty of areas with families, happily and amicably. Conflict only erupts when someone decides that an adult area should become a family area. All I'm asking is for some consideration for those of us who do not travel with children - as we show consideration for those who do.

[margeg]

I am a parent and I love my son and I want him to have a great time when he goes on vacation with us. But I understand that rules are rules and will always comply with whatever the cruiseline asks of us.

 

On our recent 2 night cruise on the Coral it was pretty chilly outside. Chilly enough that we told our five year old the pools were too cold to swim in. There was an interior pool that was very warm and lovely but there were signs all around it stating adults only. We understand and we just figure there will be no swimming for Timmy on this trip.

 

HOWEVER we seem to be the only parents that did understand. Every time we passed the indoor pool there were little ones in the pool with their parents. Then Timmy would say "Now can I go swimming?" and we would have to tell him no. He would ask why the other kids got to and not him and we told him the other kids parents were breaking the rules and we just couldn't break them. That it was wrong.

 

My point is, it would have been much easier for us if other parents followed the rules too. It is very difficult to get a five year old to understand that something is wrong when he sees both adults and his peers participating in the wrong behavior. I would like to think that my son will grow up to admire the fact that his dad and I are responsible and rule abiding, but for the present I think my boy somehow thinks we gypped him. After all, "All the other kids and their folks were in the pool mom."

 

Boy do I every agree. Why doesn't Princesss enforce their own rules. They are so afraid to get anyone angry. There were kids in the adult pools and also in the casino. They were also in late night shows that were supposed to be for adults.

 

Also if you can believe it, teenagers actually SMOKING in the hot tubs.

[Catnip]

I think the OP is to be commended for obeying the rules and teaching her child that rules are rules and should be obeyed. Some parents feel that rules should be bent or broken, so their children won't be disappointed, or (heaven forbid) not be able to join in all activities. Well, welcome to the real world!!!!!!!!! Not all things are available to all people. Sometimes people will be disappointed, but they'll live!

And, to make a point......what if a couple dozen adults invaded the "childrens" pool, and were telling adult jokes and drinking adult beverages? I can hear the screams now from indignant parents! :rolleyes:

 

Happy sailing!!!!!!!!!! :)

[MaryPoppinz]

There is, however, a big difference between advocacy and damning the rules.

 

You're right. And, here's the difference:

 

Mom: Can he swim now?

Deck Crew: No. It's adults only.

 

Mom - Advocating: No problem. When will time be made available for the children to swim safely indoors?

vs.

Mom - Damning the Rules: The man said no, but go ahead and get in the pool, son.

[MaryPoppinz]

Adult-only areas are for adults only, unless someone decides otherwise out of some convoluted definition of "fairness".

 

I'm guessing that defintion of "fairness" will get MIGHTY convoluted on the day when the only covered pool in Alaska is in the children's area. :)

[dosi]

You're right. And, here's the difference:

 

Mom: Can he swim now?

Deck Crew: No. It's adults only.

 

Mom - Advocating: No problem. When will time be made available for the children to swim safely indoors?

vs.

Mom - Damning the Rules: The man said no, but go ahead and get in the pool, son.

 

 

See here is where you and I differ and that is okay. When I see a "No Parking" sign I do not go to the nearest cop and ask "Can I park here?". To me it seems to be an exercise in futility. If it says No Parking I assume, rightly or wrongly it means No Parking. So when I see a sign that says "Adults Only" I assume that is what is meant. The no parking sign may not be fair to me, as I only want to run into the store for a minute and it is the closest spot, but the sign is there and I comply. Same thing with the "Adults Only" sign.

 

In your advocating scenario if the answer was "never" do you then walk away or continue to advocate?

[MaryPoppinz]

Oh, no question, *I* would run, do not walk, to find a cruiseline that met my family's needs. I'm not interested in any kind of confrontation on a vacation, so I wouldn't let my child swim, and I wouldn't book another cruise with Princess. (This is hypothetical since I don't cruise with children.)

 

But, from the opposite perspective as a business person, I pay people to tell me what I can do to keep their business. So, from that perspective, I *really* appreciate the people who "continue to advocate" by bringing their needs to my attention. I think this one *needs* to have Princess' attention, and if I'm in any position at Princess to fix this, I would be doing it. There just should not be a situation in which all the children on a ship cannot swim safely while the adults are enjoying the pool. So, although, *I* don't care to escalate this complaint, I have no problem with anyone who does.

[cruise fairy]

I'm guessing that defintion of "fairness" will get MIGHTY convoluted on the day when the only covered pool in Alaska is in the children's area. :)

 

 

LOL:D Oh you are soooo right! I like the way you think.

[kryos]

See here is where you and I differ and that is okay. When I see a "No Parking" sign I do not go to the nearest cop and ask "Can I park here?". To me it seems to be an exercise in futility. If it says No Parking I assume, rightly or wrongly it means No Parking. So when I see a sign that says "Adults Only" I assume that is what is meant. The no parking sign may not be fair to me, as I only want to run into the store for a minute and it is the closest spot, but the sign is there and I comply. Same thing with the "Adults Only" sign.

Yes, but the difference here as that you are paying good money for a cruise. Therefore, if a rule is unfair as you perceive it, you certainly do have the right to advocate for its change. With the parking scenario, it's a bit different. You didn't pay money to go somewhere that you would need to park your car and are now being told ... via a sign ... that there is nowhere for you to park.

 

I guess it all depends on how important the rule is to you ... or to your child. If the child didn't really care one way or the other whether he got to swim, then yes, I would probably prefer not to have to become confrontational while I was on a cruise, and would more than likely just let the matter drop. But, if my child really wanted to swim and broke into tears when told that he/she could not, despite the fact that other children were in the pool breaking the posted rules ... then I most definitely would advocate on the child's behalf to whoever was in authority at Princess to change those rules ... especially if it seemed to me that the rule was unfair to begin with. There is a lesson to be learned here by the child ... that rules are not chiseled in stone ... if a rule is stupid or unfair, you don't just break it, but rather you seek to get it changed by going through the appropriate channels and talking with the right people ... people in a position to make the necessary changes.

 

The main difference I see between this and your parking space example is that Princess specifically goes after the family vacation dollar in their marketing ... touting what a family-friendly line they are. Well, a family-friendly line doesn't ban children from the only covered pool when they are sailing an itinerary where weather could be a factor rendering the other pools unusable.

 

In my humble opinion ... we're talking apples and oranges here.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[cruise fairy]

I think the OP is to be commended for obeying the rules and teaching her child that rules are rules and should be obeyed. Some parents feel that rules should be bent or broken, so their children won't be disappointed, or (heaven forbid) not be able to join in all activities. Well, welcome to the real world!!!!!!!!! Not all things are available to all people. Sometimes people will be disappointed, but they'll live!

 

Happy sailing!!!!!!!!!! :)

 

My point about advocating for unfairness is not to break or bend the rules. But to advocate for fairness and to have our children witness us, as parents, doing just this. I like the poster's examples of advocating vs. damning the rules....right on target!

 

Swimming or not swimming is not a life changing event, but having our children observe the proper way the change unfairness may be. And it is unfair for the cruise line to advertise a family vacation and solicit our dollars in return for such, but not provide all the amenities for the family vacation. And we all know that having a pool available to some, but not all, is not providing all the amenities.

 

• Where would our country be if women did not advocate for the right to vote? ---Men be very careful how you respond to this:p
  
• What about segregation in public schools in the 60's?
  
• A woman's right to birth control?
  

The list could go on and on about how certain rules and laws have been changed by people like you and me advocating for fairness. And 'fairness' is NOT a dirty word as some folks seem to portray it.

 

I am not placing this child's right or desire to swim on the same list as noted above. But I believe that in taking opportunities to correct injustices/unfairness is more important than taking a passive attitude. I don't want my child...not a child anymore....to become passive and not advocate for what is right.

Not break the rules, but be a part of a solution.

 

And if all you big people that don't want these little aliens that we call children "invading" you for an hour or so....you might just have to get a grip....welcome to THE real world.

[britsbest]

If the pools are for adults only........throw kids over board and let them swim.

 

BTW I joke I know the drop would kill them!

[ahracer]

Just to make a few things clear about the pools on the Coral/Island. The covered Lotus spa pool is adults only on the Coral however it is not on the Island! I don't understand why they do it differently but they do.

 

Also the aft pool is not a kids pool. I think people make that assumption due to its location behind the kids center.

 

Scott

[donna5]

Just to make a few things clear about the pools on the Coral/Island. The covered Lotus spa pool is adults only on the Coral however it is not on the Island! I don't understand why they do it differently but they do.

 

Also the aft pool is not a kids pool. I think people make that assumption due to its location behind the kids center.

 

Scott

 

 

If you look at the Coral Deck Plans Pelicans playhouse and pelicans pool are aft on aloha deck. No other pools there. That is the children/teen area. We have not been able to use it.

[Dreamer333]

See here is where you and I differ and that is okay. When I see a "No Parking" sign I do not go to the nearest cop and ask "Can I park here?". To me it seems to be an exercise in futility. If it says No Parking I assume, rightly or wrongly it means No Parking.

 

If I saw a lot that said "no parking" but there were many other people parking there anyway... and the police were standing there and allowing it... You bet that I would say, "Can I park here?"

 

I agree with some of the other posters about teaching children to respectfully question authority and respectfully question "RULES"... It is a great lesson...

If I had children, I certainly would not want them to grow up and be "yes, sir" adults!!

[ahracer]

If you look at the Coral Deck Plans Pelicans playhouse and pelicans pool are aft on aloha deck. No other pools there. That is the children/teen area. We have not been able to use it.

 

Donna,

 

I have not been on the Coral but the deck plan is identical to the Island. The aft pool is reached by stairs from the Lido deck. There is no access to it directly from Aloha. If I recall the pool is 4-5 foot deep with only a ladder to enter. I have been swimming in it several times. It is directly behind the kids center but it is not in the kids area.

 

Scott

[where next?]

Advocating for people in general is such an important responsibility in life. Advocating for those who can not advocate for themselves is even more important.

 

As a parent, I think I've taught my children important lessons when I've tried to make changes when I think they are important. I don't do so with guns (or words) blazing but with calmness, compassion for others and an idea for what I think a fair change would be.

 

My kids have seen me give an elderly lady a parking spot that I had waited for during the busy holiday rush, only to get lucky and get a better closer spot! In this case, this elderly lady made a point of walking over to me in the parking lot and saying thank you, what kindness you showed to me. The kids couldn't beleive that when I gave up something, I actually received thanks and ended up in a better 'spot". Our actions as parents are so important.

 

This isn't just about kids swimming but how we can show our kids how positive change can be made in our world if we put our necks out when we see a wrong and try to make it right.

 

We all have to share in this world, including on our vacation times.

 

It's the old saying....."it's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice:....I try so hard to live by that.

[donna5]

Donna,

 

I have not been on the Coral but the deck plan is identical to the Island. The aft pool is reached by stairs from the Lido deck. There is no access to it directly from Aloha. If I recall the pool is 4-5 foot deep with only a ladder to enter. I have been swimming in it several times. It is directly behind the kids center but it is not in the kids area.

 

Scott

Sounds like the pool on the Grand, Golden and those ships. I called Princess and they said that those on the Island and Coral are for the children. Only telling you what I have scene and been told.

[ahracer]

Sounds like the pool on the Grand, Golden and those ships. I called Princess and they said that those on the Island and Coral are for the children. Only telling you what I have scene and been told.

 

 

Donna,

 

I am not talking about a Grand class ship!! I've been on the Island twice the last time two weeks ago.

 

I'm only telling you what i've seen and experienced versus the agent you spoke to who likely has never stepped foot on the Island or Coral. If someone wants to refer to it as a kids pool that is fine but I can assure that adults are using it more than any kids i've ever seen. Actually I don't think I've ever seen a child in it.

 

I would post a picture on here that clearly shows the pool and steps leading to it from Aloha if I knew how.

 

Scott

[LARGIN]

Scott. If I am not mistaken, that same pool way aft on the Coral has a "Family Pool" sign on the wall. I wish I took a pic of that one..

[ahracer]

Larry,

 

I didn't see that sign on the Island but it makes sense. It is half way between the kids center and the aft lido deck with all of the lounge chairs and ping pong tables so it would make for a good "family" location.

 

Scott

[bdjam]

In reference to the pools on Island Princess, I’m in agreement with Scott – the aft pool was not a kid’s only pool and if it was, there were some pretty old looking kids in it during my time on Island Princess. This is definitely not a Grand Class ship or pool – the aft pool on the Grand Class ships ARE adults only. In addition, it seems the Lotus pool on Island Princess is not adults only while the Lotus pool on Coral Princess is.

As for advocating a change in rules, I agree with those who indicated they would not do so. When I was little, I was taught just because someone else had something, didn’t mean I got it. And I was also taught that just because someone else broke the rules didn’t mean that I got to either…that lesson I learned the hard way. I think Dosi did the right think in the way she handled the situation. It’s unfortunate that those who chose to ignore the rules – including Princess – put her in a bad position with her son.

[ahracer]

I also had a simlar situation when cruising with my kids. There were frequently kids in the adults only pool on the Star so of course my kids wanted to go in. When I told them no it was adults only they came back with but other kids are doing it. My response was I can't help it the other people are not following the rules but that doesn't make it ok and you are not going in that pool.

 

Scott

[lia_b]

I can't believe all this anti children sentiment as if no one here was ever a child. Before I had children, I never considered it a nusiance me to be around them. In fact, I never thought about it at all. For goodness sakes, who enjoys the pool more? the children. Everytime I am in an adults only pool, I am afraid to even have an animated conversation with my husband because it's so quiet and there is usually no one is in the water. Everyone is modeling around the pool or sleeping. It's a waste of a good pool. I still like to laugh and play in the pool,but heaven forbid I do that. It would be more appropriate to cling to my husband and makeout with him in the pool then to play in it;). Lighten up folks. You act as if children are little bugs and you forget you were once a kid too. Where did all the fun go?

 

I know there are the rowdy kids and yes, those should be told to calm down and yes, parents should keep their kids in check. But the little ones and quiet ones who just want a dip should be able to because they don't go on the boat for free. So if the boat allows children on it (imagine if they didn't), they should give them pool allowance time also or they should ride for free because they can't use the casinos and most don't enjoy the adult shows, clubs, bars or the art auctions, etc..

 

Last year, I was at an unamed five star hotel and you couldn't even have your cell phone with you at the pool because it might ring and someone might have a nervous breakdown because the noise disturbed them. I think the presence of a child would have caused a stampede.

 

Just my two cents from someone who is still young at heart:p

Lighten up. It's vacation. Better than sitting in an office :(anyday.