What is there for kids to do in the Haven common areas?

[SissasMomE]

Agree - although what is just as worrying is that the concierge did not do anything when a complaint was made to what a passenger considered rowdy and disruptive behaviour.

 

I completely agree. The problem with entitled kids stems from entitled parents. It's a no-win situation for the concierge. Can you see mommy and daddy in a tiff because junior was told no?! I bet they are afraid to enforce the rules.

[isdoo]

T

To others, throwing chairs in the hot tubs in no big deal. We have been with this family.

 

Did I read this right???

 

You think vandalism is okay?

[DMH15]

Why would one not think that staterooms billed as Two Bedroom FAMILY Villas not be intended for family use? Our cruise on the Gem will be our first cruise ever. It will also be our first Haven experience. I have 2 boys that will be with my DW and myself. I consider my boys very well behaved. But THEY ARE KIDS! From everything that I have read on NCL and in speaking with the pre-cruise concierge, there is no limitations on children's access to the Haven common areas and no special rules targeted towards children. I have been on many vacations (before and after the arrival of our kids) and I can honestly say that I have seen more disruptions and and more rudeness from adults then from kids. To me, kids having fun and playing and being a bit silly, without being offensive or destructive or breaking rules in common areas of the Haven should be no issue to anyone. I guess when you get right down to it, everyone, regardless of age, should try to be courteous to fellow passengers, again regardless of their age. One of the biggest discourtesies I see in the responses is intolerance. We were all young. We were all loud. We were all an annoyance to someone somewhere. While I do not condone offensive or destructive behavior by anyone, I do think it is perfectly acceptable to let kids be kids, Regardless of what the grumpy old folks say!

 

 

I have no kids. But I adore my niece and nephew. They are now 17 and 24. I cannot remember one instance when anyone would ever have called them disruptive, as I have spent slots of time with them both. But I am sure there are probably times they acted up when I wasn't around. We have cruised together as an extended family but were on Royal and not in a Haven. Her grandmama and I are taking my niece on the Jewel in the Haven for her 18th birthday... So it will be a "family suite" with ages 18 to 80. Family but no kids.

 

Now, I am thinking we will spend time in the Haven, sunning, napping, reading, talking, etc. I would hate to not be able to carry on a conversation or enjoy a good book if the noise was extremely loud. That being said, I believe kids and even adults can play while others are relaxing. I will take my iPod and earphones and I am sure I can listen to my tunes while kids are playing Marco Polo. I sure loved that game when I was a kid.

 

I sure would have a lot of respect for a parent who might say that the kids wanted to play for an hour and then would relax the game for an hour. Also, what would be irritating is either being splashed or bumped by activity, by someone of any age, especially if I was resting and had my eyes closed. And they did not acknowledge.

 

But here is a point I really have considered: So often kids today are engrossed with electronics and not interacting or having physical activity. Here, on vacation... They are playing and swimming. I think that's great.

 

The Haven should belong to anyone who has booked there. We might all have different views of vacation. Yeah, I would

have hated cruising with cookie family. Pray they stay away from my cruise.

[steilkurve]

Oh ok doesn't sound like a good fit for families then if you don't want to have your kids in the clubs a lot. I'd hardly use it. So what is the benefit of staying in a Haven room for families besides the larger accommodates?

 

We were just on the Getaway in a 2-bedroom villa. We spent most of our time there and my 8 and 11-yeard old girls really enjoyed it. They played in the (small) pool, did the hot tub or went back to the cabin to watch TV. From time to time, we'd take them to the slides or ropes course for a little more action. And whenever the kids had a special need, we got the butler to assist whether it was getting a snack by the pool in between meal services or candies in the cabin while watching TV. Really, we could not have been happier with our family experience in The Haven.

 

Here's my video of the Haven:

 

 

Any questions, don't hesitate.

[isdoo]

We were just on the Getaway in a 2-bedroom villa. We spent most of our time there and my 8 and 11-yeard old girls really enjoyed it. They played in the (small) pool, did the hot tub or went back to the cabin to watch TV. From time to time, we'd take them to the slides or ropes course for a little more action. And whenever the kids had a special need, we got the butler to assist whether it was getting a snack by the pool in between meal services or candies in the cabin while watching TV. Really, we could not have been happier with our family experience in The Haven.

 

Here's my video of the Haven:

 

 

Any questions, don't hesitate.

 

Yes - what camera / software did you use :)

[AjBren2]

I have no kids. But I adore my niece and nephew. They are now 17 and 24. I cannot remember one instance when anyone would ever have called them disruptive, as I have spent slots of time with them both. But I am sure there are probably times they acted up when I wasn't around. We have cruised together as an extended family but were on Royal and not in a Haven. Her grandmama and I are taking my niece on the Jewel in the Haven for her 18th birthday... So it will be a "family suite" with ages 18 to 80. Family but no kids.

 

Now, I am thinking we will spend time in the Haven, sunning, napping, reading, talking, etc. I would hate to not be able to carry on a conversation or enjoy a good book if the noise was extremely loud. That being said, I believe kids and even adults can play while others are relaxing. I will take my iPod and earphones and I am sure I can listen to my tunes while kids are playing Marco Polo. I sure loved that game when I was a kid.

 

I sure would have a lot of respect for a parent who might say that the kids wanted to play for an hour and then would relax the game for an hour. Also, what would be irritating is either being splashed or bumped by activity, by someone of any age, especially if I was resting and had my eyes closed. And they did not acknowledge.

 

But here is a point I really have considered: So often kids today are engrossed with electronics and not interacting or having physical activity. Here, on vacation... They are playing and swimming. I think that's great.

 

The Haven should belong to anyone who has booked there. We might all have different views of vacation. Yeah, I would

have hated cruising with cookie family. Pray they stay away from my cruise.

 

 

I completely agree. Common courtesy should always rule. If my kids were even hanging out with "Cookie Family", they'd be on lockdown for a good long while. The short version of my long statement is that courtesy is a two way street. The common area of the Haven belongs to no individual, group, or cabin. If one prefers solitude and silence there is always sanctuary in your own cabin, as the courtyard is to be shared by all who paid for the privilege of using it!

[luv2sleep]

So I can sunbathe nude then?

 

Doesn't say I can't on your statement.

 

The agreement that all passengers make is that they will behave on the ship. 'Everything goes' as you say could easily be a breach of that agreement, as is me sunbathing nude!! (not that I would LOL)

 

Oh and it is NCL ;)

 

Um I was referring to the location not being off limits to kids and kids being allowed to he kids to play, be loud, laugh, etc. I'm sure there's something in the ships list of do's and don'ts that states nudity in their public areas is prohibited. I'm sure it doesn't say though that kids can't be loud and have fun. That's all I was referring to.

[luv2sleep]

I am getting gist of what people want in there though. They'd prefer no kids, adults only, and quiet. It's too bad they don't have separate sections. I think an adult only area would be valuable.

[djmess]

I am getting gist of what people want in there though. They'd prefer no kids, adults only, and quiet. It's too bad they don't have separate sections. I think an adult only area would be valuable.

 

Depending on the ship you are planning on going on, there is an adult only area on a few. The Epic, Breakaway, Getaway and I'm assuming the new Escape and Bliss, have the Spice H2O, which is Adult Only!

 

The older ships don't have that designated area that I remember

[isdoo]

Um I was referring to the location not being off limits to kids and kids being allowed to he kids to play, be loud, laugh, etc. I'm sure there's something in the ships list of do's and don'ts that states nudity in their public areas is prohibited. I'm sure it doesn't say though that kids can't be loud and have fun. That's all I was referring to.

 

I think disruptive behaviour is also prohibited.

 

And no, with a clothing optional or topless deck, I doubt it is against the rules, although it probably would come under disruptive behaviour in that area.

 

I am certainly not against children enjoying themselves, but it has to be a balance.

 

Enjoy your cruise :)

[luv2sleep]

Depending on the ship you are planning on going on, there is an adult only area on a few. The Epic, Breakaway, Getaway and I'm assuming the new Escape and Bliss, have the Spice H2O, which is Adult Only!

 

The older ships don't have that designated area that I remember

 

Oh that's great! I don't really need it but that's great for others. I'd also feel like I wouldn't have to constantly shush my kid knowing the adults also have other options for quiet.

[luv2sleep]

Well I had no idea there was a clothing optional topless deck. That's a new one for me after Disney, lol.

[SouthernBelle_N_Louisiana]

I think those of us with kids (me), who are spending the money for the haven (also me) and have raised our kids the right way (again me) resent those that allow their kids to yell, scream, and act like baboons. I'm not talking about kids playing in a pool being kids. There is nothing wrong with that at all. I am talking about inconsiderate, rude kids who jump into hot tubs, splash around in hot tubs, and have no regard for others around them. They really are not to blame - it's the parents fault.

 

My thoughts exactly....

 

I find this thread interesting because our son will be in the Haven on GA with us in June. To be perfectly honest, I chose the Haven so our SON wouldn't have to endure the numerous obnoxious children at the other pool areas on board. Our last cruise on the Allure (where I would expect families with better behaved children) was absolutely atrocious in the pool areas. The cussing, pushing, running and horse play was not appreciated by us nor my son who just wants to enjoy his vacation.

 

I am a high school teacher and my husband is law enforcement... we wanted so much to say something to these children but did not because as said in previous posts, the problem is the parents who are no where to be found.

 

My hope is that the awesome slides, ropes course along with the kids club area will offer him something to do all day along with an occasional dip in the Haven pool area.

 

If any of you are on the June 7th GA and you see the young man in our family picture below behaving badly, PLEASE feel free to come share that with me and he will be dealt with appropriately. But, I feel pretty confident that won't be necessary ;).

[LrgPizza]

....

 

I am a high school teacher and my husband is law enforcement... we wanted so much to say something to these children but did not because as said in previous posts, the problem is the parents who are no where to be found. ....

When the parents aren't around and kids are being unruly, I just assume that means the parents left ME in charge. I have a bad habit of correcting and hollering at other people's kids when the parents aren't there to supervise. I feel like it's my duty.

"Watch your mouth!"

"Hold it down! You're not the only person here."

"Get down from there. You aren't supposed to do that."

"Don't eat that!"

"If I have to tell you again...!" :D

[Medtech2]

Why would one not think that staterooms billed as Two Bedroom FAMILY Villas not be intended for family use? Our cruise on the Gem will be our first cruise ever. It will also be our first Haven experience. I have 2 boys that will be with my DW and myself. I consider my boys very well behaved. But THEY ARE KIDS! From everything that I have read on NCL and in speaking with the pre-cruise concierge, there is no limitations on children's access to the Haven common areas and no special rules targeted towards children. I have been on many vacations (before and after the arrival of our kids) and I can honestly say that I have seen more disruptions and and more rudeness from adults then from kids. To me, kids having fun and playing and being a bit silly, without being offensive or destructive or breaking rules in common areas of the Haven should be no issue to anyone. I guess when you get right down to it, everyone, regardless of age, should try to be courteous to fellow passengers, again regardless of their age. One of the biggest discourtesies I see in the responses is intolerance. We were all young. We were all loud. We were all an annoyance to someone somewhere. While I do not condone offensive or destructive behavior by anyone, I do think it is perfectly acceptable to let kids be kids, Regardless of what the grumpy old folks say!

Kids who are playing and laughing while having a good time are not the problem, and not what I gather people are objecting to. It is the ones jumping off things or into the hot tubs that are the problem, as is running around screaming or crying (unless they are hurt--I am talking about crying because they didn't get their way or they need some rest).

 

I had a child come up to me in a pool and try to pull my top down. I was flabbergasted. His parent just said "oh, he does that all the time". Really???

 

If your children are courteous and mindful of others they will be most welcome...

[Medtech2]

When the parents aren't around and kids are being unruly, I just assume that means the parents left ME in charge. I have a bad habit of correcting and hollering at other people's kids when the parents aren't there to supervise. I feel like it's my duty.

"Watch your mouth!"

"Hold it down! You're not the only person here."

"Get down from there. You aren't supposed to do that."

"Don't eat that!"

"If I have to tell you again...!" :D

Exactly!

 

Even though my son was mostly with us in public when he was young I especially let it be known at places we frequented, such as church, that I gave my full permission for people to tell him to stop running, use an inside voice, etc....

[KarenR122]

Children are definitely allowed to enjoy the Haven.

 

We sailed the Breakaway Haven last year and are in the Gem Haven next month. We also have a 7 year old girl with High Functioning Autism. We spent a lot of time hanging out, playing in the pool, playing her Ipad and enjoying lunches and dinners. It was a good break for her to get away from the noisiness of the ship. She did not go into the Kids Club at all as the kids were always too loud and screaming for her. We would use the main pools in the mornings as they were never full and as they started to get crowded we headed up to the Haven.

 

Definitely contact the special needs department and have them put a note in your file. I can not tell you how nice and respectful every single crew member was of my daughter. She talks a lot and asks a million questions over and over and every crew member happily answered her and showed her how to do different things. She even told the Haven butler she wanted to be a waitress and he had her help him serve our table. She was in heaven.

 

Go and enjoy. There will always be unruly kids or rude adults any place you go, just focus on yourselves and have a ton of fun!!

[Cruising4]

Luv2sleep - aside from the Haven area you may enjoy some other suite life benefits.

 

Meals delivered to your cabin (great for breakfast before going ashore or for a dinner after a long day), concierge escort off the ship (avoid waiting in lines), priority tender (if a tender port), a dvd movie list for in-room viewing.

 

Some ships have non-haven suites other ships have haven access for all suites. A non-haven suite suite is less expensive than a haven suite.

[AjBren2]

Kids who are playing and laughing while having a good time are not the problem, and not what I gather people are objecting to. It is the ones jumping off things or into the hot tubs that are the problem, as is running around screaming or crying (unless they are hurt--I am talking about crying because they didn't get their way or they need some rest).

 

 

 

I had a child come up to me in a pool and try to pull my top down. I was flabbergasted. His parent just said "oh, he does that all the time". Really???

 

 

 

If your children are courteous and mindful of others they will be most welcome...

 

 

I agree with you fully. Kids who break rules, and are outwardly offensive to people, destructive, and doing unsafe things should be dealt with. I have no issue with that being said. But on the other end of the spectrum, an example was given of a "grumpy old man" who yelled at kids playing Marco Polo. Then yelled again because they whispered too loudly. That to me is just as offensive as the kids jumping off things and running and screaming. That G.O.M. Is being just as rude by imposing on another's vacation and trying to restrict someone else's good time. It is a common area of the ship and others should be able to use it without being shushed while playing a game.

[hencoll]

Kids who are playing and laughing while having a good time are not the problem, and not what I gather people are objecting to. It is the ones jumping off things or into the hot tubs that are the problem, as is running around screaming or crying (unless they are hurt--I am talking about crying because they didn't get their way or they need some rest).

 

I had a child come up to me in a pool and try to pull my top down. I was flabbergasted. His parent just said "oh, he does that all the time". Really???

 

If your children are courteous and mindful of others they will be most welcome...

 

My thoughts exactly! This is what I was referring to in my post. Some of the behavior we saw from kids this week was way beyond the everyday "kids being kids".

[rvsullivan]

All of these posts are interesting. I don't, however, think that children and the Haven are mutually exclusive. Haven is clearly marketed as a quiet, serene and relaxing place to cruise. It is also marketed as being family friendly. I think both are absolutely possible. All everyone there has to do is remain quiet, serene and relax! Children do not have to be loud or rowdy to have fun. If the rules are explained and enforced by the adults, there should be no problem.

Just because there are no signs posting the rules does not eliminate the adults from ensuring the unwritten, but clearly published rules that it is a quiet, serene and relaxing area. If your child cannot obey the rules, perhaps another area is appropriate. Of course the same rules apply to the adults in the Haven.

[Cruisingwithtommy]

When I vacation without my son I go to Sandals which is adults only. When I vacation with him I go on a cruise where I know he will be welcomed and have a great time. If he is in the Haven and following all the posted rules it would be completely unacceptable for any passenger or staff member to shush him or otherwise. The Haven may cost a bit more but that's for certain perks, none of which is no kids. If that's what someone is looking for go to an adults only resort or rent a private yacht. NCL is a family cruise line and that includes kids, even in the Haven.

[KweezyCruiser]

Nobody has said that kids shouldn't be in the Haven. The objection is to ill behaved children whose parents don't do anything about it.

[AjBren2]

Nobody has said that kids shouldn't be in the Haven. The objection is to ill behaved children whose parents don't do anything about it.

 

 

What is "ill behaved"? That is a very subjective term. If "ill behaved" is breaking rules, climbing and jumping off furniture, throwing food, or running and bumping into people, then Yes something should be said. It seems that others view "ill behaved" as kids doing anything other than sitting with their hands folded. When more than one kid gets together, yes they are a little loud, a little silly, a little boisterous, add in the fact that THEY ARE ON VACATION TOO, on a ship with so much to see and do, I can understand the excitement overload. I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING QUOTE!

 

 

When I vacation without my son I go to Sandals which is adults only. When I vacation with him I go on a cruise where I know he will be welcomed and have a great time. If he is in the Haven and following all the posted rules it would be completely unacceptable for any passenger or staff member to shush him or otherwise. The Haven may cost a bit more but that's for certain perks, none of which is no kids. If that's what someone is looking for go to an adults only resort or rent a private yacht. NCL is a family cruise line and that includes kids, even in the Haven.

 

 

This is a family vacation....in a family villa! If you do not like the activities of anybody (child or adult) and they are not breaking any rules, my advice is to get over it. Your vacation is no more important than mine or my kid's!!!

[SissasMomE]

Oh the entitlement ... :rolleyes: