Tell me everything you know about Azura,Britannia,fjords,and cruising with kids

[Vampiress88]

WSo we’ve booked to go on back to back cruises 

going on the Britannia to the fjords with a balcony room. 

Going to France,Spain Guernsey with inside room on Azura 

travelling with a 3y5m and 4y9m old kids. 

 

I always have so many questions. 

Kids club what they like

are the kids allowed in the bars? Do they have to leave at certain time ? 

Are there charges for the beach house and java and Market cafe and that pizza/burger grill place?

whats the food like in the buffets as I really don’t want a sit down three course

whats the dress code like, I haven’t got any dresses so far and my figure really doesn’t look good in them. 

What are the ports like. Bergen and olden specifically as hubby wants to go ice bar and loen skylift but I am scared of heights 

i worry about safely on the boats. Don’t want my kids to climb. ( I have bad anxiety very irrational fear of them dying)

on board spending such as drinks etc 

also do people not like kids on cruises? Had to book during school holidays as there was no rooms left for the age of the kids otherwise I’d have gone in there school holidays as it would have been easier 

 

i tend to over think and over plan but can’t ever stop all the questions floating about in my head   

 

Thank you 

[mercury7289]

With the greatest respect, to late!! should have thought it all through before you booked.

 

So just go with the flow.

[Vampiress88]

3 minutes ago, mercury7289 said:

With the greatest respect, to late!! should have thought it all through before you booked.

 

So just go with the flow.

 

Sorry I’m confused. What should I have thought through? 

[manonabike]

Kids clubs are great. we have a 2 & 5 yr old. You'll have to drag them out.

 

Both are family friendly ships so no need to worry about that.

Beach House and Coffee shop are chargeable, Grill/pizza is inclusive.

 

Ships are very safe and the crew are excellent.

 

being on board should be an opportunity for you to switch off and relax. Don't need your phone on board. Both kids in the kids club you can have some adult time. book a spa treatment, have a relaxing time reading a book, a nice drink and leisurely dinner without worrying about food being dropped on the floor etc secure in the knowledge that the kids are safe and enjoying the kids club.

[john watson]

5 hours ago, Vampiress88 said:

So we’ve booked to go on back to back cruises 

going on the Britannia to the fjords with a balcony room. 

Going to France,Spain Guernsey with inside room on Azura 

travelling with a 3y5m and 4y9m old kids. 

* they will be in different club sections 2/4 and 5/8

 

I always have so many questions. 

Kids club what they like

* well run, lots of activities organised.  Late in evening they sometimes combine ages to watch a dvd

 

Quote

are the kids allowed in the bars? Do they have to leave at certain time ? 

* Generally kids not allowed AT the bar but may be in the general bar area. Parents normally know what to do in terms of vacating these areas later on in the evening.

Are there charges for the beach house and java and Market cafe and that pizza/burger grill place?

*charges apply to the speciality restaurants.  The burger bar, grill and pizza place all food free just ask for what you want. Children can order personally when they are old enough.

whats the food like in the buffets as I really don’t want a sit down three course

* Quality food diverse and serve yourself what you like staff may be there to carve meat etc.

whats the dress code like, I haven’t got any dresses so far and my figure really doesn’t look good in them. 

*best to get at least one proper dress

What are the ports like. Bergen and olden specifically as hubby wants to go ice bar and loen skylift but I am scared of heights 

*?

i worry about safely on the boats. Don’t want my kids to climb. ( I have bad anxiety very irrational fear of them dying)

* Highest risk is with balcony - there is a high internal bolt. Introduce rules for them. Not allowed out there on own for example.  Promenade deck is special risk for children alone always close supervision here. Listen carefully at the Muster Drill safety lecture.

on board spending such as drinks etc 

* You will have a cruise card and associated on board account. You can track spending as often as you like by asking for a printout at reception. Usually this account is linked to your credit card.

also do people not like kids on cruises?

* Many do but some do not.  A lot depends if they are behaving reasonably.  Not jumping in the pool etc.

.Had to book during [I think you mean outside] school holidays as there was no rooms left for the age of the kids otherwise I’d have gone in there school holidays as it would have been easier 

 

I tend to over think and over plan but can’t ever stop all the questions floating about in my head   

 

Thank you 

 

Forgot to mention Guernsey is a Tender Port - Ship anchors at sea and you go ashore in the lifeboats.  This is high risk time so supervise children very closely and follow crews instructions exactly.  

 

This forum the place to ask specific questions.

 

Regards John

Edited January 17, 2019 by john watson

[john watson]

Back2back on two different ships needs careful planning with the transition.  The two relevant terminals and ships will be berthed at Southampton quite a distance apart.  The first ship will want you out the cabin at 8am and off the ship early in the  morning. The second ship will not want you to board until later in the day possibly 1pm or even later.  You have children and luggage.  If I were doing this I should book places in the Grand Harbour Hotel "Cruise Lounge" (open 7am to 7pm).  They can look after your luggage and take you to the second ship and also give you snacks and refreshments.

 

Regards John

Edited January 17, 2019 by john watson

[AndyMichelle]

Don't over think this, thousands of people cruise with children all the time without issue.

Both ships are children friendly, you might get the odd sneer but no more than you would in your local Harvester if the kids are noisy.

The buffet is fine, plenty of choice although we prefer the main dining room. With the exception of formal nights, there is no need to dress up too much if you wanted to use the mdr, just not scruffy seems to be the rule.

As for safety, you will need to keep your wits about you, but I am sure that is the norm for you anyway with 2 little ones.

P&O do this every day and would not put any of their passengers at unnecessary risk.

Britannia is a fantastic ship and the Fjords are beautiful.

Cruising is the most relaxing holiday, you can do as much or as little as you like.

Breathe, relax and have a fantastic time.

Andy

[tartanexile81]

5 hours ago, Vampiress88 said:

 

Sorry I’m confused. What should I have thought through? 

I think the poster thought you had so many worries, maybe cruising is not the right thing for you.

[groovechick]

8 hours ago, Vampiress88 said:

WSo we’ve booked to go on back to back cruises 

going on the Britannia to the fjords with a balcony room. 

Going to France,Spain Guernsey with inside room on Azura 

travelling with a 3y5m and 4y9m old kids. 

 

I always have so many questions. 

Kids club what they like

are the kids allowed in the bars? Do they have to leave at certain time ? 

Are there charges for the beach house and java and Market cafe and that pizza/burger grill place?

whats the food like in the buffets as I really don’t want a sit down three course

whats the dress code like, I haven’t got any dresses so far and my figure really doesn’t look good in them. 

What are the ports like. Bergen and olden specifically as hubby wants to go ice bar and loen skylift but I am scared of heights 

i worry about safely on the boats. Don’t want my kids to climb. ( I have bad anxiety very irrational fear of them dying)

on board spending such as drinks etc 

also do people not like kids on cruises? Had to book during school holidays as there was no rooms left for the age of the kids otherwise I’d have gone in there school holidays as it would have been easier 

 

i tend to over think and over plan but can’t ever stop all the questions floating about in my head   

 

Thank you 

1. The kids' clubs are fantastic. Lots of fun, age-appropriate activities. My children were older, but we had trouble getting them out of the clubs to spend family time with us. Your children will be closely supervised in the clubs - you will have to sign them in and out.

2. AFAIK children aree allowed in the bars at all times, although if they get overtired and fractious it might be an idea to leave. You could leave them in the night creche (limit on numbers, get there early) and go and have a drink and enjoy the entertainment in peace. The kids' club usually settle them on bean bags, turn down the lights and put on a film. Check out the info on the P&O websitre re how long you can leave them there/limit on numbers.

3. Beach House is chargeable. Coffee from Java is chargeable. Cakes etc from Market Café are chargeable (and not worth it IMHO - the Eric Lanlard take on Sachertorte was awful, likewise the white chocolate and raspberry bombe).

4. Buffet food is generally very good, something to suit everyone - roasts, curries, chips, salads, selections of desserts. One evening we went to the Glass House on Britannia and were so disappointed that we skipped dessert and went to have something in the buffet instead, much nicer. Have to say we didn't like the Glass House on Britannia, but the same venue on Aurora was great.

5. Dress code is smart casual - so think the kind of thing you'd wear to go out to dinner at home (a nice top and trousers, skirt, etc), and formal. For formal you can wear floaty/glittery tops and trousers, trouser suits, skirts - think wedding (without the hat!) , smart day at the races, that kind of thing.

6. Bergen - you get a shuttle bus to a central square, near the shops, fish market, cable car, museums. I don't know if there's a lot for young ones to do - maybe do a bit of research for yourself (a park with a playground?). Olden - there is a little land train that runs round the lake that your children might like to go on, or you could book a ship's excursion to take the bus and then the Troll Car to the glacier. Other than that not much to do there, it's a very small place but very beautiful.

7. Safety - I'm afraid you are responsible for your children when they are in your care. There are railings all round the side of the ship and of course children can climb on them, so you have to be vigilant. If they are out on deck with the children's club then they are very carefully supervised.

8. Drinks are typical UK pub prices. There is no additional service charge like there is on the US lines such as Royal Caribbean.

9. You will always find one or two people who do not like children, whether on a cruise ship or on land. They are entitled to their opinions. Provided you don't let your children run wild/get away with murder, they/you will be fine. There are also people who love children, especially well-behaved ones!

10. Try not to worry. I know it's easy to say, but your and your family will have a wonderful time. I hope you enjoy your holiday.

[annarack]

I'm sure most of your queries have been answered now but just to say we cruise regularly with our small children (2 and 3) and we all love it.  Kids facilities are great.  Your register the first day and your 3 and 4 year old will be together in the same playroom when ever they go in.  There are morning/afternoon and evening sessions to choose from, plus night nursery.

We are actually doing both those itineraries and ships this year!  Just not back to back - April and July.  When do you sail?  We haven't been to the Fjords before but know the other ports well.

Kids are welcome in the bar/theatre etc.  We found the main dining room suited us better than the buffet etc as food comes to us rather than us have to take two small children up to make their selections.

Enjoy your trip!

[Vampiress88]

52 minutes ago, annarack said:

I'm sure most of your queries have been answered now but just to say we cruise regularly with our small children (2 and 3) and we all love it.  Kids facilities are great.  Your register the first day and your 3 and 4 year old will be together in the same playroom when ever they go in.  There are morning/afternoon and evening sessions to choose from, plus night nursery.

We are actually doing both those itineraries and ships this year!  Just not back to back - April and July.  When do you sail?  We haven't been to the Fjords before but know the other ports well.

Kids are welcome in the bar/theatre etc.  We found the main dining room suited us better than the buffet etc as food comes to us rather than us have to take two small children up to make their selections.

Enjoy your trip!

 

When in April do you go?

 

were in the us in July as hoping for better weather. 

 

Yes most things seem to be answered. 

 

I tend to always over panic. I dreaded going to a Christmas party as I worried I’d not be able to keep an eye on them both but it was fine. 

They have been told to behave or they will come back to the room with me and since they prefer their dad that’s a punishment in itself. 

In reality there is probably such a slim chance of anything going wrong but all I seem to see are the dangers and it freaks me out. 

I hope they do like the kids club. I’ve been told that as they are 3&4 they will be in the same one but when we go next year they will be in different as eldest will move up. 

 

I get that food comes to you which is loads better but they will not sit through that amount of food and they are so little I can’t be expecting them to do that or inflict that on anyone else. Least with the buffet I can walk away and come back if they are really bad but usually they are quiet good especially compared to three quarters of their classmates. 

 

Have tried looking at that cruise lounge but it just takes me to booking a night. 

 

Do you think it would be ok if when we are sat in the bar they had a packet of crisps from my handbag that we brought with us. Usually when we go out for entertainment they are quite happy to sit there and watch the shows etc with pop and crisps. You 

 

Definitely won’t let them run wild. Never do. Eldest has a tendency to talk to older people like my grans generation but she also has no filter so will say it how she sees it “why is that boy wearing ladies shoes” was the last thing she came out with. 

[john watson]

Cruise Lounge - best to phone as you do not need to be resident at hotel they do alcohol package and non-alcohol package. If you arrive early, after 7am you can go round Southampton City and shops as it is in walking distance then go back and get cases and your transfer at the time you book.  Concierge do this in 15 minute slots through the day pick a time out of their book. This facility is all part of their business and conference services section.

 

There is a children's afternoon tea where ONLY the children eat.  You need to attend to supervise and feed them.  This works well if you feed them early and take them to children's club after, once they know this is what they want to do of an evening.  This set up permits the parent's to dine as a couple either alone or share a table with other adults later on either 1st/2nd sitting or freedom dining.

 

The children's club will give you pagers to alert you if children are not happy within the club.  You can then go up there and investigate/sort out the problem.

 

Regards John

Edited January 17, 2019 by john watson

[Vampiress88]

9 minutes ago, john watson said:

Cruise Lounge - best to phone as you do not need to be resident at hotel they do alcohol package and non-alcohol package. If you arrive early, after 7am you can go round Southampton City and shops as it is in walking distance then go back and get cases and your transfer at the time you book.  Concierge do this in 15 minute slots through the day pick a time out of their book. This facility is all part of their business and conference services section.

 

There is a children's afternoon tea where ONLY the children eat.  You need to attend to supervise and feed them.  This works well if you feed them early and take them to children's club after, once they know this is what they want to do of an evening.  This set up permits the parent's to dine as a couple either alone or share a table with other adults later on either 1st/2nd sitting or freedom dining.

 

The children's club will give you pagers to alert you if children are not happy within the club.  You can then go up there and investigate/sort out the problem.

 

Regards John

 

Dinner alone with my husband 😱

thank you for that. Glad you said and I will keep an eye out. 

Means I don’t have to pay for them in the beach house. 

[john watson]

The Children's Club closes around 11pm as I recall.  However there is another service which opens from around 6pm at the club premises area; "The Night Nursery" this is where you can deposit children of a very young age (6mths to 4 or 5years?) until a staggering 2am.  They have to be asleep or sleepy on arrival at the centre and there is a last admissions time of 10pm I believe.  Check all the timings and ages for eligibility with the club when you get there.  I think the hope is you spend a load of cash in the casino during the late session. All club services are free  of charge, no bookings accepted just turn up and subject to available capacity but gratuities to the Youth Team are appreciated at the end of the cruise.

 

Regards John

[Vampiress88]

Brilliant thank you. 

Were not really big on staying out so I doubt we will have the children in there till 10. I suppose it will all just depend on how they take to the kids club cos I won’t bother if they don’t like it. I actually much prefer to have the kids with me,don’t wanna be losing them all holiday but them getting time to play with things or paint etc will be good for them if they ask to go. Will be hoping to stay in cabin to watch sailing through the fjords really with a coffee etc

 

can you take food such as buns/pastries to your cabin from the buffet?

[sunbeams101]

Second what everyone else has said - kids facilities are ace.

if you are at all worried about your children while they’re in the kids club, you can dial the club extension number from any ship phone (lots of deck phones dotted about on Britannia), to confirm with staff that they’re ok. 

 

On embarkation day you will need to register them with the club (you can print the forms from the p&o website before you go if you wish), before they use the facilities. From memory you can do this at any time on embarkation day (may have changed but I’m sure this used to be the case), or 15 minutes before the start of each session.

 

Have a blast and try not to worry - it’s the best holiday you can do with very young children, IMHO. 

 

[Vampiress88]

I was thinking a cruise might be relaxing with my kids this age. We are going to Disney in the summer and it will be full on hectic. 

 

Just want to do some travelling really. Been abroad once in last 11yrs and have worked really hard so I’m thinking now and next year is the time to do some exploring 

[groovechick]

Yes, your children will be able to have a soft drink and crisps when you are in the bars. The bars sell crisps.

 

There is a good choice of films available free of charge on the TV in Britannia, as well as children's programmes, so you can always spend time watching a film with them if you need them to have a bit of a rest.

 

Yes, you can take food from the buffet to your room.

 

Whether you eat in the buffet or main dining room, the waiting staff are absolutely lovely with children and go out of their way to talk to them/keep them happy.

[Vampiress88]

Know this sound right but can I take my own crisps in? Don’t really wanna be paying any more. 

 

Trying to budget a lot really. 

Any budgeting tips for

cruises will be great. 

 

Have a few too many holidays at the moment so need to be tight with money if I can. 

[Clipper Chick]

Please do not be put off by one persons insensitive behaviour.  This forum is here to help and you have as much right as anyone to ask a question.  I do not have children but love to see well behaved but slightly mischievious little ones enjoying themselves.  We all have to learn.  A cruise is a wonderful experience and I am sure you will all enjoy it.

 

I totally get what you are asking.  We all have a budget to keep to and have to prioritise how we spend it.  I say you have got it right.  You can bring your on crisps, snacks etc onto the ship and eat them wherever it is not like taking your own purchases into the M&S etc cafe.  However you may not bring on alcohol to drink outside your cabin.  You can take on 1Litre each on embarkation of alcohol and any amount of soft drink at any time.

 

With the buffet open almost 24 hours and 3 meals plus afternoon tea and the option to take food to your cabin hopefully you should not need to take too many snacks on board.

 

Enjoy your holidays you have saved and earned them.

[john watson]

It seems obvious to me that any newcomer to cruising is going to think undertaking a cruise might be slightly more complex than going on a standard package holiday.  I mean there is an entire website here which is designed to answer anybody's cruise questions. Why would that be needed?

 

The thing is when you examine any subject you know nothing about, if this is the case,  you do not know what you don't know and therefore what to ask about.   Nobody has ever asked "Are the toilets of the same design as one would find in a tourist hotel?"  Why should anyone ask that who has never cruised?  Peoples ideas of what to do under particular circumstances might lead to an absurd question like "If we want to save money on board should we just dine in the buffet and avoid the main dining room?"  People have tried doing this in the past.  End of the day everybody who poses any question on the forum here needs a polite straight answer and help where experienced cruisers can anticipate where the newcomer may come up against problems or offer them general helpful suggestions.

 

Regards John

 

 

Edited January 18, 2019 by john watson

[lebreos]

Cruised last year with my 3yr old (ventura sister to Azura), cruising britania for first time in March. They had changed the rules on night nursery from first cruise slightly so do ask the questions when you get onboard...

 

Register first day and you can even get them in kids club first afternoon session..You need to book all parents in to be able to sign the kids in or out... They will have to wear wristbands all holiday to get in and out of the kids club - no band no entry ( replacements available from reception). My son initially didn't want to wear it then after cruise we couldn't get him to take it off... 

The clubs run in sessions and close at certain times to allow staff to take meal breaks they expect you to get there at least 15 min early to sign them out... As has been said they close for the kids afternoon/evening meal in the buffer( the kids club staff eat there too) then you can sign them back into the club. 

The kids club for Splashers ( your age group ) is open until 10 or 11pm and they throw some movies on and the kids can and mine did fall asleep on the bean bags... You can transfer them from the kids club to the nursery asleep but they must be awake to go into kids club... This is a recent change night nursery from about 6pm to midnight available to upto and including age 4 and 364 days old. you had to book them in the day before to stay in until 2am... They give you a pager when you book them into night nursery and i had to settle my son a couple of times and then i was able to leave again unless i wanted to take him out.

so if you are freedom dining or first sitting and able to watch the first lot of entertainment you can then all goto bed without worrying about night nursery. We did have to take ours to a the second later shows in the theatre and he fell asleep there as he wouldnt to go into nursery..

I cant praise the kids club staff enough on both cruises ive used them a credit to P&O. If you are cruising outside of school holidays there are less kids aboard and therefore the facilities/ kids clubs are not jammed to capacity which is great.

 

Breakfast and lunch in the MDR actually worked for us - we could supervise my son and the waiters brought the food and love the kids and will make a big fuss of them. The buffet you have t o find tables then relay to get your food.. you dont have to have a 3 course lunch you can just have mains and or dessert etc and leave when you wish. The waiters were actually very good at disarming temper tantrums and making my son laugh when needed so just when we though he might be exploding he was distracted and laughing...So worth trying once early on see if it suits you.

The kids will count on your MDR table numbers if your fixed sitting so do let the waiters know if they are unlikely to ever attend. My son never did but we were happy to introduce him to the waiters at lunch etc.. Id recommend you use the main dining room that does freedom dining in evening for your lunch and breakfast they seem to have the more experienced crew. Also don't be afraid to ask the to bring the kids food as soon as they can so you can feed them before your food arrives. Ie order theirs and ask waiters to come back to take your order after they have put kids order in.

The captain also interacted with my son giving him a high five and fistbumps one day in the pictures corridor... my chin hit floor...

Hope you have a great time and quite happy to answer anything i can to help put your mind at ease..

[gingerbumblebee]

Hi Vampire

 

We went on Azura to Fjords 4 years ago, and are going this summer on the Guernsey France Spain cruise. 

 

When we went to Fjords my kids were 3 and 5. Breakfast we ate in the MDR, I took a tablet and headphones for the youngest one to keep him entertained and not disturb the other guests.

 

Lunch we ate in one of the buffets. Kids tea was 5pm-5.30pm if my memory serves me right, so we went with them and sat with them while they ate, then waited around and dropped off at the kids club for the evening. We then went back to cabin quickly got changed and back up to Restaurant for civilised, adult only, freedom dining as early as we could so we could do the early show in the theatre (kids club closed at 11pm, so we wanted to make sure we didn't need to miss a show we liked). 

 

Our kids loved the kids club, and you can take their PJs for the evening session and they get them changed and ready for bed incase they're tired, and you can then just carry them back to the room.

 

Bergen, book your tickets for the funicular online before hand as the queue is crazy, you'll then just walk straight past them all! There's a playground up at the top, but apart from a great view and cafe, not much else. We enjoyed a quick browse round the german quarter then went back on board for lunch and stayed on board in the afternoon, but we're not big shoppers.

 

I'm a little more apprehensive this time as our kids are now 9,6 and 2 and the smallest one has no fear and runs off regularly, so will probably need reins on the ship to stop him running off or climbing over board (inside cabin, no way I'd have a balcony with Houdini child!).

 

You'll have an amazing time.

We take drinks and snacks on board too (middle child has special needs and only eats very specific foods, so we take food everywhere we go for him), I'm sure no one would mind you having crisps for your children. Any parent knows what it's like.

 

 

[SquishTheWhale]

Read this topic with interest as we are doing a Fjords cruise on Britannia later this year with family including my 3yr old nephew. I really hope my sister gives him a try in the kids clubs, although she may not as she's such an anxious parent.

 

OP, I'm totally with you on the crisps thing. Just because I can afford a holiday doesn't mean I want to waste £2 on a single bag of crisps when I can bring a six pack that cost me £1. Maybe you CAN afford to go on holiday because you're not so wasteful with your cash lol.

[DamianG]

We took our son on his first cruise when he was 3 and he is now a veteran of 6 cruises. We've tried him in the kids club a few times but it is just not for him so we always make sure that we have plenty to entertain him on board (which has got easier as he has got older). We had the advantage of my in-laws travelling with us so originally we took him to the kids tea then they would babysit whilst we had an early dinner. However that was not working well so we took him to the MDR for dinner and that worked much better and is what we have done ever since. 

On freedom dining we have found that if we end up on a particularly nice table where the waiters especially engage with our son then we can just request the same table next time we go to dinner and the restaurant managers will do their best to accommodate us. All the waiters are good with our son in our experience but naturally some are better than others and can really make dinner a fun experience for him.

We dress up for formal nights but don't go overboard with him. He wears a t-shirt and shorts all the time so we just make sure he is dressed smart for dinner and if it is a formal evening we insist he wears a collared shirt (e.g. polo shirt) and long trousers so that he is a bit smarter (like mummy and daddy). 

When he was younger we'd all be back in the cabin before 9pm for bed time and my wife and I would watch films while he slept. If we had any leftover wine from dinner we would just take that back to the cabin with us. Now that he is older (8) we take him to shows or to see live music acts. If nothing appeals then we find a quiet spot in a bar (e.g. The Planet Bar on Azura) and play cards or he uses an iPad to play games. 

He loves swimming on board but the main pools can be busy and occasionally rowdy especially during school holidays. However, on Azura we've twice been lucky with the terrace pool (usually adults only) being made available to children.

I understand the comments about some passengers disliking kids but fortunately we've never experienced this. We've had several nice comments from fellow passengers about our son's good behaviour and your kids sound the same so I'm sure you'll hear similar things. 

I hope this helps, just wanted to give you an alternate view in case the kids club does not work out.

All the best.

Damian