When did Boleros become the extended family party space?

[The Fun Researcher]

15 minutes ago, ldubs said:

IDK, it is a tough one.  Seems like anyone has just as much right to occupy a space as anyone else.  Fact it  may cramp someone else's style doesn't change that.    

 

I agree.  There's always that line (subjective) that can be crossed though.  Personally we like to take into consideration your fellow cruisers.  Some may describe the OP's situation as "cramping someone else's style", others may call it a lack of self awareness or even rude.

 

By the description of the OP, Boleros was taken over by one group, essentially excluding others from being able to enjoy the venue.  It's a judgement call, but by the OP's description this group was not considerate of others, had little self awareness, and essentially took over a bar for themselves.  Personally I would simply roll on to another location and have my fun elsewhere.  If I WAS dead set on enjoying Boleros and walked up on what the OP describes (especially starting so early like 5:30 and extending on) I'd be frustrated too.

[jean87510]

54 minutes ago, The Fun Researcher said:

Easy to say when you aren't the one impacted.  Other than the kids laying down on the floor in Boleros I don't think any of your examples were mentioned.  We're super easy going, but like anyone we eventually reach a point where something becomes irritating. 

 

Must be nice to be impervious.  😊

Read the 1st sentence.  

[ldubs]

58 minutes ago, The Fun Researcher said:

I agree.  There's always that line (subjective) that can be crossed though.  Personally we like to take into consideration your fellow cruisers.  Some may describe the OP's situation as "cramping someone else's style", others may call it a lack of self awareness or even rude.

 

By the description of the OP, Boleros was taken over by one group, essentially excluding others from being able to enjoy the venue.  It's a judgement call, but by the OP's description this group was not considerate of others, had little self awareness, and essentially took over a bar for themselves.  Personally I would simply roll on to another location and have my fun elsewhere.  If I WAS dead set on enjoying Boleros and walked up on what the OP describes (especially starting so early like 5:30 and extending on) I'd be frustrated too.

 

Oh yeah, I can understand the frustration.   But whether the place is packed by one group or several, it would be the same, IMO.   I'll admit some bias.  I'm pretty family focused and enjoy having the kiddos around.   So that aspect wouldn't bother me as much as it does others.  

 

Old guy snoozing in Schooners taking up space during trivia.  Should they wake me (I mean him) cause they want his chair?   😄😄

 

 

[JCDCA]

On 12/1/2022 at 3:02 PM, Bead Pirate said:

On Wonder now, was on Harmony two weeks ago...

 

Noticed on both sailings that there is/was a "takeover" by extended family (think 4 generations here). The folks get there around 5:30 or 6 and rearrange the furniture, pull in all of the strollers and bring down pillows so they can pull chairs together for the little ones to sleep later in the evening. Plates of food start rolling in around 7 and the party gets going from there.

 

18 bar seats on Wonder and to my amazement 12 of them were occupied by tweens ordering virgin frozen drinks at 8:30 last night.

 

I know it's tough to keep all of these kids entertained but sleeping in an entertainment venue is a bit of a stretch.

 

I am over the big ships while kids sail free (back to Celebrity with hopes all the old folks are sailing) 🙂

 

What I've noticed generally at Boleros across ships (and even classes) is they consistently have the *slowest* bar service of anywhere on the ship.  Regarding Wonder recently, this held true.  While I didn't see this at Boleros on Wonder, I did notice some odd behavior by one person in particular multiple nights at Schooner.  The same woman, each time around Midnight, would roll up with a toddler in something like a wagon?  So bigger than a stroller, but to pull the child around in.  Anyways, she would proceed to leave the wagon near a seat, head up to the bar, order martinis and come back to the young child.  Seemed pretty late to be out at 2-3 years old I'm guessing.

[neverbeenhere]

Boleros is nice to visit, but if it's full we will head to another venue.

[gumshoe958]

12 minutes ago, JCDCA said:

The same woman, each time around Midnight, would roll up with a toddler in something like a wagon?  So bigger than a stroller, but to pull the child around in.  Anyways, she would proceed to leave the wagon near a seat, head up to the bar, order martinis and come back to the young child.  Seemed pretty late to be out at 2-3 years old I'm guessing.

Obviously couldn’t wait for that first free Diamond drink of the day 😂

[The Fun Researcher]

1 hour ago, ldubs said:

 

Oh yeah, I can understand the frustration.   But whether the place is packed by one group or several, it would be the same, IMO.   I'll admit some bias.  I'm pretty family focused and enjoy having the kiddos around.   So that aspect wouldn't bother me as much as it does others.  

 

Old guy snoozing in Schooners taking up space during trivia.  Should they wake me (I mean him) cause they want his chair?   😄😄

 

 

 

Yeah, there is no "right way" to this one since everyone has their own tolerance for what is considered disrespectful to fellow cruisers or not.  I wasn't there so just picturing it based on the OP's description.  When a group takes over and makes it exclusionary to the rest of the passengers that's when things get questionable.

 

We're also very family focused but wouldn't dream of rearranging all the furniture in a big circle (to exclude others), bring down pillows and a bunch of strollers, taking over and having your dinner at the bar, etc...  just seems a bit much.

 

Like I said, I would simply move on and probably have a chuckle with my wife at the whole situation.  Boleros typically isn't our primary lounge, but I do love when things get hopping in there.  Fun to watch and be a part.  If I was hoping to enjoy that space I would feel frustrated in the OP's situation.

 

Not sure why I'm even discussing this🤣 other than to show some sympathy to the OP, since I can picture and understand the frustration.  Cheers.  Bowing out.

[Tree_skier]

I'm all for having fun but it is supposed to be a rule.  Change the word Bolero's to Solarium and all hell would be breaking loose.

 

 

[goldfish65]

My $.02 disgusting people everywhere in public are a given. For example, two couples having a very loud,  boisterous conversation in the middle of the centrum, drowning out the virtuoso jazz pianist whom the few other people in the area were trying to enjoy. Your own home or private club are the only places you may avoid scenarios like these.

[ldubs]

6 hours ago, The Fun Researcher said:

 

Yeah, there is no "right way" to this one since everyone has their own tolerance for what is considered disrespectful to fellow cruisers or not.  I wasn't there so just picturing it based on the OP's description.  When a group takes over and makes it exclusionary to the rest of the passengers that's when things get questionable.

 

We're also very family focused but wouldn't dream of rearranging all the furniture in a big circle (to exclude others), bring down pillows and a bunch of strollers, taking over and having your dinner at the bar, etc...  just seems a bit much.

 

Like I said, I would simply move on and probably have a chuckle with my wife at the whole situation.  Boleros typically isn't our primary lounge, but I do love when things get hopping in there.  Fun to watch and be a part.  If I was hoping to enjoy that space I would feel frustrated in the OP's situation.

 

Not sure why I'm even discussing this🤣 other than to show some sympathy to the OP, since I can picture and understand the frustration.  Cheers.  Bowing out.

 

At the same time, if all the chairs are being used I see no problem in pulling them together for the group.   If the chairs are in use then others can't use them.  I do understand the issue I think and do feel sleeping on the floor or turning the lounge into a campground is over the top.  I'm not unsympathetic and mean no criticism of the OP.  I just think it is kind of a tough one to say who has more rights to claim the available space.  

[ldubs]

7 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

I'm all for having fun but it is supposed to be a rule.  Change the word Bolero's to Solarium and all hell would be breaking loose.

 

 

 

I could be wrong but thought the underlined rule was applicable to drinking age as opposed to making Boleros an adults only area.       

 

Clearly, families with youngsters should not use the Solarium or any other adults only space.  

[ReneeFLL]

13 hours ago, jean87510 said:

never stop being amazed at what irritates people on cruise critic.  Kids in Boleros lying on floor.  Unoccupied chairs with towels for hours on the pool deck.  Waiters who talk too much.  Room attendants who are so far away one needs to yell down the hall, yoga pants, shorts in MDR, tank tops in MDR.  Usage of phones or any device which uses wifi.  🤔  

And when a child gets stepped on then who is going to get blamed? Of course the parent would blame the other person. Floors were made for people to walk on. I know I don't always look down when I'm walking. Poor kid.

[ReneeFLL]

12 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

Oh yeah, I can understand the frustration.   But whether the place is packed by one group or several, it would be the same, IMO.   I'll admit some bias.  I'm pretty family focused and enjoy having the kiddos around.   So that aspect wouldn't bother me as much as it does others.  

 

Old guy snoozing in Schooners taking up space during trivia.  Should they wake me (I mean him) cause they want his chair?   😄😄

 

I see the kid as a tripping hazard or getting stepped on and someone sleeping in a chair isn't going to be a safety issue.

[jean87510]

3 hours ago, ReneeFLL said:

And when a child gets stepped on then who is going to get blamed? Of course the parent would blame the other person. Floors were made for people to walk on. I know I don't always look down when I'm walking. Poor kid.

true.  But my take on that particular incident op wrote about is a little different.  If I gave my reason why I suspect it bothered the op, the post would be deleted.  Your concern is legitimate and would be mine as well if I witnessed it.  

[Joseph2017China]

9 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

I could be wrong but thought the underlined rule was applicable to drinking age as opposed to making Boleros an adults only area.       

 

Clearly, families with youngsters should not use the Solarium or any other adults only space.  

You're not wrong, that is the drinking age.  Any age can sit in any of the lounges.  The Entire Ship sells Drinks.  Every show, the casino, everyplace.  All the food places.  They also have bars in them.  Unless it is a place that is clearly marked adults only like you said, they are free to go where they want.  

 

I'm amazed that this post is still going.

[ldubs]

9 hours ago, ReneeFLL said:

I see the kid as a tripping hazard or getting stepped on and someone sleeping in a chair isn't going to be a safety issue.

 

Yes, I have to agree with that.   Though, snoring could be a safety issue if it reaches 85 decibels.  I've been told that happens. I've never heard that myself mind you.   😄

Edited December 7, 2022 by ldubs

[ldubs]

3 hours ago, Joseph2017China said:

You're not wrong, that is the drinking age.  Any age can sit in any of the lounges.  The Entire Ship sells Drinks.  Every show, the casino, everyplace.  All the food places.  They also have bars in them.  Unless it is a place that is clearly marked adults only like you said, they are free to go where they want.  

 

I'm amazed that this post is still going.

 

I'm just enjoying a friendly chat about something, even it if isn't earth shaking.  

 

BTW, I had a mojito for the first time a couple of weeks ago in Boleros.   Pretty good.    

[John&LaLa]

22 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

I'm all for having fun but it is supposed to be a rule.  Change the word Bolero's to Solarium and all hell would be breaking loose.

 

 

 

No Cachaca on Mariner last week 😪

[Oceansaway17]

On 12/6/2022 at 11:22 AM, Joseph2017China said:

But I find Karaoke, interferes with Boleros with all the bad singing.

Neither should interfere with each other which is my point. Whole dang promenade does not need to hear loud boleros music when it should be enclosed and really a lot bigger room as dance floor is small too

[Joseph2017China]

12 minutes ago, Oceansaway17 said:

Neither should interfere with each other which is my point. Whole dang promenade does not need to hear loud boleros music when it should be enclosed and really a lot bigger room as dance floor is small too

I have a solution, let's build bigger ships!!!!!!!!!  It's a ship, and space is limited.  Every inch of space is used.

[Oceansaway17]

45 minutes ago, Joseph2017China said:

I have a solution, let's build bigger ships!!!!!!!!!  It's a ship, and space is limited.  Every inch of space is used.

Yes but some ships have lounge areas with doors that shut so music that is loud can stay there. If that many folks want Latin music they should have a lounge that caters to music meant for dance floor as well. Just saying comedy has its own area.

me thinks the same if boleros had opera which some would find annoying.

the promenade should be for shops and food. And yes the karaoke should have doors too

[Oceansaway17]

On 12/2/2022 at 10:40 AM, Joseph2017China said:

So for this post, I see that some people don't think extended families can't hang together, in their favorite place?  

 

Next I learned from this post is that that the Spanish culture, is not allowed to be loud and have fun, with their normal customs? 

 

Lastly, I learned that kids can't join parents with enjoyment, and listening to music?  

No the Op did not mention ant ethnic group just talked about extended family.

I think the idea of a venue where folks gather in large numbers was of concern.

country music venues gather families as well.

If more folks enjoy Latin music and various people of all kinds too, then RCI needs to amp ships to have bigger venue and with doors. A lot of folks enjoy the music but not near other areas that have events because Latin music is louder that a lot of other types.

Heck I bet some folks would like to have square dances with callers.

[shipgeeks]

This has been an interesting post.  We have sailed on Enchantment four times this year, which is great because it has Bolero's, which Grandeur does not.  All four cruises have had excellent (outstanding) Latin trios.  Sound level is not loud, but just right for the venue (open on one side to passersby from theater and casino).  Centrum is not far, and is very open.  Centrum has the party band, and they are always loud.  Somehow the two never interfere with each other.  And somehow this Bolero's, in our experience, has always had a good mix of singles, couples, big families, a couple of tots, but always respectful of listeners, dancers, mojito drinkers, and the rest.

I guess I'm now even more grateful for the Enchantment crowd, and less likely to be interested in the bigger ships.

[mpdog42]

On 12/1/2022 at 12:02 PM, Bead Pirate said:

On Wonder now, was on Harmony two weeks ago...

 

Noticed on both sailings that there is/was a "takeover" by extended family (think 4 generations here). The folks get there around 5:30 or 6 and rearrange the furniture, pull in all of the strollers and bring down pillows so they can pull chairs together for the little ones to sleep later in the evening. Plates of food start rolling in around 7 and the party gets going from there.

 

18 bar seats on Wonder and to my amazement 12 of them were occupied by tweens ordering virgin frozen drinks at 8:30 last night.

 

I know it's tough to keep all of these kids entertained but sleeping in an entertainment venue is a bit of a stretch.

 

I am over the big ships while kids sail free (back to Celebrity with hopes all the old folks are sailing) 🙂

 

This wasn't one of the "Family" reunions was it?........Like on Carnival?

[ldubs]

1 hour ago, Oceansaway17 said:

Yes but some ships have lounge areas with doors that shut so music that is loud can stay there. If that many folks want Latin music they should have a lounge that caters to music meant for dance floor as well. Just saying comedy has its own area.

me thinks the same if boleros had opera which some would find annoying.

the promenade should be for shops and food. And yes the karaoke should have doors too

 

If they switch to Opera, I'll be needing to bring a pillow too.   😄

 

Actually, I was thinking about your comment about doors.  I don't think I've ever been in a cruise ship lounge that had closed doors while open for business.  Exceptions I can think of might be a smoking room or diamond lounge.  But those are not really areas for performances.  Maybe the ice rink or theater closes the doors during a performance.  I hope not for life safety issues, but really don't know.