Well behaved but infant & preschooler not welcome on Oceania?
Feb 12th, 2007, 08:20 PM
#21
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If it were me, I would be stressed worrying not only about other passengers reactions, but the kids behavior. Even the best behaved kids are going to get cranked up several times during a 12 day cruise - that is just what kids do. (And I would worry more if during that time they did not have a few meltdowns).
Other lines do Med cruises, where I think all generations could be happy. There is no perfect vacation for that many people of that many ages. And I am sure your parents adore their grandchildren, they might like to spend some adult time with their children.
Twelve days with little rugrats, even adored and well-behaved ones, can get to be a little much for grandparents.
Whatever you decide, you sound like considerate travelers. So reconsider something perhaps a notch lower with somewhat more kid-friendly amenities, and have a good time.
Other lines do Med cruises, where I think all generations could be happy. There is no perfect vacation for that many people of that many ages. And I am sure your parents adore their grandchildren, they might like to spend some adult time with their children.
Twelve days with little rugrats, even adored and well-behaved ones, can get to be a little much for grandparents.
Whatever you decide, you sound like considerate travelers. So reconsider something perhaps a notch lower with somewhat more kid-friendly amenities, and have a good time.
Feb 13th, 2007, 04:54 AM
#22
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Its unfortunate this thread turned hostile. I wonder if the OP is still around? No offense intended but I do wonder how many 4 yr. olds can sit for two hrs. at a dinner table with all adults for 10-12 nights. That seems to be asking alot. I would hope you have alternative plans at least on some nights for say dinner in the cabin for the kids w/ some adult supervision. I think you do run the risk of some adults becoming "peeved" about the presence of kids on board. Just look at what happened here. I would think most would be civil. Ultimately the decision is yours and IMHO do what you feel is the right thing to do. This type of cruise may not be the best idea with younger children. However if you go and they misbehave its forgivable because they are children. However adults should know better. IMHO don't be influenced by the sniping you saw here. Good luck.
Feb 13th, 2007, 05:26 AM
#23
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Nice of you, Mike, to extend a great deal more courtesy to a handicapped traveler than you would to a child.
In my own experience, I have seen people with walkers or wheelchairs take over corridors & hallways. I was on a cruise where a man in a wheelchair with oxygen strapped to the back & a tube up his nose was smoking in the casino, and Security did absolutely nothing to stop him, even though he posed a risk of blowing up himself and everyone around him!
I'll take a diaper bag any day.
In my own experience, I have seen people with walkers or wheelchairs take over corridors & hallways. I was on a cruise where a man in a wheelchair with oxygen strapped to the back & a tube up his nose was smoking in the casino, and Security did absolutely nothing to stop him, even though he posed a risk of blowing up himself and everyone around him!
I'll take a diaper bag any day.
Feb 13th, 2007, 07:49 AM
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Jacket, actually I frequent the boards whenever I have a trip planned, but infrequently. So I forgot my old ID and signed up for a new one. This thread just caught my eye because I was looking at the Oceania board after seeing a reference to it on another board discussing Sea Dream.
Frankly I don't post to everything, just those things that interest me. And, obviously, the issue of children on luxury cruises interested me.
But, I think that this thread has served a very useful purpose since it would appear that most people are against bringing children along on these ships. I may be more demonstrative in my opinion, and maybe ruder, but in all honesty people who even think of it deserve no lesser invective nor greater consideration.
Frankly I don't post to everything, just those things that interest me. And, obviously, the issue of children on luxury cruises interested me.
But, I think that this thread has served a very useful purpose since it would appear that most people are against bringing children along on these ships. I may be more demonstrative in my opinion, and maybe ruder, but in all honesty people who even think of it deserve no lesser invective nor greater consideration.
Feb 13th, 2007, 11:24 AM
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Jacket, two messages to me. You must really be exercised by my posts.
On the first, I think you're wrong about the bigot label. I don't like crying babies under the circumstances discussed. I understand you do. No problem. But I did think that for someone to even ask the question indicated that they thought maybe there might be a problem. That does not make me a bigot. I also don't like Feta cheese nor Square Dancing, though I like other dancing. Maybe by your definition I'm an anti-Feta, anti-Square Dance bigot. If that's your definition then I guess you're right.
On the second. I don't get your issue. I understand trolling, or as it's called on many boards, lurking, hanging in and reading posts but never responding.
So what am I missing?
And as for not believing my story, hey, I don't care. I posted my opinion, got opposing views, got told I had a bad childhood, was nasty, should be so lucky as to have a cabin next to a screaming child the next time I cruise, etc. Some made me laugh. But, you don't believe my story? What story?
The joy of boards!
On the first, I think you're wrong about the bigot label. I don't like crying babies under the circumstances discussed. I understand you do. No problem. But I did think that for someone to even ask the question indicated that they thought maybe there might be a problem. That does not make me a bigot. I also don't like Feta cheese nor Square Dancing, though I like other dancing. Maybe by your definition I'm an anti-Feta, anti-Square Dance bigot. If that's your definition then I guess you're right.
On the second. I don't get your issue. I understand trolling, or as it's called on many boards, lurking, hanging in and reading posts but never responding.
So what am I missing?
And as for not believing my story, hey, I don't care. I posted my opinion, got opposing views, got told I had a bad childhood, was nasty, should be so lucky as to have a cabin next to a screaming child the next time I cruise, etc. Some made me laugh. But, you don't believe my story? What story?
The joy of boards!
Feb 13th, 2007, 01:02 PM
#29
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Mike: Nobody deserves the invectiveness that you dished out to the OP.
Jacket meant that he did not believe "your story" about your screen name. On this board a "troll" is a post that is intended to stir the pot...to get people riled up.It is not genuine. Fodorites are suspicious when a first time poster( like CruiserMike) jumps in with such invectiveness....the general tenor of your post is inconsistent w/ being a "first time poster". Usually first timers ask a question or they respond politely & helpfully. You did neither! If I were the OP I wld still be wondering if it is ok to bring the kids on Oceania Nautica! CruiserMike's opinion is so over the top that it's an outlier...I wld disregard every word that you said! Are you still here NYCdreamer??
Jacket meant that he did not believe "your story" about your screen name. On this board a "troll" is a post that is intended to stir the pot...to get people riled up.It is not genuine. Fodorites are suspicious when a first time poster( like CruiserMike) jumps in with such invectiveness....the general tenor of your post is inconsistent w/ being a "first time poster". Usually first timers ask a question or they respond politely & helpfully. You did neither! If I were the OP I wld still be wondering if it is ok to bring the kids on Oceania Nautica! CruiserMike's opinion is so over the top that it's an outlier...I wld disregard every word that you said! Are you still here NYCdreamer??
Feb 13th, 2007, 01:22 PM
#30
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Wow, understand.
And as I said I'm not a first-time poster.
But, be that as it may, I stand by my view. I may not have been as diplomatic as others but I really annoyed by people who just do not understand that people do not want them. Now, if you like to go on a luxury cruise and have screaming babies on deck with you, fine. My hunch is you do not. And given that, and your comments, I am sure you would have said to the OP, 'babies are cute but I think they'd have much more fun on Disney where there are many babies'. Very politic. Very diplomatic. But not in my opinion what the OP deserved to hear.
OK. This thread has gone on long enough. You won't change my mind, and I won't yours. So, how about we end this here. We all know the issue, the options and the opinions.
Let's start a new thread, like maybe one about why organized tours are so expensive and why when you buy an extension the hotel rooms are priced at rack rates for EACH person which no sane person would ever pay if they were booking the room on their own.
And as I said I'm not a first-time poster.
But, be that as it may, I stand by my view. I may not have been as diplomatic as others but I really annoyed by people who just do not understand that people do not want them. Now, if you like to go on a luxury cruise and have screaming babies on deck with you, fine. My hunch is you do not. And given that, and your comments, I am sure you would have said to the OP, 'babies are cute but I think they'd have much more fun on Disney where there are many babies'. Very politic. Very diplomatic. But not in my opinion what the OP deserved to hear.
OK. This thread has gone on long enough. You won't change my mind, and I won't yours. So, how about we end this here. We all know the issue, the options and the opinions.
Let's start a new thread, like maybe one about why organized tours are so expensive and why when you buy an extension the hotel rooms are priced at rack rates for EACH person which no sane person would ever pay if they were booking the room on their own.
Feb 13th, 2007, 01:24 PM
#31
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Wow; That was nice of you to explain it to CM but really he wants no intelligent discussion. He just wants to stir. Thats all. Never argue with a fool. Someone watching may not be able to tell the difference. 
. Bye CM or whoever you are. 
Again to the OP(if you are still here) just ignore his opinion. JM2C. 
. Bye CM or whoever you are. Again to the OP(if you are still here) just ignore his opinion. JM2C.
Feb 13th, 2007, 03:19 PM
#32
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I would not have said "babies are cute but I think they'd have more fun on Disney"...or whatever you said you were sure that I wld say! I love babies & kids & the sight of a diaper bag does not make me apoplectic! Wouldn't bother me at all to have NYCdreamer's infant & preschooler w/ me on Oceania. But...you...now that's another story! Now I am cruising out of here & no more posts from me on this. Bon Voyage!
Now I am cruising out of here & no more posts from me on this. Bon Voyage!
Feb 14th, 2007, 04:57 AM
#33
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To get back on topic, I do think the other passengers on Oceania would not be welcoming to a family with infant and child. It is known to be an adult line and markets accordingly.
It is also expensive so I would not choose to spend money to go where I was not wanted. It would be like me choosing Disney for a vacation when one of my top priorities is to cruise/stay at a resort where there will not be any. I would not expect Disney to fit my needs so I would not make that decision. I actually could not imagine a worse choice for myself.
There are very few cruise lines who really are adult centric. Those of us who prefer that are willing to pay the price.
I truly think it would not be a good decision and that you would not be welcomed with open arms.
It is also expensive so I would not choose to spend money to go where I was not wanted. It would be like me choosing Disney for a vacation when one of my top priorities is to cruise/stay at a resort where there will not be any. I would not expect Disney to fit my needs so I would not make that decision. I actually could not imagine a worse choice for myself.
There are very few cruise lines who really are adult centric. Those of us who prefer that are willing to pay the price.
I truly think it would not be a good decision and that you would not be welcomed with open arms.
Feb 14th, 2007, 05:16 AM
#34
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I just looked at Oceanias web site. This line is designed for adults really. K is right. How kids will be received I don't know but for them it could be weird. Actually I would have reservations about taking someone say in there mid to even high teens let alone children much younger. Personally I would pass at this time. Other options include a Disney cruise or one of many AI's in the Caribbean or Mexico that have kids programs or other cruise lines that have kids programs too. I hope the OP is still around. Good luck. Larry
Feb 14th, 2007, 05:22 AM
#35
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If the non-kidded adults fear being over-run with kids on another line, that is not always the case. We cruise NCL Boston-Bermuda 2 years ago and they announced there were a record number of kids on board. Except for mid-day pool area on sea days, you would not have known it.
In August, especially later in month, some schools have already started back. I would guess if you picked a more expensive all-ages line that was more accomodating for kids all ages would be comfortable.
In August, especially later in month, some schools have already started back. I would guess if you picked a more expensive all-ages line that was more accomodating for kids all ages would be comfortable.
Feb 14th, 2007, 04:02 PM
#36
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Well, this thread has certainly provided me with a laugh today!
I was wondering if someone could clarify something for me? I understand that there are All Adult Resorts out there where children are not allowed. Does this not exist in the cruise world? I see in the posts that some are more geared for adults and do not provide entertainment etc for children, but can't a cruise line come right out and say NO KIDS?
I am surfing for ideas right now for my 20th wedding anniversary this summer and am considering cruises, but only if there was an adult only policy.
I am a grade two teacher (think about it, think about it!) and <gasp> like Mike, when I am on vacation, I do not want to see a child, hear a child, smell a child, or dine within a 200 meter radious of a child (well behaved or otherwise). 200 days a year of being with a child, I think, entitles me to this opinion and hopefully does not brand me as a bigot. I'm just someone who REALLY needs PEACE and QUIET!! (twitch, twitch).
People often think that a child that is well behaved MUST be loved by all. Wrong. Just seeing a child in my vacinity of relaxation is enough to iritate me because I am anticipating the high voice, the endless questions, etc. Even if the poor dear doesn't say a peep, I am still waiting for it and that is enough to ruin my time.
I have been on two cruises with my own children who I put in camp. If I could have swam to shore, I would have with how no one else put their kids in camp and I was SURROUNDED by all kinds of screaming, annoying, kids. I did find a trick tho...I discovered that there is a topless sun bathing level which I used fully clothed because kids were not allowed up there. Ironically, the 9 other passangers were all fully clothed too and were just trying to get away from the kids,lol.
Also, the best part of being on any vacation when you are a teacher is when the parents find out and all of a sudden you are like the 'police' for behavior. "Billy, be good. That lady is a teacher". And best of all, "Oh, you're a teacher, Billy, show the lady how you know your multiplication tables." Do I need to go on about why I need a kid free cruise?
Anyway, I digress....
Please reply if you know about adult only cruises or if you have any romantic adult ideas for a 20th anniversary (we like luxury, spa, beach).
Regards,
Mrs. T
Awesome grade 2 teacher but likes her breaks too!
I was wondering if someone could clarify something for me? I understand that there are All Adult Resorts out there where children are not allowed. Does this not exist in the cruise world? I see in the posts that some are more geared for adults and do not provide entertainment etc for children, but can't a cruise line come right out and say NO KIDS?
I am surfing for ideas right now for my 20th wedding anniversary this summer and am considering cruises, but only if there was an adult only policy.
I am a grade two teacher (think about it, think about it!) and <gasp> like Mike, when I am on vacation, I do not want to see a child, hear a child, smell a child, or dine within a 200 meter radious of a child (well behaved or otherwise). 200 days a year of being with a child, I think, entitles me to this opinion and hopefully does not brand me as a bigot. I'm just someone who REALLY needs PEACE and QUIET!! (twitch, twitch).
People often think that a child that is well behaved MUST be loved by all. Wrong. Just seeing a child in my vacinity of relaxation is enough to iritate me because I am anticipating the high voice, the endless questions, etc. Even if the poor dear doesn't say a peep, I am still waiting for it and that is enough to ruin my time.
I have been on two cruises with my own children who I put in camp. If I could have swam to shore, I would have with how no one else put their kids in camp and I was SURROUNDED by all kinds of screaming, annoying, kids. I did find a trick tho...I discovered that there is a topless sun bathing level which I used fully clothed because kids were not allowed up there. Ironically, the 9 other passangers were all fully clothed too and were just trying to get away from the kids,lol.
Also, the best part of being on any vacation when you are a teacher is when the parents find out and all of a sudden you are like the 'police' for behavior. "Billy, be good. That lady is a teacher". And best of all, "Oh, you're a teacher, Billy, show the lady how you know your multiplication tables." Do I need to go on about why I need a kid free cruise?
Anyway, I digress....
Please reply if you know about adult only cruises or if you have any romantic adult ideas for a 20th anniversary (we like luxury, spa, beach).
Regards,
Mrs. T
Awesome grade 2 teacher but likes her breaks too!
Feb 15th, 2007, 02:58 AM
#37
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The ONLY adult ship is P&Os Arcadia, and she is supposed to be gorgeous.
Otherwise, no, there are no adult only cruise lines or cruises. Best bets: Oceania, Regent, SeaDream, Crystal.
If those are too pricey, book HAL (not Vista class) or Celebrity but make sure it is a time when kids are NOT on holiday, hard these days for sure. Book a more exotic itinerary, then cross your fingers.
Otherwise, no, there are no adult only cruise lines or cruises. Best bets: Oceania, Regent, SeaDream, Crystal.
If those are too pricey, book HAL (not Vista class) or Celebrity but make sure it is a time when kids are NOT on holiday, hard these days for sure. Book a more exotic itinerary, then cross your fingers.
Feb 15th, 2007, 04:22 PM
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Thanks, Gail...I'm sure you suffer from the same thing I do on vacation, "oh, you're a nurse? Does this look infected?" lol
I'm sure the plumber doesn't go home and play with the pipes. I appreciate your comment from a fellow public servant trying to do her job with all these cut backs.
I'm sure the plumber doesn't go home and play with the pipes. I appreciate your comment from a fellow public servant trying to do her job with all these cut backs.
