Thread: Why do you think some people are so negative about kids cruising

Originally Posted by Texashorselady

There is another side to this question of why some people don't really like kids around on cruises. It's not always whether the children misbehave, or whether the kids' behavior is better or worse than some drunk, unkind, or rude adults.

The other side of the arguement is that sometimes having children around can change the whole atmosphere. Not everybody wants to be on a Disney Cruise. When children around around, conversations are toned down so no naughty subjects are brought up, and everybody's careful not to say the wrong word because it might be something you shouldn't say in front of a kid. In my experience, when a child enters the scene every considerate and moral adult watches to make sure the conversation is child-safe. Now I don't cuss like a sailor, I don't say the f word or anything even close to that...and drinking for me means a few glasses of good wine. There is no getting drunk or stupid involved.

But I would rather not have to watch over my shoulder for who is around me before I tell a funny grown-up story. Like about the time we took our shy friend from England to the Mustang Ranch brothel in Nevada. NO I didn't go in..but it was a lifetime dream of his so we dropped him off...funny story...they actually kicked him out! That sort of story is the sort of thing adults might want to sit around and laugh about...but if little kid Johnnie and little kid Susie suddenly arrive it wouldn't be possible...we'd have to change the subject.

I hope this helps explain. I love kids, I love being around them and I think everybody has the right to bring their kids on a cruise every time they choose to. I agree it's a wonderful way to expose children to social settings, and a great chance for family togetherness. But in all perfect honesty, if I got to choose I'd choose a cruise with very few kids onboard. Not because I think they might run around wild and crazy but because I'd rather not have to constantly monitor myself.

Great response!!!!!

Sometimes you can't even talk in code around kids nowadays. I don't remember when I learned about certain things but my 8 yr old (nine days away from turning 9) already knows about gays and other topics that parents usually shy away from. I sometimes cringe at some of the questions she asks. I keep telling her that next year in fifth grade, she and her fellow female classmates will get to see "the film." I can guess that she'll be counting the days til she sees that one.

Originally Posted by JodiBB

I'll speak out here as I don't travel with children...

I want to clarify...I don't have children, but I'm also not a child-hater (as some childfree by choice people are!)...

That being said, I wouldn't mind children on the ships if the parents would tend to their children....unfortunately many (as you notice, I didn't say most or all!!!!) parents want a vacation for themselves in addition to the family and let loose of their parenting responsibilities, but they don't feel secure in leaving the child with the kid programs that are offered. As a result, children are left running around as parents are socializing and drinking....I feel bad for the kids, as they are left to entertain themselves....conversely, I didn't bring children on the ship and don't feel my vacation needs to be impacted by unsupervised children....

I'm not negative about kids cruising...I'm negative about parents who don't properly supervise their children, resulting in my vacation being impacted....

Sorry for my rant....

I think u put it very nicely.

Parents please control your kids so everyone can have a good time.

Originally Posted by berniemom

I think u put it very nicely.

Parents please control your kids so everyone can have a good time.

I am the parents of 2 teens. They know the rules onboard. They also know my penalties for them not following those rules.
The only problem I had was when the kids were down 3 floors, they evidently kept room service busy with orders of chocolate cookies and milk! Of course, I learned this after the cruise!
They are directly across the hall our next trip and have been told that room service calls are to be limited.
(P.S. It cracked me up as they announced that it shouldn't be an issue as they tipped him each time... I told them that wasn't the issue...)

Originally Posted by localady

I am the parents of 2 teens. They know the rules onboard. They also know my penalties for them not following those rules.
The only problem I had was when the kids were down 3 floors, they evidently kept room service busy with orders of chocolate cookies and milk! Of course, I learned this after the cruise!
They are directly across the hall our next trip and have been told that room service calls are to be limited.
(P.S. It cracked me up as they announced that it shouldn't be an issue as they tipped him each time... I told them that wasn't the issue...)

I told our son the same thing....lol

We came back to the room to find 4 of everything
He said he only called them once.....lol
Oh yea he said he tiped him 4 dollars....lol
One for each tray!

I give the parents credit for teaching their children to tip the service person Localady and Chucksta63 sounds like your kids will grow up into responsible adults.

On the cruises that we have been on, the children were very well mannered. On our last cruise to Hawaii, because this was a longer cruise (14 day), we would often see children out on deck working on homework. I believe that we had about 150 children on board.

I have heard of horror stories on CC where kids were out of control, but you have to wonder if their parents were just as out of control as they were. I think children tend to emulate the behaviour that they see with their parents. I know that this is not always true, but I am pretty sure that this happens more often than not.

My teenage boys enjoy cruising, but I am always aware of where they are on board, and I would appreciate it if I were told if they were misbehaving. This is not acceptable, and they are aware of that.

Nancy