Children at formal dinners - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

alivree · 04-07-2009, 06:29 PM

We are cruising for the first time with our 3 yr old son - Cunard, transatlantic. Do people typically bring their children to the black tie evening dinners or is that frowned upon?

sue miller · 04-07-2009, 07:34 PM

I sailed with a 2 year old Grandaughter and a 5 year old grandson, but not on Cunard. I did take them to the main dining room on formal night. My grandaughter had a formal dress and grandson had a black Tux, I had no problem, and they were welcomed by many passengers. We had first seating, and the kids were so proud of themselves. Cunard may be different but I hope not, it was an awesome experience for them.

Char · 04-07-2009, 07:36 PM

Hey Alivree! Welcone to our friendly cruise community!

Can't answer about Cunard specifically, but on other cruise lines we have seen the most adorable young children all dressed up for formal night and they seem to rise to the occassion in the dining room. (most of the time

)

I suppose it would depend on how cooperative your youngster is as to whether he would be comfortable in the dining room. I have never heard of any prohibitions in the main dining venues. Some Specialty restaurants have a minimum age, but not the main dining room.

We have a brand new thread that you might want to drop in on...here is the link--> (Mom's Clubhouse - From One Mom to Another)Mom's Clubhouse - From One Mom to Another

You can talk to other mom's about cruising with kids.

Look around and discover all the many areas we have here at CLF. Make yourself at home!

my vacation lady · 04-07-2009, 07:53 PM

We've cruised with our kids since they were young and they always ate dinner with us- even on formal nights. Celebrity was the "fanciest" we have cruised on with them but there were many kids in the dining room all dressed for dinner.

I will never forget the Maitre D on the Galaxy when we sailed from Baltimore in 8/2002. There was a table of 4 right near our group of 25 or so. They came to the dinner every nite in what we would not consider proper attire. Our kids were dressed appropriately for dinner (casual nites- khakis and button down shirts with shoes) and the young man at this table was in shorts and sneakers. Maitre D went over and asked them to change into something more appropriate. The family actually did change into proper attire- for that nite. Never showed up for the formal nite.

In regard to Cunard, ask the travel agent who you booked your cruise through to check on this for you if you feel you need more direction. Wish I could help but I haven't sailed Cunard.

cruisin' chick · 04-07-2009, 08:32 PM

Another thing you can do is to ask here:

http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cunard-cruise-line/

The Cunard navigator is Steven, and maybe he's seen children in the dining room. I would imagine they would be welcome there as where else would they eat?

I have seen kids in formal wear (maybe you can check on ebay if looking for a tux for the little one), but on Carnival and Princess, a little suit with tie is acceptable for formal nights. There were a couple of little girls, maybe 2 or 3, wearing frilly dresses -- maybe their Easter dresses, on our last cruise, sitting at the next table on formal nights.

Sometimes the waitstaff will have items for the little ones (coloring books, saltines), but it wouldn't hurt to bring something that will distract a kid during a long meal. If you bring a portable DVD player, bring the headphones so other diners won't hear the movie.

cruisinmama06 · 04-07-2009, 08:52 PM

No, it is not "frowned upon". Children are welcomed in the dining rooms on Cunard ships. There is a "children's tea" buffet at 5pm (I believe it's 5pm) and it has typical children's fare. I was considering taking the kids to the children's tea and then taking them to the Cunard club at 7pm while I dined at the later seating. But everyone assured my that the kids would be welcomed in the dining room.

sue miller · 04-07-2009, 08:56 PM

Thanks, I am so glad to hear that, it is such a special experience

cruisinmama06 · 04-07-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sue miller

Thanks, I am so glad to hear that, it is such a special experience

I agree it is. It's rare that we get to eat as a family at home. My hubby has an unusal work schedule. So we are always passing each other. The dinners are a way for us to reconnect as a family. They love getting all dressed up. And I love having my entire family together for dinner.

Now if the kids had it their way, then they would probably choose to eat with the camps.

I have to play "let's make a deal" on every cruise. The kids can eat with Camp on ONE night.

So far every cruise line has been VERY accomodating for the kids at dinner.