Children not banned but not encouraged either!

This is the message from Oceania Cruises , who as a luxury cruise line feel that possibly children should be occasionally seen and not heard. Do you think that Oceania are saying many families with children wouldn’t appreciate a luxury cruise, I mean I know that Oceania ships don’t have children’s facilities but does every family want children’s facilities on board.

It poses the question at what age does it become appropriate to travel on a luxury liner as a family and even if your children were impeccably behaved on board would you be made to feel welcome by staff and other guests. Not every family will want children’s clubs and water slides , some families with older children do like the luxury of a cruise and will sail for the itinerary not always the entertainment that is on board. I have a daughter who is now 18 and from the age of 16 I would have quite confidently taken her on Oceania. Sightseeing during the day , spa treatments on sea days and fine dining in the evening she would have enjoyed it then but now 18 would love it now as would I.

My opinion to cruise lines with this message is, if children are not banned but not encouraged either then go adults only, don’t just discriminate passengers just because they are of a certain age eg under 18.

Another view would be to ask the question of how many parents do you think have to sacrifice their own luxury cruise holiday to book a family orientated one so they feel that their children will be made to feel more welcome and catered for.

On the other hand I know Grandparents who cruise do also book luxury cruises on the understanding that not many children will be on board and I can agree the mindset into thinking that after looking after your grandchildren whilst your children were at work you may want to go on cruises depending on brand or ‘Adults Only’ or even time of year to avoid spending time with other children as a much needed rest is indeed needed.

Oceania are truly a great cruise line, impeccable service the ultimate in fine dining and at a cost that doesn’t compromise , I sell many of them every day and I truly believe in every aspect of there service and commitment to customers but was this the right thing to say. What do you think? Click on the link to see what other customers think of Oceania

http://www.cruise.co.uk/search/reviews/ocean/24/

Oceania – Your world your way – Possibly not!!!