Cove Cafe is supposed to be adults only...

[wilkeliza]

OK - first of all I fall firmly into the "adult only means adult only camp". I won't expand on that as the folks that posted before me have done it quite eloquently. The only thing I want to add is that after reading through this thread and noticing how unfortunate the tone has become from some posters, it just goes to show why DCL should enforce this rule across the board.

It would be much simpler to politely point out to a customer that they are in an adult only area and offer them alternatives on the ship to meet their needs. When they don't, it just leads to annoyance among other passengers and possible confrontations between passengers. Better to gently remind one family of the rules than risk further unpleasantness.

One other thing - the poster that suggested the waiters roaming the ship should offer coffee drinks? Genius!! (if they don't already - I never asked) Then I can really be a deck chair potato!!

They do if you ask. Even in the adults area I didn't have to get out of the pool. I always pop in on day one order a drink and let the crew know that is my regular coffee drink. Then from there on the pool servers just go and come back and it is always right.

Also I'm a coffie snob (not really because I'll drink anything I just know what is gold and want isn't) and trust me Cove Cafe is not that great. Yes it is better than the stuff offered in the dining rooms but it is still only mediocre coffee. I tend to go straight for the coffee shops at port just to get an amazing cup. I did how at Remy if or waiter could make me espresso every morning because the cup he made me was the best I've had on DCL.

 

[wilkeliza]

I have read this same complaint about other cruise lines. Sadly, it is not a reflection of DCL, but rather a reflection of a "me" society that believed rules don't apply to them (unless of course it serves them).
I have two small children and enjoyed checking them into the kids club one afternoon so DH and I could enjoy a good coffee and chat without having to be "on duty".

Your comment about "on duty" is what our is really about. If I am in the adults only area I want to be able to discuss adult things with out fear of a small child hearing. My friends and I can sit around for hours and talk about the HBO or Showtime shows we watch or heaven forbid use a few curse words. When we are in family and kids area we would never do that but in the adult area I shouldn't have to think about a kid possibly over hearing us discuss Orange Is The New Black and possible use the b word or f word.

 

[Lisa Lisa]

I don't think anything posted at this point -- no matter how reasonable or articulately written -- is going to change anyone else's opinion on this issue. As a rule follower, though, I get very tired of hearing the people who knowingly disregard the rules (and their apologists) say that I need to "relax" or "get over it." Why do the majority of people who are following the rules have to turn a blind eye? Why can't the rude minority adjust their behavior instead?

 

[su_A_ve]

I have read this same complaint about other cruise lines. Sadly, it is not a reflection of DCL, but rather a reflection of a "me" society that believed rules don't apply to them (unless of course it serves them).
I have two small children and enjoyed checking them into the kids club one afternoon so DH and I could enjoy a good coffee and chat without having to be "on duty".

Agree!

I'm even rethinking more and more my being ok with the mom totting in with the two kids to get the latte.

I think we maybe need to have 'open house' hours. I do understand that some kids will not stay in the kids area (afraid, or not used to - whatever it may be), so an option would be needed. But as I said earlier, having one or two CMs ready to help with bringing the drinks to the family area might solve this...

 

[tweis]

I don't think anything posted at this point -- no matter how reasonable or articulately written -- is going to change anyone else's opinion on this issue. As a rule follower, though, I get very tired of hearing the people who knowingly disregard the rules (and their apologists) say that I need to "relax" or "get over it." Why do the majority of people who are following the rules have to turn a blind eye? Why can't the rude minority adjust their behavior instead?

^^^^This! Lisa you are absolutely correct. Why are we the "bad" guys for wanting others to follow rules that are in place or for wanting DCL to deliver what they market?

 

[tinkerone]

I don't think anything posted at this point -- no matter how reasonable or articulately written -- is going to change anyone else's opinion on this issue. As a rule follower, though, I get very tired of hearing the people who knowingly disregard the rules (and their apologists) say that I need to "relax" or "get over it." Why do the majority of people who are following the rules have to turn a blind eye? Why can't the rude minority adjust their behavior instead?

this is by far the best post yet. so well said, thank you! it pretty much says it all doesn't it?

i do have to wonder how many of the 'get over it' people are adults with no children. its easy to say its no big deal when its not something that directly affects you.

 

[jjgarv]

Yes!! I agree.

Maybe if they made the regular coffee taste better, there wouldn't be such a need for parents to go to cove cafe!

As other folks have stated, under 18's or parents with children do not NEED to go to Cove Cafe...they can get the exact same drinks at Vista Cafe on deck 4 in the atrium, which is open/available to EVERYONE!

 

[snchpnz]

There is no need for children to go into the Cove Café EVER, for anything. If your kids want coffee then you can go down to the Vista Café or the Promenade Lounge as a family. Those places serve the exact same coffee. What's that? You are already by the pool area and your precious little snowflake can't stand outside the adult area for more than 5 seconds before breaking down in tears? Hmm, then maybe you should re-evaluate your priorities.

 

[cmclaura]

This adult-only policy needs to be better policed.

I'm a grumpy adult who gets annoyed when kids even walk through the area with parents. So, that elevator is closer to your room? Go to another deck and walk across. I would.

I've cheered on CMs who made people with kids, lounging on the chairs, leave. I've even taken their names and commended them to Guest Services.

When my daughter was under 18, I wouldn't allow her to do that out of courtesy to the others utilizing the area. It would be nice if others extended that same courtesy to all of us.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

What's the big deal? Kids got their shakes and left - simmer down.

That goes for most of you "adults" on a Disney cruise - yes there will be kids around - even in the adult areas. Let the CM"s handle it - if you still have an issue maybe try a princess or royal cruise.

Better yet - don't rant on a message board annonymously.

Everyone is anon on these message boards, including you. The point of a discussion board is to discuss things. It IS a big deal because it is an ADULT Only Area. My issue isn't with kids around. We cruise on Disney and visit the Parks. Kids around are expected and not a problem. However if there are adult areas, than that should be enforced. I would point this out to a CM if I noticed a child actually staying in an adult only area. Walking through the area, I have no problem. But staying in there and parents breaking the rules? That isn't alright.

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

Disney caters to the children, but adults need special treatment too. That's why there are adult only areas. I consider it rude and inconsiderate when parents bring their children into adult only areas. I don't infiltrate the kid only areas by attending events in the Labs or Teen Clubs. If I wanted to be surrounded by kids on my cruise I would go the family pool. The adult only swimming areas, Cove Cafe, Palo/Remy, and lounges should be respected by all. But, as in everything, there are those who don't think it should apply to them or their children. I guess they think they are more SPECIAL than the rest of us who obey the rules.

 

[n8nally]

Good point - maybe they need 'open house' for the adult areas?

The first few hours on embarkation day ARE Open House hours. This is exactly when a cast member told me to go ahead and take my kids into CC if I wanted because this was their only chance. So I did.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Listen I understand that children shouldn't be in that area and that's fine but it is the over entitlted people who whine and complain on an annonymous message board that makes me feel that hey it's okay if someone else wants to ruin there fun cause obviously they are whinners in the first place.

And your statement proves everyone elses point on this thread! The children shouldn't be in the adult area. It's that simple

 

[EPCOTatNight]

LOL is not the same children areas are sanctioned off from adults for safety reasons - also there is an open house when anyone can visit.

Same for Vibe and the other teen clubs.

Children are innocent - they are the only group where it is socially acceptable to exclude them.

The sign says "Only Adults" can you imagine if the sign said "Only Whites"

Don't think anyone would be happy about that.

And why would you complain that your paying twice as much for an adult fare than a child fare - can a child cruise by themselves - by default that parent/child are paying more than you.

Listen I understand that children shouldn't be in that area and that's fine but it is the over entitlted people who whine and complain on an annonymous message board that makes me feel that hey it's okay if someone else wants to ruin there fun cause obviously they are whinners in the first place.

This is a minor minor issue on a "DISNEY" cruise - if you want an adult cruise where there are no children than choose another line.

Really? You can't possibly be serious. Please tell me that you did not equate adults only to "Whites only". I don't know if I should be offended or feel sorry for you.

 

[bumbershoot]

Your comment about "on duty" is what our is really about. If I am in the ales only area I want to be able to discuss adult things with out gear of a small child hearing. My friends and I can air around for hours and talk about the HBO or Showtime shows we watch or heaven forbid use a few curse words. When we are in family and kids area we would never do that but in the adult area I shouldn't have to think about a cold possibly over hearing us discuss Orange Is The New Black and possible use the b word or f word.

Yes yes. And yes.

The main place I go on any given day is the ymca. DS has dance and swim classes, I workout, etc. I'm constantly watching my words and topics. Sometimes I just want to talk about whatever I want to talk about, and don't want to have to make sirenian all kid friendly. And when I say that, I mean teen friendly too, because they are kids too.

This adult-only policy needs to be better policed. I'm a grumpy adult who gets annoyed when kids even walk through the area with parents. So, that elevator is closer to your room? Go to another deck and walk across. I would.

Well, the first or second time the people probably just got turned around. I've now been on dream 7 days in total and I might still get mixed up and go the wrong way. Thankfully, my son, who is allergic to feeling like he's in trouble and who has much better sense of direction on a ship, has steered us away from that area at least once.

 

[time4dis]

I think people have a right to believe the rules should be followed and enforced. A lot of the violations of these rules are pretty minor and not high impact, so I think people just let it go or simmer silently.

I believe if everyone discreetly and POLITELY pointed out violations to a crewmember, maybe Disney would eventually get the picture that people do want the rules enforced. Not just for this, but for all the little nitpicks you have.

Personally, there's way to much minor stuff that goes on in life for me to care about. If i allowed myself to feel indignant about all the bad manners I see, i'd go crazy. So I cope by being momentary annoyed, and then switching to completely not caring. right or wrong.

 

[eroller]

LOL is not the same children areas are sanctioned off from adults for safety reasons - also there is an open house when anyone can visit.

Same for Vibe and the other teen clubs.

Children are innocent - they are the only group where it is socially acceptable to exclude them.

The sign says "Only Adults" can you imagine if the sign said "Only Whites"

OMG is this for real? First time I've seen the race card pulled in reference to children being restricted from an adult-only area. It's taking it to a whole new ridiculous level!

In society in general, kids have EVERY reason to be excluded from certain venues, events, etc. Perhaps we shouldn't exclude children from X rated movies, adult book stores, and a heavy metal rock concert. Just a few examples of how ridiculous this notion is.

There is no reason on earth why kids should be allowed everywhere, and this includes the adult-only areas on Disney cruise ships. If they can't be happy exploring 95% of the ship which is accessible to them, then perhaps they need to stay home.

This entitlement mentality starts at a young age. We all know what kind of adults these entitled kids grow up to be. It's not pretty.

 

[Pens Fan]

For all of those complaining about the whining on message boards, just something to think about:

We participated in the Dining with an Imagineer program last summer at WDW ( one of the highlights of our trip BTW). The Imagineer that dined with us was the Director of interior design for WDW FL. One of the many interesting facts we learned from her was that Disney constantly monitors online blogs and message boards seeking customer feedback. She was quite adamant about that. I'm not suggesting that a Disney employee is reading each and every thread on this board (she didn't specify which boards were monitored), but it is entirely possible that posting here - yes anonymously as we ALL do - could get the attention of someone at Disney. It's a small thing, but it could be a valid method of getting your opinion across.

 

[eroller]

For all of those complaining about the whining on message boards, just something to think about:

We participated in the Dining with an Imagineer program last summer at WDW ( one of the highlights of our trip BTW). The Imagineer that dined with us was the Director of interior design for WDW FL. One of the many interesting facts we learned from her was that Disney constantly monitors online blogs and message boards seeking customer feedback. She was quite adamant about that. I'm not suggesting that a Disney employee is reading each and every thread on this board (she didn't specify which boards were monitored), but it is entirely possible that posting here - yes anonymously as we ALL do - could get the attention of someone at Disney. It's a small thing, but it could be a valid method of getting your opinion across.

This makes perfect sense as most large companies now have entire departments dedicated to social media.

On another message board that deals with just cruises (from every cruise line), a few of the cruise lines actually post to the message boards when they feel it's warranted. They actually post under the cruise line name and the account has been authenticated by the message board, so you know it's real. Azamara Cruises actually had a social media ambassador who worked for Azamara that posted to the Azamara message board daily. He would answer questions, receive feedback, and act as a liaison between the company and it's customers on the message board. It was pretty cool but unfortunately he passed away recently. He was a long time cruise industry executive.

Carnival has Senior Cruise Director John Heald that has his own website (sponsored by Carnival) and Facebook page. He is sort of the ambassador for Carnival Cruise Lines. While I'm not a fan of him, I think it's great that Carnival is embracing social media in such a way.

Social media is a big deal these days, and big companies like Disney can't ignore it. I'm friends with the official Disney Cruise Line account on Twitter and Facebook, but they never seem to respond to individual posts and I've never seen them post here or on the other message board. No doubt they are reading everything though!

 

[wilkeliza]

For all of those complaining about the whining on message boards, just something to think about:

We participated in the Dining with an Imagineer program last summer at WDW ( one of the highlights of our trip BTW). The Imagineer that dined with us was the Director of interior design for WDW FL. One of the many interesting facts we learned from her was that Disney constantly monitors online blogs and message boards seeking customer feedback. She was quite adamant about that. I'm not suggesting that a Disney employee is reading each and every thread on this board (she didn't specify which boards were monitored), but it is entirely possible that posting here - yes anonymously as we ALL do - could get the attention of someone at Disney. It's a small thing, but it could be a valid method of getting your opinion across.

I know one of the people on the magic+ team (or whatever the collective MB, FP+, MDE and MM is called) who does this. It isn't her only job (she primarily works with merchandise and the Mickey touch points there) but she told me a lot of the management team has personal log ins to here and wdwdisney and sometimes are tasked to go on threads involving the magic+ initiative and provide feedback. She told me they love to laugh at some of the theories they ra
read here.