Cove Cafe is supposed to be adults only...

[abridgel]

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.

 

[abridgel]

EXACTLY!!

Hey, maybe adults should start storming Vibe when they have free smoothies!! If we want one, that's ok, right? We're all entitled!!



(Yes, I'm being sarcastic there, but the 16-year old princess who thinks it's no problem for her to get her coffee fix in the Cove needs to see what it feels like.)

Your an adult start acting like one.

Be better than the teen drama queen.

 

[abridgel]

I think this is getting little blown out of proportion. I have a 5 year old and on our cruise last year we did not take her into the adults only places. However, if the mama was just getting drinks and leaving big deal, right? She may have been a single mom with kids that have separation anxiety. My daughter only went to the club's twice,but my husband was with us so we took turns going into adults only spaces. A couple of sweet little girls coming in and getting a drink with their mom wouldn't have ruined my trip. I realize and respect the value of adults only areas (I have a child that talks non stop...I understand the need for silence), but those kids didn't hurt anyone. They didn't stay. If they had sat down,yeah I would have been upset. But they didn't. Take a deep breath and be more thoughtful and gracious. You never know what was going on with that lady and her kids. Come on y'all...extend some kindness.

Exactly

 

[abridgel]

Hi I am 16 years old and I myself love to get my daily coffee, that doesn't suck, at the Cove Cafe. On all 16 of my DCL cruises, I have never been told to leave although I do feel slightly awkward on occasion because of people like you. The coffee at the drink station is very low grade and for people who love to enjoy a decent cup of coffee, the Cove Cafe is the only option. I do not go and hang out there with the intention to be loud, I just go in and go out. If your son was really so devastated about some kids buying some coffee then maybe he should get over himself. And the smoothies you are talking about most likely contain coffee as they are the frozen cappuccinos which are only available at the Cove Cafe. The first day aboard, Cove Cafe is actually open to everyone as I have verified with a CM. I am sure if there were teens being disrespectful of the quiet place, a CM would most definitely ask them to leave however they don't seem to really mind under 18's to enter. And lastly, you are on a very nice vacation, why don't you learn to enjoy yourself rather than work yourself up over some people bending rules to better their experience. thx xoxo BYe felicia

 

[abridgel]

I'm sorry, but *that's* blowing things out of proportion. No one here, including the OP, is being unthoughtful or unkind. There are numerous places on the ship for patrons to get coffee, several of them for all ages. A mom with kids who don't want to be alone can go to the Vista Cafe, for example. But rather than use any of those options, parents and children should bypass all of those, go all the way forward (on the Fantasy, at least) past the numerous signs that say "Adults Only", through the Adults Only pool section, into a cafe clearly marked Adults Only, and there order drinks? Why is that necessary?

There are lots of age-restricted places on the ship. Some of them are for 3 month-olds. Some of them are for six year-olds. Some are for teens. Some are for adults. DCL enforces the rules for lower age restrictions, why not this one? In other words, let's say my 40ish husband wants to spend all day hanging out with the boys and girls in the Oceaneer Lab. Is that a problem? Why? What's the harm? Shouldn't you extend him some kindness?

I don't mean to sound flippant or mean, just trying to make a point -- it seems like a pretty simple one to me. It's not unkind to expect everyone to respect the rules of the place they're in.

Maybe it was just easier for them to get it there that day at that moment in time.

There are numerous rules Disney bends to make their customers happy - unfortunately for you "adults only" crowd Disney is skewed towards families (shocking I know).

LOL.

 

[SheliaA]

Perhaps the problem of children in Adults Only areas such as the Cove Cafe could be easily remedied if there was a crew member assigned as a Greeter at the entrance to gently remind the parent that no children are allowed and to direct them to where they can be better served in a kid friendly area.

 

[abridgel]

I think just for fun on my next cruise I'll take my 3 year old to get a milk shake in Cove Cafe now.

Watch all the dirty looks and just laugh at the ppl in grumpy moods.

 

[abridgel]

Perhaps the problem of children in Adults Only areas such as the Cove Cafe could be easily remedied if there was a crew member assigned as a Greeter at the entrance to gently remind the parent that no children are allowed and to direct them to where they can be better served in a kid friendly area.

Probably or you can assume DCL doesn't really care which I am all for now.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Oh I'm sure some people would find another reason. There are those that just can't stand to be restricted from anywhere and feel entitled.

 

[tweis]

As someone that has cruised with and without kids, the adult spaces are a haven and the rules should be respected IMO. We did have a couple of incidents where kids were getting in the adult pool on the first day but the CMs quickly sent them on their way. Some teens were in the area hanging out and not bothering anyone but the CMs asked to see their KTTW card and I'm guessing they were not 18 because they quickly left the area. Just because you aren't bothering anyone or you are getting your drinks to go does not mean that it's fine to be in an area that is clearly marked for adults only. I have never taken my children into the Cove Cafe and will not until they are 18. If I can't leave them and go get my coffee from Cove Cafe then I will either go to Vista or Promenade. There are other options.

I don't think the OP is blowing anything out of proportion and there will always be cruisers that think like this and that always try to break the rules but hopefully DCL will up the enforcement a little more. It's not that we dislike children but when you are paying to enjoy these areas marketed for adults then you don't want toddlers/teens/tweens in the coffee shop, pool, hot tub, etc. with you while you are enjoying adult only spaces. I know that my children would be mortified and wouldn't enjoy it at all if we showed up in Edge to "hang out".

Why would I cruise on another line when my whole family is supposed to each have their own space on DCL? That is how the line markets itself and I just don't understand self entitled people that think it's fine if they do what they want because their vacation is so much more important than others.

Just my .02

 

[Dug720]

As someone that has cruised with and without kids, the adult spaces are a haven and the rules should be respected IMO. We did have a couple of incidents where kids were getting in the adult pool on the first day but the CMs quickly sent them on their way. Some teens were in the area hanging out and not bothering anyone but the CMs asked to see their KTTW card and I'm guessing they were not 18 because they quickly left the area. Just because you aren't bothering anyone or you are getting your drinks to go does not mean that it's fine to be in an area that is clearly marked for adults only. I have never taken my children into the Cove Cafe and will not until they are 18. If I can't leave them and go get my coffee from Cove Cafe then I will either go to Vista or Promenade. There are other options.

I don't think the OP is blowing anything out of proportion and there will always be cruisers that think like this and that always try to break the rules but hopefully DCL will up the enforcement a little more. It's not that we dislike children but when you are paying to enjoy these areas marketed for adults then you don't want toddlers/teens/tweens in the coffee shop, pool, hot tub, etc. with you while you are enjoying adult only spaces. I know that my children would be mortified and wouldn't enjoy it at all if we showed up in Edge to "hang out".

Why would I cruise on another line when my whole family is supposed to each have their own space on DCL? That is how the line markets itself and I just don't understand self entitled people that think it's fine if they do what they want because their vacation is so much more important than others.

Just my .02

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I think just for fun on my next cruise I'll take my 3 year old to get a milk shake in Cove Cafe now.

Watch all the dirty looks and just laugh at the ppl in grumpy moods.

That's your idea of fun?

Pretty sad.

 

[beach baby]

I think we all have our own tolerances for those who appear to have a lack of respect for the rules, and we silently or not so silently, hand out the amount of grace we think they deserve. If I see a Dad walking the decks with a baby stroller in the early morning so his wife can sleep in, and he stops in for a good cup of coffee to go, I'm going to give him a lot of grace because it's very early, there's hardly anyone in there to disturb, he's ordering just for himself, he's not sitting down and staying, and well….bless his heart! He's letting his wife sleep in!!! I'd buy the coffee for him just for that reason!
A parent in the middle of the day with kids in tow, not so much grace. And if he/she's ordering for his/her kids….ZERO grace.
A teenager who thinks they have a right to be there because they want to be, …ZERO grace. I wouldn't say anything to them directly, but I would ask the CM about it. Those are people who have a blatant disregard for the rules.

Now here's a question. There are servers all over the decks just waiting to be able to serve you a drink. Is it not possible to order something from Cove Cafe just as you are able to order from a bar? If it is, then there would never be any reason for children, including teenagers, to be in Cove Cafe, especially during the day when the sanctuary of the cafe is most important to most people.
Wouldn't that be a win-win solution?

 

[tinkerone]

I think just for fun on my next cruise I'll take my 3 year old to get a milk shake in Cove Cafe now.

Watch all the dirty looks and just laugh at the ppl in grumpy moods.

really??? let me quote YOU from an earlier post "Your an adult start acting like one."

 

[cheribelle]

There are servers all over the decks just waiting to be able to serve you a drink. Is it not possible to order something from Cove Cafe just as you are able to order from a bar? If it is, then there would never be any reason for children, including teenagers, to be in Cove Cafe, especially during the day when the sanctuary of the cafe is most important to most people. Wouldn't that be a win-win solution?

That's a great idea and just what I did. I was in the family pools with my kids and asked a server to get me a frozen coffee concoction from the Cove cafe. My 13 year old wanted one too. He brought out two yummy drinks in a bit. Didn't have to bring my kids even near the adult areas to order it either.

 

[mcd2745]

I think this is getting little blown out of proportion. I have a 5 year old and on our cruise last year we did not take her into the adults only places. However, if the mama was just getting drinks and leaving big deal, right? She may have been a single mom with kids that have separation anxiety. My daughter only went to the club's twice,but my husband was with us so we took turns going into adults only spaces. A couple of sweet little girls coming in and getting a drink with their mom wouldn't have ruined my trip. I realize and respect the value of adults only areas (I have a child that talks non stop...I understand the need for silence), but those kids didn't hurt anyone. They didn't stay. If they had sat down,yeah I would have been upset. But they didn't. Take a deep breath and be more thoughtful and gracious. You never know what was going on with that lady and her kids. Come on y'all...extend some kindness.

Completely agree. I offer many here the words of the great Sgt. Hulka..."Lighten up, Francis".

The OP seemed to have a much bigger problem with the situation than her son did. People are always going to to attempt to bend the rules to their liking/convenience no matter where you are or what situation you're in - it's just human nature. It's up to the people "in charge" (for lack of a better term) to enforce the rules. And if they fail to do so, life's too short to get your knickers in a twist.

 

[tweis]

That's a great idea and just what I did. I was in the family pools with my kids and asked a server to get me a frozen coffee concoction from the Cove cafe. My 13 year old wanted one too. He brought out two yummy drinks in a bit. Didn't have to bring my kids even near the adult areas to order it either.

That's awesome. I really wish more people were so considerate.

 

[Pens Fan]

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!!

 

[su_A_ve]

DCL used to be amazing at keeping Adults Only sections Adults Only. Yes, the kids have always quietly walked from the front elevators through on the Wonder and Magic... but it was understood that just like there are sections for kids only and sections for families of all sizes, the AO areas were a place for a little non-kid time.

I wonder how the 16 y.o. would feel if there were 35-40 y.o. people 'dropping in the stack' to get a drink they like 'as long as they weren't staying.' Because I suspect there'd be a bit of the same feeling that they really shouldn't be doing that.

The only people who shouldn't have to be enforcing it are the *other* adults. CMs need to reinforce it with parents with kids-in-tow and with kids without parents. Parents need to help their kids to understand that the rule applies to them just as much as any other person under 18.

Telling people who mention it that they just need to get over it because it doesn't hurt them is justifying the behavior, not being considerate of your fellow travelers.

So glad the OP put the card into Guest Services. Hoping it helps and that things are back the way they were last time we were on board!

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

Now, since CMs are able to get specialty drinks for those in the family area, then here's my suggestion. Have a CM guard Cove. If someone comes with kids in tow, ask them to wait outside and they'll gladly get the coffee for them.

 

[ohmgirl]

Nothing sucks the specialness out of your 20 year old's first trip to Cove Café than another parent bringing their grade school children in to get their milk shakes.
Just FYI to that parent who glared at me a few days ago as I watched her children get served their drinks before my son received his (even though he ordered first)..I didn't say anything at the time because my son asked me not to, but next time I am going to approach you and the CMs serving you and politely remind you all that Cove Café is supposed to be for adults only.

I have recently been asked about whether DCL was a good option for those cruising without children and I am going to have to be honest and say that DCL does not do a good job of keeping the kids out of the adults only areas

Hoping this serves as a reminder to the parents cruising that your kids should wait until they are 18 to enter Cove Café....
My 17 year old has never been inside and is looking forward to her first visit when she is 18+.

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".