Kids eating question.....

[kecall]

I think I know the answer to this question, but I thought I'd ask your experts anyway!

What is the policy for kids getting their own food? Are kids allowed to "eat on their own" or does a parent have to be with them? Are there different policies for, say, the ice cream shop and pizza place vs. eating at Animator's Palate?

Once again, thanks for sharing your wisdom with this newbie!!

karen

 

[kcashner]

Kids of any age can get their own food, no adult needed. That said, I wouldn't allow a very young one to eat in the dining rooms on their own (although the servers will sometimes encourage you to send the kids when you are in Palo, saying that they will take care of them.) I don't feel this is fair to either the servers or the other guests.

Kids love ordering room service...however, between their sometimes less than optimal ordering and the serving staff's sometimes lack of understanding, you may get some strange orders. Mine once ordered 3 Rice Krispies, one bowl--trying to avoid getting 3 bowls. She got 3 RKs and 4 bowls, since in room service's instructions, cereal always comes with a bowl!

For an older kid or teen, I wouldn't hesitate to let them go to the dining room alone.

There is no policy as such. Kids frequently get stuff at the fast food type outlets on deck 9, the drink station, etc. Parents are expected to know their kids and set the rules for their own children.

Personally, mine is going to have a hissy fit when she finds out that she's having a nightly curfew....after a way too late night on the last cruise!

 

[mmouse37]

Any child can order what they want from the dining room, room service, fast food type places and the buffet....an adult does not have to present at all.

This was one of the things that my kids loved....could get food whenever they needed to without hunting me down.

I remember on one of our earlier DCL cruises....my DD who was 12 at the time did not realize that all the food was included and was out and about and did not eat the first afternoon because she thought she had to pay!!!

MJ

 

[kecall]

Thanks for your replies! My dds will be 13 and 9 when we "cruise"....It's nice to know they will have a little freedom.....or should I say, I will have some freedom!!

karen

 

[clten]

I remember on one of our earlier DCL cruises....my DD who was 12 at the time did not realize that all the food was included and was out and about and did not eat the first afternoon because she thought she had to pay!!!

I think this happens more than parents know. My nephew (a teenager at the time) was having a horrible time on the cruise. About day 3, he finally figured out that he could order room service and his cruise got better from there. I guess adults just assume that everyone knows all food is included (and yes kids can get it on their own) and don't explain that specifically to their kids. With everything going on when you arrive on a cruise for the first time, it is easy enough to overlook.