Room service for kids room

[Dug720]

OK. 10. As I say, I don't know a specific policy that says if you don't see an adult at that moment you can't go in. I'm sure they have dealt with everything. Plus even if they put it on the floor just past the door, you don't think three hungry boys could manage to eat the food? No real need to carry the tray at all if it is too heavy.

OP asked our opinions. You gave yours. I gave mine. I respect what you are saying. It could be correct. Obviously there is some age where they wouldn't do this, but the parents feel comfortable having them sleep alone, so they have some amount of comfort with it already. And if the 10 YO opens the door and they won't give him the food, then he'd just have to wake Mom/Dad up and get them to take it. No big deal. Giving kids responsibility teaches kids to be responsible. OP knows their kids best.

When it comes to a child answering the door with no adults present, it really doesn't matter what the parents choose to do at home. Allowing a crew member to enter a room with only minors present - especially if they're sleeping and/or in their pajamas - sets DCL or ANY resort or cruise line up for a huge liability. All it takes is a kid thinking they're going to be funny or deciding they didn't like something about the person and wanting to get them in trouble to scream that they got hurt in some way by the person. Even if the kid doesn't know their name but says "The man/woman who brought us food" and who delivered to that stateroom will be immediately known, and that person would be at best immediately suspended without pay.

 

[lanejudy]

OK. 10. As I say, I don't know a specific policy that says if you don't see an adult at that moment you can't go in.

As I posted upthread, I believe DCL does have a policy prohibiting any staff/crew from knowingly entering a room with only minors present. It often comes up with regard to a stateroom host hightailing it out of a room when discovering a minor alone then apologizing to the parents later for having entered. The protection goes both ways - while we like to trust DCL CMs have been vetted, there can be (and have been) bad apples in the barrel.

 

[Spiffy MacSpiff]

On our last cruise our DS (12) was in our room alone having a snack when our hosts knocked. They asked if one of his parents was there, and when they learned that he was alone they asked him if he would mind stepping across the hall to the lounge (we were Concierge) to finish his pizza while they did their work, since they weren't allowed to be in a room with kids by themselves. So yes... there does seem to be a policy in effect.

 

[diznymom]

Tip for Room Service tips: I make up envelopes at home and stuff w/ a couple of dollars. I took an old blue jean hip pocket and added magnet to back and decorated. The pocket holds the tip envelopes and is stuck on the wall near the door. This way, everyone in the room has quick access to the tip envelopes. This has been a wonderful help for my family ordering room service.

 

[fredandkell]

Another vote for getting things from Cabanas and stocking the fridge vs. Room Service. I'm totally not judging you for your idea, btw - I'm all about the kids sleeping in and getting their own breakfast (yaaaassss) but just seconding what others said about limited menu for room service and heavy trays. Plus they have everything wrapped and separated like crazy so it takes about 15 minutes just to get the food and utensils opened and to an "edible" point. I can see a child crying next door, "MOOOOOMMMMM I can't get the plastic off!!!!!!!" Also if your kids have any dietary restrictions (e.g. gluten-free) the room service menu has basically nothing for them except fruit. Like others have said, definitely get several boxes of cereal, some bowls of fruit (with 2nd bowls on top to keep fresh), etc. and put in fridge the night before. You can also get the Uncrustables the night before using room service and have a stockpile available in advance.

Now in about 3 years - your kids may very well be able to handle room service on their own without waking you up. But I doubt they will at this point in time. Of course you can always try it and see how it goes. If it doesn't work the first day, go to Plan B.

 

[quickcat]

As I posted upthread, I believe DCL does have a policy prohibiting any staff/crew from knowingly entering a room with only minors present. It often comes up with regard to a stateroom host hightailing it out of a room when discovering a minor alone then apologizing to the parents later for having entered. The protection goes both ways - while we like to trust DCL CMs have been vetted, there can be (and have been) bad apples in the barrel.

I think so too. When my son was 15 they asked if an adult was present and he said no so he was told they cannot enter the room without an adult present.
Maybe it’s not written for all guests to see, but maybe it’s in somewhere in their employee contracts?

 

[diznymom]

It is a policy that crew members cannot enter a room w/ just minors present. I asked.

 

[mousefan73]

If the issue you have is simply a 10 year old answering a door and handing a "stranger" a few bucks tips, I see no issue.. and I have never heard of a policy.. how would room service know who is in the room or not when a call is made? I am Sure many a times a parent was showering when the kid answered the door.

Here are my issues...
I would only be concerned ( keeping MY DS in mind) is that he would be sleeping and not hear the door knocks... Also I would not want my son at 10 and younger siblings handling trays of food without my supervision. My kids are pigs and I could just imagine the mess. I would rather get the tray, demand they sit down and make space to eat. I could see my son just spreading out the food, without plates on the beds...

why are you not able to supervise this? Are you guys late sleepers and your 10 year an early bird?

 

[mousefan73]

It is a policy that crew members cannot enter a room w/ just minors present. I asked.

Strange, my kids ordered food on their own and they were 12 and 11. I assume they didnt enter and just handed the food to them in the hall way.

 

[Cheerio]

My kids have answered the door, but I've always been awake. I'd be more worried about the knocking and waking up anyone who is sleeping in. We had connecting rooms, their fridge always had milk, juice, yogurt, cereal boxes and even cold pizza. My kids were unpredictable with their sleep patterns on the cruis.

 

[undertheradar]

just get the food delivered to your room, open the connecting doors, problem solved. Too much drama for such an easy situation.

 

[MalkaR]

Thank you all for your advice! The most important question remains unanswered: Can you order mickey ice cream bars for breakfast?

 

[diznymom]

Mickey Ice Cream Bars for b'fast. Why not?? It's vacation.