C&A for Kids

[melmar02]

We're taking our kids on their first cruise, and I know they will have the same C&A status as we do. I'm curious if there is a kids' version of the C&A discount coupons that are loaded onto their sea pass cards, and if so would they need their number issued before hand? We're only lowly Gold level, so it's no big deal, but I wouldn't say no to discounted arcade credit or the like. I was wondering if we need to get them a number before the cruise, should we stop by the loyalty desk once on board, or are they only issued a number after their first cruise? 

 

[Mr. Candyman]

11 minutes ago, melmar02 said:

We're taking our kids on their first cruise, and I know they will have the same C&A status as we do. I'm curious if there is a kids' version of the C&A discount coupons that are loaded onto their sea pass cards, and if so would they need their number issued before hand? We're only lowly Gold level, so it's no big deal, but I wouldn't say no to discounted arcade credit or the like. I was wondering if we need to get them a number before the cruise, should we stop by the loyalty desk once on board, or are they only issued a number after their first cruise? 

 

I'm pretty sure they need the number issued before the sailing as it will make them Gold before they board.  I'm in the same situation as you and this is what I've discovered as far as their benefits which may vary ship to ship

[melski94]

I’m all about saving money but the arcade credit is incredibly difficult to use.  Yes I tried it on Harmony and it was so hard and some of my kids cards worked and 1 wouldn’t work in the arcade and then we never got the discount! It was so frustrating! You need to allow full charging privileges for your kids.   Then it’s on you to keep count of every $1.25 charge in the arcade (good luck if you have more than 1 child), then you go to the loyalty desk to prove that you should get your credits applied.  Then maybe you receive your $5 or $25 after a lot  of work.  

It is so much easier to prepay on the cruise planner for arcade credit.  You don’t get quite the discount but you save yourself so much time and frustration.  

The kids C&A benefits kill me!  So worthless!  Discount on coffee for my 8 year old...Umm no thanks.  I’d rather have a discount on a milkshake but they aren’t going to give you a benefit that you’d actually use! 

[Mr. Candyman]

34 minutes ago, melski94 said:

I’m all about saving money but the arcade credit is incredibly difficult to use.  Yes I tried it on Harmony and it was so hard and some of my kids cards worked and 1 wouldn’t work in the arcade and then we never got the discount! It was so frustrating! You need to allow full charging privileges for your kids.   Then it’s on you to keep count of every $1.25 charge in the arcade (good luck if you have more than 1 child), then you go to the loyalty desk to prove that you should get your credits applied.  Then maybe you receive your $5 or $25 after a lot  of work.  

It is so much easier to prepay on the cruise planner for arcade credit.  You don’t get quite the discount but you save yourself so much time and frustration.  

The kids C&A benefits kill me!  So worthless!  Discount on coffee for my 8 year old...Umm no thanks.  I’d rather have a discount on a milkshake but they aren’t going to give you a benefit that you’d actually use! 

Thanks for the heads up.  I knew about having to keep tabs on the arcade card but it's the same thing with the cruise planner credits; once the pre-paid are gone it starts to charge their seapass.  A work-a-round other passengers have said is they've turned off the charging privileges but according to you that won't work.  I think if you were to set up the daily spending limit, you'll know once the arcade credits have been depleted without having to keep track.  I don't mind being the guinea pig to test out a few things to get the right info for others.  My two youngest won't be in the arcade without us, so will be easy to ensure they don't go excessively overboard.  

The other thing about the pre-paid arcade credit discount is that I saw somewhere that it was the same discount offered on board; just not in such high denominations....don't know if this true or still the case?  

I agree with you on C&A kids benefits being worthless.  Our internet packages have been pre-purchased for much more than 10% off, my 5 & 8 year old don't need spa treatments, and I'm not paying for them to sit in the cabin to watch a movie and then a second when they show several throughout the cruise outside of the cabin.  The only thing most would ever use would the arcade.  And as you said, they should offer some Milkshakes, Ice Cream, a toy from the gift shop.

[TheHobbys]

The C/A benefits are minimal for Gold - but you can still flip through and see what's available once you get on board.  I think there was a free $5 credit for the casino that we used, um, yeah, since those are 'big-boy' video games - lol

It would be nice for them to have some type of 'kid' version of the coupons. But easier for them to manage with a 'one-n-done' type.  Just make sure they have their own C/A numbers so they will start getting credits for cruising.  Maybe if they enjoy it, they'll continue when they are older and already have a small head start in their cruise status.  

Good luck with the arcade.  Took my son on the Allure a couple years ago and the arcade was pretty sad, especially if you or your kids are gamers.    We got the $25 package loaded to his card, I also removed the ability to charge from everyone's card, but found he couldn't spend it all.  But that's just because he wasn't happy with the choice of games (at least for his age, more Chuck-E-Cheese type games it seemed)  My advice - take a couple quarters up there and see what's available, but then redirect them to all the other free onboard activities.  The adventure ocean was really fun for my son (10 at the time).  He asked multiple times if he could go and hang out - you have to check them in/out there until they go to the teen area.  

 

[melski94]

9 hours ago, Mr. Candyman said:

Thanks for the heads up.  I knew about having to keep tabs on the arcade card but it's the same thing with the cruise planner credits; once the pre-paid are gone it starts to charge their seapass.  A work-a-round other passengers have said is they've turned off the charging privileges but according to you that won't work.  

I'll let you know this weekend.  I turned off charging privileges for my youngest and she has $25 arcade credit.  I know she'll burn through it quick and so hopefully she can't continue to play.

9 hours ago, Mr. Candyman said:

 

The other thing about the pre-paid arcade credit discount is that I saw somewhere that it was the same discount offered on board; just not in such high denominations....don't know if this true or still the case?  

Our first cruise many years ago, we could just buy arcade credit onboard.  Last year on Harmony, I was told we couldn't buy it onboard but could only refill anything already charged. I think it varies ship to ship but right now I would rather just buy it upfront rather than wait and see what I can do onboard.

[Mr. Candyman]

53 minutes ago, melski94 said:

I'll let you know this weekend.  I turned off charging privileges for my youngest and she has $25 arcade credit.  I know she'll burn through it quick and so hopefully she can't continue to play.

Our first cruise many years ago, we could just buy arcade credit onboard.  Last year on Harmony, I was told we couldn't buy it onboard but could only refill anything already charged. I think it varies ship to ship but right now I would rather just buy it upfront rather than wait and see what I can do onboard.

 I appreciate it. These boards are wonderful for getting information. The problem is a lot if the gathered information is obsolete by the time some of us sail again.   Enjoy your cruise

[melski94]

18 minutes ago, Mr. Candyman said:

The problem is a lot if the gathered information is obsolete by the time some of us sail again.   

Yes plus the variances by ship.  What worked on one ship may not be the same on another ship.  

[melmar02]

Thanks for the info everyone. My kids are still happy with the Chuck E Cheese type games, so we'll be in there a little bit. Fortunately they're still too young to check themselves out of AO. I think that's when my problems will start. 

[JennyB]

20 hours ago, Mr. Candyman said:

I'm pretty sure they need the number issued before the sailing as it will make them Gold before they board.  I'm in the same situation as you and this is what I've discovered as far as their benefits which may vary ship to ship

 

according to

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/crown-anchor-society-loyalty-program-enrollment

If you are a new guest, there is no need to sign up for Crown & Anchor Society. You will be automatically enrolled after you complete your first sailing with Royal Caribbean International (applies to US Residents). Membership benefits begin after you have completed at least one Royal Caribbean International cruise. 

 

So, there isn't a number to be given to them before the first cruise.  Or maybe I'm understanding it wrong?  because our son and his best friend will be new cruisers this summer.

[Mr. Candyman]

Ok, let me see if I can explain this.  If you are a new guest, yes you don't get assigned a number until your 1st sailing. But when you have kids that you are linking to your account, you should call Crown and Anchor to ensure they've been linked to your current status.  If you wait until after the sailing they won't be considered that status; therefore they won't get any benefits from being a Crown and Anchor member at whatever status level you are at until their next cruise. My oldest daughter, since she's 19, cannot get our benefits so she is considered Pre gold while the other three kids are already considered Gold members; which none of the 4 have ever been on a ship.

Update: After re-reading The C&A benefits I see that it does say the child won't have the same member status until after their first sailing but that's not necessarily true. My travel agent handled it all, so he gave me all their numbers assigned by Royal.  Since I only made accounts for my 2 oldest (because of using the Royal App onboard) I can't see that status of the younger two. But I see, when logging onto each of their accounts, it indicates that my oldest is Pre-Gold and my 13 year old is Gold. 

 

[mom2mybugs]

A related question...we are checked in for our cruise in July...I’m platinum so my husband is platinum.  My 16 year old is only gold...I thought they keep my status until 18??   Jane

[Mr. Candyman]

5 hours ago, mom2mybugs said:

A related question...we are checked in for our cruise in July...I’m platinum so my husband is platinum.  My 16 year old is only gold...I thought they keep my status until 18??   Jane

Unless they have changed the policy in the past few months, your 16 year old will always keep whatever status achieved upon turning 18 (not including Pinnacle), but at 18 they only have points for cruises that they've actually sailed.  Give C&A a call and make sure they link them to your Platinum status (800) 526-9723