Do you consider any of the bars (besides Solarium and nightclubs) to be 21+ only?

[ScottD]

Saw a post on the RC Reddit page today which said " stop wasting space on Rising Tide bar with your sub 21 yr old children" and he keeps posting a link to the RC website which says that it's 21+ on North American cruises. I pointed out that the disclaimer is actually on EVERY bar listing on the website and it refers to drinking, not being in the bar itself.  So he then posts two articles\reviews from CC that also claim "although this looks like a ride, it is a bar for 21 and over and you should keep your kids off"   I always considered every bar on the ship all ages, with properly behaved kids, of course, and with the exception of the obvious Solarium and clubs after a certain time... has anyone ever actually seen something ON the ship that states kids can't or shouldn't be on the rising tide? I think its a bit ridiculous to be ok with kids hanging out at the sports bar or the karaoke bar, BUT having an issue with them on the bar that looks like a giant amusement ride! 

[DoomSlayer]

I saw kids on the Rising bar on Allure this past week.  They were with parents and seemed well behaved, so I don't think they caused any issues.  They were enjoying mocktails while their parents enjoyed the leaded versions of the drinks.

[Ampurp85]

This is not a popular opinion but I hate the fact that children are allowed to sit at bars on ships. If the legal drinking age is 21, then bars need to be off limits. I am not talking about the space around but the actual bar top. Tables surrounding any bar is up for grabs but it peeves me to my core to see children seated at the bar. Any place in the states would lose their license . In regards to rising tide I sort of agree, its not an amusement ride, it's a novelty bar. Someone under 21 should not be taking space up in a place not designed for them. I think parents also need to be cognizant of the message they send to children by normalizing certain behaviors.

[TexanTwoStep]

3 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

This is not a popular opinion but I hate the fact that children are allowed to sit at bars on ships. If the legal drinking age is 21, then bars need to be off limits. I am not talking about the space around but the actual bar top. Tables surrounding any bar is up for grabs but it peeves me to my core to see children seated at the bar. Any place in the states would lose their license . In regards to rising tide I sort of agree, its not an amusement ride, it's a novelty bar. Someone under 21 should not be taking space up in a place not designed for them. I think parents also need to be cognizant of the message they send to children by normalizing certain behaviors.

That is fair.  I'd be all about having all bars 21+, but as we know, most bars are also venues for trivia/activities.  Our last cruise on Grandeur, the Schooner Bar was the main hub of activity, even for kid-stuff.

[ScottD]

8 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

This is not a popular opinion but I hate the fact that children are allowed to sit at bars on ships. If the legal drinking age is 21, then bars need to be off limits. I am not talking about the space around but the actual bar top. Tables surrounding any bar is up for grabs but it peeves me to my core to see children seated at the bar. Any place in the states would lose their license . In regards to rising tide I sort of agree, its not an amusement ride, it's a novelty bar. Someone under 21 should not be taking space up in a place not designed for them. I think parents also need to be cognizant of the message they send to children by normalizing certain behaviors.

I'm also absolutely fine with this... and I feel the same way on land. My wife is a bartender, so when we are on the ship we follow that rule pretty well. High tops and tables are fine, actual bar we try to keep the kid away from. The only time that we let it slide on Oasis earlier this year was the wipe out bar because thats all the seating available....and we were watching a football game together up there on the tv,lol.  BUT the fact that kids are welcomed and sometimes even catered to by staff at most bars, I don't see how sitting at the tables on rising tide is any different than sitting at a table at Schooner bar or the English pub. 

[Jkaczano]

5 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

This is not a popular opinion but I hate the fact that children are allowed to sit at bars on ships. If the legal drinking age is 21, then bars need to be off limits. I am not talking about the space around but the actual bar top. Tables surrounding any bar is up for grabs but it peeves me to my core to see children seated at the bar. Any place in the states would lose their license . In regards to rising tide I sort of agree, its not an amusement ride, it's a novelty bar. Someone under 21 should not be taking space up in a place not designed for them. I think parents also need to be cognizant of the message they send to children by normalizing certain behaviors.

You’re not in the states.  It’s a cruise ship.  My 15 year old has become very adroit at ordering drinks especially virgin strawberry daiquiris at the cruise bars using his diamond vouchers without an adult.  Even knows how to add a tip and sign his name.  If the bars were not designed for children, there would be big signs saying 21+ only.  It is perfectly “normal” for children to be in bars here in New Hampshire as many also serve food.  The message I send to my kids is to be polite and well behaved no matter where they are.

[DoomSlayer]

5 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

This is not a popular opinion but I hate the fact that children are allowed to sit at bars on ships. If the legal drinking age is 21, then bars need to be off limits. I am not talking about the space around but the actual bar top. Tables surrounding any bar is up for grabs but it peeves me to my core to see children seated at the bar. Any place in the states would lose their license . In regards to rising tide I sort of agree, its not an amusement ride, it's a novelty bar. Someone under 21 should not be taking space up in a place not designed for them. I think parents also need to be cognizant of the message they send to children by normalizing certain behaviors.

I think it is more of a culture thing.  In Texas for example, it is perfectly legal for minors to be in bars and clubs, they just are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol.  Bar and club owners may have policies to exclude minors, but there are a lot that do not.  It is not uncommon to see minors participating in karaoke, dancing, or listen to live bands in bars where I live here in Texas.  I spent my teen years in Germany, and going to a bar as a minor was normal and acceptable there too.  Just across the border from Texas though in Oklahoma, minors are restricted from entering areas designated as bars and clubs by law.  I remember getting yelled at by the wait staff at Olive garden when I tried to take my kids to the bar area while we were waiting for a table because I did not realize Oklahoma prohibited it.

[twangster]

I think guests need to stop trying to police other guests.   If the crew aren't dealing with it, it must be allowed.  

 

 

 

[ScottD]

13 minutes ago, Jkaczano said:

You’re not in the states.  It’s a cruise ship.  My 15 year old has become very adroit at ordering drinks especially virgin strawberry daiquiris at the cruise bars using his diamond vouchers without an adult.  Even knows how to add a tip and sign his name.  If the bars were not designed for children, there would be big signs saying 21+ only.  It is perfectly “normal” for children to be in bars here in New Hampshire as many also serve food.  The message I send to my kids is to be polite and well behaved no matter where they are.

Kids can come in bars in PA, also... I brought my kid to the bar regularly...but I sat at a table. I am obviously fine with kids sitting at a bar setting, just not AT a bar... even on the ship, I'll let him go order at the bar, but bar stools on or off a ship should be reserved for adults drinking at the bar.  It's a little more relaxed on a ship, and I'll let him sit next to me at the bar while we order or wait for a drink but in the end, I think if a bar is full, a kid should move off a barstool and allow an adult to sit

[ZBrady]

I'm not familiar with many/any laws that explicitly prohibit minors from sitting at bars - it looks like some states may require they be accompanied by an adult. My experience is that venues may establish their own rules, most commonly not allowing minors to enter after a certain time at night or at all.

But yea, I think its super cool when a kid is independent/comfortable enough to order their own drink. My kids aren't to that age yet but I'm looking forward to teaching them about etiquette, patience, etc.  

[ZBrady]

16 minutes ago, ScottD said:

I think if a bar is full, a kid should move off a barstool and allow an adult to sit

Not attempting to be combative, but genuinely curious - would this also apply to someone 18+ but not yet 21, or to an adult not drinking alcohol?

[ScottD]

3 minutes ago, ZBrady said:

Not attempting to be combative, but genuinely curious - would this also apply to someone 18+ but not yet 21, or to an adult not drinking alcohol?

In the outside world, yes... but on the ship, Like I said its a little more lenient, but yes- if the bar was full, I think anyone not drinking alcohol should surrender a bar seat. I do this and I'm 45... I go to bars in my neighborhood and order a soda or water...if it's empty, I'll stay at the bar but if it's full, I'll get up and let the bartender make more money.  This is just my personal opinion, and there is no right or wrong when you are on the ship... except little kids at a bar on land... I will always agree that shouldn't be done

[OCSC Mike]

1 minute ago, ZBrady said:

But yea, I think its super cool when a kid is independent/comfortable enough to order their own drink. My kids aren't to that age yet but I'm looking forward to teaching them about etiquette, patience, etc. 

I have mentioned this before but on our extended family cruises, since I don't have kids of my own, I enjoy "taking my niece to the bar" even though she's only now 13. It did not take her long to become comfortable enough to order her own virgin daiquiris with her D vouchers, lol. We just wind up spending some uncle-niece time going for a walk or a snack when the rest of the family is relaxing or doing something else.

For whatever reason, I don't view bars on the ship the same way I do on land. I guess I just see them as one more part of the ship and the rest of the ship (with a few exceptions of course) has an open, welcoming, family vibe. We're also never pulling up a seat and parking at one though. As soon as we get our drinks we're moving on so maybe that plays a role. Or maybe it's because I already know kids are welcome in the bars. Probably all of the above.

[ZBrady]

11 minutes ago, ScottD said:

if it's empty, I'll stay at the bar but if it's full, I'll get up and let the bartender make more money.

I think that's fair - a full/crowded bar, especially in the evening, is definitely a different beast.

[ScottD]

9 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

I have mentioned this before but on our extended family cruises, since I don't have kids of my own, I enjoy "taking my niece to the bar" even though she's only now 13. It did not take her long to become comfortable enough to order her own virgin daiquiris with her D vouchers, lol. We just wind up spending some uncle-niece time going for a walk or a snack when the rest of the family is relaxing or doing something else.

For whatever reason, I don't view bars on the ship the same way I do on land. I guess I just see them as one more part of the ship and the rest of the ship (with a few exceptions of course) has an open, welcoming, family vibe. We're also never pulling up a seat and parking at one though. As soon as we get our drinks we're moving on so maybe that plays a role. Or maybe it's because I already know kids are welcome in the bars. Probably all of the above.

Exactly! The ship is not a regular bar... especially a family ship like RC. I think it's cool for a kid to be able to go up and order a shirley temple or a mocktail of some sort. That's why I was kind of surprised at the original topic of this post, which was a guy calling people out for bringing kids on rising tide. It never even crossed my mind that a kid shouldn't be allowed on there! 

[OCSC Mike]

Just now, ScottD said:

Exactly! The ship is not a regular bar... especially a family ship like RC. I think it's cool for a kid to be able to go up and order a shirley temple or a mocktail of some sort. That's why I was kind of surprised at the original topic of this post, which was a guy calling people out for bringing kids on rising tide. It never even crossed my mind that a kid shouldn't be allowed on there! 

Never would have crossed my mind either.

[loki007]

after 10:30 the nightclub with the DJ (location varies by ship) becomes 18+ and that is enforced. There are absolutely no locations on board that are 21+, casino is also 18+, solarium as mentioned is only 16+. Maybe try a cruise line with less families...Celebrity is great. 

[JBC]

I think the issue with rising tide is that there are so few seats there.  I've been on 3 different Oasis class ships, and I have never "rode" the rising tide bar.  Every time I've walked past it, there are no seats available, or only 1 or 2 seats.  I'm always with a group, 3 or 4 people.  I don't really care though if a kid is taking up a seat, whatever.  I'm sure there are adults sitting on there for hours riding it up and down, so that could be looked at in the same light, being inconsiderate to keep taking up seats.

Kids in a bar don't really bother me, but at the same time if it is later in the evening, and depending on the venue, I don't want to have to be overly cautious of doing or saying something because there are kids around in an adult setting.  Obviously on a royal caribbean cruise no one is getting too wild, but you know what I mean.  

[Ampurp85]

I specifically said I don't care about children being in a bar. I am not talking about bars in general, I am specifically talking about the bar top area as I said in my post. I really don't know of any bars in the states I have been to, that allow people under 21 to sit at the actual bar, not at tables in the bar but where the bartender makes drinks. That is my peeve, I don't care how well behave the children are, why are they sitting at the bar watching drinks get made??? Also ships that sail from the US and enforce the 21+ to drink rule should enforce the "you have to be of legal drinking age to sit at the bar" rule. Again, this is not children walking to the bar ordering their drinks and leaving but children sitting at the bar drinking.

[FionaMG]

41 minutes ago, ScottD said:

In the outside world, yes... but on the ship, Like I said its a little more lenient, but yes- if the bar was full, I think anyone not drinking alcohol should surrender a bar seat. I do this and I'm 45... I go to bars in my neighborhood and order a soda or water...if it's empty, I'll stay at the bar but if it's full, I'll get up and let the bartender make more money.  This is just my personal opinion, and there is no right or wrong when you are on the ship... except little kids at a bar on land... I will always agree that shouldn't be done

I don't understand. If someone wants an alcoholic drink won't they buy it anyway regardless of whether they consume it the bar or at a table? So if you're a paying customer sitting at the bar drinking a soda, why should you give up your seat to someone else just because their drink is more expensive? Why can't that person go and sit at a table instead of you? And what if you're travelling solo; are you going to occupy a 4-person table with your soda or a single bar stool?

[DoomSlayer]

Just now, Ampurp85 said:

I really don't know of any bars in the states I have been to, that allow people under 21 to sit at the actual bar, not at tables in the bar but where the bartender makes drinks.

There are plenty here in Texas that allow this and it is not uncommon where I live to see kids sitting at the actual bar with their parents.  That is why I am saying it is more of a culture thing.  Many people will have no problem with it, others will have problems with it, and most will have their opinions influenced by what they are used to.  The cruise ship is a huge mixing pot of cultures, not just from the diversity of the staff, but with the passengers that come from all over the US and world.  We all have different backgrounds and just need to be patient and not be critical when we see something that doesn't match our ideals.  If there is a problem, the staff will deal with it; this is not a problem we should try and solve ourselves.

[ZBrady]

26 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

"you have to be of legal drinking age to sit at the bar" rule

The contention is that, largely, that is not a rule. 

We could ultimately boil this down to semantics - but generally, for venues only serving alcohol, those under 21 are typically not permitted. However, for venues that also serve food, there is no legal requirement that a person be 21 years of age to sit at a bar. As stated previously, some states require that a parent or guardian be present, while some restaurants may have their own policies.

As this pertains to Royal Caribbean - it seems they are free to set their own policy, and if they wanted to enforce that they certainly could.

[Xaa]

We didn't get on Rising Tide on last Oasis cruise and were disappointed we didn't fit it in.  We will try harder on the next one and neither my teen or myself will drink any alcohol, but we will of course be patrons of the bar while riding.  Whoever that OP was, they just think their business is more valuable than mine or my son's.  They're wrong about that.

[Ampurp85]

42 minutes ago, DoomSlayer said:

There are plenty here in Texas that allow this and it is not uncommon where I live to see kids sitting at the actual bar with their parents.  That is why I am saying it is more of a culture thing.  Many people will have no problem with it, others will have problems with it, and most will have their opinions influenced by what they are used to.  The cruise ship is a huge mixing pot of cultures, not just from the diversity of the staff, but with the passengers that come from all over the US and world.  We all have different backgrounds and just need to be patient and not be critical when we see something that doesn't match our ideals.  If there is a problem, the staff will deal with it; this is not a problem we should try and solve ourselves.

I agree about the culture thing, I don't say anything or make a big deal as it happens a lot on ship but as I previously said it's a peeve of mine and not the standard. I haven't been to Texas, but it was a thing here in the Midwest......there are new laws that allow over 18 to drink with parental supervision. I don't have children but from my perspective and upbringing I can see no reason why a child should be at any bar top. To each their own. To me, it the same as people who put their children on slot machines because it is pretty. 

[DoomSlayer]

@ScottD Here is a screenshot for playmakers you can share on the Redit Post.  That short person in the photo looks like a "very young" 21 year old.  LOL  It is the second photo in their thumbnails for Playmakers.

[Sea Squirrel]

2 hours ago, loki007 said:

after 10:30 the nightclub with the DJ (location varies by ship) becomes 18+ and that is enforced. There are absolutely no locations on board that are 21+, casino is also 18+, solarium as mentioned is only 16+. Maybe try a cruise line with less families...Celebrity is great. 

I have mixed feelings about the 18+ events. On our upcoming cruise they start as early as 945 most nights. That leaves older teens to just wander the ship while the parents are at those events. I’m sure some go to the teen club but it doesn’t feel like it most evenings on previous sailings. I almost think 16+ with a parent would be ok. I think parents should be able to decide whether or not their 16+ is mature enough for some shows. But I also think for every dumb rule that exists, there was even dumber people who created the need for the rule, lol. I’m sure Royal knows what they are doing.

[Geezer Of The Seas]

Trellis Bar, Central Park Wonder of the Seas:

1. It's an outdoor bar.

2. Limited seating around it and at the bar

3. The barkeeps sweat so we didn't.

4. When the 5 million decibel party on the pool deck isn't happening, it's in my view the finest venue on that big ol' ship.

I'm by no means the Bar Police, but Central Park seemed a fairly lightly trafficked area, day or night. It was just incredible and a wonderful place for a nightcap. And, conveniently located one deck below our cabin and we were mere steps from the aft elevators. Francisco & Amit (who we visited exclusively, just worked out that way) receive the Gold Medal in their craft. 

Every Royal ship can't have a Central Park, but every Royal ship should have a Trellis Bar, by hook or crook.

[ScottD]

7 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I specifically said I don't care about children being in a bar. I am not talking about bars in general, I am specifically talking about the bar top area as I said in my post. I really don't know of any bars in the states I have been to, that allow people under 21 to sit at the actual bar, not at tables in the bar but where the bartender makes drinks. That is my peeve, I don't care how well behave the children are, why are they sitting at the bar watching drinks get made??? Also ships that sail from the US and enforce the 21+ to drink rule should enforce the "you have to be of legal drinking age to sit at the bar" rule. Again, this is not children walking to the bar ordering their drinks and leaving but children sitting at the bar drinking.

We have the exact same outlook on this. This is and has always been my outlook...order and walk away or hang at a table but not sitting at a bar. 

[jeffmw]

I have two kids and always cruise with my family. I'm as pro-kid and pro-family as you'll see on this message board. That said, while I think it's fine for kids to be in a bar area (it's no different than a restaurant), I don't think there's need for kids to sit at an actual bar top, particularly at night if there are adults who would otherwise be sitting there. There are very few bars on Royal ships where the only area to sit is the bar itself. Just sit anywhere else. 

I feel like plenty of bars on land allow kids in the bar itself but not to sit at the bar top. It just seems like a reasonable compromise, particularly on a family friendly cruise ship.

 

[Linda R]

On 5/22/2023 at 9:54 AM, DoomSlayer said:

I saw kids on the Rising bar on Allure this past week.  They were with parents and seemed well behaved, so I don't think they caused any issues.  They were enjoying mocktails while their parents enjoyed the leaded versions of the drinks.

I read on RC site that the Rising Tide Bar is for 21+ years.  So, that means kids are not really allowed to ride on it. 

[TeRriii]

Go to Virgin Cruise Line or any ultra luxury cruise if you want all adult areas.

RCCL primary target market is family, so many places will be open to accomodate family.

[ChessE4]

Good discussion but the underlying issue is that some cruisers are more considerate of others. Other guests are more self-indulgent because they are on vacation. As in life on land, balance allows all of us to enjoy a vacation experience. Whatever you choose, be considerate when you can.

[DoomSlayer]

10 hours ago, Linda R said:

I read on RC site that the Rising Tide Bar is for 21+ years.  So, that means kids are not really allowed to ride on it. 

See my post above.  That is only referring to the drinking age.  They say the same for all bars, including playmakers.  Yet at the same time, they have kids pictured with their families in the same section on RC site.  I promise you that behaved kids are allowed on the Rising Tide. Look at the picture below and tell me that young person in playmakers is over 21, which would have been required by the "Age Restriction" listed on the text to the right if it was more than just the drinking age.

[Pooch]

I’m thinking the issue with Rising Tide (hubby’s favorite) is its small size.  If it is filled with kids, there’s little room for adults actually using the bar.  

[BowTieBrigade]

We normally do not bring out kids into bars, but the rising tide is the one we would make an exception due to the novelty of it. (Excepting of course during covid when the AO spots were filled. )