Could kids soon face new restrictions on Royal Caribbean cruise ships? The line's CEO weighs in
Could kids soon face new restrictions on Royal Caribbean ships?
The line's CEO, Michael Bayley, raised the possibility last week during a preview event for the line's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas.
Speaking to a room full of travel advisers and other attendees at the event, Bayley suggested the line would look into additional restrictions for children on Royal Caribbean vessels beyond the line's existing curfew for cruisers ages 17 and under, according to several media outlets that were on board.
The curfew requires such younger cruisers to be back in their cabins by 1 a.m. each night.
"It's probably time for us to take a look at [the curfew]. I think the idea of curfews in some of the bars is a great idea," Bayley said, according to Royal Caribbean Blog.
Bayley made the comments in response to a question from a travel adviser who said unruly children on board Royal Caribbean ships were turning off customers, Royal Caribbean Blog reported. The agent suggested Royal Caribbean add more adult-oriented areas to ships or add more restrictive curfews at ship bars, the outlet said.
Reports on the comment also appeared at Travel Pulse and at Cruise Mummy.
The outlets said Royal Caribbean leaders at the Utopia of the Seas preview event raised the possibility of an earlier curfew on the line's ships, perhaps specifically for adult-focused areas such as bars and lounges.
Related: The best cruise lines for families
Royal Caribbean's Bayley said that the line had been receiving more complaints about kids in public areas of late, which made it more willing to revisit the curfew policy, according to Royal Caribbean Blog.
Royal Caribbean has positioned itself in recent years as the world's ultimate cruise brand for families, and its ships are specifically designed to offer a lot of venues aimed at the family market. That includes many children's play zones, family-friendly pools and waterslides, and such family attractions as bumper car pavilions and ice skating rinks.
The line's focus on family-friendly, family-owned attractions has resulted in its ships drawing large numbers of families with children.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- Top ways cruisers waste money
- The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.