Royal Caribbean now allows kids in its exclusive Concierge Lounge

Do cocktails and children belong together? At Royal Caribbean, you can now find both in Concierge Lounges, following a policy change that allows the presence of children in the evenings. The exclusive areas are reserved for the cruise line's top suite passengers and most loyal customers.

Guests under 21 were previously barred from the lounges during the 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. open bar period. The line also loosened the dress code. It previously required formal or evening attire after 5 p.m. Now "smart casual" is acceptable.

The change has not been universally embraced. A blog post   (http://www.nationofwhynot.com/blog ) by Royal Caribbean's president and CEO Adam Goldstein defending the new policy has elicited dozens of complaints. "Is it too much to ask for an adult venue for three hours?" one reader asked. Another offered: "Even Disney knows that adult only areas are important to maintain a balance."

Others note that children may not be eligible to drink, but parents still must pay top fares to bring their offspring along. Also, some parents can't take advantage of the amenity if they don't have someone to babysit. In all cases, children must be accompanied by parents or guardians to be admitted.

In his blog post, Goldstein said the change should have minimal impact, on average applying to just five guests under age 21 per cruise. "We stand by our decision," he wrote.

Goldstein also assured readers that disruptive children would not be tolerated. Since the policy went into effect on Aug. 26, he said ship staff has twice had to address families about behavior issues. "We promise to be very attentive to the ambiance in the [Concierge Lounges] that is obviously highly valued by so many of our guests," he wrote.

The lounges are reserved for passengers in Grand Suites or higher category staterooms, as well as Crown & Anchor Society Diamond Plus- and Pinnacle- level members.