Are Cruise Ships Really Safe For Kids? (Real Picture Examples of Cruise Ship Decks and Safety Barriers)

When my parents first thought about taking a family cruise way back in 2005, my Mum’s major concern was about the safety of bringing her children onboard a cruise ship.

I was the perfect child, (so my mum says), and at the age of eleven, I could be counted on to behave and not do anything silly or dangerous.

Taking my nine-year-old brother was a totally different proposition however – he was rather accident-prone and had a habit of making “spur of the minute” decisions – without thinking of the consequences!

Of course, my Mum’s worries were completely unfounded. We have been cruising as a family ever since – and my brother is still around to tell the tale!

In this article, we look at the safety aspects of bringing children on board a cruise ship, which will hopefully put your mind at rest.

Will My Children Be Safe On A Cruise Ship?

I think this is most parents major concern when thinking about booking a cruise. If you have never been on a cruise ship, it is hard to imagine the scale of these huge ships. The larger ones are often described in the media as “floating cities”.

You never hear news stories about children “accidentally falling off” cruise ships. When you hear about people falling from ships, they are always adults. Usually, these adults are acting recklessly, there has been alcohol involved, or the person deliberately jumped overboard.

There are barriers around the top deck of cruise ships – or any open promenade decks. Often, there are large glass windbreaks, too – meaning you couldn’t just fall over the edge.

A child would have to deliberately and intentionally move furniture and climb over the edge to fall. As ever, parents need to supervise their children closely to make sure no accidents happen.

Balcony Cabins

Most balcony cabins have sliding doors. These are metal, and quite heavy. These doors lock from the inside, and sometimes there is a second bolt up high for extra security.

Balcony doors are typically quite weighty, even some adults might struggle to open them. It would be hard for small children to slide the door back.

Some parents buy an inexpensive wireless door alarm to bring with them. A loud noise will go off if the handle is turned, alerting you to any danger.

Balcony railings are plexiglass or solid. They meet or exceed the height standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). They are at least 42 inches/ 106 cm.

It would be very difficult for someone shorter than 4-5 feet to “fall” over the railing. Of course, it is common sense that children should never be left unattended or unsupervised on a balcony.

If you are concerned about having a cabin with a balcony and will always worry about the safety of balcony railings, why not book an ocean-view room instead? Problem solved.

Safety Barriers Around Top Decks

There are barriers all around the top decks. At the front of the ship, the safety barriers are often plexiglass and are much higher than me. This also provides a wind break for those trying to sunbathe.

Symphony of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ships. It has a “Central Park” area in the middle – and there are safety railings everywhere.

Find out about my cruise onboard that massive ship here:

Promenade Deck

Ships traditionally have Promenade Decks. These are lower down on the ship, closer to the waterline.

The Promenade Deck is usually covered and provides a walkway around the ship. Lifeboats and other mechanical equipment are often located on this deck.

Find out all about Promenade Decks here:

Cruise Ship Promenade Decks – Photos, Uses, and History

There are safety railings all around the Promenade deck, and often lifeboats or mechanical equipment between you and the sea as well.

Find out about a controversial balcony cabin I was assigned onboard P&O’s Iona below.

The balcony opened out onto the Promenade deck, rather than directly overlooking the sea. That would make a very safe option if you have children, but doesn’t give you the uninterrupted sea views many passengers expect:

Other Things To Consider

• Keep young children under close supervision at all times. 
  • This is common sense, you would do the same on a land based holiday.
  • Safety railings are at least 42 inches high, which makes them challenging for a young child to climb, but they must be supervised at all times.
  • Children should definitely not climb railings or sit on top. Be extra cautious if you are close to the edge of the ship.
• Some cruise lines give children wristbands to wear
  • Most have the children’s Muster Station details on, so if there was an emergency whilst they were in kids clubs or not with their parents, the crew will know which Muster Station they should be taken to
  • Others have electronic wristbands incorporating tracking devices in case the child goes missing.
  • If these options are available, it would seem sensible to use them.
• As on all holidays, be careful with children in and around the pool.
  • Many pools have lifeguards on duty, but some don’t.
  • Also take care around hot tubs. Children can drown in only two inches of water.
• If possible, teach older children how to get back to your cabin in case you get separated.
• Encourage them to approach a crew member and ask for help if they should ever need it.

Why not buy your child a Captain Hudson cruise book so they know what to expect from a cruise holiday before they go? I was completely unprepared on my first cruise…

Before You Go

Find out why cruises are a great vacation/holiday for the whole family here:

5 Surprising Reasons Why Cruises Are the Best Family Getaway with Kids!

Learn about the additional costs that catch unsuspecting cruisers out here:

The 5 Cruise Costs That Catch Out Unsuspecting Cruisers