Navigator's Veranda with 5YO?

[Dzhenna]

We just got our room assignment for our cruise in 3 weeks and I'm a bit in doubt. We have a room with a Navigator's Veranda. We have a 5YO-- who is tall for her age (~4 ft), but not tall enough to see over the balcony. I'm concerned she will either (1) not be able to see anything or (2) will want to crawl on chairs or the bench to see out. Does anyone have experience with this scenario that they can share-- good or bad?

[shburks]

Delete. (Sorry...inadvertently hit reply!)

[jdb in AZ]

The veranda doors are so heavy I doubt a 5-yr-old could open one. Also, she'll be so busy at the kids' clubs, she probably won't spend much time in your stateroom, other than to sleep.

[owensamo]

My in-laws had a Navigator's Veranda on our first cruise when DD was 4-turning-5. DD was tiny for her age at the time. We had an inside stateroom, but we did spend some time on the in-laws' veranda. DD was never out there without an adult. She was too short to see out without standing on something (a chair or the bench) but since she was never out there alone, it wasn't an issue - we just made sure to hold on to her. However, at that age watching the ocean go by wasn't a big draw - when in the room, she preferred coloring or playing with her few toys but most of the time she preferred being in the kid's clubs!

My recommendation would be not to stress over it. DCL hasn't lost any children overboard as far as I know. Just keep an eye or a hand on her out on the balcony and you should be fine. And have a great cruise!

[MAJPLO]

Oops. Hard time editing this morning. Sorry!

[MAJPLO]

We had a regular veranda when we cruised with our then 4yo DS and 2 1/2yo DD. I was super worried about them on the veranda but they were never out there by themselves. I know what you mean about not being able to see through the bottom of the navigator's but I think if you don't make too big a deal of watching then she probably wont notice what she's missing all that much.

I am pretty sure I've read that you can have the furniture removed from the veranda if you just let the stateroom host know. We did not have that done, but it is an option at any time if you find it becomes necessary.

[Scillycruisers]

Originally Posted by Dzhenna

We just got our room assignment for our cruise in 3 weeks and I'm a bit in doubt. We have a room with a Navigator's Veranda. We have a 5YO-- who is tall for her age (~4 ft), but not tall enough to see over the balcony. I'm concerned she will either (1) not be able to see anything or (2) will want to crawl on chairs or the bench to see out. Does anyone have experience with this scenario that they can share-- good or bad?

We had a white wall veranda on our 1st cruise with DS then 4.he couldn't see over without standing on a chair, so was told to ask if he wanted to see out and we would hold him. He stuck to this rule and did not go on the veranda alone, so no problem. The doors are really heavy and there is a high lock so kids cannot open them without your help, so no chance of getting out unless you open it.

Since then we have gone for the clear verandas, but as much for us to see while seated as for DS to look out unaided. He is still not allowed on the veranda unsupervised.

[Dzhenna]

Thanks everyone! We had a clear balcony the last time and she had a great time looking out (in 2-3 minute bursts). But, it's certainly not a deal breaker for her. I've just got to calm down and go with the flow-- good point about them never losing a kid overboard. :-)

[luv2sleep]

Originally Posted by Dzhenna

We just got our room assignment for our cruise in 3 weeks and I'm a bit in doubt. We have a room with a Navigator's Veranda. We have a 5YO-- who is tall for her age (~4 ft), but not tall enough to see over the balcony. I'm concerned she will either (1) not be able to see anything or (2) will want to crawl on chairs or the bench to see out. Does anyone have experience with this scenario that they can share-- good or bad?

I had a navigator's verandah for a 2 week cruise. It worked out well. When my son wanted to see I let him kneel on the bench and look out. He's not one to sit out there and stare at the ocean so it worked perfectly for when he just wanted to come out and take a quick peek at the waves. We've had a clear plexiglass too and that's all he did with it then too.

I personally loved my navigator's verandah. I loved the bench and if I sat there I could see the ocean just fine. I'd prop my legs up in the chair and and enjoyed it immensely. We went to Hawaii and a couple of days were very windy on deck. Not on my verandah though. It provided great protection from the wind. It's the verandah cat I'll always book from now on.

ETA: my son was 5 on both cruises and I never let him out there alone.

[Dzhenna]

Thanks L2S-- that's what I was also thinking as well. I burn if I even think about the sun, so I was thinking that it's also a nice way to get some fresh air without getting crispy. :-)