Keeping balcony door open?

[mmmears]

I've been listening to the Podcast Cruise Primer series. One of the people there mentioned that they like to keep the balcony door open all night for the fresh air if it's cool and nice outside.

My questions are:

Does it stay open on it's own?
Do you need to prop it open somehow?
Anyone do this and have any feedback (positive or negative)?

Never cruised before, never thought of this, but having fresh air would be really nice.

 

[slindamood]

We always leave the verandah door open at night, for the sound of the ocean and waves as well as the fresh breezes. The doors are sliders, so no need to prop them open.

But be careful when you open the door to the hall when the verandah door is open - sometimes it creates quite a wind tunnel.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

I haven't had a verandah on DCL. On another cruise, they specifcally asked that when we weren't out on the balcony, to please keep the door shut. I don't know what DCL's stance is on this.

The carrier said that they've had birds fly in the rooms, moisture can ruin the fixtures and materials inside the rooms, etc.

 

[ScouterJT]

I recall DCL asking that we not keep the verandah door open -- that it really messes up the air conditioning

 

[mmouse37]

DCL does ask that do you not leave the verandah door open. I can't remember if it is on a notice or a sign by the door but I do remember seeing it.

I have found that on humid days and nights it really makes the cabins unbearable, even just opening the door for a few minutes.

MJ

 

[HallsofVA]

There is a small sign posted on the verandah door or window that specifically asks that you don't keep the door open. It may be just when the A/C is on, but I don't remember if I'm recalling that correctly or if there is a way to turn the A/C off. But there definitely is a sign asking that you don't keep the door open.

 

[mmmears]

Thanks for the responses. I am totally new to all of this, so I don't know what is allowed or not on the ship. Or simply what is unadvisable. BTW, on the podcast I remember that they said it would shut off your a/c if you opened the door.

 

[slindamood]

Yes, the AC shuts off when the door is open. Obviously, if you are cruising in hot or humid weather, or sitting in port, this can get uncomfortable.

However, if you are crossing the Atlantic or sailing in cool weather, having the verandah open is very nice. Because the AC is off, I do not see it as losing cooled air or a demand on the system. If you are worried about birds flying in, leave the sheer drapery closed. NEVER leave the door open if you are out of the cabin.

 

[kcashner]

As above, there is a sign asking that you not keep the door open. Our room host said that it interferes with the air conditioning.

That said, we did leave it open sometimes when we were in the room (one person in the cabin, one on the verandah.

 

[LadyZolt]

I've been listening to the Podcast Cruise Primer series. One of the people there mentioned that they like to keep the balcony door open all night for the fresh air if it's cool and nice outside.

And remember if the door is open, the sea bats can fly right in. I'd keep it closed at night.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt) (Navy vet)

 

[MBPrincessMoM]

We just got back yesterday and I have to say it was too hot to leave the doors open, although I do love the sound of the waves too. On the deck we were on, there is an automatic window washer thing that goes by to clean the deck above. It sprays quite a bit of water when it does and it does it periodically. I would not want to be in bed with the door open when it went by.

 

[mmmears]

And remember if the door is open, the sea bats can fly right in. I'd keep it closed at night.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt) (Navy vet)

What the heck is a "sea bat"? Is it real or is it a joke?

I'm really new to all of this -- never, ever thought I'd willingly take a cruise, so I'm just trying to do as much research as possible so that we'll have a good time.

After reading about the "sea lice," I'm already scared!

 

[truck1]

I cant see the doors being open having a detrimental effect on the AC, but I can see 2 different problems with leaving the doors open.
1. The air contains a lot of salt and I can see over time where corrosion would set in and destroy the tvs, outlets etc.
2.Like mentioned before, you can get quite an air movement when the ship is moving and the main cabin door slamming could possibly hurt someone holding it, or over time do damage to the door and frame.(Yes I know the main doors are metal, but they werent designed for that kind of punishment.)

 

[slindamood]

And remember if the door is open, the sea bats can fly right in. I'd keep it closed at night.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt) (Navy vet)

There are so many things to fear at sea!!!

 

[truck1]

Then theres always the Kraken to worry about.

 

[LadyZolt]

What the heck is a "sea bat"? Is it real or is it a joke?

It's a bit like a mid rat, only with wings.

Then theres always the Kraken to worry about.

Correct. They tend to hang around the mail buoys, which of course are buoys that the Navy uses to get mail to sailors out at sea.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt) (former Navy Cryptologic Technician)

 

[ppiew]

The Kraken??? Thought it was on I-Drive in Orlando?

 

[tvguy]

I cant see the doors being open having a detrimental effect on the AC, but I can see 2 different problems with leaving the doors open.
1. The air contains a lot of salt and I can see over time where corrosion would set in and destroy the tvs, outlets etc.
2.Like mentioned before, you can get quite an air movement when the ship is moving and the main cabin door slamming could possibly hurt someone holding it, or over time do damage to the door and frame.(Yes I know the main doors are metal, but they werent designed for that kind of punishment.)

First, it was way to hot and humid when we cruised (a New Year's Eve week Eastern) to keep the Verandah door open even at night.
Second, the sound of air whoosing under our stateroom door while the Veranda door was open would have kept us up. Sounded like a hurricane coming under the door.

 

[truck1]

First, it was way to hot and humid when we cruised (a New Year's Eve week Eastern) to keep the Verandah door open even at night.
Second, the sound of air whoosing under our stateroom door while the Veranda door was open would have kept us up. Sounded like a hurricane coming under the door.

I wasnt directing the statement at any one person, just making a general statement.

Like alot of situations on ships, theres rumor and fact rearding why they do certain things.
I dont know for sure why any cruise line would say leave the doors closed, but I do know from living near the water all my life, sea water is very corrosive over time, and from experience of opening the cabin door while someone was on the balcony that you can very easily lose control of the door.
For you it may have been too noisy, but others may not have a problem with the verandah doors open and listening to the waves.
Personally, Id rather have the door closed and the room cool, and only open the door for a little bit while in port while we were in the cabin,to replace the humidity that the AC takes out.I am very prone to sinus infections and have gotten one on more than one occasion on cruises from the dry air.

 

[truck1]

The Kraken??? Thought it was on I-Drive in Orlando?

Only when they are on vacation. Like Santa at BB.