Pirate Cruise safety ?...

[Marimar]

We have reservations for the Pirate Cruise; dd (will be turning six during our trip) and ds just turned four in October). I know the details of the cruise, but am second guessing myself due to safety concerns.

Anyone have input on how they staff?....I know the cruise includes on certified life guard at all times, but wonder about the ratio of staffirates. I asked the CM when I made the reservation, but she felt unsure about such details. Any other thoughts or comments? I really want to do this for ds's sake. It seems a lot of similar experiences are geared for princesses. I do realize ds would probably have fun w/princess character meals, but he loves pirates and this would be soooo much fun for him.

TIA!

 

[gydell]

My DGS will be doing the Pirate Ship next week so I will let you know for sure but I was told that the ratio is 15 to 1. I understand your concern as my DGS turned 4 in August and 4 year old boys sometimes just get too excited!

 

[bjakmom]

When DNeph (8) did the Albatross Cruise out of Y&BC marina in October there were 12 'pirates' to one CM boat captain and one CM first mate. He had a great time ! They may allow a few more, but I was told that there were always 2 CMs on board (one lifeguard trained). I was very pleased with the level of supervision = we were able to observe much of the cruise and the captain ran a tight ship while still allowing the kids to have fun = and of course the kids all have lifevests securely fitted before they even get on the boat!

 

[MomofKatie]

DD went on the Pirate cruise in October- there were around 15 little pirates and 3 Crew members. The kids had to keep their life vests on at all times (even when they left the boat to search for clues), and they "buddied up" with another kid and had to stay with their buddy the whole time. The ladies that run the Cruise are great- they have it down to a science- and really do "run a tight ship". They have fun with the kids, but don't allow unsafe stuff to go on. Don't worry- your little will love it, and he will be safe.

 

[schatz5k]

My two sons 4 and 6 have been on the pirate cruise from GF and are booked on the one from Beach Club. Anyway, I was very comfortable with the staffing of the boat. They all had life vests on that the CM picked out for them based on their size. They were buddied up together, but my youngest son cried for bit, and the CM held him until he was calm again. Upon pickup they told me that if he seemed like he wasn't able to calm down, they would have brought him back. He was a young 4 at the time and was a bit scared at first. After the cruise I couldn't get the boys to stop singing Yo Ho Yo HO A Pirates Life For Me. We still have the hats, although the loot has been missing for a while.

Your boys will throughly enjoy themselves.

 

[Magic2000]

My DD did the pirate cruise two summers ago, and she had a great time!!! I too was a little concerned about her safety (because I am a worry wart!), but once I signed her in and she got her life vest and put on her pirate hat - I knew she would be fine! The captains are great with the kids! Once you get there and look around, you'll feel much better!

Enjoy!!

 

[The Warden]

My son went in April from the GF. The boat is a pontoon style boat but it has high sides. There are never more than 15 kids on the boat and there are always at least 2 staff - one captain and one first mate. Some have also had more (trainees?). They get their life jackets on up land before they even go out on the dock to get on the boat. It was all very organized and safe. I was also nervious but I watched the check-in and loading process and felt much better. My son really enjoyed it. One of the highlights of his trip!

 

[nuzmom]

I have to agree with the other comments. Our DS9 and DS4 went in Sept and LOVED it. I mean ABSOLUTELY loved it (DS4 more so than DS9). I felt very comfortable with the whole thing. Live vests, high sided boat, 2 CMs, etc. I'm not sure if I would have let DS4 go by himself (he's a bit shy), but with having a sibling with him was great.

Oh, I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it, but they partner the kids up so they each have a buddy before they even get on the boat. (the kids pick their partner) My DS9 was going to buddy with another boy his age, but all four parents said - "no, stay with your brother/sister" All parents have the same concerns and I really felt that Disney knew that and runs the cruise accordingly.

 

[Marimar]

Thanksall ! You have made me feel more at ease and excited for ds and dd! Oddly enough ds is really into pirates lately I am sure seeing the process will make me feel even better!

I have a question about garb, but will post a new thread....

 

[MomofKatie]

I was asked to dress DD in comfortable clothing and socks and tennis shoes. Also, they ask that you apply sunscreen to your child before the cruise. I don't think they want to be responsible for greasing up all the kids- allergies and all that. While on the cruise, they wore their life vests, and they were each given a cute striped bandana-hat with Mickey ears on it. I think they were required to wear it, for easy identification, but all the kids liked wearing them- they all looked so cute!

 

[disnut8]

My daughter-in-law was VERY concerned about the safety of her only child (and my only granddaughter) on the Grand Floridian Pirates Cruise. All I can say is don't worry about it. You can clearly see the entire boarding process. You can see them come back. There are two Cast Members for the kids plus the boat driver. No child is allowed to get off the boat unless you have (1) the beeper you are provided for the entire two hours and (2) the receipt that you paid.

Once my daughter-in-law saw the boarding process, she immediately relaxed (as did my son). It is VERY safe. Oh - and they do ask for a medical release form and also ask for any food allergies (my granddaughter cannot have cherries so she got a grape PB&J sandwich). My daughter-in-law is a little "over cautious" with her only child but she was so comfortable with the way Disney did this. After the boat left, she turned to me and said "I have no idea why I didn't trust Disney - I should have known better".