VPP Syndrome (Veranda Parental Paranoia)

[infobahn]

Okay, we are aiming for April of 2004 (we have to go by then for our 4/01 broken Magic discount), and we will have our new son with us. He will be just under two years old, and probably walking by then (mom walked at 9 months, I walked at 18 months), and I am worried about the verandas. We really want to get one, as we had a Cat 9 last time, and with the 50% off, we really can get a better cabin.

I know the veranda doors are "child proof", so to speak, but how climbable are they. While I will be with the kid on the veranda, will I still have to be holding him the entire time?

Are the navigators verandas any "safer"?

Thanks,
The long, but not lost
Robb

 

[Michelle]

Robb, love your VPP name!

Unless your child is totally alone on the verandah you need not worry at all. The doors are VERY childproof (and parentproof too, many times!) and there is no way a child can climb on the verandah unless he/she pulls a chair to the edge and climbs up on that. No vigilant parent would ever let that happen.

Go for the verandah and enjoy the beautiful ocean!

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Understandable paranoia. The railings in the verandahs are as childproof as on the public decks. They are lined on the inside with PlexiGlas, thereby making it impossible for your little one to get a foothold on the rungs. That being said, he could probably climb up on the furniture and make you nervous. Make sure you keep the verandah door locked when you're not out there. Make sure you make sure he knows that he's not allowed out there without Mommy or Daddy.

 

[rae519]

I prefer the open verandah - plexiglass and outside rails as opposed to the Navigator's verandah just for the reasons described. Our son could only see the ocean from the Navigator's Verandah IF he were held up or stood on the table and held up. With the open verandah, we can see the ocean clearly through the door or from the verandah. In fact, we love to sit there and have our lunch while looking out at the ocean. Very relaxing and quiet.

(Our son was 5 our first cruise and is now 7 1/2.)


Rae

 

[Gillian]

Our 2 year old is not really a climber, but he is curious, and he was happy looking through the plexiglass. Even if he was standing on a chair, I don't think he could have easily climbed over the railing. But then again, he's 27 months & still hasn't tried to climb out of his crib.

If the 2 of you are sitting in the chairs, it's perfectly safe to let DS run around out there.

 

[infobahn]

Excellent points on the "regular" veranda. We will aim for that! My DW had that question last night, and was surprised when I came to bed with an answer (actually 2). To no ones surprise it was Dave and Michelle.

Thanks to all!