Would you let your 4 year old do Pirate Cruise?

[princesspiglet]

Our daughter wants to do the Pirate Cruise at the GF. I have no problem with this, I think she will really enjoy it. However, my DH does not think she is old enough yet and that she may fall off of the boat, etc. I think he is being over-protective and I need to hear some reviews to ease his fears. TIA!

 

[julsmom]

I am the over protective QUEEN. My dad calls me Mother Hen. No, I don't like that name. Anyway, I am kind of debating it too for my 6 yr old. I totally picture her falling overboard. I am not sure what my final decision will be. I am sure nothing has ever happened or we would have heard about it.

 

[GEM]

I definately would. In fact, we're planning a trip for my little guy's 4th birthday just so he can do this! He'll be sailing on the Pirate Cruise the day after he turns 4 - and he can't wait! He's really excited about it.

I'm not worried about safety at all. The kids all wear lifejackets and there is lots of supervision.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Some facts from experience, we've done this 2 times in 2005 with DS6/DD5 & this year DD6/DS7. There are only about 12 or so kids on the boat. It stays on the lake and doesn't go all that fast. There are 3 women on board. The children sit 2 X 2 and are not allowed to stand on the boat other than to get on or off the very safe very shallow docks. The parents put the huge life vests on their own kids and the kids are not allowed to tamper with them. There are many coast-guard-type cast members out & about in Bay lake at all times patroling so the boat isn't ever really isolated.

My kids just love the Pirate Cruise and I've never heard a single complaint from them. I just love that they like it so much so we'll continue until they are too old for it.

 

[jcarlstrom]

My son was 4 and two months when he did the Pirate Cruise in late August. As the last poster said, there were 3 adults for 12 children and they paired them up with a similar age/sized buddy who they sat next to on the boat. They were only allowed to stand when the boat was docked and were wearing child sized life vests. It seemed to me there were about 4 or 5 other 4ish year olds as well. It didn't really seem like there were any children over 6 on my son's cruise. Hope that helps...

 

[Lauralee131]

I'm going to book my DS on a pirate cruise...I have been slacking and should have done it already, but he'll love it...I'm not worried as I read all about the life vests, etc...and I'm sure that Disney would take all the necessary precautions to keep our little ones safe. I'm kind of sorry it's not a longer cruise!! DH and I could squeeze in some quality time!! Ah well - 2 hours is better than nothing!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I'm with the no crowd. I too am super over protective and wouldn't feel comfortable. Nothing against those who send their kids mind you- I just wouldn't feel comfortable.

 

[Hannathy]

My 5 yr old DD did this and loved it. They are very careful -I mean could you really imagine the lawyers or the insurance company letting it go on if they weren't?

 

[pbharris4]

My DD (10) did the cruise this summer. Most of the kids there were in the 5-8 yrs old range with a few older ones. I also have a 3 yo DD, but I won't let her do it until she's and older 4 or 5. Safety isn't the issue. They wear life vests and as someone else said 3 CMs on board and they don't go fast. My youngest DD's birthday is in June (when we go) so she'd just be turning 4 which IMO is a little young since (also IMO) mostly 5-8 yr olds do the cruise. But I am sure there are a few younger and older too.

 

[Cass]

They are wearing life vests so if they fall over ~ they'll float.

Seriously though, they are so well looked after, the boat is very stable & safe, the water is calm. They will be fine.

Our daughter wants to do the Pirate Cruise at the GF.

princesspiglet - how does your little one even know about the cruise??

Life vest

Safe boat

 

[Vickie46]

oh no.. I couldn't do this.. I guess I am too protective! I am sure the kids have a blast though and the CM's are wonderful.. I just can't do it..

 

[daddyof2]

Not to hyjack this thread but how strict are thay with the age?

my son will be 3 1/2 when we go and with his 6yr old sister will he be allowed?

he LOVES pirates

 

[FourBoysMom]

I'm with the "no" crowd also.... I obsessed over this myself about 5 years ago when my oldest boys were 4 & 5. Instead, I chose to have them do the Grand Adventures in Cooking. They absolutely loved it. They made Chef hats, aprons, and cooked muffins. Then came into the restaurant lobby and gave them out to guests. I cried when I saw them, they took handing those muffins out so seriously...they thought they were so important!

It gave them an activity with their feet planted firmly on the ground.

This year, I will do the pirate cruise with my oldest two, but i've waited until they were 9 & 10. But this is just me.....

Good luck!

 

[FourBoysMom]

Not to hyjack this thread but how strict are thay with the age?

my son will be 3 1/2 when we go and with his 6yr old sister will he be allowed?

he LOVES pirates

They don't make you prove the age, however, you have to be prepared for the fact that he may "spill the beans" about his age. Also, he must be potty trained..... I say this because I haven't potty trained my 3 year old yet, so he can't do the Grand Adventures in Cooking (even though he meets the age requirement) I just felt it would be best to wait until AFTER the trip for potty training.....

Trixie

 

[princesspiglet]

Cass asked- princesspiglet - how does your little one even know about the cruise??

This trip is for her birthday, so she has been a huge part of the planning process. We have gone over allears with a fine tooth comb and I have given her many options to choose from. She picked this and the Wonderland tea Party for her actual birthday day- which I already have booked. Plus, she can read.

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, did it more than once. DS jumped on the boat and never looked back.

 

[Cass]

Yes, did it more than once. DS jumped on the boat and never looked back.

The pirate cruise is more challenging for the parents, than the kids

 

[aries1980]

where is that?

 

[Cass]

The pirate cruise is from the Grand Floridian marina - they go on a treasure hunt and have snacks & treats. Good times.

 

[emh1129]

No, I wouldn't be comfortable with it. I don't really see the need, either.. it's a family trip and we all want to spend our time together.