We are planning a cruise next July to Bermuda. At that time my granddaughter will be 28 months old. I'm concerned about her safety on the deck since she walks and runs now. Are the railings around the ship covered with any kind of fencing or mesh? Thank you.

Hi Elaine,<BR><BR>All railings on ships are kid-proof.<BR>From the floor to the rail is a sheet of plexiglass. A child would need superior upper body strength to climb over the rail since there is no place below the rail for a foot to get a firm grip.<BR><BR>Enjoy.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

<BR>You might consider a "tether" to keep<BR>adult and kid together.<BR><BR>I don't know the real name, but each end is like a bracelet, wrapped around the adult or child's wrist, with a cord <BR>in between. Gives the kid freedom of movement without being able to get too<BR>far away from an adult.

I could see everyone getting tangled up in a tether caord. Might not be a good idea on a ship.<BR><BR>Paul

I wouldn't trust it. Any child that age can drag something even like a stuffed animal or some other taller toy over to the rail and stand on it. Freak accidents happen. It's just not worth it, don't you think? Just my opinion, but.......

I have been on cruises where there are passengers with toddlers. As with any age youngster, parent watchfullness is the key. Even if you use a leash, there must be someone close by at all times.<BR><BR>It may be the family thing to do, but there is very little down time for the parents. Ships are safe but with a toddler, I'd need a vacation just as soon as I got home!

Maybe the safest thing to do would be to leave the darling home with the other grandparents or her own parents if they aren't planning going with you.<BR> If it is just Elaine and granddaughter, she is going to be in a panic most of the cruise. Sounds like grandma might indeed need to go home to relax.

Hi Elaine,<BR><BR>Don't leave our kids home. They are a joy to be with. <BR><BR>We have traveled with our children since they were two years old. I found they are overwelmed with the crowds and will stick close to you.<BR><BR>I am also sure you will watch them like a hawk and will not allow them to pile things up at the rail to climb on. You will find a child is frightened of the height. Do not worry, there have been multi-thousands of youngsters that have sailed and none have ever fallen off a ship. <BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Paul

Thank you all for your input. Just an FYI - my daughter and son in law will also be going, so we will have plenty of watchful eyes and perhaps can take turns relaxing. Again, thanks.

If you wish to have an evening alone sign up for in-room babysitting when you get on the ship. Some children coordinators will do it in their spare time to earn extra money.<BR><BR>Have a great time.<BR><BR>Paul

Elaine, the fact that you're even concerned to me means that I would not be taking her. Also, whether she can walk or run, she should be taught not to run in public. THis would help to cut down on some problems. Just one more place that I don't think very small children should be taken to.

We cruised to Bermuda recently and I was very surprised at the number of toddlers on board. All parents had a firm hand and a watchful eye on the little ones at all times and from what I could tell they all seemed to be very well behaved.