Can a Child Fall Overboard on a Cruise Ship?

When parents travel on a cruise with family members of all ages, such as a Disney Cruise, they often express concerns about safety for their little ones, particularly if it is their first family cruise. One family shared their worries about their active toddler, who was known for climbing out of his crib and getting into trouble. They were rightfully concerned about the potential for him to fall overboard.

Family travel experts advise a reality check; while adults have fallen off cruise ships—often making headlines—these incidents are exceedingly rare. Generally, it is quite challenging to accidentally go overboard without intentional or reckless behavior.

Guardrails and Verandas: Safety Features

Most cruise ships have guardrails that are at least 42 inches high, making it quite difficult for even the most adventurous toddlers to scale. On Disney cruise ships, the top rail is accompanied by steel fence-style rails, and a transparent plexiglass cover ensures there are minimal climbing opportunities for young children. This safety feature applies both to public decks and to balcony railings in staterooms.

If your stateroom includes a veranda, you will find that the door is a heavy sliding door equipped with a lock positioned high enough to be out of your child’s reach. Even if the door is left unlocked, the handle is designed to be child-resistant and somewhat tricky to operate.

The primary risk arises from balcony furniture—typically a low table and two chairs—that a small child could potentially stack to reach the railing. It is crucial never to leave a child unsupervised on a balcony. As an additional safety measure, you could request that the steward remove any veranda furnishings.

If safety remains a significant concern, consider opting for an exterior stateroom without a veranda or choosing one of Disney’s interior staterooms, which feature a magic porthole providing real-time views of the ocean outside.

Essential Safety Tips for Families

While it is vital that no small child is left alone on a balcony or running around the ship’s deck unsupervised, do not let the fear of your child jumping overboard prevent you from enjoying a fabulous cruise experience. Almost half of all cruise passengers are families traveling with children.

To enhance the safety of older children during a cruise, follow these commonsense guidelines:

• Teach them how to find their way back to the cabin and ensure they understand lifeboat drill instructions.
• Always supervise children while swimming to avoid accidents.
• Instruct them to walk carefully on the deck, especially in wet conditions, to prevent slips and falls.
• Encourage regular handwashing to reduce the risk of illnesses, such as the flu or norovirus.