Door locks on Anthem of the Seas

[perlotk]

Hi! My family and I will be traveling on Anthem of the Seas in April from Bayonne. We are traveling with our 6 year old child with ASD, who happens to be a runner. In the past, he has left hotel rooms and run away. Since this ship is much bigger than a hotel, we're obviously concerned about it.

 

In order to make sure he isn't leaving the room without us, we considered bringing a Guardian lock. It works on normal doors (http://assurancelockingsystems.com/portfolio/guardian-security-lock/) but not sure about ship doors. 

 

Does anyone have any knowledge as to whether or not a device like this would work? Thanks!

Edited January 15, 2019 by perlotk
Grammatical

[reallyitsmema]

4 minutes ago, perlotk said:

Hi! My family and I will be traveling on Anthem of the Seas in April from Bayonne. We are traveling with our 6 year old child with ASD, who happens to be a runner. In the past, he has left hotel rooms and run away. Since this ship is much bigger than a hotel, we're obviously concerned about it.

 

In order to make sure he isn't leaving the room without us, we considered bringing a Guardian lock. It works on normal doors (http://assurancelockingsystems.com/portfolio/guardian-security-lock/) but not sure about ship doors. 

 

Does anyone have any knowledge as to whether or not a device like this would work? Thanks!

 

Not sure it will work, but I am sailing on Anthem on Janurary 26th.  I will take pictures of the strike plate and post them if you would like.

[perlotk]

Just now, reallyitsmema said:

 

Not sure it will work, but I am sailing on Anthem on Janurary 26th.  I will take pictures of the strike plate and post them if you would like.

 

That would be fantastic - thank you so much!!!

[Biker19]

1 hour ago, perlotk said:

 

 

Does anyone have any knowledge as to whether or not a device like this would work? Thanks!

You might not know until you get on board as the clearance between the cabin door and frame is pretty tight and may vary a bit between cabins. 

 

Also, the ship may frown upon you installing something like that. 

[perlotk]

8 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

You might not know until you get on board as the clearance between the cabin door and frame is pretty tight and may vary a bit between cabins. 

 

Also, the ship may frown upon you installing something like that. 

 

Thanks. I don't think it's something you actually install, it is removable. I can ask them before we go though. Thanks! 

 

Other ideas to stop runners would be helpful, too.

[Biker19]

Unlike a hotel, where there’s no curfew and limitless place to go once outside the room, the ship has a 1 AM curfew and somewhat limited places to go. A child that young would hopefully get the security staff’s attention pretty quick. 

 

You could also get a cabin with the bed by the bath and somehow block the space between the foot of the bed and wall (pretty small) so the child would have to climb over the bed with you in it (which would hopefully get your attention) to get out. 

[Goofyfanatic]

I am not sure that the ship would allow it or not but if you do use it I would make sure to put the "sleeping off the..." do not disturb magnet on the door while you are using it or else the cabin steward might try to get in and not be able to.

[perlotk]

29 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Unlike a hotel, where there’s no curfew and limitless place to go once outside the room, the ship has a 1 AM curfew and somewhat limited places to go. A child that young would hopefully get the security staff’s attention pretty quick. 

 

You could also get a cabin with the bed by the bath and somehow block the space between the foot of the bed and wall (pretty small) so the child would have to climb over the bed with you in it (which would hopefully get your attention) to get out. 

Good point. Also, I will likely alert the staff to his presence as they do have autism services onboard.

 

I'm not sure how to find the lay out of that room. Is there a link somewhere? We are in 3D-7212 if that helps...

[perlotk]

30 minutes ago, Goofyfanatic said:

I am not sure that the ship would allow it or not but if you do use it I would make sure to put the "sleeping off the..." do not disturb magnet on the door while you are using it or else the cabin steward might try to get in and not be able to.

Ah, excellent idea, thank you.

[stevea36]

I would suggest that you contact RCI's special needs department at special_needs@rccl.com (or 866-592-7225) and explain the situation.  they may offer other alternatives as well.  

 

Steve

[perlotk]

11 minutes ago, stevea36 said:

I would suggest that you contact RCI's special needs department at special_needs@rccl.com (or 866-592-7225) and explain the situation.  they may offer other alternatives as well.  

 

Steve

 

I'll do this! Thank you!

[chengkp75]

Internet onboard does not handle youtube well, so I can't see pictures of this device, and will have to go with descriptions given by others above.

 

If this device goes between the door and the strike plate, I would be leery of using it.  Unlike your house or a hotel, a ship is a constantly moving and flexing animal, and the gap between the door and the jamb may not always be a constant distance, and something jammed into the gap may cause the door to stick and not be able to open, which in an emergency would not be a good thing.

 

Further, I saw in the description of the device that it protects against intruders, so I assume it blocks the mechanical action of the door lock itself.  Again, this is not a good idea, as anything that blocks this mechanical action of the lock would preclude the use of the master "hard key" from opening your door in an emergency, and would require breaking down the door.

 

I would recommend use of a door alarm, that sounds when the door is disturbed, and you can get up and chase after him.

[perlotk]

4 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

Internet onboard does not handle youtube well, so I can't see pictures of this device, and will have to go with descriptions given by others above.

 

If this device goes between the door and the strike plate, I would be leery of using it.  Unlike your house or a hotel, a ship is a constantly moving and flexing animal, and the gap between the door and the jamb may not always be a constant distance, and something jammed into the gap may cause the door to stick and not be able to open, which in an emergency would not be a good thing.

 

Further, I saw in the description of the device that it protects against intruders, so I assume it blocks the mechanical action of the door lock itself.  Again, this is not a good idea, as anything that blocks this mechanical action of the lock would preclude the use of the master "hard key" from opening your door in an emergency, and would require breaking down the door.

 

I would recommend use of a door alarm, that sounds when the door is disturbed, and you can get up and chase after him.

 

OK! This is helpful to know. A door alarm/chime is a good idea, thank you!

[DC-Jimm]

I sailed on the Anthem of the Seas back in October so I'm very familiar with the doors in the cabins. The biggest problem that I see with your lock is that the doors to the cabins open outward toward the hall not inward like normal. So I'm really not sure how your lock device would help in this situation.

[reallyitsmema]

1 hour ago, DC-Jimm said:

I sailed on the Anthem of the Seas back in October so I'm very familiar with the doors in the cabins. The biggest problem that I see with your lock is that the doors to the cabins open outward toward the hall not inward like normal. So I'm really not sure how your lock device would help in this situation.

 

Very good point, I forgot they open out.

[brillohead]

What about using Command hooks?

You can install two hooks way up high with one on the door and one on the frame (with the hooks pointed sideways away from each other, not vertically for hanging), and then use a rubber band, hair elastic, short length of twine, a twist-tie, or something similar to connect the two.  Even if he's able to unlock the door, it's doubtful he'll have the strength to bust the hooks or whatever you use to fasten them, and he certainly wouldn't be able to do it without making enough noise to wake you up!  

You could also purchase a regular slide-bar lock (like at a hotel) only use Command Strips (just the adhesive tabs, not the hooks) to attach it instead of screwing it into the door and frame like you'd do at home.  Along those lines, you could also purchase an appliance strap-style lock and use the Command Strips for adhesive (you'd have to first remove the adhesive that comes on the strap). 

This would give you a reusable option -- as long as you have more Command Strips, you can keep reinstalling the lock no matter where you travel, without worrying about lock configuration or damaging the door/wall/frame.  

[perlotk]

11 hours ago, DC-Jimm said:

I sailed on the Anthem of the Seas back in October so I'm very familiar with the doors in the cabins. The biggest problem that I see with your lock is that the doors to the cabins open outward toward the hall not inward like normal. So I'm really not sure how your lock device would help in this situation.

Ah HA. This is helpful.

[perlotk]

2 hours ago, brillohead said:

What about using Command hooks?

You can install two hooks way up high with one on the door and one on the frame (with the hooks pointed sideways away from each other, not vertically for hanging), and then use a rubber band, hair elastic, short length of twine, a twist-tie, or something similar to connect the two.  Even if he's able to unlock the door, it's doubtful he'll have the strength to bust the hooks or whatever you use to fasten them, and he certainly wouldn't be able to do it without making enough noise to wake you up!  

You could also purchase a regular slide-bar lock (like at a hotel) only use Command Strips (just the adhesive tabs, not the hooks) to attach it instead of screwing it into the door and frame like you'd do at home.  Along those lines, you could also purchase an appliance strap-style lock and use the Command Strips for adhesive (you'd have to first remove the adhesive that comes on the strap). 

This would give you a reusable option -- as long as you have more Command Strips, you can keep reinstalling the lock no matter where you travel, without worrying about lock configuration or damaging the door/wall/frame.  

 

This, my friend, is ingenious. 

[brillohead]

7 hours ago, perlotk said:

 

This, my friend, is ingenious. 

I think that Command Adhesive Strips are one of the best inventions of this century.  Amazing product, damage-free to any reasonably durable surface, affordable price-point, and applicable to so very many residential, commercial, personal, and public uses!!!

[perlotk]

17 hours ago, brillohead said:

I think that Command Adhesive Strips are one of the best inventions of this century.  Amazing product, damage-free to any reasonably durable surface, affordable price-point, and applicable to so very many residential, commercial, personal, and public uses!!!

 

Absolutely. I have command hooks all over my house. They're amazing. Also, I've added this to my packing list. I imagine this will work fantastically, although I plan to bring a door chime, too. I have one in my house and I can stick that on with command strips, too!

[Grandma Dazzles]

I truly realize you have a serious problem, and wish you a safe, happy cruise.  Also hope that you do not have a balcony cabin, although balcony doors are very heavy.

 

You may have problems any where on the ship, unless you plan to hold your child’s hand at all times.  

 

Not sure that a door chime would be appreciated by other nearby passengers.  Most definitely you need to contact special needs for advice.

 

 

29 minutes ago, perlotk said:

 

Absolutely. I have command hooks all over my house. They're amazing. Also, I've added this to my packing list. I imagine this will work fantastically, although I plan to bring a door chime, too. I have one in my house and I can stick that on with command strips, too!

 

[perlotk]

Just now, Grandma Dazzles said:

I truly realize you have a serious problem, and wish you a safe, happy cruise.  Also hope that you do not have a balcony cabin, although balcony doors are very heavy.

 

You may have problems any where on the ship, unless you plan to hold your child’s hand at all times.  

 

Not sure that a door chime would be appreciated by other nearby passengers.  Most definitely you need to contact special needs for advice.

 

 

 

 

Thanks. We are a little less worried about when he is with us, as there will be three adults. But good point about the door chime. I'll re-think that, unless I can get one that buzzes.

 

We have a balcony I think, but I don't think he's likely to go out there by himself, he mostly wants to go places where he can hide. 

 

I did send a message to the special needs team on RC, we'll see what they say!

[brillohead]

2 minutes ago, Grandma Dazzles said:

I truly realize you have a serious problem, and wish you a safe, happy cruise.  Also hope that you do not have a balcony cabin, although balcony doors are very heavy.

 

You may have problems any where on the ship, unless you plan to hold your child’s hand at all times.  

 

Not sure that a door chime would be appreciated by other nearby passengers.  Most definitely you need to contact special needs for advice.

Balcony doors, in addition to being VERY heavy to open, also have up-high child locks.  

I'm also pretty sure that the OP has all kinds of experience being out in public with their child.

A door chime that is used as an alarm in the middle of the night is going to be much more preferable to nearby passengers than having an unsupervised child running down the hall in the middle of the night.  

Seriously. 

[Grandma Dazzles]

I was assuming that OP’s door chime would go off each time the door was opened - night or day - not just in an emergency.  

 

I agree about balconies having good child locks.

 

3 minutes ago, brillohead said:

Balcony doors, in addition to being VERY heavy to open, also have up-high child locks.  

A door chime that is used as an alarm in the middle of the night is going to be much more preferable to nearby passengers than having an unsupervised child running down the hall in the middle of the night.  
 

 

[perlotk]

Just now, Grandma Dazzles said:

I was assuming that OP’s door chime would go off each time the door was opened - night or day - not just in an emergency.  

 

I agree about balconies having good child locks.

 

 

 

If we get one like we have at home, it would only go off if the door was opened without our knowledge. I routinely turn on the door chime at bedtime and then turn it off in the morning before we go anywhere. I expect we'd do the same here if we got one. Besides, he's really sensitive to noises, so the first time it goes off it'll alarm him, and he's unlikely to do it more than once after that.

 

And yes, Brillo, I do have experience with our child in public, but just to be safe, we plan to put ID tags on his shoes (and for our 4 year old, too).