Got the all clear, now I have a question...

Okay, early I posted about possible back surgery.. After seeing a specialist, he believes that it is a severe pinched nerve and with therapy (and possibly a spinal injection) that I will be fine, no surgery needed, YEA! Oh and an ALL CLEAR to cruise in May!

So, now my question, we already were traveling with a special needs child (he is ASD and has mobility issues with stairs, ramps, etc.)... We are to meet with the Special Needs department upon arrival. My question, is it worth it to get FTTF or will we basically be bypassing the lines already?? We have talked with the special needs department about him but I forgot to ask (and I hate to call them with every question) but is it worth it or would it be a waste? I know they are going to be helping us with embarking and with getting through lines (he cannot stand in lines long, before bumping into everyone or freaking out over being confined within lines)... I just was thinking, do we really need this?? We are traveling out of Charleston, on May 16 (which shouldn't be THAT busy)...

*We are okay with carrying our carryons for awhile and not going straight to our room. The kids will have bathsuits on and we plan to hit up some food establishment for a late lunch on board, before allowing them to play in the water a little bit, before we have to report for the mustard drill...

Okay, early I posted about possible back surgery.. After seeing a specialist, he believes that it is a severe pinched nerve and with therapy (and possibly a spinal injection) that I will be fine, no surgery needed, YEA! Oh and an ALL CLEAR to cruise in May!

 

So, now my question, we already were traveling with a special needs child (he is ASD and has mobility issues with stairs, ramps, etc.)... We are to meet with the Special Needs department upon arrival. My question, is it worth it to get FTTF or will we basically be bypassing the lines already?? We have talked with the special needs department about him but I forgot to ask (and I hate to call them with every question) but is it worth it or would it be a waste? I know they are going to be helping us with embarking and with getting through lines (he cannot stand in lines long, before bumping into everyone or freaking out over being confined within lines)... I just was thinking, do we really need this?? We are traveling out of Charleston, on May 16 (which shouldn't be THAT busy)...

 

*We are okay with carrying our carryons for awhile and not going straight to our room. The kids will have bathsuits on and we plan to hit up some food establishment for a late lunch on board, before allowing them to play in the water a little bit, before we have to report for the mustard drill...

You did not state which cruise line but assume by stating FTTF that you're going on Carnival Cruise lines.

Have never heard of any cruise line having a "Special Needs Dept. directly at the port so am perplexed by your statement "We are to meet with the Special Needs department upon arrival." Generally you are advised by the Special Needs Dept. prior to the cruise to locate a Cruise line Representative once at the port and they will help to get the assistance required.

Special needs passengers are generally not given priority boarding but that's not to say it can't happen. Most of the time passengers are generally boarded in the order of protocol used by that cruise line. For Carnival VIFP Club Platinum & Diamond members generally board first with those having purchased the Fast Track to Fun package next after the ship has been cleared for boarding. Only VIFP Club Platinum & Diamond members as well as FTTF passenger have early access to their cabins. Special Needs passengers who are not VIFP Club Platinum & Diamond members or purchased the FTTF do not receive Guaranteed Stateroom access upon boarding.

As to whether or not to purchase the FTTF only you can decide if it's worth it in your situation. If you do not want to purchase the FTTF package to get priority boarding than perhaps you might consider arriving at the port after boarding has already started. Reason being you will not have to wait in a large crowd for check-in and boarding to begin. Regardless of having a special needs person in your group if check-in and boarding have not begun you'll still have to wait.

It's important to note that according to Carnival's website the Faster to the Fun (FFT) price is not Per Person. The $49.95 price covers all occupants of the cabin so only 1 guest needs to purchase but all occupants receive the benefits.