Child with Autism Cruising on Carnival

[lucigo]

We have been on 10 Carnival cruises with our son who is now 8-yo. We are preparing for #11 and I recently spoke with the special needs department. I was pleasantly surprised with the huge improvements that have been made, at least with this one particular woman. In the past I have always had to know what I needed, and asked specifically for those things. This call was SO much different. I called to ask about Camp Carnival age groupings. Before I got off the phone she had asked me if we needed assistance with getting on and/or off the ship, if we had any dietary needs, and if we needed accommodations for the muster. WOW!!!

 

Now that I have patted them on the back, there was one change I wanted to mention as its new to me. We bring my son's frozen chicken nuggets because he is VERY picky and won't eat much of anything on the ship, including Carnival's nuggets with the "green stuff" on them. We were instructed to bring a doctor's note in order to get them through security.

[wizard-of-roz]

I bring all sorts of treats and specialty food items for my Service Dog and I don't need any sort of "doctor's note" to bring these items onboard. I carry them in my "carry on" suitcase that goes through the scanner when we first board.

I don't know why they're asking you for a doctor's note to bring your son's favorite food. I also bring some snack items that my DH loves and they're not served onboard, without any note from his doctor.

[lucigo]

I agree this was new information to me too, maybe she thought I would need it to get through security at the port, or for the dining room to cook it for him every night?? I got the note just in case, but I expect we won't need it.

[pinkdiamonddolly]

We have been on 10 Carnival cruises with our son who is now 8-yo. We are preparing for #11 and I recently spoke with the special needs department. I was pleasantly surprised with the huge improvements that have been made, at least with this one particular woman. In the past I have always had to know what I needed, and asked specifically for those things. This call was SO much different. I called to ask about Camp Carnival age groupings. Before I got off the phone she had asked me if we needed assistance with getting on and/or off the ship, if we had any dietary needs, and if we needed accommodations for the muster. WOW!!!

 

Now that I have patted them on the back, there was one change I wanted to mention as its new to me. We bring my son's frozen chicken nuggets because he is VERY picky and won't eat much of anything on the ship, including Carnival's nuggets with the "green stuff" on them. We were instructed to bring a doctor's note in order to get them through security.

 

 

I had a great experience with the special needs dept (my daughter had a feeding tube so we had to bring the feeding formula and pump) with that being said, when I actually went thru check in CBP was HORRIBLE, seriously we had a note from her dr and an email from the special needs dept approving what she needed and I had one agent looking for a screwdriver to take the pump apart to "inspect" it and they had a huge issue with the 25 cans of formula, and had the nerve to ask me why she just didn't eat. Thank You CBP after 2 years of tests and specialists the gastric compression could be the issue. Its very hard when you deal with 2 different agencies. I hope your check in goes much smoother than our did.:)

[wizard-of-roz]

I had a great experience with the special needs dept (my daughter had a feeding tube so we had to bring the feeding formula and pump) with that being said, when I actually went thru check in CBP was HORRIBLE, seriously we had a note from her dr and an email from the special needs dept approving what she needed and I had one agent looking for a screwdriver to take the pump apart to "inspect" it and they had a huge issue with the 25 cans of formula, and had the nerve to ask me why she just didn't eat. Thank You CBP after 2 years of tests and specialists the gastric compression could be the issue. Its very hard when you deal with 2 different agencies. I hope your check in goes much smoother than our did.:)

 

This is so sad, it's beyond explanation. What has happened to our world is beyond imagination. Common decency is not even a factor anymore. I'm so sorry that you have to experience this.

You should see how some TSA Officials "pat-down" my beautiful Service Dog.

And, now the terrorists are thinking of implanting explosive devices inside the intestines of humans and animals. What's next????? :rolleyes:

[pinkdiamonddolly]

This is so sad, it's beyond explanation. What has happened to our world is beyond imagination. Common decency is not even a factor anymore. I'm so sorry that you have to experience this.

 

You should see how some TSA Officials "pat-down" my beautiful Service Dog.

 

And, now the terrorists are thinking of implanting explosive devices inside the intestines of humans and animals. What's next????? :rolleyes:

 

 

Thats awful too, because every service dog I have seen acts better than most humans. I just felt so bad for my daughter she was 16 and had a tube in her nose and although she tries very hard to take the high rode people do stare and point and for them to go out of there way to make it a big deal really bothered her, its hard to watch your child hold back tears after 5 months of almost back to back hospitalizations and the cruise being the first vacation experience in a year. I understand the need for security, but it seems like common sense has been left in the dust. I hope both your vacations go wonderfully, some people forget how hard it is to travel with special needs, but boy do we need those vacations so much!

[wizard-of-roz]

Thats awful too, because every service dog I have seen acts better than most humans. I just felt so bad for my daughter she was 16 and had a tube in her nose and although she tries very hard to take the high rode people do stare and point and for them to go out of there way to make it a big deal really bothered her, its hard to watch your child hold back tears after 5 months of almost back to back hospitalizations and the cruise being the first vacation experience in a year. I understand the need for security, but it seems like common sense has been left in the dust. I hope both your vacations go wonderfully, some people forget how hard it is to travel with special needs, but boy do we need those vacations so much!

 

Please give your daughter an extra hug from a stranger in her life but someone who totally understands her feelings. I hope one day that she and I will meet on a cruise. I wouldn't mind crossing your path as well!

You're a brave and loving Mom, I have great respect for the understanding and care that you give to your child.

[lucigo]

I had a great experience with the special needs dept (my daughter had a feeding tube so we had to bring the feeding formula and pump) with that being said, when I actually went thru check in CBP was HORRIBLE, seriously we had a note from her dr and an email from the special needs dept approving what she needed and I had one agent looking for a screwdriver to take the pump apart to "inspect" it and they had a huge issue with the 25 cans of formula, and had the nerve to ask me why she just didn't eat. Thank You CBP after 2 years of tests and specialists the gastric compression could be the issue. Its very hard when you deal with 2 different agencies. I hope your check in goes much smoother than our did.:)

 

 

Unbelievable! I hope you let a supervisor know how stupid this person was. My only hope is that being platinum hopefully we will cruise on through. My biggest stressor is always when they make our son go through the metal detectors. I'm always afraid we will get separated. He is getting better at it as he gets older though!

[kymmc3]

Lucigo ~ I am hoping you see this message, being that I just found it! We are travel with 2 special needs toddlers on Oct 1st on the Dream - Our 6 y/o is autistic. Who or what number can I call to discuss this? I have concerns about camp carnival. I am really hoping they can put him in the group with his younger brother (4 y/o) but I've been told on here that no such adjustments are made. He also has oral apraxia, so doesn't speak well, and I know the 6-8 year old will eat him up, it's just how life works unfortunatly. I am quite concered and the closer we get the more nervous I get. Any advice???/

 

Thanks! Kym

[wizard-of-roz]

Lucigo ~ I am hoping you see this message, being that I just found it! We are travel with 2 special needs toddlers on Oct 1st on the Dream - Our 6 y/o is autistic. Who or what number can I call to discuss this? I have concerns about camp carnival. I am really hoping they can put him in the group with his younger brother (4 y/o) but I've been told on here that no such adjustments are made. He also has oral apraxia, so doesn't speak well, and I know the 6-8 year old will eat him up, it's just how life works unfortunatly. I am quite concered and the closer we get the more nervous I get. Any advice???/

 

Thanks! Kym

 

Kim, please call 1.800.438.6744 Ext. 7025 - Carnival Access Dept. Tell them what you've just said in your thread, here. You don't have to be concerned about your child being uncomfortable for ANY REASON.

Also, when you board the ship, go directly to the Information Desk and ask to speak with the Hotel Manager and let him/her know of your concerns. I promise you that they want you to be happy and they want your children to be happy. You will find them very accommodating and you all will enjoy your experiences onboard.

[kymmc3]

Thank you SO very much for your fast response!

[wizard-of-roz]

Thank you SO very much for your fast response!

 

You're a very brave woman and do so much for your little one's. Since when does a cruiseship experience intimidate you? I don't think so!!!!! Go get em girl!!!!! ;)

[chris58]

Thank you SO very much for your fast response!

 

 

Dearest all of you who get difficulties because someone in your group is

disabled of any kind!

 

I got so sad reading your notes. I thought in my naive mind that you would get more help and understanding from cruiselines and passengers. I promise that if we were on the same cruise I would do everything I absolutely could to help you out. Love and big warm hugs to you all. /chris 58.

[wizard-of-roz]

Dearest all of you who get difficulties because someone in your group is

disabled of any kind!

 

I got so sad reading your notes. I thought in my naive mind that you would get more help and understanding from cruiselines and passengers. I promise that if we were on the same cruise I would do everything I absolutely could to help you out. Love and big warm hugs to you all. /chris 58.

 

Chris, folks like you make all of our experiences so much easier and our days brighter.

Since walking through life with a Service Dog I have come across some of the most generous of spirit and wonderful people in the world. I have also met some people from the "other side!" Although, our skin has thickened, our minds have hardened and learned to move-on, our hearts still get hurt!

Thank you so much for your beautiful and oh, so kind words.

[lucigo]

Kym, just wanted to be sure you know before you call that they will allow your son to be in a different age group because of his autism. No worries! Some other things we have asked for and you might consider are handicapped boarding, alternate lifeboat drill arrangements (have one parent stay in the room with the child), private table at dinner in a quiet area.

 

At Camp Carnival when my son was younger I would sit with him for a few minutes and make sure he was comfortable, show him the bathroom, and then kind of hover for a while to make sure he was doing ok. They can give you a pager or ship phone so they can contact you if they need to.

[SadieN]

Lucigo ~ I am hoping you see this message, being that I just found it! We are travel with 2 special needs toddlers on Oct 1st on the Dream - Our 6 y/o is autistic. Who or what number can I call to discuss this? I have concerns about camp carnival. I am really hoping they can put him in the group with his younger brother (4 y/o) but I've been told on here that no such adjustments are made. He also has oral apraxia, so doesn't speak well, and I know the 6-8 year old will eat him up, it's just how life works unfortunatly. I am quite concered and the closer we get the more nervous I get. Any advice???/

 

Thanks! Kym

 

Also ask over on the Carnival Board. There are several more people, including lucigo, over there that have been in your shoes. They are a huge help.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[kymmc3]

Thanks again for more great advice. You all wonderful! I like the idea of one parent staying in the room with the children during the muster drill. that will be huge, considering the amount of people that get crammed in spot, that sure to throw any child off.

 

Here's another off the wall questions. I know the kids from camp have to wear the bracelets with their section number on them, for emergencies of course. What to do when your children have sensory issues and FREAK out with those?? I already know that we can not put them on the wrist. Ankle MAYBE. For our gym we actually had to make them special t-shirts as opposed to the wrist bands. I understand we can't do that, but I am hoping on the ankle they will be out of sight out of mind for both boys and it won't be too big of an issue with Carnival. This is something I will mention as well. :)

 

Chris ~ Thank you for your kind responses - I too wish more people were like you. We've taken only 1 other family vacation, and have others bring me to tears. If only they knew what other went through day to day then maybe they would have SOME sort of understanding for the disabled.

 

Roz ~ You too are so kind! You are so right. We might not show too much on the outside, but those remarks, or looks or whatever, do hurt the heart. It's quite sad. My biggest gift besides my children, is teaching my older daugther (14) that people with disabilites are equal to us and to treat them no differently. When a little girl with Down's walked up to my daughter a couple of years ago in the grocery store, got in her face and waved, it brought tears to my eyes for my daughter to look at her and say Hi, how are you?? Without having my boys, I don't know that she would have done so. So many others would have ignored her and walked away, i've seen it. I hope Courtney can instill in her children one day, what we've tired to teach her for many many years.

 

Ok, so that was WAY off subject. We are SUPER excited for our first cruise with the boys and am glad to know they should be accomodiating to us as well. I did send an email off to the special needs dept this morning in regards to my concerns. :o

[lucigo]

Thanks again for more great advice. You all wonderful! I like the idea of one parent staying in the room with the children during the muster drill. that will be huge, considering the amount of people that get crammed in spot, that sure to throw any child off.

 

Here's another off the wall questions. I know the kids from camp have to wear the bracelets with their section number on them, for emergencies of course. What to do when your children have sensory issues and FREAK out with those?? I already know that we can not put them on the wrist. Ankle MAYBE. For our gym we actually had to make them special t-shirts as opposed to the wrist bands. I understand we can't do that, but I am hoping on the ankle they will be out of sight out of mind for both boys and it won't be too big of an issue with Carnival. This is something I will mention as well. :)

 

Chris ~ Thank you for your kind responses - I too wish more people were like you. We've taken only 1 other family vacation, and have others bring me to tears. If only they knew what other went through day to day then maybe they would have SOME sort of understanding for the disabled.

 

Roz ~ You too are so kind! You are so right. We might not show too much on the outside, but those remarks, or looks or whatever, do hurt the heart. It's quite sad. My biggest gift besides my children, is teaching my older daugther (14) that people with disabilites are equal to us and to treat them no differently. When a little girl with Down's walked up to my daughter a couple of years ago in the grocery store, got in her face and waved, it brought tears to my eyes for my daughter to look at her and say Hi, how are you?? Without having my boys, I don't know that she would have done so. So many others would have ignored her and walked away, i've seen it. I hope Courtney can instill in her children one day, what we've tired to teach her for many many years.

 

Ok, so that was WAY off subject. We are SUPER excited for our first cruise with the boys and am glad to know they should be accomodiating to us as well. I did send an email off to the special needs dept this morning in regards to my concerns. :o

 

Muster: My son's 10th cruise was on Holland America - I thought we knew what we were doing LOL I'm so used to Carnival where you sit in a lounge and listen. That we can handle. On HAL we had to stand on deck with life jackets on. My son laid on the deck and wouldn't get up. All of the old folks just couldn't understand why a child that big (6-yo) was acting like a 2yo.

 

Bracelets: We have always brought a marker and if he won't wear it we just write his muster station on his hand. He is better about it now that he is older, but many times we just TOLD staff that was what we were doing, didn't give them the option of telling us otherwise.

[jaskie]

Thanks again for more great advice. You all wonderful! I like the idea of one parent staying in the room with the children during the muster drill. that will be huge, considering the amount of people that get crammed in spot, that sure to throw any child off.

 

Here's another off the wall questions. I know the kids from camp have to wear the bracelets with their section number on them, for emergencies of course. What to do when your children have sensory issues and FREAK out with those?? I already know that we can not put them on the wrist. Ankle MAYBE. For our gym we actually had to make them special t-shirts as opposed to the wrist bands. I understand we can't do that, but I am hoping on the ankle they will be out of sight out of mind for both boys and it won't be too big of an issue with Carnival. This is something I will mention as well. :)

 

Chris ~ Thank you for your kind responses - I too wish more people were like you. We've taken only 1 other family vacation, and have others bring me to tears. If only they knew what other went through day to day then maybe they would have SOME sort of understanding for the disabled.

 

Roz ~ You too are so kind! You are so right. We might not show too much on the outside, but those remarks, or looks or whatever, do hurt the heart. It's quite sad. My biggest gift besides my children, is teaching my older daugther (14) that people with disabilites are equal to us and to treat them no differently. When a little girl with Down's walked up to my daughter a couple of years ago in the grocery store, got in her face and waved, it brought tears to my eyes for my daughter to look at her and say Hi, how are you?? Without having my boys, I don't know that she would have done so. So many others would have ignored her and walked away, i've seen it. I hope Courtney can instill in her children one day, what we've tired to teach her for many many years.

 

Ok, so that was WAY off subject. We are SUPER excited for our first cruise with the boys and am glad to know they should be accomodiating to us as well. I did send an email off to the special needs dept this morning in regards to my concerns. :o

I have 2 kids with Autism, we did our first cruise at Christmas 2010 with Century. I am not sure about other ships, but century puts bracelets on anyone under 13 and anyone who needs more help (in case of evacuation). My sons (18) ended up on his leg, my daughter (15) wore hers as a bracelet. So at least on Century you can do it on the leg. I will fin out with RCCL send we sail in 4 weeks with them.

[S.S. Cruisers]

As I read thru this thread, I still shake my head. I have worked with special needs kids for about 4 years. They are the hilight of my days. When we got custody of our then 2 1/2 year old grandson, with issues (none that are labeled) we had what we thought was a dear friend say one day " I would beat his butt if he acted like that to me!" :eek: Little did I know that I would have a new found understanding for little ones that appear to be "normal" having melt downs in the grocery store or having a fit over something that someone else thinks is trivial. My hat is off to you moms (parents) and if I can make your "day" any easier by being with your children in a classroom, I am the one that is humbled by it. Go and have the time of your life with your children. The shallow people that have no clue and have the nerve to laugh, point or talk about your children are beneath you and do not deserve a second thought.

[lucigo]

As I read thru this thread, I still shake my head. I have worked with special needs kids for about 4 years. They are the hilight of my days. When we got custody of our then 2 1/2 year old grandson, with issues (none that are labeled) we had what we thought was a dear friend say one day " I would beat his butt if he acted like that to me!" :eek: Little did I know that I would have a new found understanding for little ones that appear to be "normal" having melt downs in the grocery store or having a fit over something that someone else thinks is trivial. My hat is off to you moms (parents) and if I can make your "day" any easier by being with your children in a classroom, I am the one that is humbled by it. Go and have the time of your life with your children. The shallow people that have no clue and have the nerve to laugh, point or talk about your children are beneath you and do not deserve a second thought.

 

Where is the "like" button LOL

 

Thanks for your comments! I do have to admit I sometimes find myself a bit intolerant of typical children - and I raised three before having a child with autism! They just talk so much and when they are unhappy in the store there is so much whining, begging and drama.......then I look at my son and say, I LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE! :D

[Peachie1]

My heart goes out to all of you. One comment was to get a private table, but I have to tell you that a year and a half ago we shared a table with a family with an Autistic child. And now I thank God that we did. He was just delightful and his parents were darlings. We had wonderful conversations and took lots of pic's of Connor dancing and eating his Mac n Cheese almost every night. He was just a lovely person and I wouldn't hesitate to share a table with them, or any of you with special needs children at any time. Meltdowns are meltdowns, wether or not a child is SN....and after it's over with, life goes on. No biggie for those of us who have ever been around a child that goes through this. So please, travel and if any one else has a problem with it, then it's thier loss, not yours

 

Love to all

 

Peaches in Rowlett TX

[kymmc3]

Peaches ~ I LOVE that you were able to share this story and special family time! Unfortunatly, not everyone would think it so special, which makes it so wonderful when other, like yourself, consider it honor to get to know our families. To look at both of my children, you wouldn't know they are special needs. However, just that one little thing being "off" can set them "off" and that's when people talk, as we all know all too well.

 

With that being said, I did not request a private table, however, with our family being 5 large, I am not sure they'd place us with anyone else anyway. I guess we'll find out in about 70 something days! Regardless of our children's needs or not, We are EXCITED about our vacation and the kids look forward to it. I am going to do everything in my power to make it as easy as can be on them, and if others have problems with that, then so be it :o We ALL deseve to have fun, typical or not :)

[kerrytens]

Hey Luci,

 

Great thread! Thanks for letting us know about Carnival being a bit more proactive for our kids. You, personally, have always been a great support to me during my pre-cruise arrangements. With my DD's second cruise happening in a few months, I'm trying to get my ducks all in a row something serious right now. Again, we plan on going with the flow but I do need to make sure certain things are in order pre-boarding too. If my boarding process is anything remotely close to what Carnival gave us, I will be happy. I don't even think my daughter knew what was happening, it was that fast and smooth. LOL!

 

To the poster who mentioned the issue her family had getting a feeding pump/formula through check-in, my heart goes out to you and your daughter. I hope you made a manager, and even more so, the cruiseline itself aware of what happened. No one should have to go through anything like that - no one! I wish you and your family smooth sailings (and check ins!) from this point on.:D

[kerrytens]

Where is the "like" button LOL

 

Thanks for your comments! I do have to admit I sometimes find myself a bit intolerant of typical children - and I raised three before having a child with autism! They just talk so much and when they are unhappy in the store there is so much whining, begging and drama.......then I look at my son and say, I LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE! :D

LOL! I have to admit the same thing at times. Our kids know their boundaries so well that they often act better in certain situations than typically developing kids. Prime example I can think of right now was during a school trip that I decided to attend as well. We all got on the bus and my daughter and her class (she is in a special class for kids with autism where they get the IBI therapy incorporated into their schooling). The kids used every opportunitiy they had to tell the adults on the bus when we were disobeying the 'rules' of the bus:D

 

I also think that parents of special needs kids learn what their kid's triggers are - it is easy to redirect when you know something will set your kid off (and bring on that dreaded public display of a meltdown. LOL)