RCI - First Cruise Line designated "Autism Friendly"

[The Mister]

Lovely news for me and my family!

 

I would post a link, but the press release is hosted on a travel agency website (the obvious one that has been mentioned in connection to autism and other special needs multiple times on this board, FWIW).

 

Hopefully, this is something that RCI itself can promote so we can add a link later without violating forum rules regarding TAs. :) It's great PR for RCI, much like the land-based Disney parks have had up until the recent changes.

Edited February 20, 2014 by The Mister

[The Mister]

I should add, the bigger deal is that this press release has a dual purpose. The other purpose is the rolling out of this new certification program, which I hope will grow into quite a good resource for families with special needs.

Edited February 20, 2014 by The Mister

[Esilef]

Great news for families with kids with autism.

 

We are sailing on voyager of the seas out of Sydney next week.

 

So far they have been great in dealing with my ???? About cruising with autism.

 

 

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[The Mister]

OK, so, HERE is a link to an article NOT hosted on the travel agency's website. :)

[The Mister]

OK, now that I've read the article, I can say that there is one thing that is slightly inaccurate (par for the course with USAToday), but not offensively so, and one new bit of info that was not in the press release (as I recall):

 

First:

Royal Caribbean moved to address those issues today when it became the first line to be certified as "autism-friendly," ...

Well, actually, RCI has been working with families of special needs children and the agency in question for over a decade. This new certification is just an official recognition of the work that they've been doing for years.

 

Second:

The sensory-friendly movie screenings are a brand new thing, actually. AMC theaters recently rolled out a nationwide program for these, and it seems that RCI is following suit.

[kdnurs]

OK, so, HERE is a link to an article NOT hosted on the travel agency's website. :)

 

THANK YOU for this link. It brought our family to tears. We will be sailing in the spring with an Autistic Child and this news is so exciting for us. I am pleased that someone's thinking about these beautiful and loving children and ensuring that they as well as their families have a great cruise too. The senory movie is a wonderful concept and can't wait to see how it works out. I especially love the social story concept. We use that method at home and it is most helpful in preparation for new experiences and outings. I hope we are able (if available) to get the social story from RCI before our upcoming cruise.

[kdnurs]

OK, now that I've read the article, I can say that there is one thing that is slightly inaccurate (par for the course with USAToday), but not offensively so, and one new bit of info that was not in the press release (as I recall):

 

First:

 

Well, actually, RCI has been working with families of special needs children and the agency in question for over a decade. This new certification is just an official recognition of the work that they've been doing for years.

 

Second:

The sensory-friendly movie screenings are a brand new thing, actually. AMC theaters recently rolled out a nationwide program for these, and it seems that RCI is following suit.

 

 

How do I get more information? Is this available on cruises now or is this future? Thanks you for any assistance you can provide..I am very excited:D

[HokieVT10]

I just wanted to share this article! Today Royal Caribbean announced they are the first certified "Autism Friendly Cruise Line",...as the mother of an amazing autistic 4yr old little boy it really warmed my heart to know that Royal Caribbean cares enough to go the extra step to ensure that cruise vacations can be enjoyed by all including those with non-visible disabilities. My son has been cruising with autism since he was 6months old and they are something he truly enjoys. I am proud to be loyal to Royal and am even more excited to be on the Oasis in May with my son :D !!

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2014/02/20/autistic-child-autism-friendly-cruise/5640629/

[Snobe]

I just wanted to share this article! Today Royal Caribbean announced they are the first certified "Autism Friendly Cruise Line",...as the mother of an amazing autistic 4yr old little boy it really warmed my heart to know that Royal Caribbean cares enough to go the extra step to ensure that cruise vacations can be enjoyed by all including those with non-visible disabilities. My son has been cruising with autism since he was 6months old and they are something he truly enjoys. I am proud to be loyal to Royal and am even more excited to be on the Oasis in May with my son :D !!

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2014/02/20/autistic-child-autism-friendly-cruise/5640629/

 

Thanks for the link. As a long time educator as well as a long time fan of Royal Caribbean, I am not surprised. It is just one more reason to be proud of my cruise line of choice. I am sure your son will have a great vacation (and his family as well).

Edited February 21, 2014 by Snobe

[debbo14]

thanks for sharing, that is great to hear

[jacksmycat]

Thanks for sharing. My sister in law has 4 autistic children. They never go anywhere very far from home, but this may be something to consider someday.

 

 

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[sauvichick]

It's great to hear that Royal Caribbean is an option for families whose children have autism!

[A2Mich]

Ok, I'll admit that I know very little about autism, other than it is fairly common. I think it's great that RCI is doing what they can to make their product enjoyable and accessible to all.

 

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[travlin]

This is a wonderful change! Thank you so much for posting!!!:)

[kdnurs]

I just wanted to share this article! Today Royal Caribbean announced they are the first certified "Autism Friendly Cruise Line",...as the mother of an amazing autistic 4yr old little boy it really warmed my heart to know that Royal Caribbean cares enough to go the extra step to ensure that cruise vacations can be enjoyed by all including those with non-visible disabilities. My son has been cruising with autism since he was 6months old and they are something he truly enjoys. I am proud to be loyal to Royal and am even more excited to be on the Oasis in May with my son :D !!

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2014/02/20/autistic-child-autism-friendly-cruise/5640629/

 

Being the grandmother of a "FANTASTIC" autistic grandson, I too felt warm and fuzzy, as well as excited to know Royal Caribbean is in the forefront of doing wonderful things for these children and their families. I look forward to sailing in May and watching my grandson have the time of his life experiencing many new things and meeting many caring and wonderful people. THANKS RCI;)

[mr. godfredo]

Cool!:D

[LMaxwell]

A close friend of mine has been a special needs educator for many years working with children with autism. I know from her how difficult this can be and the challenges associated with that role. Kudos to Royal Caribbean for their efforts in this area, I am sure a countless amount of families will be appreciative of these efforts.

[LetsGetWet!]

Ok, I'll admit that I know very little about autism, other than it is fairly common. I think it's great that RCI is doing what they can to make their product enjoyable and accessible to all.

 

I know a little bit about autism, not a whole lot though. Good for Royal. I'm honestly curious. What kind of things would/could a cruise ship do to be more "autism friendly?" Wondering what Royal has done to be "certified."

 

EDIT: Just read the full linked article, and it provides a few examples. I still don't fully understand it, but that helped a bit.

 

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Edited February 21, 2014 by LetsGetWet!

[hellsop]

I know a little bit about autism, not a whole lot though. Good for Royal. I'm honestly curious. What kind of things would/could a cruise ship do to be more "autism friendly?" Wondering what Royal has done to be "certified."

 

EDIT: Just read the full linked article, and it provides a few examples. I still don't fully understand it, but that helped a bit.

 

The "storybook folder" is a big chunk. Letting people with Autism know what to expect, and where ambiguity exists goes a long way toward helping them feel comfortable. Even "obvious" things like "The casino has moderate lighting that may be distracting, very bold colors, and there are persistent electronic noises. You may smell tobacco smoke in the casino. The casino is open all the time except while the ship is in or near ports. You may avoid the casino by going up one deck using Centrum stairs or elevators going while forward or the Forward stairs or elevators while going aft." Changes a potentially overwhelming and disorienting experience to one that the person has at least been told about and knows what to do if it feels unpleasant.

[Dietcokediva]

This is amazing news!!! I wish Royal would publicize more! We always have to travel is suites, one for more space and two because of priority boarding, so my sons sensory doesn't go off. These extra steps are even better! He's come along way but this would have been great years ago for our whole family. We never traveled because of his autism but during our Disney trip discovered the soothing motion of te ship calmed him and he had no issues. It was the first family vacation we ever took, he was 7 and now 14 and have been cruising ever since!!! This is a great program Royal has been a part of for over a decade!! Keep it up please.

 

 

Keep calm and cruise on