cruising with Autistic child

[Ajat0921]

should I bother getting the FTTF so he doesn't have to deal with the big surge of people and have a melt down? or do they have disability boarding earlier for some? He will be age 11, verbal, but can not handle large loud crowds (think waiting line for southwest at the airport)

[cb at sea]

Boarding the ship isn't like boarding an airplane....boarding goes from 11am until 90 mins. before the ship departs....

 

If you plan to get there early, definitely get FTTF, but that won't guaranteed NO crowds at all!

 

If you aren't arriving until later in the afternoon, you simply walk into the check in area...check in (just like a hotel), and board the ship!

[pulledporky]

That could be tough. Remember that FTTF allows you to board "first", not early. That large noisy crowd will still be there, and hot on your tail. Could you wait until later to arrive, after the rush?

[bakersdozen12]

I can speak from the experience of having FTTF for boarding, and also as a mother of a son with Aspergers (although he has never cruised with us).

 

As others have mentioned, FTTF only makes it so that you are one of the first ones on. If you get there early, but embarkation is delayed, you are going to be waiting quite awhile. For both of my cruises, we had FTTF and got to the port at 10:30. We were checked in real quick, but did not board until 1:15 the first time, and 12:45 this last time. In neither situation would my son have handled the wait and the large crowd well.

 

I have read many reviews where people have waited to go to the port until later on the afternoon in which case they checked in and were able to walk right onboard. So perhaps that is your best option. Go later when there's less crowds. Not sure how long the lines are later in the day, but if you combine this with FTTF, it should go smoothly.

 

Good luck, and enjoy your cruise!

 

 

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[coevan]

your the parent and know your son better than cruise critic posters, maybe talk to your doctor. every autism child has different challenges and asking this board is just not right

[loubetti]

I would stroll on the ship as late as you can. So, you lose a few hours on the ship- not a big deal.

[drerickson77]

Should I bother getting the FTTF so he doesn't have to deal with the big surge of people and have a melt down? or do they have disability boarding earlier for some? He will be age 11, verbal, but can not handle large loud crowds (think waiting line for southwest at the airport)

 

Another thing to consider is the muster drill. Contact Carnival beforehand to make special accommodations for the muster drill if you think it's a concern.

 

Are you planning on flying?

 

And this, straight from the Carnival page:

 

If you need general information about accessibility before you cruise, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025 or email specialneeds@carnival.com. If you have an ADA complaint, please email us at access@carnival.com.

 

Call or email with your concerns.

Edited October 18, 2016 by drerickson77

[xitappers2bx]

should I bother getting the FTTF so he doesn't have to deal with the big surge of people and have a melt down? or do they have disability boarding earlier for some? He will be age 11, verbal, but can not handle large loud crowds (think waiting line for southwest at the airport)

 

Carnival doesn't offer any sort of disability boarding... If you don't want to purchase FTTF I would arrive a little later and that way you can avoid the mad rush to get on board. I feel like that would be less stressful too for you.

 

You should definitely reach out to the disabled/special services department at Carnival. I've met so many people who cruise with disabled family members (my brother is handicapped, but hasn't cruised but I always seem to gravitate towards those) and they all talk about how absolutely wonderful the department is in making sure ALL of their needs are met.

[Dayana]

your the parent and know your son better than cruise critic posters, maybe talk to your doctor. every autism child has different challenges and asking this board is just not right

 

 

Your comment has nothing to do with the question asked by the OP. Why would doctor have more insight into a cruise line embarkation process than people on this board. The poster is asking a question regarding the crowds during the embarkation process as to help them make an informed decision based on their child's needs. This is not a medical issue.

 

The the OP, I would suggest late embarkation or calling cruise line and asking about an escort during boarding. Also try a social story (which helps with prep). Sometimes a quiet area may be available at the port. Speak to the cruise line accessibility department. Also speak to his/her teacher and how they manage large crowds in the school setting.

 

 

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[drerickson77]

You're the parent and know your son better than Cruise Critic posters. Maybe talk to your doctor. Every autistic child has different challenges and asking this board is just not right.

 

Thank you for sharing.

[les37b]

Carnival doesn't offer any sort of disability boarding... If you don't want to purchase FTTF I would arrive a little later and that way you can avoid the mad rush to get on board. I feel like that would be less stressful too for you.

 

You should definitely reach out to the disabled/special services department at Carnival. I've met so many people who cruise with disabled family members (my brother is handicapped, but hasn't cruised but I always seem to gravitate towards those) and they all talk about how absolutely wonderful the department is in making sure ALL of their needs are met.

 

On the Vista in August, travelling with an autistic boy, (who we had notified about - and type 1 diabetic too), we were very surprised to be told at checking in that we would be called first at boarding.

 

We actually were the first to board and they did the muster call at embarkation. Hats off to Carnival for that.

[drerickson77]

On the Vista in August, travelling with an autistic boy, (who we had notified about - and type 1 diabetic too), we were very surprised to be told at checking in that we would be called first at boarding.

 

We actually were the first to board and they did the muster call at embarkation. Hats off to Carnival for that.

 

That's great to hear and really it's a win/win for everyone.

 

:)

[carhopsrock]

I understand what another poster said about you being the parent and all autistic children being different. But...as a mother of an autistic son (also verbal) I do appreciate when someone else who has tried something before I have lets me know how it went and can give me advice! We arrive late, so even if there are crowds, we have a better chance of going straight to our room once we have checked in. It helps to have your own place to go to if there is a meltdown and a quiet place to chill for a few minutes. At muster drill when they ask if anyone needs special accommodations I always follow that crowd and make a quick explanation. I have never had any of the staff tell me we had to go with the crowd. The only thing I didnt think about which you may want to consider is that the main dining room is very noisy. Maybe not to someone with no sensory issues, but for my son it was almost overwhelming the first night. They also sat us at a table for ten. It was too much noise and too many strangers for the poor fellow to take. On the way out that night (before we could even order) I stopped and asked for a table by ourselves. Again they were very helpful and put us in an area that didnt see a lot of foot traffic. I now know to ask for a table as soon as we can meet with the maitre d the first day. I hope this helps you.

[sjb.illinois]

While my son is NOT autistic, he does have sensory issues and social challenges as a result. We try to prepare for situations we know will be overwhelming for him. If you are aware of what will be triggering for your son, try to work around those. For example, is it the noise of the voices of all the people? Is it the different sorts of noises than usual, such as loudspeaker announcements? Will he be thrown off by the large building at the port, with the high ceilings? Will it be visually too much? Possibly you can overcome some of this to an extent with headphones/earbuds, and maybe a tablet with a video. Also, look for webcams and videos of the port and video process. This MAY help your child understand what the process will be like. And for me, I would say absolutely get Faster to the Fun. I makes it so much easier to get in, through, and get on to the ship and into the cabin. I would also encourage you to contact special services for their advice and help. Whether they can help you specifically with boarding or not, you will want them to be aware of your son and his special needs.

Regarding the muster drill, definitely speak with special services about this. The crowds, along with the noise of the alarm, can be overwhelming and frightening.

[Athankfulheart]

should I bother getting the FTTF so he doesn't have to deal with the big surge of people and have a melt down? or do they have disability boarding earlier for some? He will be age 11, verbal, but can not handle large loud crowds (think waiting line for southwest at the airport)

 

I have cruised with and without FTTF and also showed up to the port at various times. I think I agree that the best way to do it would be to show up later than the crowd whether or not you purchase FTTF. If it looks iffy, then perhaps you can linger and look at the sights around the port area and then re approach after a while. I would call Carnival in any event just incase they can offer you some helpful advice or assistance. You never know unless you ask :)

 

Also, incase you haven't heard about them, you may enjoy checking out Autism on the Seas which I have heard parents here talking about in the past.

Edited October 18, 2016 by Athankfulheart

[Hoosierpop]

I would stroll on the ship as late as you can. So, you lose a few hours on the ship- not a big deal.

 

 

I think this is the best option. We used to get their early, and fought crowds. Now we get there a bit later, and stroll right through everything.

 

 

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[N2Mischief]

We booked ourselves, our daughters, and our severely autistic, non verbal, granddaughter on a cruise for this November. My PVP contacted Special Needs and they contacted me. We were told when we got to the port that our name would be on a list and my daughter and granddaughter would be escorted aboard immediately after priority. We were also told my granddaughter and her mother could attend the muster in a special room where the alarms would not sound. Since booking we found out my daughter us having another baby just 12 days before our cruise, so we cancelled everyone but my husband and myself so I can't come back and tell you how it worked out, but they were very accommodating.

[mishka422]

On the Vista in August, travelling with an autistic boy, (who we had notified about - and type 1 diabetic too), we were very surprised to be told at checking in that we would be called first at boarding.

 

We actually were the first to board and they did the muster call at embarkation. Hats off to Carnival for that.

That is fantastic! I'm so glad to hear about the accommodations they provided.

 

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[poobears]

If you go to port late, save your money and don't waste it on FTTF, your room will be ready by then. On the very rare occasion there is a ship wide room delay it wouldn't be too hard to find a quiet spot, most will be crammed onto the lido deck. There will be a lot of other lower levels with quiet areas you can settle into until the rooms open up.

 

Spend the FTTF money on a special activity or treat instead.

[bakersdozen12]

your the parent and know your son better than cruise critic posters, maybe talk to your doctor. every autism child has different challenges and asking this board is just not right

 

 

The OP may know her child, but doesn't know the situation she's getting into. Clearly that's what she is trying to get a better understanding of. Rather than dismissing her, perhaps you should spend some time learning proper punctuation, how to use capital letters, and the difference between "you're" and "your."

 

Carnival doesn't offer any sort of disability boarding.

 

 

They actually do have a special boarding group, after FTTF, for handicapped people needing assistance. At least they have when I have cruises.

 

 

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[tabithakp]

We cruise a lot with my son who is 12 and has autism. We have used autism on the seas and we've used carnivals disability department. Both have been great.

 

When we arrive they get us on the ship asap. They were so kind. The lady helping us held my sons hand and made it a game. We go to a quite room for muster drill.

 

The dining room as always accommodated us. I ask for a table for 4 and in a certain location. Which for us means tucked away for us. No one would normally want these tables but work great for us.

 

Camp is ready for us as well. There are forms you can fill out prior. They will give you a ship phone like they do for the young ones in case there's an issue.

 

At ports we always leave later for ease.

 

They are so great and it's the only type of vacation we will take now because they are so accommodating.

 

We are going on our 5th cruise in February on the sunshine.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

[les37b]

We cruise a lot with my son who is 12 and has autism. We have used autism on the seas and we've used carnivals disability department. Both have been great.

 

When we arrive they get us on the ship asap. They were so kind. The lady helping us held my sons hand and made it a game. We go to a quite room for muster drill.

 

The dining room as always accommodated us. I ask for a table for 4 and in a certain location. Which for us means tucked away for us. No one would normally want these tables but work great for us.

 

Camp is ready for us as well. There are forms you can fill out prior. They will give you a ship phone like they do for the young ones in case there's an issue.

 

At ports we always leave later for ease.

 

They are so great and it's the only type of vacation we will take now because they are so accommodating.

 

We are going on our 5th cruise in February on the sunshine.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Very pleasing to hear on this front Carnival are doing very well. We weren't expecting any special treatment and to be honest, we didn't really need anything. We actually still attended the muster despite already having done it.

 

I mainly got in touch because he is a type 1 diabetic (diagnosed 4 years ago.... he's not been given a kind hand!) and we needed a sharps box for needle dispose.

 

I did notice that making reservations at the MDR, they actually put it next to his name that he needed assistance and was autistic on the slip of paper they give you, which explains why a couple of times we were tucked away and not in the main area.