autism of the seas - has anyone used them?

[Ajat0921]

today while researching autism help on board, I found the company called Autism of the Seas. Looked at their website and noticed the cruise we books in June next year, is a AotS cruise. I emailed them, but since it's 330 on a Friday, I don't expect any contact for a week or two.

 

so what exactly to they help with? do they do?

 

I have 10 year old twins, one autistic, high function, one ADHD

Edited December 16, 2016 by Ajat0921
added kids

[pls5286]

When my ex husband and I were together we used them for his son who is high functioning Autism and ADHD. We did sail on RCCL, but using them were totally worth it. We were escorted to the ship ahead of everyone else to avoid the crowds. They worked with the cruise line to have him aged down a group. He should have been with the teens at 13, but they allowed him to age down with DD. It was nice because he was not allowed to check in/out etc. Special needs muster and they moved the adult room muster to be with the kids as I am disabled and him Autistic, so DS15 wasn't in charge of both kids in muster etc.

[Ddmc]

We have cruised with NCL with our 16 year who has Autism. Contact the cruise line to see how they will help. NCL is great with this. They escort us right through the terminal, help us get off first for tenders and excursions. About 2 months before sailing, contact the cruise line and advise them of anything that will help you. You will be amazed at how much they will help. From embarkation to special foods that they would bring just for your boys. We have seen AotS on cruises, but our son does not like being identified with a group. We are very loyal to NCL for the way they help us with our son.

 

 

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[keene state mom]

I just emailed my sister to go on and help you also, she has used them several times and was so very happy with them ...

 

Good Luck

[thomarvin]

Keene state moms sister here....

 

I cruised with them a while back and they have evolved with the need. They have respite every night which was nice so you can have some adult time and know that you child is with trained professionals. They aides are amazing and really care about the kids. They do beach excursions and having extra eyes at the beach is always a good thing. They also have private time for activities on the ships whether it is the rock wall, ice skating or flow rider. One of my favorite things is you dine as a group. Really nice not to have to worry about anyone staring at you child while you are having a nice dinner. They all get it.

 

I would definitely recommend them to anyone with autistic kids. I will check back for specific questions if you have any.

 

Mike (the owner) is really good, I am sure he will be in touch within a few days. Not weeks.

Edited December 17, 2016 by thomarvin

[KarenR122]

We have sailed with Autism on the Seas twice this year. Once in June and in November. We have a High Functioning Autistic 10 year old daughter.

 

There is not enough space here to convey how happy we are with AofS. From working with the staff prior to the cruise to the moment we saw the staff standing in front of the port terminal holding orange balloons we knew we were in great hands. There is plenty of staff to help out with all the kids. They are all either teachers/therapists/working on finishing their special ed degrees and all have hands on knowledge of working with our kids.

 

Every day they provide a schedule of activities that is specifically geared for our group. They have private rock climbing sessions, flow rider sessions, Shrek even came to see them one day. There is respite at least once a day and the kids look forward to it. The activities they do in respite are customized to the group of kids traveling that week. As an example, our week, they had a few girls so they had a make over night just for them. The girls got their hair done, the staff did makeup and the girls all put on a fancy outfit. It was great. There is also a dedicated time every day that the staff with assist at the pool with the children.

 

At dinner time, we are all sitting together in the main dining rooms. You become fast friends with your travelmates and the kids just love hanging out with each other. During lunch and breakfast there are dedicated tables at the buffet for the group to use.

 

We have cruised numerous times prior to finding out about AofS and while we always had a great time, nothing compares to the time we had with the group. It was just an ease of mind to know you were with people who "got it" and there was always someone around to help if needed. Also it gave my husband and I some alone time on vacation which NEVER happens, so that in itself is worth traveling with them!

 

If you have any specific questions, please let me know!

[bcsurvivor05]

I have an 11

Yr old daughter with special needs and we cruised with autism on the seas in June. It was THE MOST relaxing vacations we have ever been on. We got to the port at 10:00 and were on the ship by 10:30. They have special times put aside just for our group in the specialty areas of the ships (we had our own time on the flowridee, bumper cars, rock wall etc) they also do group swim time when you are at sea and they go in and play with the kids. If it is a port day, you can go with them to a beach where they will play for 2 hours with the kids. Every night after dinner they have 2 hours of respite where the parents can go do whatever. Amazing does not do them justice to describe!!!

[Cruiseasap]

AotS was incredible for our 7 day cruise in October of 2013 and we are booked again for this March. They take care of and I think have already thought and corrected any potential issues that may arise. They are certainly proactive instead of reactive. From the boarding, to the drills to the special reserved times and seats, to the meals and even throwing in respite time so we can relax as well. Absolutely fantastic and we still keep in touch with the staff from that initial cruise.

[bean24]

Like Karen my seven year old son has ASD and we've cruised with him many times before finding AOTS. We've now done two cruises with them and planned our summer trip based on their schedule, that's what a difference they make to us. Although all of our cruises have been enjoyable the comfort and reduced stress levels make it a real vacation for us all.

 

 

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[FloridaMommyof3]

Is there a charge for their services? I wish they were on my upcoming cruise but it's not on the list. From their website it sounds fabulous. My 14 year old is autistic and is a great kid, but he does not interact with other children and won't leave my side. I wonder if this would help him on a future cruise.

[mommyrants]

Is there a charge for their services? I wish they were on my upcoming cruise but it's not on the list. From their website it sounds fabulous. My 14 year old is autistic and is a great kid, but he does not interact with other children and won't leave my side. I wonder if this would help him on a future cruise.

 

Any current specials apply. (Kids sail free, BOGO, etc)

 

They charge $50 - $75 more a day to cover the staff cabins, etc.

 

Worth every penny.

 

We leave the 26th for our second cruise with them. We cruised the first time April 2016. I'll echo what everyone has said.

 

- Being with other families in the same boat is so nice. When your kid acts out, they won't be the only one.

 

- Early Boarding

 

- Quiet and private muster drill.

 

- Evening respite.

 

- Pool time

 

- Private sessions for flow rider.

 

- Reserved seats for shows. No need to get in line early.

 

- Kids club can still be used, but they will call teh Autism on the Seas staff first if your kiddo has an issue.

 

- Beach time. (They watch the kids in the water or sand. You can lay in a chair and read or nap. or find a hammock.)

 

We still did things together with all four of us, but having time with our daughter where we weren't distracted calming our 9 yo autistic son was good for her and for our family as well.

 

Happy to answer any questions.

[JonathanandMaxwell]

THe assistance that autism on the seas is awesome. The trip logistics from every aspect that you could image that might be difficult as well as things popping up that you as a parent wouldn't imagine are handled so lovingly by the autism on the seas staff...made all the difference in the world. I booked a cruise for 2017 for a longer period of time based off of how well the AoTS staff helped out with my serverly autistic son. Happy holidays to AoTS staff....I'm not religious but god bless you guys....I can't wait to go again and I can assure you I wouldn't be going on a cruise without AoTS...

[denas]

I've done two reviews on my two cruises with them here. Once on Carnival and once on RCCL. I tried to compare what you get cruising with them versus cruising on your own with either family or hired help (we once brought a sitter with us) since we have done all of the options. My son is much lower functioning than most of the other kiddos, so on our last cruise we got 1-1 respite.

 

Overall it was a great experience and we have another cruise booked with them. There are a few things I don't think they do particularly well such as the locations they select for the group beach excursions (especially if you are an experienced cruiser).

 

I will try and find my reviews

[Jenzshoppin]

We just got off of the Carnival Miracle yesterday and it was not with Autism on the seas. I wish we had booked with them. My 16yo highly functioning autistic daughter didn't like the youth program (not enough scheduled activities and too loud) and chose to spend time with her two older siblings (22 and 26) or the whole family or stay in her cabin on her Nintendo DS or drawing.

 

I was hoping she could make some new friends. I'll look into the other AOTS sailings and see if we can get on one.

[FloridaMommyof3]

We just got off of the Carnival Miracle yesterday and it was not with Autism on the seas. I wish we had booked with them. My 16yo highly functioning autistic daughter didn't like the youth program (not enough scheduled activities and too loud) and chose to spend time with her two older siblings (22 and 26) or the whole family or stay in her cabin on her Nintendo DS or drawing.

 

I was hoping she could make some new friends. I'll look into the other AOTS sailings and see if we can get on one.

 

Exactly the same as my 14 year old. He's moderate functioning but also will not interact with any other kids besides his brother. He also spent way to much time in the cabin which really disappointed me. If we cruise again after June I'm going to look into AOTS. Right now I'm looking for into trips that can be extreme sightseeing ... like Peru or other countries,

[FloridaMommyof3]

Got an email from them today. Although they aren't on my next cruise, they do offer some things we can use like priority embarkation and disembarkation as well as a private dining table if we wish, a quiet muster drill (which we always get when we go to guest services) and notifying camp staff plus a few other small things. I'm wondering if I sign up for this if I just shouldn't cancel my FTTF.

[IPlayWithString]

today while researching autism help on board, I found the company called Autism of the Seas. Looked at their website and noticed the cruise we books in June next year, is a AotS cruise. I emailed them, but since it's 330 on a Friday, I don't expect any contact for a week or two.

 

so what exactly to they help with? do they do?

 

I have 10 year old twins, one autistic, high function, one ADHD

 

We've got a HFA ourselves (he's 12) and while I've never used AotS, I've heard nothing but good things about them. :)

[CruisingwithAutism]

Got an email from them today. Although they aren't on my next cruise, they do offer some things we can use like priority embarkation and disembarkation as well as a private dining table if we wish, a quiet muster drill (which we always get when we go to guest services) and notifying camp staff plus a few other small things. I'm wondering if I sign up for this if I just shouldn't cancel my FTTF.

 

 

We love AOTS!! But after a cruising with them a couple times, we now cruise successfully on our own. For us, FTTF is the best! Being able to go straight to the cabin and decompress is well worth the money. Plus your luggage arrives sooner. Also, no line for guest services and priority debarkation. We will continue to buy it until we're platinum. :)

 

 

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[FloridaMommyof3]

We love AOTS!! But after a cruising with them a couple times, we now cruise successfully on our own. For us, FTTF is the best! Being able to go straight to the cabin and decompress is well worth the money. Plus your luggage arrives sooner. Also, no line for guest services and priority debarkation. We will continue to buy it until we're platinum. :)

 

 

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Thanks for your input. I'll probably keep it as well as my "safety net" just in case and see how it all goes.

[FloridaMommyof3]

Kind of annoyed right now - AOTS isn't available on my cruise, but they do offer services on bookings without actually being there, so I tried to transfer my booking to them so it would be free. My booking was apparently made too long ago, so they could not transfer, but I could still get their help with a $75 payment, which I'm thinking about.

 

However, I decided to reach out to John Heald on his FB page to see if he could help allowing the booking to be transferred to them so I could get the services free. If he can't, he can't ... I get that ... but I figured it couldn't hurt to just ask. JH helped me out with a booking 3 years ago with my son, actually called my room when I was on the cruise to make sure I was ok with everything, AND sent me a gift basket with champagne and goodies, nothing I wanted or asked for, but I was incredibly flattered with his help.

 

I already got a reply from another "friend" saying JH doesn't help with bookings and that he's away anyway until the 27h. Seriously? He's not a JH representative and my cruise is in June. Why bother responding to me? And I actually know he is completely wrong as like I said he's helped in the past. Whatever ...

[FloridaMommyof3]

They just emailed me and agreed to due the "extras" for me free of charge! I wish they were actually on my sailing, but I'm thrilled with even this bit of extra assistance.

[denas]

They just emailed me and agreed to due the "extras" for me free of charge! I wish they were actually on my sailing, but I'm thrilled with even this bit of extra assistance.

 

I know they do have a Carnival sailing in June out of Port Canaveral because we have booked it. Depending upon how much support you may want/need for your child, you might consider changing since it is still pretty far out. We plan our cruises around when they have staffed sailings (or request a staffed cruise if we are far enough out - I am currently looking at 2018 to request staffed cruises for that summer!)

[FloridaMommyof3]

I know they do have a Carnival sailing in June out of Port Canaveral because we have booked it. Depending upon how much support you may want/need for your child, you might consider changing since it is still pretty far out. We plan our cruises around when they have staffed sailings (or request a staffed cruise if we are far enough out - I am currently looking at 2018 to request staffed cruises for that summer!)

 

6/24? I just looked it up to see what the rates are, and it's another $600 more then what I'm currently paying, plus it goes into July. Ex gets visitation in July and that could end up being a problem. If/when I cruise after this I'll definitely look into cruising with them on the ship first.

Edited December 21, 2016 by FloridaMommyof3

[Ajat0921]

the 6/24 cruise is the one we booked, before learning about AotS. but they want $180/pp for the services. my son will be 11 (he has a twin not on the spectrum), so I don't know if it will overshadow his brothers enjoyment or not. that is why I am on the fence.

[denas]

the 6/24 cruise is the one we booked, before learning about AotS. but they want $180/pp for the services. my son will be 11 (he has a twin not on the spectrum), so I don't know if it will overshadow his brothers enjoyment or not. that is why I am on the fence.

 

 

Sorry for the late response as I was enjoying Christmas internet free! My NT kids actually prefer when we sail with AOTS. My teenager is incredibly shy and while he won't admit it even to us, his brothers behaviors can be embarrassing and frustrating. When we were talking about booking this summer's cruise, we gave him the option of us not going with AOTS and just hiring private help on our own and he stated he likes it better when we travel with the group because he is a lot less self-conscious. When you are with the group, instead of grumpy-looks from people who think you are a terrible parent with a poor mannered child, you get looks of people who recognize that your child may have a disability and they are tons more empathetic. For my son last cruise, seeing an older teen easily deal with his younger brother on the spectrum really helped him realize he wasn't alone.

 

Also, you get A LOT for the extra fee. Both your kids can go to respite (or the kids club). My daughter who will also be 11 on this cruise thinks respite is far more fun than the kids club and usually opts to hang out there a lot. You will be treated like a VIP with embarkation ahead of everyone boarding the ship, no waiting in lines to check in (or customs lines when you get off). Reserved seating in all of the shows and a reserved section in the buffet. Plus all of the staff help - assistance during every meal, pool time every sea day, two beach excursions. And then the 2 hours of respite every evening and on afternoons on sea days. The respite ratio is guaranteed to be a minimum of 3-1. The staff is also available on call throughout the cruise to support in the kids clubs or as needed.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Edited December 31, 2016 by denas