Cruising With Special Needs
We all have needs and wants that will help to make our vacations more enjoyable. Some of us have dietary restrictions that require some extra planning. Some of us have mobility issues that might mean that we need a certain set-up in our stateroom. Some of us have children with special needs and this means that we have a number of concerns that need to be addressed before we can relax and enjoy our cruise. Cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, especially) work really hard to make sure that they all of our needs are met so that we can have the nicest vacation possible. Here are some ways that you can ensure that you will be ready for your cruise vacay:
1)Do the Research, Ask the Questions, Find some answers- You will find many articles, blog posts, and support groups out there where you can find your answers. For (almost) every cruise, you will find a Facebook group created especially for that cruise. I highly recommend you join that group for your cruise. There is a Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook group that could help you answer some questions around allergies and food needs. Research everything you can so you are prepared and never hesitate to use your travel agent as a resource.
2)Contact Royal Caribbean- There is a Special Needs Form that addresses a variety of needs. Once you have filled that out, RCI should reach out to you in regards to what you have requested. If you are not satisfied, you are welcome to reach out to them directly and, once again, never hesitate to use your travel agent as a resource.
3)On Board Contacts- Once on board, I recommend that you find someone to talk to so that you can confirm that your needs are taken care of. If it is dining related, speak with someone at the Main Dining Room. If necessary, they will allow you to choose your next nights meal during the previous evening. Don't forget your dietary needs while on an excursion. Visit the shore excursions area to make sure that your needs will be met while off the ship. If it is a need for your stateroom, talk to your room attendant to make sure that your needs are met in regards to your room set-up.
If you have a child with special needs, plan to take extra time registering them at Adventure Ocean, the kids' club. At Adventure Ocean, you will register your child regardless of their needs on the first day. If your child has special needs, you can fill out all of the information necessary so that his or her stay at the kids club is successful. Something to think about, a child between the ages of 9-11 can check themself out of the kids club if given permission by the parent. Do you want your child to have that privilege? Also, the parents of special needs children may request a phone to carry while their kid is checked into the kids' club. This is a great way for you to relax knowing that the Adventure Ocean staff can reach you if necessary. We have found the staff at the kids' club to be very knowledgeable and understanding of our child's special needs.
4)Post-cruise Comments- I believe strongly that Royal Caribbean, as I am sure is true with all cruise lines, prides themselves on how they make accommodations towards any needs and wants. And, I believe that they really do care about recognizing anyone who works extra hard to make sure that happens and they will strive to make any improvements that are needed and necessary. So, we will make sure to take notes of the names of people on the ship who have helped to make our cruise an awesome one so that we can put it on our post-cruise survey. We also are very honest if we see a potential change that needs to be made. And, be sure to discuss any pros and cons of your cruise with your travel agent so that issues can be addressed and so that certain things can be corrected for your future cruises.
Have any more questions about special needs while cruising? Please fill out my contact form and I will get back to you ASAP.
