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Traveling with an autistic child can be challenging. There are so many things you must keep in mind. Your child may have specific needs. You may need to be prepared for a meltdown without notice. And you may need to pack a lot more in your suitcase for your autistic child. Yet, all this doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing time on a cruise with your autistic family. There are ways you can prepare yourself for any scenario. And as a travel advisor who specializes in autistic travel, I can help. Contact me today to learn more.
It is also important to note that all these cruise lines I am sharing always have your family’s best interests in mind. They will do everything they can to ensure you have an incredible time cruising with them. If you have been considering booking a cruise but are concerned about the support you will receive, what I am about to share will be quite comforting.
Best Cruises for Autistic Families
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is one of the cruise lines that offers multiple amenities to those with autism and other disabilities. Your family will get priority check-in, boarding, and departure. If your autistic child has specific dietary needs, Royal Caribbean will make sure they have those particular foods available. Before your cruise, you can have your autistic child watch the social story with you on Royal Caribbean’s website. When you board the ship, your autistic child can borrow a toy bag filled with autism-friendly toys. Special tours can be arranged, so you can see the different areas of the ship and meet the youth staff. And if your autistic child needs screen time, programming is free on The Autism Channel. Your entire family can also watch movies in a sensory-friendly environment.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is another cruise line that offers an autism-friendly environment to families like yours. The Fun Factory staff has received autism-friendly training. This training includes communication tactics so they understand their options when communicating with your child. You will even receive a pager or phone during the times your autistic child is in the care of the Fun Factory staff. When you choose this best cruise for autistic families, you will receive priority check-in, boarding, and departure. Special dietary options can be requested, too. Celebrity Cruises ensures autistic children have ample sensory-friendly toys and movies to choose from during the cruise. Disney Cruise Line
Disney
Disney is known for its autism-friendly environment at their theme parks. Well, that carries over to their cruise line, too. They have numerous autism-friendly options available to autistic families. A system is in place for boarding, departure, meet and greets, and mealtime. They also have guidelines for autistic children attending their kids' club—Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian has a dedicated team of professionals who work directly with those guests who have a disability. This cruise line requests that you notify them about your autistic child’s needs at least forty-five days before your departure. This gives them ample time to get everything in place so that you can enjoy every minute of your cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is also autism-friendly, but it does not have specific guidelines. Instead, it focuses on each autistic child’s needs and creates a plan with each person in mind.
If you want to take one of these best cruises for autistic families, I am here to help. I can plan your cruise for you and liaise between you and the cruise line. I will take all the necessary steps to ensure the cruise line knows what your autistic child needs and ensure everything is ready for the day of your cruise. Remember, these autism-friendly cruise lines help ensure your family has a fabulous time cruising to numerous destinations. They are willing to work with you to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your time on the water. Contact me today, and let’s start planning this vacation of a lifetime.
