How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned

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2 days ago

What I love most about traveling with my kids is the chance to see the world through their lenses. So, when I had the opportunity to take my four-year-old son with autism on a Carnival Vista cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I knew it would offer a special window into his sensory-seeking soul. I also knew it wouldn't be easy, no matter how much we prepared ahead of time.
Cruising with autism – as with any form of travel – comes with its challenges. The effects of shaking up normal routines, processing new environments, and other factors are further nuanced by where your child lies on the spectrum. Note that most mainstream lines support cruises for kids with autism, thanks to accommodations like special training for passenger-facing crew, priority boarding options, and sensory-friendly programming.
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Carnival also has a partnership with KultureCity, a "sensory inclusive" non-profit organization that lends sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, strobe glasses to help with light sensitivity, fidget toys, and other autism-friendly accoutrements on a complimentary first-come, first-serve basis. (Just make sure you return the bag at the end of your cruise, to avoid the $50 fee.)
Additionally, Carnival provides free Wi-Fi to families with autism. All you need to do is contact Guest Access before your sailing and provide a copy of your child's diagnosis paperwork. For families who need more support, Carnival occasionally hosts Autism on the Seas charter cruises.
Regardless of which cruise you choose, preparing ahead of time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the experience. The following list is a mix of personal measures I took on this sailing, plus general tips when planning cruises for kids with autism.
1. Take advantage of the priority boarding option.
Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming for kids with autism. You can mitigate this with priority boarding. A perk often reserved for cruisers with loyalty status or those staying in designated suites, priority boarding is offered by some lines as an add-on package. With Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF), for example, families pay one set price per cabin and enjoy a slew of benefits including priority check-in, early bag drop-off, and priority luggage delivery.
2. Alert your cruise line of food sensitivities ahead of time.
Is your kiddo sensitive to certain food textures, sides (a la sauces), or ingredients? Let your cruise line know ahead of time. You can typically alert special services of any dietary restrictions or needs weeks prior to embarkation day. Once onboard, touch base with the maitre d' or head waiter to ensure your preferences are noted. You can also request the night before to have meals specially prepared and tailored to your child's needs.
3. Pack familiar comforts to help your child adapt to sleeping in a new place.
To tee everyone up for restful nights of sleep, I try to mimic what I can of my son's at-home sleep routine whenever we travel. This involves bringing our Slumperpod toddler bed to help with his sensory needs, his favorite pajamas and bedtime toy, and a white-noise machine with a nightlight that I can use to easily check on him throughout the night. If you're able to, you can also try to prepare your child a few days before you leave, talking about the cabin you'll be sleeping in, and even involving them in the packing process.
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4. Bring your own drinks and snacks.
Many families don't realize that you can actually bring your own drinks and snacks on board, which can be game-changing on cruises for kids with autism. The limitations on how much you can bring vary by line. Carnival, for example, allows 12 standard cans or cartons per passenger. Pre-packaged, non-perishable foods are also allowed in certain quantities. Having some of my son's favorite and familiar snacks on hand made for smoother transitions between activities and meals.
5. Pack key necessities in your carry-on for boarding.
From noise-canceling headphones to sensory toys, anything that helps your child regulate is a must have in your carry-on. This will be the only bag you have until your luggage is delivered to your cabin, which could take hours, if you opt to drop if off at the terminal. Other items to consider packing in your carry-on include snacks, spare outfits, and any medications you might need.
6. Request a quiet safety drill.
International maritime law requires all cruise passengers to participate in a safety (muster) drill prior to embarkation. The format of these briefings varies by line and ship, though many involve gathering in a crowd for a brief demo of what to do in the event of an emergency. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you can request a quieter session in advance. This will take place in a separate, more secluded space.
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7. Get to know the kids' club and staff before you drop off your child.
If you plan to utilize the kids' club and childcare programming, make time to familiarize yourself with the space and youth staff. Most lines offer kids' club open houses on the first day, while others carve out family hours for parents to join their kids in activities. On our Carnival cruise, I found the family activities to be a great way for me and my son to engage with the space and get to know the camp leaders on a more personal level. (They also generally have low attendance.) After a few sessions, my son was excited to try out the club on his own. You can also ask the staff what times the club tends to be quieter during the day, and request a phone in advance.
8. Review the daily agenda and deck plans to navigate triggering environments.
Cruise ships are abuzz with live music, deck parties, and other festivities throughout the day. Simply passing through these loud, overstimulating environments can be distressing for your kiddo with autism. Check your ship's daily agenda and review the deck plans ahead of time, so you know to steer clear of the main pool from 1 to 2 p.m., or the atrium at 4 p.m., for example. Other possible triggers include sailaway, when ships sound their horns as they depart from port, as well as the buffet during peak mealtimes and the casino.
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9. Avoid set dining times and request special seating arrangements.
Don't choose a set dining time, where you could be seated at a table with strangers. While some cruisers like the social aspect, it's not the most flexible option on cruises for kids with autism. Go with the option that lets you dine on your own schedule, and consider requesting special seating arrangements. This might include sitting at a corner table or against a window, where you can have a little more space and privacy, and be able to easily slip away in case of an emergency. If cruising Carnival, seek out lower key venues like BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast or a specialty restaurant for lunch.
10. Keep a flexible schedule, and follow your child's lead.
Rather than keeping an open schedule when traveling with my son, I find that building in some structure—as long as the plans are flexible—ensures he thrives and everyone has fun. Many kids with autism depend on routines and a sense of predictability. Plan activities during which you can easily pivot or take breaks if necessary, and be strategic about factoring in downtime. This will allow you to more easily follow your child's lead and embrace changes in plans.
The 10 things I always do on cruises to help my son with autism thrive originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family cruises with autism: What to pack, prep and expect
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