Kids with Autism and Muster Drill

[Woodmnky]

My 5yo son is Autistic. The muster drill in the past has been a nightmare for us, despite taking every precaution that we could think of ourselves. It was suggested that we reach out to DCL and ask if there are alternate arrangements that can be made.

The rep that I spoke with at the DCL Special Needs line advised that we would all need to go and check in for the drill, but that once we were accounted for one parent would be released to leave with our son and take him back to our room while the other parent stayed and attended the drill.

This would be wonderful, however, I have been around long enough to know that what shore side reps say and what staff on ships do is often two different things. I am wondering what others experiences have been if you advised the muster staff of a special need such as Autism or SPD?

 

[Weedy]

I saw someone else say the could to this on different board.
I would think the alarms would still go off in the cabin. So the noise level would still be bad.
But you wouldn't have to deal with standing, togetherness and the heat.

 

[bumbershoot]

Have you used ear protection for the alarms? Those absolutely go off when in the cabin, and are WORSE in the room.

 

[Woodmnky]

Have you used ear protection for the alarms? Those absolutely go off when in the cabin, and are WORSE in the room.

Yes, my son wear hearing protection daily. It is not just the noise, but the noise combined with all the people, the cramped environment, the inability to escape or use coping mechanisms. Last muster drill was on Royal Caribbean and my son ended up having a meltdown and vomiting all over me and himself. As I said, it was a nightmare. At least if we can be in the cabin many of the stressors will be reduced and we will be in a better space to handle any issues. I really hope that what RCI told me is correct. I'm not trying to get out of doing the muster drill, but just to make things easier on everyone involved (needless to say the people who were near us at the last drill were not happy either).

 

[lanejudy]

I have heard they will make allowances as you describe. However, I have not yet read any posts confirming it actually occurred. Please report back and let us know your experience.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[wilkeliza]

Yes, my son wear hearing protection daily. It is not just the noise, but the noise combined with all the people, the cramped environment, the inability to escape or use coping mechanisms. Last muster drill was on Royal Caribbean and my son ended up having a meltdown and vomiting all over me and himself. As I said, it was a nightmare. At least if we can be in the cabin many of the stressors will be reduced and we will be in a better space to handle any issues. I really hope that what RCI told me is correct. I'm not trying to get out of doing the muster drill, but just to make things easier on everyone involved (needless to say the people who were near us at the last drill were not happy either).

What special services said is correct. If you are worried I suggest stopping by Guest Services and speaking with them to confirm 100% or going to muster as early as possible so there are less people about and talk to the crew then. That should help alleviate any issues and give time for plan B. I am shocked to hear Royal Carribean did nothing when this was going on with your son because they were the only "recognized" autism friendly cruiseline by Autism on the Seas and are suppose to be the best.

 

[Woodmnky]

What special services said is correct. If you are worried I suggest stopping by Guest Services and speaking with them to confirm 100% or going to muster as early as possible so there are less people about and talk to the crew then. That should help alleviate any issues and give time for plan B. I am shocked to hear Royal Carribean did nothing when this was going on with your son because they were the only "recognized" autism friendly cruiseline by Autism on the Seas and are suppose to be the best.

The crew did the best they could to get us out. We didn't know to ask for any accommodations at that time. I just figured it was the muster and is required, so I worked to do my best. Asking for help and accommodations is pretty new for us. I have since learned that RCI does offer some alternatives for those who need it. We will definitely ask them when we sail on Oasis in the Spring.

 

[GatorGal1]

I have been on five Disney cruises with my special needs DD and have asked for alternate arrangements for the muster drill on every cruise. On each cruise I go to Guest Services and explain the situation, we discuss what will be the least stressful for my DD. It is mandatory that everyone attend the muster drill. So we decided on the plan of arriving early to the drill and speaking to the CM that is assigned to our section and relay what was discussed at Guest Services. I then introduced my entire family (myself, DH, and my 2 DDs) to the CM, they checked our KTTW cards and then my DD and I headed back to the stateroom while my DH and other DD stay for the entire drill. Guest Services and all the CMs at the drills have been very kind and understanding. I hope you have an amazing cruise!

 

[msb578]

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[Woodmnky]

I have been on five Disney cruises with my special needs DD and have asked for alternate arrangements for the muster drill on every cruise. On each cruise I go to Guest Services and explain the situation, we discuss what will be the least stressful for my DD. It is mandatory that everyone attend the muster drill. So we decided on the plan of arriving early to the drill and speaking to the CM that is assigned to our section and relay what was discussed at Guest Services. I then introduced my entire family (myself, DH, and my 2 DDs) to the CM, they checked our KTTW cards and then my DD and I headed back to the stateroom while my DH and other DD stay for the entire drill. Guest Services and all the CMs at the drills have been very kind and understanding. I hope you have an amazing cruise!

Thank you for sharing. I will do the same. We told DS that he may not have to go to the drill and his attitude changed from "I don't want to go on a cruise" to "Can I meet Mickey and swim in the pool?". This will definitely help us make this an awesome vacation.

 

[GatorGal1]

Thank you for sharing. I will do the same. We told DS that he may not have to go to the drill and his attitude changed from "I don't want to go on a cruise" to "Can I meet Mickey and swim in the pool?". This will definitely help us make this an awesome vacation.

You’re so welcome, I’m so glad I could help. YAY! I’m so happy that your DS is looking forward to the cruise now!

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes, my son wear hearing protection daily.

Excellent. My cousin never makes even earplugs available to her son, and he (would have been maybe 11?) nearly lost it from the noise on his first cruise (my immediate family's first Disney cruise) when we were in the room when the alarms sounded. I have earplugs with me often and grabbed them from my purse, then saw him, and gave them (new ones) to him. Not everyone thinks about it!

 

[DizMagic]

While not the same situation, I have a severe intolerance to sun and was assigned an outside muster drill station. They did allow me to check in at my correct station and then leave. If you can go down early and explain your situation to the muster drill leader, i am sure they will assist.