SEN allowances and help onboard

[Becx N Gav]

Hi, I was just wondering if there is any specific help a parent can request if they have a SEN child (similar to DAS)?

If not any advice? They are first time cruisers, sailing from Southampton in August. I'm just trying to help them prepare. I have no first hand knowledge so hoping you lovely lot can guide us!

 

[lanejudy]

It may depend on the child and his/her specific needs. What are the family's specific concerns for the child? Knowing that might help with responses since there is a wide range of special needs.

If you are asking specifically about the kids' clubs -- generally speaking the child must be capable of participating in a group setting without direct 1:1 support. Alternatively, the family can visit with the child during Open House times which are scheduled each day.

 

[Becx N Gav]

It may depend on the child and his/her specific needs. What are the family's specific concerns for the child? Knowing that might help with responses since there is a wide range of special needs.

If you are asking specifically about the kids' clubs -- generally speaking the child must be capable of participating in a group setting without direct 1:1 support. Alternatively, the family can visit with the child during Open House times which are scheduled each day.

Thanks x I'll ask

 

[dreamer17555]

They do not offer any sort of help with lines. What we were told were to arrive in a late boarding group to help minimize waiting at port, and to either hit the aquaduck first thing or late at night. We were also told someone could hold a place in line for things like character meets and they could join in when closer to the front.

 

[Becx N Gav]

They do not offer any sort of help with lines. What we were told were to arrive in a late boarding group to help minimize waiting at port, and to either hit the aquaduck first thing or late at night. We were also told someone could hold a place in line for things like character meets and they could join in when closer to the front.

Thank you! Yes, it was for things like this. Waiting around as the kid runs off and gets restless!

What about muster drill? I am guessing it's a case of the kids adults will need to entertain them until it's done. I did warn them about the huge crowds once it finishes and having to grab a place to see the sail away show!

 

[CaptainMarvel]

What about muster drill? I am guessing it's a case of the kids adults will need to entertain them until it's done. I did warn them about the huge crowds once it finishes and having to grab a place to see the sail away show!

Everyone, kids included, has to be at their muster station for the muster drill. Parents can definitely try to keep their kids entertained while sitting or standing in the muster area, but you won't really have the ability to walk around/move around during the drill itself. Also, how long the drill takes will depend on how quickly everyone assigned to your muster station shows up.

Edit: Just remembered that, depending on your child's needs, you *may* be able to get permission to check in at your muster station and then send the child and one adult back to your stateroom while the other members of your party remain for the muster drill. (I've sailed with younger relatives on the spectrum, but they've never pursued this, so I don't know exactly how it works).

 

[lanejudy]

Edit: Just remembered that, depending on your child's needs, you *may* be able to get permission to check in at your muster station and then send the child and one adult back to your stateroom while the other members of your party remain for the muster drill.

This MAY be possible, but honestly such requests are usually denied. So OP should temper their expectations on such. I highly recommend earmuffs because the muster alarm is very very loud. And crowded. If not allowed to be excused early, I recommend hanging back at the end and letting the crowds go first. Also, it might be good for the party to look at where the muster station is for their stateroom, some are indoors while others are outside and it can make a big difference in preparing a kid.

 

[Becx N Gav]

Everyone, kids included, has to be at their muster station for the muster drill. Parents can definitely try to keep their kids entertained while sitting or standing in the muster area, but you won't really have the ability to walk around/move around during the drill itself. Also, how long the drill takes will depend on how quickly everyone assigned to your muster station shows up.

Edit: Just remembered that, depending on your child's needs, you *may* be able to get permission to check in at your muster station and then send the child and one adult back to your stateroom while the other members of your party remain for the muster drill. (I've sailed with younger relatives on the spectrum, but they've never pursued this, so I don't know exactly how it works).

Thanks, she's a single parent so this won't be an option. But thank you! That's good to know!